Bad Taste in Mouth

The mouth comprises around 10,000 taste buds, of which maximum number are located on and around the tongue. They surround the tiny bumps around the tongue. Besides the tongue, these taste buds are also present on the roof of the mouth, on the inner side of the cheeks, on the lips and on the back of the throat. Each taste bud is capable of detecting five primary tastes such as sweet, sour, salty, bitter and umami (salt of certain acids like monosodium glutamate). All tastes experienced by us are the combination of the primary taste sensations. However, some people experience an altered sense of taste or dysgeusia. This can be experienced in the form of a disguised metallic taste or bad taste in mouth.

Causes of Bad Taste in Mouth

Pregnancy
Quite a number of pregnant women encounter such bad taste for some part of their pregnancy. Severe conditions of bad taste can result in nausea and increased morning sickness discomfort. However, the bad taste experienced during pregnancy, is only temporary and gradually disappears as the months proceed.

Medications
Quite a number of people experience a bad metallic taste in mouth due to the consumption of certain medicines. Anti-thyroid and neurological drugs, zinc preparations, etc. cause metallic taste in the mouth. Treatments like chemotherapy can also be the reason for a bad taste in mouth.

Halitosis or Bad Breath
The phenomenon of halitosis leaves a bad taste in mouth, along with bad odor. Protein is broken down in the mouth into sulfur molecules (that one can smell in the breath) as well as by products that can be tasted by bacteria. The taste of anaerobic bacteria and the by-products is very unpleasant and rotten. Food particles stuck between the teeth encourage the growth of such bacteria. Moreover, dental ailments also stimulate the growth of these bacteria, resulting in bad breath or a bad taste.

Acid Reflux
The regurgitation of stomach acid into the mouth from the stomach called acid reflux, can be the underlying cause for a bad taste in the mouth. This bad taste is also called as metallic or acid taste.

Infectious Oral Virus
The disruption of the sensory cells of the tongue by infectious oral virus results can cause taste changes. Moreover, other tongue or mouth disorders such as mouth ulcers, fungal infections on the tongue and other parts of the mouth also lead to a bad taste in mouth.

Nasal Problems
Many people are unaware of the fact that most of what we discern as taste is actually our ability to smell. Thus, if one has a cold, sinusitis, nasal infection, nasal polyps or runny nose due to allergies, one will encounter bad taste in the mouth.

Several diseases affecting the tissues of throat and mouth such as tooth decay, cancers, gum diseases, etc. cause bad taste. Certain instances of dry mouth and the dental ailment periodontitis are known to leave a bad taste in the mouth. Some systemic diseases spearhead bad taste due to the by-products carried into the saliva and discharged through the saliva. Smoking and vitamin B12 or a mineral deficiency will also result in altered tastes.

Treatment for Bad Taste in Mouth

There are some ways of getting rid of the foul taste in the mouth. Depending on the cause of bad taste, one can counter the problem. If halitosis is the problem, then it can be cured by maintaining appropriate oral hygiene. Personal dental care like brushing, flossing and gargling regularly can help keep bad taste as well as bad breath at bay. Moreover, consuming vegetables and fruits also help counter bad taste issues. If medication is the cause of bad taste in mouth, then a similar medicine without this side effect can be taken. If periodontitis is the problem, then it needs to be addressed with a visit to the dentist.

Bad taste in mouth can be avoided by maintaining proper oral hygiene. Rinsing the mouth after eating or drinking beverages or milk products, can help prevent this condition. Doing a salt water gargle twice a day is also recommended. The best part about bad taste in mouth is that this condition is temporary and can be treated easily.