Brushing and flossing your teeth twice daily can be a simple and effective way to help prevent potential oral issues, such as tooth decay and gum disease. However, there’s no guarantee that you’ll never have a dental emergency.
For example, if you’ve noticed a persistent or chronic bitter flavor in your mouth, you might wonder what’s causing it and whether it can be treated. Several issues might cause a less-than-pleasant flavor, and thankfully, your dentist can help you identify and address the underlying concern. Continue reading to learn more about 3 potential causes!
Cause #1: Hidden Oral Issues
Your mouth is full of bacteria, and although some are healthy and support different bodily functions, like digestion, others cause dental concerns. Implementing a twice-daily dental hygiene routine helps keep your mouth clean, but unfortunately, germs often hide in hard-to-reach areas, like below your gums or behind your molars.
As they flourish, they produce a foul-smelling odor or taste reminiscent of rotten eggs. If you’ve noticed this scent coming from your mouth, you might have cavities, gum disease, or injuries that you can’t see on your own at home. Thankfully, your dentist can quickly identify such areas of concern to provide an appropriate treatment plan, such as providing tooth-colored fillings.
Cause #2: Dry Mouth
Did you know that saliva is part of your mouth’s natural defense system? It keeps your mouth moist to rinse away leftover food, unwanted bacteria, and other potentially harmful debris to avoid dental problems. It also has a nearly natural pH balance to help counter potential acid damage to your enamel from the foods you eat.
However, that means that if you develop dry mouth, the germs living there are likely to thrive. This can occur if you take certain prescription medications, suffer from other pre-existing conditions like thyroid disease or HIV, have undergone chemotherapy or radiation, or tend to breathe through your mouth. You can discuss your concerns with your dentist or primary health physician to address your symptoms or consider getting a different prescription.
Cause #3: Burning Mouth Syndrome
Is the smell in your mouth accompanied by additional unpleasantness, such as a burning sensation or a rancid taste? If so, you might have burning mouth syndrome. Allergies, medications, nerve issues, hormonal changes, nutritional deficiencies, and other concerns can cause this potentially painful condition.
If you’re unsure of the reason for your chronic bad breath and/or the nasty flavor in your mouth, you can learn more by scheduling an appointment with your dentist!
Meet the Author
Dr. Haiwen Zhang is passionate about helping people improve their lives by enhancing their oral health. He earned his dental degree from the Medical University of South Carolina James B Edward College of Dental Medicine, and has since completed continuing education courses with prestigious organizations, such as the Pankey Institute and Spear Education. Today, he offers a variety of services to meet all your needs under one roof, including same-day emergency visits to address immediate concerns, like the foul flavor in your mouth. You can request an appointment on the website or call (505) 372-1121.