Reasons for a Bad Taste in the Mouth

We have all complained of having a "bad taste in the mouth" at one time or another. If we suffer from halitosis, this bad taste may be more noticeable than at other times, though it is hard to notice one's own bad breath. Halitosis is not always the cause of having a bad taste in one's mouth.

Drugs and Chemical Exposure

• A side effect of some medications is a bad taste in the mouth. This doesn't mean that it will happen with all people taking a particular drug, but it's something to consider. Exposure to some chemicals, such as insecticides, can also cause a bad taste in the mouth.

Pregnancy

• During some part of their pregnancy, many pregnant women will complain of a bad taste in the mouth. For some it may be so bad as to cause nausea, and they'll usually suck on mints or other candies to relieve the bothersome taste. Luckily, this symptom is temporary and will usually be gone before the birth of the baby.

Disease

• Some diseases may leave an unusual or bad taste in the mouth. This can happen with mouth and throat diseases, such as tooth decay, gum diseases, mouth and throat cancers, and bacterial infections. Respiratory and middle-ear infections can also cause a bad taste in the mouth, as can vomiting. Some diseases can also carry by-products into the saliva, causing bad taste and breath. A doctor or dentist should be seen immediately if you suspect having any medical problem.

  Some diseases that leave a bitter taste in the mouth are heartburn, hiatal hernia, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), achalasia, helicobacter pylori, lichen planus and aspiration pneumonia.

  Dysgeusia, a distortion or an absence of taste persisting in the mouth, can also cause a rancid, metallic, foul or salty taste. The person may also have a burning sensation in the mouth, which can accompany dysgeusia. This is more common in middle-aged or older women.

Disease Therapies

• Some disease therapies, such as radiation for cancer of the neck and head, can cause a distortion in taste. Chemotherapy to the head and neck can damage the taste buds, sometimes affecting how food tastes. Many times, these therapies can cause a change in the ability to smell. Since both the sense of smell and taste are closely linked, any problem occurring with the sense of smell will radically affect our sense of taste.