If you’ve got a bold aftertaste in your mouth after drinking your morning coffee, there’s typically no cause for alarm. But what happens when you experience a strange metallic or bitter flavor but haven’t eaten or drank anything to cause it? Not only can this be very annoying, but it can also be a warning sign of a dangerous oral health condition.
If you’ve got a persistent, unexplained taste in your mouth, here’s why it could be time to see your emergency dentist!
What’s Causing That Bitter Taste?
Believe it or not, there’s a name for that bitter taste in your mouth: dysgeusia. Oddly enough, it can be caused by a number of different things that have absolutely nothing to do with your diet. If you notice a persistent flavor that won’t go away with brushing and flossing alone, here are a few things that could be responsible:
- Oral thrush
- Burning mouth syndrome
- Dry mouth
- Pregnancy or hormonal changes
- Gum disease
- Poor oral hygiene
- Tooth infection
- Smoking
- Certain medications
- Oral cancer
Breaking the Bitter: Getting Rid of Persistent Flavors
The great news is that often dysgeusia will clear up on its own, such as when it’s related to pregnancy or hormonal shifts, or when you stop taking certain medications. If you are experiencing a change in taste due to a new prescription, speak to your doctor about switching to a different that does not have the same side-effects. In other cases, however, such as for gum disease, a tooth infection, or oral thrush, you will need to be treated by your emergency dentist.
Remember, if you are experiencing a persistent metallic or bitter taste in your mouth that will not go away with brushing and flossing alone, it could be the sign of a dangerous oral health problem. Contact your dentist as soon as possible to protect your smile and eliminate the flavor at the source as soon as possible!
About Dr. Burton
Dr. Hannah Burton earned her Bachelor of Science in biology from The Ohio State University and her Doctor of Dental Surgery at The Ohio State University College of Dentistry. Since graduating, she has taken numerous classes through Spear Education ranging in topics from cosmetic dentistry to full mouth restoration and even temporomandibular joint dysfunction. She is a current, active member of the American Dental Association, the Ohio Dental Association, and the Dublin Chamber of Commerce. If you’re experiencing a dental emergency of any kind, please contact Burton Family Dental Jerome by visiting our website or for faster service, calling us at 614-215-9180.