bitter or bad taste in the mouth can be a normal reaction to eating pungent or sour foods. However, when the taste lasts for a long time or happens unexpectedly, it can be concerning.
Images sources: pixabay
Taste is a complex sense that can be affected by many factors, including poor dental hygiene, dry mouth, or pregnancy.
Treating a persistent bitter taste involves treating any underlying conditions, but people can manage the unpleasant taste with some simple home remedies in the meantime.
In this article, we cover 13 possible causes of a bitter taste in the mouth. We also discuss symptoms and treatments.
Signs and symptoms
Share on PinterestDysgeusia is the medical term for an altered taste in the mouth.
A persistent altered taste in the mouth is known medically as dysgeusia. This taste is described as unpleasant and can last for a long time until the underlying cause is treated.
People with dysgeusia may experience a constant taste that they often describe as one of the following:
bitter
metallic
rancid or foul
salty
The taste can be distracting, and may even make it hard to taste other things while eating or drinking. A person may still have the taste even after brushing their teeth. They may also experience other symptoms depending on the cause.
Causes
Many of the causes of a bitter taste in the mouth are not serious. However, the symptoms can be irritating and may interfere with a person’s regular diet or their enjoyment of daily life.
The following conditions can cause a bitter taste in the mouth:
Dry mouth
A dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, occurs when the mouth does not produce enough saliva. Because saliva helps reduce the bacteria in the mouth,