What Does the Bitter Taste in Your Mouth Mean?

Is there an unexplained bitter taste in your mouth? This unusual issue can occur for all kinds of reasons. Sometimes it may not be anything serious, but in certain cases, it could be a warning sign of a dental emergency. It always pays to be prepared for the worst-case scenario when it comes to your oral health, so here is a brief overview of 4 potential explanations for a constant bitter taste.

1. Untreated Tooth Decay or Gum Disease

If tooth decay and gum disease go untreated for too long, they could result in a bitter taste. Both of these oral health issues are caused by a buildup of oral bacteria. When said bacteria feed on sugar, they can produce bitter-tasting, unpleasant-smelling byproducts.

It’s best to have tooth decay and gum disease addressed as soon as possible before they can lead to serious consequences such as tooth loss. As soon as you have any reason to think that there’s something wrong with your teeth or gums, you should call your dentist to schedule an appointment.

2. Dry Mouth

Sometimes the body may not produce as much saliva as it needs to, often as a result of aging or taking certain medications. A lack of saliva can lead to a dry mouth, which can allow bacteria (and their byproducts) to build up on your taste buds.

Dry mouth could put you at a higher risk for other oral health issues if it’s not dealt with properly. Drinking more water can often help, but you should also talk to your dentist or your doctor to see what they recommend.

3. Acid Reflux

Sometimes the acid in your stomach may start to rise into your esophagus. This condition, known as acid reflux, is responsible for causing heartburn. On top of that, if the acid makes it to your mouth, it can cause a bitter taste and erode the enamel protecting your teeth.

You can often manage acid reflux by avoiding certain foods, keeping your head raised while you’re asleep, and making other lifestyle changes. In some cases, the problem can be treated with medication prescribed by your regular doctor.

4. Burning Mouth Syndrome

If the bitter taste in your mouth is also accompanied by a burning sensation, you could have what’s known as burning mouth syndrome. The underlying cause of this condition isn’t always clear, but it can be connected to damaged nerves, hormonal changes, certain medical conditions, and anxiety.

You should see a dentist or doctor as soon as possible for burning mouth syndrome. They can figure out what’s contributing to the issue and point you toward the appropriate treatment options.

In short, the bitter taste in your mouth could mean many things, and it’s generally in your best interest to bring it to your dentist’s attention as soon as possible so that they can narrow down the cause. Once you know what the problem is, you can pursue whatever type of treatment is needed to protect your oral and overall health.

About the Practice

Here at Bear Creek Family Dentistry, we have a caring, experienced team that includes specialists in pediatric dentistry, orthodontics, oral surgery, and prosthodontics. We treat all of our patients in the DFW Metroplex with compassion and respect while providing them with the comprehensive care they deserve. We’re more than happy to schedule same-day appointments for patients who need urgent care. If you need to set up an emergency dental visit, you can contact our office by calling (214) 333-3100.