5 Causes of a Bitter Mouth and How to Overcome It

A bitter taste in the mouth can be caused by various things, ranging from acid reflux disease, consumption of drugs, to pregnancy. Actually, this condition is not a serious problem. However, the bitter taste that appears often reduces appetite, which can affect nutritional intake.

The human mouth has about 10,000 taste buds scattered on the tongue, roof of the mouth, and the esophagus that borders the throat. Each taste bud has sensory cell receptors to capture sweet, salty, sour, bitter, savory (umami) tastes.

If the sense of taste is disturbed, a person may only be able to taste sweet, sour, bitter, or salty as if touched by metal in all food or drinks consumed. This disorder is also known as dysgeusia. Even in worse conditions, the mouth can taste rancid or rotten.

A bitter taste in the mouth is a form of dysgeusia that is often experienced. This is usually temporary and will improve if treated according to the cause.

Causes of a Bitter Mouth

To overcome the bitter taste of the mouth, you need to know the factors that cause it. The following are some of the causes of a bitter taste in the mouth:

1. Taking drugs

A bitter taste is usually felt by someone who is taking drugs, especially in elderly patients.

There are several drugs that can cause a bitter taste in the mouth, such as antibiotics, drugs for heart disease and blood pressure control, antifungal drugs, corticosteroids, chemotherapy drugs, mood stabilizers and antipsychotics, to certain supplements, such as iron tablets. .

2. Pregnancy

Reports say that many pregnant women experience a bitter taste in the mouth or a metallic taste. This condition is thought to be caused by fluctuations in pregnancy hormones. Dysgeusia during pregnancy is usually temporary and will go away on its own or after delivery.

3. Acid reflux disease

The rise of food and stomach acid into the esophagus after eating can cause the mouth to taste bitter or sour. There are several factors that trigger an increase in stomach acid, ranging from smoking, consuming alcoholic beverages, eating large portions, to obesity.

4. Dry mouth

Dry mouth or xerostomia can cause a bitter taste in the mouth due to decreased saliva production. This dry mouth condition can be influenced by various factors, such as the consumption of drugs, aging, autoimmune diseases, smoking, and Sjogren's syndrome.

5. Being sick

When you are sick, the body will naturally release proteins that can reduce inflammation. The release of this protein is thought to affect the sense of taste causing the mouth to taste bitter.

In addition to the things above, a bitter taste in the mouth can also be caused by the effects of cancer chemotherapy, surgery on the ear, nose, or throat, vitamin deficiency, stress and anxiety disorders, menopause, burning mouth syndrome, and the level of poor dental hygiene.

How to Get Rid of a Bitter Mouth

There are several ways you can do to overcome a bitter mouth, including:

• Consuming more fluids and chewing sugar-free gum to increase saliva production
• gargle with salt solution and baking soda
• Avoid consumption of fatty and spicy foods that can increase stomach acid
• Quit smoking
• Brushing teeth regularly and rinsing with mouthwash
• Adding sour taste, such as lemon, lime, or vinegar, to food and drink if the condition is experienced by pregnant women

However, if the bitter taste in your mouth doesn't work with some of the methods above, you should consult a doctor, especially if this disturbance in your taste buds makes it difficult for you to eat and affects the intake of nutrients into the body.

The doctor will check your medical history and any medications you are taking, before giving the appropriate treatment according to the cause of your complaint.

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