It is pretty common to feel a bitter taste in the mouth, and this alteration, like the breath, can indicate a health problem in our body that requires medical attention and control. As it is a part of the digestive system, feeling a bitter taste in the mouth can cause numerous gastric problems. However, it is also possible that they are disorders produced in the oral cavity itself, or they could indicate a malfunction of some organs. In addition, numerous bacteria live permanently in the mouth, and these can generate lousy breath and a bitter taste.
If you have a bitter mouth and it continues to last even after several rinses and you wonder why it is, at FastlyHeal, we inform you about the possible causes of a bitter taste in your mouth. However, it is essential to visit a specialist so that he can identify the cause effectively and provide the appropriate treatment.
Table of Contents
Bitter and dry mouth upon waking
Many people say they notice a taste between bitterness and acid in their mouth when they wake up in the morning, and this can be something normal that happens to all of us due to the so-called anaerobic bacteria. These bacteria are located just behind the tongue and are releasing small amounts of sulfur, which we do not perceive during the day because saliva is responsible for destroying them. However, during the night, our saliva production decreases considerably. These bacteria remain in the oral cavity, causing us to have dryness and a bad taste in the mouth when we wake up, which will disappear as soon as we brush our teeth.
When a bitter taste is perceived throughout the day, it is essential to pay attention to this symptom and identify the cause since it can indicate any conditions or conditions that we detail below.
Bitter taste in the mouth throughout the day due to oral problems
One of the leading causes of a bitter taste in the mouth is the presence of some problem in the oral cavity itself. An excessive accumulation of bacteria on the tongue, teeth, and gums due to inadequate or poor oral hygiene can lead to oral conditions, such as deep cavities, gingivitis, periodontal disease, phlegmon, dental abscess, etc., which cause mouth bitterness, among other symptoms such as bad breath, dry mouth, dental pain, gum inflammation … Incorrectly placed dentures could also be behind this bad taste in the mouth.
To avoid this type of affection in the oral cavity, it is essential to maintain proper daily oral hygiene, brush your teeth after each meal, and complete the cleaning using dental floss and mouthwash. In addition, you should go to the dentist at least once a year and schedule an emergency visit if any of the conditions mentioned above are present.
Bitter taste in the throat from sinusitis
Sinusitis is the inflammation of the sinuses which happens due to bacterial, viral, or fungal infection. Although its common symptoms include headache, cough, fever, nasal congestion, and pain behind the eyes, this condition can also cause bad breath and mouth bitterness. This is because, during your situation, the secretions of the nasal mucosa that fall into the mouth are more significant and rich in proteins. They make the bacteria multiply and proliferate more quickly in the oral cavity. This, in turn, leads to more excellent sulfur production in the mouth and, consequently, that sour taste we refer to may appear.
Sinusitis is a condition that must be treated depending on the causative microorganism and the severity of the patient’s symptoms, so it is advisable to follow the indications of a medical specialist. The following article explains sinusitis’s causes, symptoms, and treatment.
Bitter taste in the mouth due to gastrointestinal problems
Dyspepsia, better known as indigestion, to the numerous digestive disorders, may be another cause of the bitter taste in the mouth. These disorders are easy to identify since they cause this unpleasant sensation in the oral cavity, but they also present as symptoms of flatulence, nausea, constipation or diarrhea, heartburn or gastritis, gastroesophageal reflux, and stomach discomfort, among others.
These alterations can appear when the diet is inadequate and consumes foods rich in fat, sugar, and carbohydrates. If you have an unbalanced emotional life and bad eating habits, it can also influence digestion.
Dry mouth and bitter from the liver
The correct functioning of the liver is essential to having a healthy life. This is because this organ fulfills the vital task of purifying the body by eliminating toxins and harmful substances such as cholesterol, glucose, or bilirubin. This is why improper diet or excessive consumption of alcohol or different substances can alter its functioning.
Symptoms such as stomach heaviness, reflux, tummy aches, changes in stool, or a bitter taste in the mouth, could indicate that the liver is not in good condition and has an excessive accumulation of toxins. Therefore, it is essential to carry out a purification of this organ. You can check the signs indicating your liver is sick in this article.
Bitter taste in the mouth during pregnancy
The bitter taste in the mouth is also a symptom that many pregnant women say they experience during the first trimester of gestation. And it is that in the same way that you can suffer nausea and vomiting in the first months, the significant hormonal changes that the female body undergoes can also cause a greater sensitivity in the palate and an unpleasant taste in the oral cavity.
In the following FastlyHealarticle, we show some other early pregnancy symptoms.
Medications that can cause bitterness and dryness
Another reason to answer the question “why do I have a bitter taste in my mouth” is taking some medications or drugs. These include antibiotics, antidepressants, those used to treat gout or heart disease, and prenatal vitamins. These types of medicines, when ingested, the body absorbs them, and they are released in the saliva, causing a slight alteration in the palate and causing that bitter taste. This taste can also be accompanied by dry mouth, especially in those who take antidepressant medications.
Suppose the bitterness in the mouth does not disappear after a few minutes and is something constant. In that case, it is best to consult with the doctor about the possibility of replacing the treatment with another that does not cause these types of symptoms.
Bitter taste in the mouth and cancer
Many cancer patients are observed who, during the treatment of the disease or after it, present some changes in taste and, mainly, the following alterations occur:
- Metallic or bitter taste in the mouth, especially after eating meat or protein-rich foods.
- Note that the food has a different flavor than before.
- Noticing that some foods now taste bland.
- Note that all foods taste the same.
It is essential to inform the doctor of these alterations, mainly if they cause loss of appetite, losing weight, or have a very negative influence on the relationship with food. In the following article, we show some helpful tips to reduce the effects of chemotherapy.
Bitter taste in the mouth: causes
In summary, taking into account everything explained and other factors, these are the possible causes of the bitter taste in the mouth :
- Bacteria in the mouth.
- Poor oral health.
- Sinusitis.
- Gastrointestinal disorders.
- Liver problems
- Pregnancy.
- Medication.
- Cancer.
- Diabetes.
- Metal poisoning.
- You generalized stress and anxiety.
Bitter taste in the mouth: remedies
Since the causes of bitter taste in the mouth can be diverse, it is essential to see a specialist. Even if mouthwashes or other oral products are used, this sensation will not completely disappear until the original problem is treated. If it is suspected that this symptom is caused by pain in the liver, you should see a hepatologist as soon as possible. At the same time, if the problem is in the mouth, you should visit a dentist or a gastroenterologist if gastric discomfort is felt.
Here we explain a series of remedies to combat the bitter taste in the mouth :
- Eat foods that benefit the body’s detoxification; you can start the day by consuming a clove of garlic on an empty stomach and a juice with this same food, lemon, parsley, and honey, before going to sleep every night.
- Take depurative drinks to detoxify the body. An excellent example of this would be drinking beet, lemon, carrot, or celery juice.
- Follow good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth after every meal, floss, and rinse. Oral health is essential to have a correct taste in your mouth.
- Keep your body hydrated so that your kidneys, stomach, and livers can work properly. You should drink 2 liters of water a day, more if you practice sports.
- Consume citrus fruits since these fruits stimulate salivary production and eliminate the bitter taste in the mouth.
- Undoubtedly, the best remedy for bitter tastes is to improve your eating habits. You must take protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables in your meals. In addition, the way of cooking is essential, in which the iron, steam, or oven must prevail. Banish sugars, fats, and fried foods from your diet and opt for fruits, fish, and lean meats.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Causes of bitter taste in the mouth, we recommend that you enter our category of Teeth and mouth.
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.