Written By: Bhavyajyoti Chilukoti | Updated : August 6, 2014 1:21 PM IST
A foul or unpleasant taste in the mouth means that there is impairment in your sense of taste. Although your taste sensation tends to decrease after 60, there are many different factors that are responsible for bad or metallic taste in the mouth. While some cases of foul taste can be treated easily, if it is caused due to any clinical condition, it needs to be addressed promptly. Clinically termed as dysgeusia, foul taste in the mouth may be caused due to
1. Diseases Inflammation of the upper respiratory tract, disorders of the nervous system, the flu or a common cold, gastrointestinal disorders and problems of salivary glands are some of the common diseases and conditions that cause bad taste in the mouth. Diseases such as cancer, stroke, hyperparathyroidism, diabetes and amyloidosis are also found to result in unpleasant taste.
2. Nutritional deficiencies Lack of zinc and vitamin B12 are regarded as common nutritional deficiencies resulting in altered taste in the mouth. An unhealthy eating habit coupled with poor diet is responsible for amplification of unpleasant taste and odour in the mouth.
3. Oral problems Bad breath, medically termed as halitosis can cause unpleasant taste in the mouth. Poor oral hygiene is one of the most common causes of bad taste and breath. The taste buds are also affected in case you suffer from any oral complications like problems with teeth, gums or mouth.
4. Medications Medications are known to be a common cause of bad taste in the mouth. The drugs that put you at high risk of unpleasant taste include those used for treatment of glaucoma, diabetes, heartburn, anticancer, antibiotics, blood pressure and thyroid to name a few.
5. Infections Bacterial and fungal infections are treated with creams and medications which often result in foul taste in the mouth. However, till the patient is cured, this bad taste and odour in the mouth has to be endured.
6. Pregnancy It is common for a woman in her first trimester of pregnancy to experience a bitter taste in her mouth. This is mainly caused due to high levels of oestrogen hormone in the body (naturally or due to hormonal pills or vitamins prescribed during this time.) Additionally, increased nausea, which is common during this time, is found to result in foul taste in the mouth.
7. Surgery It is found that altered taste may also be caused due to surgical procedures in some cases. Surgeries that might put you at increased risk of taste impairment are dental surgery, tonsillectomy, ear surgery upper airway endoscopy and other oral structures like the palate or tongue.
8. Acid reflux Acid reflux causes your stomach acids to rise up to the oesophagus leading to foul breath and taste in your mouth. Although, it is usually caused by the consumption of spicy foods, in some cases medications used to treat acid reflux are also responsible for the foul taste and smell.
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