Our breath and the flavors that we perceive in our mouth can indicate our state of health, indicating the possible existence of various problems that deserve a medical review. Being part of the digestive system, a bitter mouth could mean multiple gastric issues and point to conditions present directly in our mouth or to the improper functioning of specific organs.
If you wonder why your mouth feels bitter, at FastlyHeal .com, we reveal the most common causes while you schedule your visit with a specialist.
Table of Contents
Dyspepsia and digestive disorders
Dyspepsia or indigestion and various digestive disorders can affect us without us noticing it clearly at times, causing bitter mouth, among other symptoms. Among these types of conditions, pathologies such as:
- Heavy digestions or abdominal bloating after eating.
- Flatulence
- Nausea after eating.
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Acidity.
- Stomach upset
- Gastritis.
- Gastroesophageal reflux.
Eating a diet rich in fat, carbohydrates, and sugar, having a very stressful lifestyle or accumulating a lot of tension in the day to day, not doing physical exercise, eating in an accelerated way, or not chewing food properly can be the causes of several of these conditions. If digestion is not adequate, a bitter mouth sensation may occur. If you have one or more of these symptoms, it is advisable to visit a gastroenterologist.
Mouth problems
Do not rule out that the person responsible for your bitter mouth is right there, in your mouth. Various conditions can cause an acid taste in the mouth and the sensation of bad breath, and discomfort of this type.
Some common causes of this problem are:
- A deep cavity, do not forget that cavities are dental infections and that the presence of bacteria can cause this problem.
- Presence of a phlegmon or dental abscess.
- Inflammation of the gums is caused by gingivitis. In this case, bleeding may also occur during brushing.
- A poorly adapted prosthesis or oral appliance can also lead to the accumulation of food in a specific area, making its elimination difficult, leading to a more significant presence of bacteria in the area. In this case and all the previous ones, you must visit a dentist.
- Tonsillitis or pharyngitis, if in addition to the bitter taste, you have a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and discomfort in the area is probably one of the causes. In that case, you should visit an otolaryngologist.
Jaundice
When bilirubin accumulates excessively in our body, without being able to be eliminated correctly, it gives rise to a condition known as jaundice. This condition is mainly characterized by a yellowing of the skin, eyes, and mucous membranes and producing a bitter taste in the mouth that is usually felt more intensely when waking up.
In addition to the yellowish tone of the skin and mucous membranes, this condition can cause:
- Dark or brown urine.
- Pale or clay-colored stools.
- Itchy skin
- Symptoms such as loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, or general fatigue may also occur.
Given these signs, it is essential to visit a doctor as soon as possible to determine the cause of jaundice.
Liver problems
The liver fulfills the essential function of purifying our body, favoring the elimination of toxins and substances such as glucose or cholesterol. When we have an inadequate diet and consume excess alcohol or medications, it can suffer, accumulate toxins, and present problems in adequately performing its functions.
Signs such as stomach heaviness and pain in this area, gastroesophageal reflux, changes in bowel movements, and increased skin sensitivity could show that our liver is accumulating toxins. The bitter taste in the mouth, especially when waking up, could also be one of these indicators.
Visit your doctor
The causes of the bitter mouth are diverse, so a medical visit is essential. Suppose you think that this condition could be due to an oral problem. It is advisable to go to a dentist or an otolaryngologist, while gastric discomfort warrants evaluation by a gastroenterologist. If you suspect it may be a liver problem, the appropriate specialist is a hepatologist.
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.
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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.