Bad taste in mouth: Symptoms, causes, and treatment

A bad taste in the mouth every so often is typical. It can be due to eating strong-tasting food, drinking alcohol, or experiencing everyday oral health issues, such as cavities.

However, when a person is unable to get rid of the taste by rinsing and brushing, it may be wise to see a doctor or dentist. They can determine the underlying cause.

Read on to learn more about the causes and treatments of a persistent bad taste in the mouth.

Share on PinterestIt may be recommended to see a dentist if a person is unable to get rid of the bad taste in their mouth.

What qualifies as bad varies from person-to-person. However, a bad taste in the mouth may be classified as:

• bitter
• foul
• metallic
• salty
• sickly sweet

Each of the health issues and medical conditions listed below can cause a persistent bad taste in the mouth.

1. Poor oral hygiene

Poor oral hygiene or dental health issues such as cavities and gum disease, can contribute to a lingering bad taste. Infection, inflammation, and abscesses may also be involved.

Other symptoms of problematic oral hygiene include:

• bad breath (halitosis)
• bleeding gums
• red or swollen mouth tissue
• sensitive teeth

Brush, floss, and use a mouth rinse every day to prevent dental problems. It is also important to schedule regular dental cleanings and screenings.

2. Dry mouth

A dry or sticky mouth is caused by a lack of saliva. This symptom can accompany a lingering bad taste and bad breath.

Saliva is vital to oral health because it reduces the amount of bacteria and food particles in the mouth.

Dry mouth can be caused by:

• certain medications
• tobacco use
• advancing age

Some medical conditions, including nerve damage and diabetes, can also lead to a lack of saliva.

3. Acid reflux

Acid reflux happens when stomach acid travels upward through the esophagus. A sour taste in the mouth is a common symptom of acid reflux.

Other symptoms include:

• bad breath
• chest pain
• a cough
• heartburn
• hoarseness
• nausea
• a sore throat
• vomiting

4. Oral thrush

This infection is caused by an overgrowth of the Candida fungus.

Symptoms include:

• a bad taste and cottony feeling in the mouth
• cracking at the corners of the mouth
• difficulty eating or swallowing
• irritation or pain under dentures
• a loss of taste
• minor bleeding upon contact with the sores
• redness
• pain
• white sores that can resemble cottage cheese, which most often form on the tongue and inner cheeks.

Oral thrush tends to occur in infants, older adults, people with diabetes, and people taking some antibiotics. However, anyone can get oral thrush.

5. Respiratory infections

Infections of the tonsils, sinuses, and middle ear often cause an unpleasant metallic taste in the mouth.

People with respiratory infections may also have congestion, an earache, and a sore throat.

6. Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is a viral infection of the liver, and it can cause a bitter taste in the mouth. Other symptoms include:

• appetite loss
• bad breath
• diarrhea
• fever
• nausea
• vomiting

Hepatitis B is serious, and anyone who suspects it should seek treatment right away.

7. Hormonal changes

Hormonal changes in early pregnancy can impact the sense of taste and smell. Many report a metallic taste in the mouth, but it usually disappears as the pregnancy progresses.

Hormonal changes linked to menopause may also cause dry mouth, which is often accompanied by a bitter taste.

8. Medications

Medications that can cause a bitter or metallic taste in the mouth include:

• antibiotics
• antidepressants
• anti-inflammatories
• antihistamines
• anti-seizure drugs
• cardiac medications
• diabetes medications
• gout medications
• HIV protease inhibitors
• oral contraceptives

Other medications may cause dry mouth, which affects the sense of taste.

9. Dietary supplements

Share on PinterestIf the dose of dietary supplements is reduced the metallic taste may disappear.

Vitamins and supplements known to cause a metallic taste in the mouth include:

• calcium
• chromium
• copper
• iron
• zinc

Multivitamins and prenatal vitamins may contain some of these nutrients.

The bad taste should disappear as the body processes the supplement or if the dose is reduced.

10. Cancer therapies

Chemotherapy and radiation are known to cause an unpleasant taste in the mouth. The taste is usually metallic or sour.

11. Neurological conditions

When nerves in the brain are damaged, the sense of taste may be altered. Neurological conditions that can cause a bad taste in the mouth include:

• brain tumors
• dementia
• epilepsy

An injury to the head may have a similar effect.

12. Exposure to chemicals

A person exposed to high levels of mercury or lead may inadvertently inhale these chemicals, causing a metallic taste in the mouth.

