Most causes of bitter mouth are not symptoms of serious illness. However, this condition can be uncomfortable, affecting eating habits and nutritional intake, according to the health website Medical News Today (UK).
Having certain illnesses such as colds and flu can also cause a bitter taste in the mouth.
Bitter mouth can be a warning sign of the following health problems:
Dental problems
Poor oral hygiene can cause bitterness in the mouth, increasing the risk of tooth decay, gingivitis and many other oral diseases. Brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing and cleaning your tongue will help to get rid of bitterness in the mouth and prevent infection. Using mouthwash can also help to reduce bacteria and prevent bad breath.
Reflux
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a cause of bitter taste in the mouth. The disease causes acid from the stomach to flow back into the esophagus, causing a burning sensation in the chest, stomach, bitter taste in the mouth, bad breath, and a number of other health problems.
Thrush
Oral thrush is also known as oral thrush or tongue fungus. It is caused by the yeast Candida Albicans, which causes white patches to form on the tongue, mouth and throat. The person will have a bitter taste in their mouth until the infection is cured.
Medicines and functional foods
In some people, taking medications, supplements, or medical treatments can cause a bitter taste in the mouth. This is because the bitter aftertaste of the medication or chemicals used in the treatment is excreted in the saliva.
Bitter mouth can be caused by taking certain antibiotics, heart medications, lithium, vitamins containing minerals or metals such as copper, iron or zinc.
Some diseases
Certain illnesses, such as sinusitis and colds, can also cause a bitter taste in the mouth. This is because when you are sick, your body releases inflammatory proteins to kill the pathogens. These proteins can affect the tongue and taste buds, causing a person to feel a bitter taste in the mouth.
Treatment for bitter mouth will depend on the underlying cause of the condition.
To reduce the bitter taste in the mouth, people with the condition can apply some home remedies such as drinking plenty of water, practicing good oral hygiene, chewing sugar-free gum, and avoiding foods that can cause reflux such as spicy, greasy foods, according to Medical News Today .
Source link
Comment (0)