You’re about to go on a night out with friends, you’ve brushed and flossed, and you even used mouthwash. So why is there still a bitter taste in your mouth? If this has been happening to you constantly, it could be a sign that you have a serious oral health issue. Read on to learn five causes for a bad taste in the mouth in Brampton and why you should see your dentist right away.
Oral Bacteria Buildup
One of the quickest ways to have a bad taste in the mouth is by not having a proper dental hygiene routine. Brushing and flossing your teeth clears away oral bacteria accumulation, which cleans your teeth, prevents infections and gum disease, and freshens your breath. Using an antibacterial mouthwash can also reduce any foul odor-causing bacteria from your teeth and tongue.
In addition, having a dry mouth can cause a bitter taste due to the lack of saliva. Generally, your saliva is meant to wash away debris and minimize bacteria. Without it, your mouth has an increased risk of developing bacteria, leading to bad breath or even infection.
Acid Reflux
Otherwise known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), acid reflux is when the muscle at the top of your stomach becomes too weak and allows bile to climb up into the food pipe. This can irritate your throat, leading to a burning sensation in the chest or abdomen. These symptoms can lead to a bitter or spicy taste in the mouth.
Excessive Stress
High levels of stress can activate your body’s stress responses. Sometimes this can lead to a person’s sense of taste being altered, which can follow up with dry mouth and a foul flavor.
Neurological Trauma
Our taste buds, like our other senses, are directly linked to the nerves in our brain. Sensing a bad taste can be due to trauma to the nerves. Head injuries or conditions that can result in nerve damage include:
- Epilepsy
- Dementia
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Bell’s palsy
Certain Medications
Aside from biological sources, some medications can also be the reason for bitter taste buds. This might be either because the medicine tastes bad or its chemicals were leaked into the saliva. Medications that could lead to a foul sense of taste include:
- Particular antibiotics
- Certain cardiac drugs
- Vitamins with minerals/metals, like copper, zinc, or iron
- Lithium drugs
- Cancer treatment
It can be difficult to know how to handle a bad taste in your mouth with various sources to consider. The best way to address the issue is to visit your dentist as soon as you can, since they can help identify and treat the underlying issues.
About the Practice
Salvaggio Dentistry provides high-quality and comfortable dentistry treatment for Brampton, ON and the surrounding communities. Using the latest in technology, their team offers a collection of dental services from simple checkups to wisdom tooth extractions. If you have questions about what causes a bad taste in the mouth, visit their website or call them at +1 (289) 569-0721.