Share on PinterestBrushing and flossing may be an effective home treatment to resolve a bad taste in the mouth.

Treatment for a lingering bad taste in the mouth depends on the cause.

Before making a diagnosis, a doctor will usually take a full medical history and inquire about other symptoms. They may need to order certain tests.

Treatment may not be necessary, for example, if the cause of the taste is changing hormones. Viral infections can also clear up without treatment, and the taste should disappear.

When treatment is required, options include:

Adjusting medications or supplements

If a medication or supplement is responsible for the taste, a doctor may suggest an alternative, or change the recommended dosage.

If a cancer therapy is causing the taste, it will usually go away as the treatment finishes.

Addressing medical conditions

Treating the underlying condition will usually put an end to the bad taste in the mouth.

If dental cavities, gum disease, or other oral health issues are causing the taste, a dentist will recommend a procedure, medication, or medicated mouth rinse.

Home remedies

In some cases, home remedies can help to resolve a bad taste in the mouth. These should usually be used in conjunction with medical or dental treatment.

Some effective home remedies include:

• brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash daily
• chewing sugar-free gum to encourage the production and movement of saliva
• drinking enough water each day
• quitting tobacco use
• limiting or avoiding the intake of alcohol, caffeine, and sodas
• cutting down on the amount of sugar consumed, as it can contribute to oral thrush
• avoiding acid reflux triggers, such as fatty or spicy foods

Many issues can cause a bad taste to linger in the mouth, but it is highly treatable. See a doctor for a diagnosis and to ensure that no further complications arise.

In the meantime, several home remedies can improve oral hygiene and provide temporary relief from a bad taste in the mouth.

Surprising Symptoms of Ear Infections | Pinnacle ENT

Posted on March 29, 2019 by Pinnacle ENT

Ear infections are one of the most common childhood ailments; in fact, more children visit a doctor to treat ear infections in Wynnewood than any other medical condition. They are not just confined to kids, either – adults can experience ear infections, too. Ear pain is obviously the most common sign, but there are other symptoms you may experience, as well. Some are likely to surprise you.

It’s pretty easy to diagnose an ear infection; your Wynnewood audiologist will examine your ears to check for fluid buildup and drainage – that and throbbing ear pain are the telltale signs of acute otitis media, the medical term for a middle ear infection (the most common type). But there are frequently other symptoms, as well – ones you might not associate with an ear infection. These include:

• Dizziness and vomiting. The auditory system is closely linked to the balance system, so an ear infection can interfere with signals sent to the brain that help with mobility, triggering dizziness, nausea and vomiting. Additionally, your ear infection may be the result of a virus that affects other parts of your body.
• Changes in appetite. A loss of appetite is common with any illness. We know we should eat (“feed a cold, starve a fever,” after all), but often the very idea of food turns our stomachs. If your ear infection has been caused by a head cold, it can interfere with your upper aerodigestive tract, making it difficult for you to taste food. Sometimes, the pain associated with an ear infection makes it hurt when you chew.
• Fever is a sign that your immune system is trying to fight off an infection. Not all who develop an ear infection will experience a fever, but about half of all children are likely to have one. If your child is younger than six months old and exhibiting behavioral changes such as excessive crying and fussiness, take them to the doctor. Similarly, if a child of any age experiences a temperature higher than 102°, they should be seen by a pediatrician.
• Snoring and bad breath. Swollen adenoids, tissues in the back of the nose and throat that help fight infections, are often associated with ear infections. Inflammation of these tissues can block the air passages, forcing you to breathe through your mouth, which can cause snoring. Swollen adenoids may also contribute to halitosis (bad breath).
• Inattention and speech delays. Excess fluid in the middle ear can cause temporary or fluctuating hearing loss, making it seem like your child is inattentive at home or school when in reality, they are simply struggling to understand. Hearing loss in younger children can also interfere with speech and language development. If your child appears to be struggling with their speech and vocabulary, have their pediatrician check for the possibility of a chronic ear infection.

For more information on how to spot the signs of an ear infection and remedies to ease the symptoms, reach out to your Wynnewood audiologist today.

