Often enough, a bad taste in your mouth can seem trivial. Other oral issues – toothaches, bleeding gums, etc. – may sound more vital. Still, this sense of bitterness is alarming if it’s constant. When that happens, you may need speedy dental treatment. Your teeth and gums would suffer long-term damage otherwise. So, here’s what a bad taste in your mouth may mean and why a dentist ought to treat it.
What is a “Bad” Mouth Taste?
A persistent, bad taste in your mouth is known as dysgeusia. Its defining traits are typically the following:
- Bitter Flavor: When someone has dysgeusia, they often describe the taste as salty, metallic, or stinky.
- Long Duration: Dysgeusia sticks around regardless of what you eat.
- Resistance to Home Oral Care: Even if you brush your teeth, dysgeusia won’t fade until its underlying cause is treated.
What Could It Indicate?
When a lousy taste becomes chronic, it may point to an oral health problem. The most common of these are:
Bad Oral Care
A bitter taste can develop if you don’t practice good oral hygiene. That’s only natural – a foul plaque will build up when you skip brushing and flossing.
Once poor dental care causes a bad taste, you’re at a heightened risk of cavities and gum disease. These latter issues could then lower your quality of life.
Dry Mouth
A dry mouth occurs when your oral cavity doesn’t produce enough saliva. Medications, smoking and using tobacco products, and even aging can be triggers for it.
Since saliva removes harmful germs, a dry mouth can cause a growth in foul-tasting microbes. The condition also raises your risk of tooth decay and mouth sores.
Why See a Dentist for It?
Should you suffer a persistent and bad mouth taste, quickly see a dentist for care. They’ll find the sensation’s source and perform effective treatment.
For poor oral care, a dentist has various options. They might offer a crown or filling if you’ve developed a cavity. Similarly, you could get periodontal therapy that cleans out your gums. A dentist can even give you a tongue scraper, a special tool used to help clean your tongue, to prevent a relapse.
Dentists also have subtle ways to fix dry mouth. For instance, they can prescribe a special mouthwash to stimulate saliva flow. They’ll then suggest home practices to moisten your mouth.
Ultimately, a persistent bad taste in your mouth deserves close attention. Having a dentist look it over could greatly boost your oral health!
About the Practice
Barker, Rohner & Hunt DMD is based in Raleigh, NC. Led by Drs. Hunt, Barker, and Rohner, our practice has offered quality dental care for over thirty years. Even today, we still perform top-notch preventive, cosmetic, and restorative services tailored to patients’ unique smiles. From standard checkups to tooth replacements, our team will always strive to make your teeth shine! For more information or to book a visit, you can reach us on our website or by phone at (919)-847-7100.
