“There are many things that can cause a bitter taste in the mouth. Although most of the causes are harmless, the bitter sensation in the mouth is certainly disturbing and can reduce appetite. If left alone, it can have an impact on your health. Apart from that, a bitter taste in the mouth can also be caused by a more serious condition.”
Causes of Bitter Taste in the Mouth
The mouth can taste bitter for several reasons, ranging from interference with stomach acid, consumption of certain drugs, to problems with teeth and gums. A bitter mouth can also cause a decrease in appetite and a reluctance to drink water. In fact, the human body requires adequate water intake every day. If this is left alone, you are at risk of experiencing dehydration which can ultimately have an impact on body health.
So, the condition of the mouth that tastes bitter should not be allowed. Well, knowing the cause is important to determine the right treatment. The following are things that trigger a person to experience a bitter taste in the mouth:
1. Dysgeusia
Disturbances in the mouth can be one of the causes of the appearance of a disturbing bitter taste. In the medical world, there is a mouth disorder called dysgeusia. In this condition, the sufferer experiences a sour, bitter, or salty taste in the mouth, as if touched by metal. In more severe conditions, dysgeusia can also cause the mouth to taste rancid or rotten.
2. Buildup of Bacteria
A bitter taste can also appear due to a buildup of bacteria and germs in the mouth. This condition gets worse if there are cavities in the teeth. Not only triggers a bitter taste, a pile of germs and bacteria can also trigger bad breath. Therefore, it is important to always brush your teeth and maintain overall oral hygiene.
3. Dry Mouth
Dry mouth or xerostomia occurs when the mouth doesn't produce enough saliva. Since saliva helps reduce bacteria in the mouth, having less saliva means that more bacteria survive in the mouth.
People with dry mouth may have a sticky, dry, and bitter taste in their mouth. This condition can be caused by factors such as consumption of drugs, pre-existing disorders or use of tobacco. A person can also experience dry mouth if their nose is blocked, so they have to breathe through their mouth which can make it dry.
If you have persistent dry mouth, talk to your doctor to get the right diagnosis.
4. Stomach Acid Problems
Rising stomach acid can also cause a bitter taste in the mouth. When this happens, you may experience nausea and vomiting which will eventually lead to a bitter taste in your mouth. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is generally caused by overeating, consuming spicy food, consuming food at the wrong time and stress factors.
5. Pregnant
A bitter taste in the mouth can happen to anyone, including women who are pregnant. This happens because there is an increase or decrease in levels of the hormone estrogen that is not balanced. These hormonal changes cause changes in taste in the mouth area to become bitter. This condition also usually occurs in women who are menstruating.
6. Lack of Vitamins
Bitter mouth can also be a sign of insufficient vitamin intake. Lack of intake of vitamin B12 and zinc can trigger a bitter taste in the mouth. In fact, vitamin intake is needed by the body to maintain organ function. Therefore, make sure to meet your daily vitamin needs, both from food and additional supplements.
7. Consumption of drugs
Consumption of certain drugs can also leave a bitter taste in the mouth. A bitter taste can also appear due to the method of consumption or the type of drug taken. Syrup-shaped drugs that have a bitter taste are more likely to leave a bitter sensation in the mouth longer.