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Metallic taste in the mouth – diagnosis and treatment in St. Petersburg | Medical Center

Multidisciplinary Medical Center MedProsvet
St. Petersburg, Engels Ave. 147 building 1
+7 (812) 374-84-00

Unusual taste can interfere with the enjoyment of favorite foods and reduce the quality of life. Such sensations are subjective and difficult to describe. Patients characterize the metallic taste as the taste of iron or old coins. Normally, such sensations should not be. Even if the taste appears sporadically, it is necessary to understand the causes and exclude possible disturbances in the body. The constant sensation of the taste of metal in the mouth is the reason for the examination. In this way, intoxication and serious diseases can manifest themselves.

Causes of metallic taste in the mouth in men and women

Taste disorders can be caused by external or internal factors. The most common causes are as follows:

• Drinking mineral water . Medicinal waters enriched with ions of iron, magnesium, chlorine, sulfates, bicarbonates have a specific taste. Some patients feel it only at the time of drinking water. In sensitive people, the taste can persist for a long time, causing significant discomfort.
• Drug use . A metallic taste is on the list of side effects of many medications. It can be caused by antibiotics, antiprotozoal, antiallergic, gastroprotective and antidiabetic drugs, as well as drugs for the treatment of anemia (in particular, based on iron). A similar effect can occur from dietary supplements.
• Anticancer therapy . A persistent metallic taste in the mouth accompanies chemotherapy and radiation therapy. In this case, discomfort may be due to the entry of specific substances into the body, atrophy of the mucous membranes and minor bleeding. In oncology, a special term is even used to describe this phenomenon – “chemical” or “metal mouth”.

• Metal products in the mouth . An unpleasant aftertaste is often caused by the installation of orthodontic (braces, retainers) or orthopedic (crowns, inlays) structures or piercings in the tongue. Over time, the discomfort usually disappears. Also, a metallic taste is one of the manifestations of the galvanic syndrome. This is a disorder caused by the presence of dissimilar metals in the mouth. In addition to the characteristic taste, the patient may be disturbed by the sensations of the passing current and headaches.

• Heavy metal poisoning . Intoxication can develop in people who work in chemical plants, paint and varnish enterprises or live in adverse environmental conditions. In the case of emergencies, acute poisoning develops, manifested by nausea, vomiting, weakness and impaired consciousness. With a long stay in an unfavorable environment, chronic intoxication is possible. A recurring sensation of a metallic taste may be one of the symptoms.
• Diseases of the oral mucosa . Periodontal disease, stomatitis and gingivitis are sometimes accompanied by minor bleeding. The metallic taste can actually be the taste of blood.
• Anemia . Anemia due to iron deficiency is often manifested by a metallic taste and perversion of taste preferences. The patient may find the taste of inedible substances (chalk, earth) pleasant. Anemia associated with B12 deficiency is manifested by atrophic changes in the mucous membranes and minor bleeding.
• Hormonal disorders . The taste of metal in the mouth in women may be associated with the natural characteristics of the hormonal background. The occurrence of a symptom shortly before menstruation may indicate malfunctions in the endocrine system. Complaints about a metallic taste are often presented by women during menopause. Similar manifestations occur among pregnant women.
• Diseases of the digestive system . A metallic taste in the mouth causes bleeding from the esophagus (with injuries, varicose veins, etc.). Unpleasant taste sensations are a typical manifestation of gastroesophageal reflux disease and erosive gastritis. These diseases are accompanied by pain in the epigastric region, digestive disorders, belching, metallic taste in the mouth and increased salivation.
• Kidney disease . Impaired renal function is accompanied by the accumulation of metabolic products in the body, which can cause specific taste sensations. In the case of kidney damage, the patient may also experience diuresis and urination disorders, urinalysis changes, edema, and unstable blood pressure.

Very rarely, allergic reactions, diseases of the ENT organs and the respiratory system are the cause of the problem. Sometimes taste perversion is observed in patients with mental illness or dementia.

Diagnosis of the causes and treatment of metallic taste

To understand what the taste of metal in the mouth means, you first need to consult a general practitioner. Diagnosis begins with a detailed survey of the patient. The doctor may be interested in the characteristics of lifestyle and conditions of professional activity, eating habits, the presence of chronic diseases, as well as the list of drugs that are taken on an ongoing basis. Inspection involves assessing the condition of the mucous membranes, measuring the pulse and blood pressure, as well as palpation of the abdomen and back.

Additional diagnostics includes a number of tests (general clinical blood and urine tests, biochemical tests). If necessary, an examination of the internal organs with the help of ultrasound and endoscopy is prescribed. The order of diagnosis is determined individually, taking into account the data of the anamnesis and the results of the examination.

