Do you have a persistent or overwhelming bitter taste lingering in your mouth? If so, it’s a good idea to contact your dentist as soon as possible to schedule an emergency appointment. While you might think of the unpleasant flavor as merely annoying, the truth is that it could point to a more serious underlying oral issue. Unfortunately, dental problems don’t usually resolve themselves and only get worse in time, so the longer you wait to have it addressed, the greater the risk it poses.
Continue reading to learn about three potential reasons for the bad taste in your mouth and what you can do about it!
Cause #1: Dry Mouth
Did you know that saliva is your mouth’s natural defense system? It has a nearly neutral pH balance to counteract potential acid damage from foods you eat, and rinses away leftover bits of food and other debris. Not only that, but it also contains antimicrobial agents that kill germs to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Without enough of it, bacteria can flourish and leave you with bad breath or a funky taste on your tongue.
There are several reasons your mouth might not produce enough moisture, including:
- Prescription medications like antihistamines or antidepressants.
- Medical conditions like diabetes.
- Breathing through your mouth.
- Dehydration.
You can ask your doctor about alternate medications if that’s the cause. Otherwise, it helps to drink more water throughout the day to rinse unwanted particles away and boost your immunity to fight potential infection.
Cause #2: Poor Oral Hygiene
Consistently removing germs and plaque buildup is essential to preventing oral issues like cavities, gum disease, and halitosis. If you don’t already have a daily dental hygiene routine in place, now’s the perfect time to implement one!
To prevent oral issues, you should brush thoroughly for a full 2 minutes both morning and night. Follow this with flossing to remove gunk from between your teeth and along your gumline. Finally, finish with a non-alcoholic mouthwash to kill unwanted germs.
Cause #3: Contracting a Virus
November has arrived with shorter, darker days and colder weather, which provides ideal conditions for airborne illnesses to thrive. If you catch a cold or flu bug, you’ll likely develop a stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, and other symptoms. Unfortunately, if your nose is clogged, you’re more likely to breathe through your mouth, drying it out and leaving an unpleasant flavor in its wake.
You can soothe your system with over-the-counter meds or antibiotics if you develop an infection. Continue drinking plenty of water or hot tea to stay hydrated and boost your body’s defense systems.
If none of these tips work for you, it’s best to contact your dentist to make an appointment to identify the underlying problem.
About the Practice
Patients at Khoi Dental Group benefit from two skilled dentists who are passionate about helping them achieve the healthiest version of their smiles. Dr. Khoi Le and Dr. Edward Murray share 30+ years of combined experience helping families improve their dental health. They offer a full array of services to meet all your needs at one convenient location. Then, they combine a compassionate approach with state-of-the-art equipment to deliver world-class services with accurate results. If you have an odd taste in your mouth, you can request an appointment on the website or call (904) 262-8409.