A sudden bitter taste in your mouth can be more than just an unpleasant sensation—it might be a sign of a dental emergency. Understanding the potential dental causes behind this taste is crucial for addressing the issue promptly and effectively. Here’s what you need to know about the dental problems that could be causing that bitter taste and why you shouldn’t ignore it.
What Is Causing the Bitter Taste in My Mouth?
Several dental issues can lead to a bitter taste in your mouth. Recognizing these problems early can help you seek appropriate treatment and avoid more severe complications.
Burning Mouth Syndrome
If the bad taste in your mouth is accompanied by a severe burning sensation, it’s most likely burning mouth syndrome. This condition is often caused by imbalanced hormones, such as during pregnancy or menopause. However, it can also come about from nutritional deficiencies, diabetes, salivary gland issues, or oral infections. Your dentist can help you manage your symptoms and offer advice for treatment.
Dry Mouth
Dry mouth, or xerostomia, occurs when your salivary glands don’t produce enough saliva. This natural mouth lubricant neutralizes acids and washes away food particles. Without it, harmful bacteria can thrive, leading to bad breath and a bitter taste. Dry mouth can be caused by multiple factors, including medications, dehydration, and certain medical conditions. Try to drink water throughout the day to keep dry mouth at bay.
Oral Thrush
Oral infections like thrush, which is caused by an invasive fungus, can also cause an unpleasant taste in your mouth. If you see symptoms like white patches on your tongue or inside your cheeks, redness, and soreness, oral thrush may be the culprit. Treating the underlying infection with antifungal or antibacterial medications can help alleviate the bitter taste.
Tooth Infection or Abscess
One of the most serious dental emergencies that can cause a bitter taste is a dental abscess. This happens when bacteria invade the pulp of a tooth, creating a pocket of pus to accumulate. This pus can drain into your mouth, resulting in a foul or bitter taste.
Symptoms of this tooth infection include severe toothache, sensitivity to hot and cold, swelling in the gums or face, and fever. If you experience any of these symptoms, especially together, see your dentist immediately. If the infection becomes too severe, it can lead to sepsis—a life-threatening condition.
There are many causes for a strange or rancid taste in your mouth, but some are more harmful than others. If you start to experience alterations in taste, take it seriously and call your dentist. If you don’t know why your taste is altered, the best thing to do is seek help first, even if it turns out to be nothing more than dehydration.
About the Practice
If you’ve got a bad taste in your mouth that won’t go away, come to Taylor Choice Dental. Our team of dedicated dental experts can diagnose and treat any dental issue causing your discomfort with state-of-the-art technology. Our goal is to save your smile and keep you comfortable for your entire dental experience. Call (737) 301-8555 to schedule a same-day emergency dental appointment or visit our website to explore other services we offer.