Bad Taste In Mouth: How To Fix It, Why It Indicates Multiple Health Problems

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It's an ordinary day. You are all healthy and fine. You've gone for your morning run, brushed your teeth, had a warm glass of water, showered, had a hearty breakfast, and are in the office doing a great job.

You are well-hydrated, and it's been almost 3 hours since your last bite. Before you scroll down to know how to fix the bad taste in your mouth, can you swallow your spit? Do you feel your tongue? Is your saliva tasteless, or do you taste something?

In a clean mouth and a healthy body, the saliva is tasteless. If you have been feeling a horrible sweet taste in the mouth, a milky taste in the mouth, a floral taste in the mouth, of late, which is not related to something you just ate or drank, then this article about why and how to fix bad taste in the mouth is for you.

5 Tastes in Your Mouth That Indicates Multiple Health Problems
The essential five tastes of umami or savoury, sweet, sour, bitter, and salty are all that constitute human taste. Despite taste buds in the human soft palate, the primary taste organ is the 'tongue.'

Sometimes you may experience certain altered tastes in your mouth, which may indicate underlying health issues. It's crucial to remember that taste changes alone cannot accurately diagnose a particular ailment; instead, additional medical testing is required.
Having said that here are five altered tastes that may be linked to a range of medical conditions:

Metallic taste
The taste you will get if you lick a metal spoon is the type of taste we are talking about. It is an altered taste sensation that is specific to certain conditions. A persistent metallic taste in your mouth can be a symptom of several conditions, including fever and sinus or nasal infections, gum disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or acid regurgitation, certain medications like antibiotics, vitamin deficiencies (such as zinc or vitamin B12), sudden hormonal changes, and chemotherapy in cancer patients.
You might also feel a reduced sense of smell, a dry mouth, and a metallic taste. This taste sensation is very easy to understand, and you immediately seek a doctor's help.

Salty taste
A salty taste is typical of gum infection, bleeding gums, and a dry mouth. Red, inflamed, soggy gums ooze pus that mixes with saliva to give a salty flavour. A salty taste is often accompanied by bleeding on brushing, teeth sensitivity, soreness and tenderness of the gums, bad breath, and a bad taste in the mouth on waking up every morning.

It is advisable to see a dentist as soon as possible. He will usually recommend teeth cleaning (scaling) and guide you on regular brushing and flossing for better oral hygiene.

Sour taste
Acid reflux, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), may be the cause of a sour aftertaste in the mouth. A sour or acidic taste results from acid reflux, which is when stomach acid flows back into the oesophagus due to an underlying gut condition. Heartburn, regurgitation, and a burning feeling in the chest are some other symptoms that could co-exist.

Consult a gastroenterologist at the earliest, who might advise an endoscopy to investigate the underlying cause of the acid reflux.

Bitter taste
If you frequently experience a bitter taste after eating, it could be a sign of gallbladder or liver issues. Conditions such as gallstones, liver disease, or hepatitis can affect the flow of bile, leading to this taste alteration.

If you're experiencing other symptoms like abdominal pain, jaundice, or digestive issues, seeking medical attention from a gastroenterologist for proper evaluation is essential.

Sweet and fruity taste
A persistent sweet or fruity taste in the mouth can sometimes be associated with diabetes. When blood sugar levels are high, some individuals may experience a sweet taste due to elevated ketone levels. Keto compounds have a typical fruity yet bothersome after-taste and smell.

This symptom and other warning signs like increased thirst, frequent urination, and unexplained weight loss should compel a trip to a diabetologist for additional assessment.

Conclusion
An altered taste in the mouth without an external agent can potentially indicate various health problems. If you want to learn how to fix the bad taste in the mouth, a proper diagnosis is required after a comprehensive evaluation by your physician or dentist. It's essential to consult with a medical expert to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment at the earliest.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.