Metallic taste in the mouth is not treatable as it is a symptom and not a disease. Short-term relief occurs when the patient intensifies oral hygiene or consumes acidified water. However, if the cause is not found, the metallic taste in the mouth will reappear.

The problem can be removed by stopping the use of medicinal water, changing medications, correcting iron and vitamin B12 deficiency in the body. If the taste is due to a disease of the internal organs, appropriate therapy is carried out under the supervision of a specialized specialist.

Specialists of MedProsvet Medical Center will help to determine the causes of metallic taste in the mouth and eliminate the symptom. The clinic is attended by doctors with extensive practical experience, laboratory, ultrasound, endoscopic and functional diagnostics are carried out. A personalized and comprehensive approach to the problem allows you to quickly eliminate its manifestations and return the patient to excellent health. You can make an appointment for an initial appointment by calling +7(812)374-84-00 or by leaving a request on the website.

Follicular angina – symptoms, signs, causes and treatment in adults in the “SM-Clinic”

This disease is treated by an Otolaryngologist (ENT)

• What is it?
• Classification
• Symptoms of follicular sore throat
• Causes of follicular angina
• Diagnostics
• Expert opinion
• Treatment
• Prevention of follicular sore throat
• Rehabilitation
• FAQ
• Sources

Classification

Follicular angina may be acute or chronic. In addition, this form is included in the classical classification of angina, which divides the pathology into catarrhal, follicular, lacunar, fibrinous, herpetic, phlegmonous, gangrenous and mixed.

Symptoms of follicular angina

Follicular tonsillitis is characterized by a vivid clinical picture, its signs can be:

• intense sore throat – sometimes it hurts not only to speak, but even swallow and breathe; pain may radiate to the ear, temple;
• elevated to febrile values ​​(38-39°C) body temperature, accompanied by chills;
• headache;
• general weakness, fatigue, weakness;
• muscle pain, aching joints and other symptoms of intoxication.

Lymph nodes are often enlarged to such a size that the patient feels them, it hurts to turn his head to the side, and painful lumps are felt on the neck. There is an unpleasant taste and smell in the mouth.

Causes of follicular tonsillitis

Follicular tonsillitis is an infectious disease, and the most common way of its transmission is airborne. In the vast majority of cases, the causative agent is β-hemolytic streptococcus, rarely other microorganisms (staphylococci, pneumococci, other types of streptococci, viruses).

There are factors that increase the risk of developing tonsillitis:

• severe hypothermia;
• low general immunity;
• autoimmune diseases;
• diabetes mellitus;
• severe stress;
• foci of chronic infection in adjacent organs (paranasal sinuses, teeth).

Under the influence of these factors, the risk of developing follicular angina in adults and children increases significantly.

Get advice

If you experience these symptoms, we recommend that you make an appointment with your doctor. Timely consultation will prevent negative consequences for your health.

To learn more about the disease, prices for treatment and sign up for a consultation with a specialist, you can call:

+7 (495) 292-39-72

Request a call back
Book online

Why SM-Clinic?

1

Treatment is carried out in accordance with clinical guidelines

2

Comprehensive assessment of the nature of the disease and treatment prognosis

3

Modern diagnostic equipment and own laboratory

4 900 03

High level of service and balanced pricing policy

Diagnosis

At the initial stage of the consultation, the doctor will talk with the patient – collect complaints and anamnesis (history) of the disease. Then the doctor will perform a pharyngoscopy – examine the oral cavity and pharynx, assessing the condition, including the tonsils. During the examination, the otolaryngologist uses equipment with lighting, which gives him the opportunity to detect even the slightest signs of ill health of the organs being examined.

On examination, the ENT will see that the tonsils are swollen, enlarged, bright red in color, and their entire surface is covered with small yellowish-greenish vesicles – these are festering follicles.

Conducting an objective examination, the doctor will reveal enlarged submandibular, anterior cervical lymph nodes.

If follicular tonsillitis is suspected, the patient will undergo a general blood test, as well as a bacteriological culture of a swab from the tonsils. This will help identify a specific pathogen, find out the degree of its sensitivity to various antibiotics and allow the doctor to decide on the treatment.

