Table of contents:
- Various things that cause a bitter mouth
- 1. Condition of dental hygiene
- 2. Dry mouth
- 3. Burning mouth syndrome
- 4. Gastric acid
- 5. Hormones during pregnancy
- 6. Lack of vitamins and minerals
- 7. Side effects of drugs
Have you ever had a bitter taste in your mouth, even though you were not sick? Of course this makes you worry, so you will look for the cause of a bitter mouth.
Some people in this world do have a greater sensitivity to bitter taste than others. The cause of the mouth feeling bitter is because a person is more sensitive to the so-called bitter compound phenylthiocarbamide or PTC.
In general, the medical term for this oral disorder is called dysgeusia. Someone who experiences dysgeusia can find the mouth tastes sour, the mouth tastes sweet, or bitter as in this review.
Before you are sure of the condition you are experiencing, it's better to first find out the cause that you may not be aware of. If you already know the reason why your mouth is bitter, of course you can immediately look for solutions and ways to overcome them.
Various things that cause a bitter mouth
Quoted through the Cleveland Clinic, you don't need to worry too much if the bitter taste in the mouth is not followed by other symptoms of the disease. Generally this is a temporary effect caused by taking certain drugs or medical therapies.
Oral disorders can also be caused by oral infections, such as teeth and gums to other health conditions, such as acid reflux or being pregnant.
Here are some of the causes for someone to feel a bitter mouth, ranging from minor problems to symptoms of illness that you need to know.
1. Condition of dental hygiene
Are you the type to always keep your teeth clean? If not, this might be the cause. If you are lazy to brush your teeth regularly, it means that you have made bacteria and germs accumulate in the oral cavity and teeth.
One thing you need to know, that the oral cavity is a sterile, warm, and humid incubator which contains substances for microbial growth. Of course not only good microbes, but also microorganisms that can cause bad breath.
If you don't brush your teeth regularly, bacteria and germs can collect in your mouth and cause your mouth to taste bitter. Moreover, this can also develop into dental plaque to inflammation of the gums (gingivitis).
2. Dry mouth
Dry mouth problems (xerostomia) can be experienced by anyone regardless of age or gender. Dry mouth is a condition in which your mouth feels very dry because the salivary glands are unable to produce enough saliva.
Dry mouth that causes a bitter sensation can be caused by certain medical treatments, for example a side effect of cancer therapy or an autoimmune disorder, such as Sjogren's syndrome which causes dry mouth and eyes.
Aging and bad habits, such as smoking and drinking alcohol can also be the cause of dry mouth. If dry mouth is not resolved quickly, this can increase the risk of tooth decay and a yeast infection.
3. Burning mouth syndrome
Burning mouth syndrome, as the name implies, can cause a burning and burning sensation in part or all of the oral cavity. A person suffering from this condition may also experience decreased function of the sense of taste or the mouth feels bitter.
Both men and women can experience burning mouth syndrome. However, this is more common in women entering the menopause phase. In addition, this health problem can also be caused by nerve damage in the mouth, diabetes mellitus, or being undergoing cancer therapy.
4. Gastric acid
The mouth feels bitter is also closely related to nausea and vomiting (reflux). This condition occurs usually because it is triggered by increased stomach acid or also known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
The main cause of this acid reflux disease is excessive food consumption, consumption of spicy food, consumption of food at inappropriate times, and stress factors. Acid reflux is also usually accompanied by a bad-smelling mouth.
5. Hormones during pregnancy
This usually happens to a woman, especially when she is pregnant. An imbalanced increase or decrease in the level of the hormone estrogen is the cause of changes in the taste of the mouth that turn bitter. This also usually occurs in women who are experiencing menstrual cycles.
In pregnant women, morning sickness most likely also could be the cause. Morning sickness is a condition in which a woman's body is still adapting to the changes in her body.
Usually pregnant women will experience nausea and vomiting as symptoms morning sickness. The remaining vomit will collect in the mouth and collect bacteria. This is what causes the mouth to taste bitter which is exacerbated by the dehydration that occurs in pregnant women.
6. Lack of vitamins and minerals
Vitamins are very necessary for the body. Apart from maintaining health, vitamins are also needed by all organs and body structures to carry out their respective functions. Lack of intake of vitamin B12 and zinc will cause the mouth to smell bad and cause the taste to turn bitter.
7. Side effects of drugs
If you are taking certain medications or supplements, this is most likely the reason your mouth feels very bitter. Several types of drugs and supplements, including:
- Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, such as lisinopril or captopril.
- Antibiotics, such as amoxicillin, clarithromycin, and metronidazole.
- Diuretic drugs, such as acetazolamide and hydrochlorothiazide.
- Chemo drugs, such as cisplatin or carboplatin.
- Vitamins and supplements containing zinc, chromium, and copper.
A bitter mouth due to the side effects of drugs is generally temporary. If you experience this condition for a long time and are accompanied by other symptoms, consult a doctor immediately.
