How to Eliminate a Bad Taste in the Mouth

Before you can eliminate the bad taste in your mouth, you must determine what caused it in the first place. Possible causes include cavities or tooth decay; inflammation of the gums, tongue or mouth lining; bad breath; lung infections; acid reflux; medications and pregnancy. While the bad taste in your mouth can be something as innocuous as having eaten too much garlic or other foods with offensive odors, seek prompt medical attention to be safe, especially if it persists.

Some cancers will make your mouth taste bad.

Instructions

• 1

  See your dentist to heal any dental issues that lead to a bad-tasting mouth such as cavities or gingivitis -- gum inflammation. Telltale signs include tooth ache, tender and bleeding gums, gums that ride up above your teeth and pus when you press on the gums, bad breath and loose teeth, sensitive or painful areas of teeth.

• 2

  Keep a log of the food you eat and the medications you take to determine what makes your mouth taste bad. Some medications contain ingredients that can make your mouth taste bad. If you are diligent, you will soon be able to pin down the culprit and eliminate it.

• 3

  Check if you are pregnant. A bad-tasting mouth can be a side effect of pregnancy, which often disappear long before your child is due. While waiting it out, take mints or chew on lemon-flavored candy to make your mouth taste better.

• 4

  Give up smoking and chewing tobacco. Not only will your mouth taste better, you will feel better and do your general health a huge favor. If you cannot stop smoking, at least chew sugar-free gum to promote saliva-production and drink lots of water.

• 5

  Take care of your oral health. In addition to flossing and brushing your teeth at least twice a day, brush your tongue. Use mouth water designed to control tartar and kill germs in your gums. Food particles between the teeth, decaying teeth and gum disease all encourage the growth of bacteria that can make the taste in your mouth bad.