The occasional bad taste in your mouth is most likely nothing to be concerned about, but if you have been suffering from a chronic, lingering bad taste that will not go away, it could be a sign that something more serious is to blame.
There are many different causes for a bad taste in the mouth, and a visit to our family dentist office in Gaithersburg can help rule some of them out and help you determine where the uncomfortable sensation is coming from.
Some of the more common causes of a bad taste in the mouth are listed below:
Poor Oral Hygiene
Sometimes, the trick to curing a bad taste is simply to improve your oral hygiene habits! Gum disease, in particular, is known to cause bad breath that can leave an unpleasant lingering taste in the mouth. Keeping up with regular brushing, flossing, mouthwash rinses and trips to the dentist’s office can help keep dental problems from developing or worsening.
Acid Reflux
Another common cause of bad taste in the mouth we see in our patients is acid reflux. Acid reflux is a medical condition in which stomach acids or bile travel upward and irritate the esophagus. Acid reflux is an uncomfortable condition which can lead to heartburn, a sore throat and a constant bad flavor in the mouth. Many over-the-counter and prescription medications can help alleviate acid reflux.
Medications
Surprising to many of our patients is the fact that many common medications can be responsible for causing the sour or metallic tastes in their mouths. Drugs such as antidepressants, antibiotics, oral contraceptives, and diabetes medications are known to cause unpleasant tastes, especially when taken regularly.
Call Your Gaithersburg Dentist
Other possible causes of a bad taste in the mouth can include dietary supplements, neurologic conditions, dry mouth, and respiratory infections. If you have concerns about a prolonged bad taste in your mouth, visit our Gaithersburg office today!