Expert opinion

I would like to draw the reader’s attention to the peculiarities of the course of follicular tonsillitis in children. Their sore throat is not the first symptom, but occurs only on the second or third day of the disease. And acute tonsillitis debuts suddenly, with pronounced symptoms of general intoxication, often with damage to the meninges (this is evidenced by nausea, vomiting, fainting, convulsions in a child). The patient refuses food, notes the presence of pain in the abdomen, bloating, stool disorders. Such a severe course of the pathological process is an indication for the treatment of a child in an infectious diseases hospital. Parents should not be afraid of this and refuse hospitalization, because the main task is to help the child, alleviate his condition, get rid of the disease.

Letkin Alexander Pavlovich

Otorhinolaryngologist of the highest category

Treatment

Treatment of follicular tonsillitis in adults and children is based on rational antibiotic therapy. The patient is prescribed a broad-spectrum antibacterial drug, covering the maximum possible number of potential pathogens. An individual comprehensive approach of an otolaryngologist in the treatment of angina allows the patient to quickly get rid of the symptoms of intoxication and pain.

The patient may also be prescribed:

• antihistamines;
• oral antiseptics;
• vitamins;
• antipyretics and anti-inflammatory drugs;
• immunomodulators.

In case of severe intoxication, infusions of water-salt solutions (“droppers”) are carried out – detoxification therapy.

The role of topical therapies in the treatment of angina follicularis cannot be underestimated. These include:

• frequent rinsing with antiseptic solutions;
• tonsil irrigation;
• inhalation;
• washing the tonsils with the removal of pus;
• physiotherapy treatment (UHF, electrophoresis, magnetotherapy, etc.).

Prevention of follicular angina

Timely sanitation of all sources of chronic infection (sinuses, upper respiratory tract, teeth) will help reduce the risk of developing follicular angina and its complications. And you should also carry out general strengthening activities:

• hardening;
• compliance with the regime of work and rest, good sleep;
• active lifestyle playing sports;
• complete (rational, balanced) nutrition;
• smoking cessation;
• stress prevention.

Rehabilitation

With timely and adequate treatment, follicular tonsillitis regresses in 10-14 days – the patient recovers. Without treatment, it transforms into chronic tonsillitis or leads to the development of systemic complications (myocarditis, endocarditis, arthritis, nephritis, and others) that require regular monitoring by a doctor and medication.

Questions and answers

The diagnosis of “follicular tonsillitis” can be made after examination by any competent therapist, family doctor or pediatrician. Clarification of the diagnosis and treatment of this disease is the task of the otolaryngologist.

Antibiotics form the basis of treatment. Their doctor prescribes taking into account the characteristics of the clinical picture of your case of the disease. Self-medication is unacceptable and can be dangerous.

No, the treatment of this disease is conservative. Surgery may be indicated to the patient with complications of tonsillitis (for example, if a pharyngeal abscess develops).

Vladimir Palchun: Otorhinolaryngology. National leadership. Publisher: GEOTAR-Media 2020, 1060 p.

Kunelskaya NL, Turovsky AB, Kudryavtseva Yu. S. Angina: diagnosis and treatment // Medical business. 2010. №3. URL: https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/anginy-diagnostika-i-lechenie (Date of access: 08/02/2022).

Clinical guidelines (treatment protocol) for the provision of medical care to children with tonsillitis (acute streptococcal tonsillitis). FGBU NIIDI FMBA of Russia, 2015. 29With.

Bacterial diseases: textbook / Ed. N. D. Yushchuk. M.: GEOTAR-Media, 2014. 976 p.

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Diseases referred by Otolaryngologist (ENT)

Adenoiditis
allergic rhinitis
Angina
Angina catarrhal
Angina lacunar
Meniere’s disease
Inflammation of the lymph nodes
Sinusitis
Purulent otitis media
Diphtheria
Deviated septum
Cyst in sinus
Laryngitis
Otitis externa
Acoustic neuritis
Sensorineural hearing loss
Frontal sinus osteoma
Otitis
Otomycosis
Otosclerosis
nose fracture
Perforation of the tympanic membrane
Polyps in the nose
Polysinusitis
hay fever
Rhinitis
Rhinitis vasomotor
Sulfur plug
Sinusitis
Otitis media
Stenosis of the larynx
Sphenoiditis
Chronic tonsillitis
Tracheitis
Tubootitis (Eustachitis)
Hearing loss (deafness)
Ear noise (tinnitus)
Pharyngitis
Fibroma of the larynx
Frontit
Chronic sinusitis
Chronic rhinitis
Ethmoiditis

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