Mouth odor annoyance: Root causes, indications, and DIY treatments
A bitter taste in the mouth can be an unwelcome distraction, making it difficult to enjoy food and drink. Fortunately, there are several common causes and home remedies to alleviate this issue.
One of the most common causes of a bitter taste is dry mouth, or xerostomia, which can be due to medications, pre-existing conditions, or nerve damage. In such cases, maintaining thorough oral hygiene, brushing teeth, gums, and tongue twice daily, and using a mouthwash to remove bacterial films can help. Chewing sugar-free gum regularly for about 10 minutes every hour can also stimulate saliva production, diluting and washing away bitter compounds in the mouth.
Rinsing with a saline solution (0.9% saline) after every meal can be as effective as commercial mouthwashes at reducing bitterness. Sipping water regularly can help relieve dry mouth, a frequent trigger of bitter taste. Elevating the head of the bed by about 6 inches can also help prevent stomach acid from refluxing into the esophagus overnight, reducing morning bitterness, especially if acid reflux is a cause.
Limit intake of coffee, alcohol, and nicotine, as they reduce saliva production and can increase acid reflux pressure, worsening the bitter taste sensation.
Common home remedies also include ginger, which can stimulate taste buds and improve the sense of taste, although large quantities may cause irritation. Oil pulling, the practice of swishing oil in the mouth, may promote oral hygiene and help reduce unpleasant tastes, though evidence is mainly anecdotal.
Other causes of a bitter taste in the mouth include certain illnesses, such as sinus infections or colds, certain medications, supplements, or medical treatments, pregnancy, and hormonal changes. Pregnant individuals may experience a metallic or bitter taste in their mouth due to hormonal changes affecting their sense of smell and taste. Pine nut syndrome, or pine mouth, is an uncommon occurrence that can happen in some people after consuming pine nuts, and is characterized by a bitter or metallic taste in the mouth that can last for 2-4 weeks.
Individuals experiencing menopause may experience a bitter taste in their mouth due to lower estrogen levels or a persistently dry mouth. Poor dental hygiene or oral health issues like gum disease, cavities, or oral cancer can lead to a bitter taste in the mouth. Oral thrush, an infection of the mouth caused by a type of yeast, can cause a bitter or unpleasant taste in the mouth. Nerve damage can result in a change in how a person experiences tastes due to damage to the nerves of the brain.
A person who is undergoing cancer treatment may experience a bitter or metallic taste in their mouth when eating or drinking due to irritation of the taste buds. Once the cause of a bitter taste in the mouth is found and treatment begins, the taste buds should return to normal, and the bitter taste in the mouth should disappear.
If bitterness persists despite these measures, consulting a healthcare professional is advisable to identify underlying conditions and receive appropriate treatment. Taste is a complex sense that can be affected by various factors, so it's essential to address any issues promptly to ensure optimal oral health and enjoyment of food and drink.
[1] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Bitter taste in the mouth.
- A bite of food or a sip of your drink can be marred by an unpleasant bitter taste.
- This condition may disrupt your enjoyment of meals and beverages.
- Xerostomia, or dry mouth, is a common cause of a bitter taste, possibly linked to medications, health issues, or nerve damage.
- Maintaining oral hygiene with regular brushing and flossing, and using mouthwash can help alleviate bitter taste caused by dry mouth.
- Chewing sugar-free gum regularly for about 10 minutes every hour stimulates saliva production, diluting and washing away bitter compounds in the mouth.
- Rinsing with a saline solution after meals can be as effective as commercial mouthwashes at reducing bitterness.
- Sipping water regularly can help relieve dry mouth, a frequent trigger of bitter taste.
- Elevating the head of the bed can help prevent stomach acid from refluxing, reducing morning bitterness, especially if acid reflux is a cause.
- Limit your intake of coffee, alcohol, and nicotine as they reduce saliva production and increase acid reflux pressure, worsening the bitter taste sensation.
- Ginger can stimulate taste buds and improve the sense of taste; however, large quantities may cause irritation.
- Oil pulling, swishing oil in the mouth, may promote oral hygiene and help reduce unpleasant tastes, although evidence is mainly anecdotal.
- Other causes of a bitter taste include illnesses like sinus infections or colds, certain medications, supplements, hormonal changes, pregnancy, and pine nut syndrome.
- Pine nut syndrome can cause a bitter or metallic taste in the mouth that lasts for 2-4 weeks after consuming pine nuts.
- Menopause may cause a bitter taste due to lower estrogen levels or a persistently dry mouth.
- Oral health issues like gum disease, cavities, or oral cancer can also lead to a bitter taste in the mouth.
- Oral thrush, an infection of the mouth caused by a type of yeast, can result in a bitter or unpleasant taste in the mouth.
- Nerve damage can change how a person experiences tastes due to damage to the nerves of the brain.
- Cancer treatment may cause a bitter or metallic taste in the mouth due to irritation of the taste buds.
- Once the underlying cause is found and treated, the taste buds should return to normal, and the bitter taste in the mouth should disappear.
- Consult a healthcare professional if bitterness persists despite home remedies to identify potential health conditions and receive appropriate treatment.
- Taste is a complex sense that can be affected by various factors, so addressing issues promptly ensures optimal oral health and enjoyable food experiences.
- In the realm of health and wellness, chronic diseases like diabetes, multiple sclerosis, or neurological disorders can affect several bodily systems, including ear health (hearing), eye health, digestive health, skin conditions, mental health, and more; thus, regular medical check-ups and adopting a healthy lifestyle (nutrition, fitness and exercise, mental health care, therapies and treatments) are essential for maintaining overall well-being.
