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It’s pretty common -

We’ve all, at some point in our lives, had a strange or bad taste in our mouths. Most times we don’t really think much of it, as we usually associate it with something we’ve eaten, for example.

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There’s a medical term for it -

But it turns out there is an actual medical term used to describe an abnormal taste in our mouths. It’s called dysgeusia. Now, let's take a look at possible causes of dysgeusia.

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It may be a sign that your hormones are changing -

Our mouths can give us feedback about our hormone levels. For instance, the change in estrogen levels when a woman reaches menopause can have an impact on saliva production, and consequently dry up your mouth, leaving a bad taste.

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Menopause -

If this is your case, there are things you can do to stimulate saliva production and increase moisture. Avoiding drinks and caffeine, keeping hydrated, and chewing gum might help.

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Pregnancy -

Hormone fluctuations experienced during pregnancy can also affect taste, so if you’re pregnant and your mouth tastes weird at times, it might be due to hormonal changes.

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It can be acid reflux -

That bad taste in your mouth can be stomach acid. When you suffer from acid reflux, stomach acid can go up towards your throat and mouth.

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It can be acid reflux -

If you suspect this is your case, you should seek medical assistance. Both occasional acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can be treated, so get it checked out by a physician.

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It might be a dental hygiene issue -

It might be worth reevaluating your dental routine. Look for any signs of redness on your gums, or receding gums.

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It might be a dental hygiene issue -

Go to the dentist and get checked for cavities (sometimes these are not easily spotted), and check your tongue for any irregularities in shape or color.

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You might have xerostomia, aka dry mouth -

Your mouth can get dry due to a number of factors, namely poor hydration. But when it comes to xerostomia, just drinking a glass of water might not be enough.

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You might have xerostomia, aka dry mouth -

If you experience dry mouth, get it checked out by a doctor. Xerostomia can be a symptom of numerous health conditions, including diabetes, cystic fibrosis, nerve damage, and Alzheimer's disease, to name a few.

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It might be your liver -

A bad taste in your mouth can actually be caused by hepatitis B, a viral infection that affects the liver.

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It might be your liver -

Should you experience other symptoms, including vomiting, fever, and diarrhea, seek medical attention immediately.

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It might be a sign of infection -

From a cold to an ear infection, and strep throat, both viral and bacterial infections can cause a change in smell and leave you with a bad taste in your mouth.

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It might be a sign of infection -

This is due to our levels of the TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor) protein, which is a protein that manages inflammation. The levels of this protein influence taste.

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It might be due to the supplements you’re taking -

Millions of people around the world take supplements daily. Certain vitamin and mineral supplements in particular can make your mouth taste a bit metallic though.

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It might be due to the supplements you’re taking -

The main culprits when it comes to minerals include zinc, calcium, chromium, copper, and iron. Vitamin D supplements may also leave your mouth tasting a bit weird.

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It can happen if you’re undergoing cancer treatment -

Both chemotherapy and radiotherapy in general can have an impact on taste.

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It can happen if you’re undergoing cancer treatment -

Radiotherapy to the mouth, neck, and head, in particular, may also alter your salivary glands, which can then dry your mouth and leave you with a bad taste.

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It might be due to the medication you're taking -

An unpleasant taste in your mouth can be a side effect of a medication you’re taking. Anything, from anti-inflammatories to antibiotics, antihistamines, and oral contraceptives, can have an effect on how your mouth tastes.

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It might be due to the medication you're taking -

Some medications act by actually causing a bad taste (e.g. metallic or sour), while others do so by impacting your saliva production and drying your mouth.

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You might have oral thrush -

Candida fungus may start multiplying and spreading in your mouth, causing oral thrush. This will lead to a number of symptoms, including creamy white lesions, redness, pain, and, of course, a bad taste in the mouth.

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You might have oral thrush -

An antifungal medicine is usually effective in the treatment of oral thrush. Check your tongue for any signs, and take it from there.

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A neurological condition might be the cause -

Neurological conditions such as Parkinson's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) can have an impact on taste.

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It may be due to chemical exposure -

Exposure to some chemicals and metals can actually have an impact on how your mouth tastes. Exposure to lead (and lead poisoning), for instance, can leave a metallic taste in your mouth.

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It may be due to chemical exposure -

Mercury poisoning has also been associated with a metallic taste. Most cases of poisoning are associated with other symptoms, including nausea or vomiting, so don’t ignore it if you suspect you've been exposed to dangerous levels of lead or mercury.

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It may be your dental prosthesis’ fault -

Having a dental prosthesis can actually alter your taste buds. This is particularly true for upper dentures, as they can cover the taste buds on the roof of the mouth.

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It may be your dental prosthesis’ fault -

The other taste buds in your mouth will eventually adapt, and your mouth might start to taste the same again.

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Is there a way to treat the bad taste in your mouth? -

As you can conclude from this gallery, sometimes the bad taste in your mouth is caused by other conditions, which makes treating it a bit difficult without addressing the cause. You can’t go wrong with a solid oral hygiene routine though.

Sources: (Health Digest) (MedicineNet) (Cleveland Clinic) (Healthline)

See also: The most common doubts about oral hygiene (and their answers)

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