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A person’s sense of taste may change over the years because of various reasons. This may be due to the fact that the taste buds are constantly being replaced. Changes or development in nutrition, health, age, and hormones can affect how the taste buds function, leading to an abnormal taste in the mouth. It is important to take note of any changes in the sense of taste because it may be a sign of impairment. Poor sense of taste can range from small alterations to a complete loss of the sensation. Food or meals that normally taste pleasant and satisfying may seem a bit unpleasant. Complete loss of taste, however, is rare.
The Role of Dental Hygiene Poor oral health can cause food particles to remain the mouth, which promotes bacterial growth in between teeth. This can result in teeth and mouth problems like gingivitis, bad breath, and bad taste. Cigarette smoking or chewing tobacco-based products can also cause bad breath, reducing the ability to taste and irritating the gums.
Bad taste in the mouth due to poor dental hygiene can also cause other problems that may lead to tooth loss and other health problems. It is advisable to visit the dentist for regular check-ups and treatments against problems that may compromise dental health.
Medications Different kinds of medication can interfere with the sense of taste, producing an unpleasant flavour in the mouth. Certain medicines for treating Alzheimer’s disease, high blood pressure, and Parkinson’s disease can also alter the sense of taste. Antibiotics, corticosteroids, and nicotine patches may cause an abnormal sense of taste. Those being treated for cancer with biological therapy medication and chemotherapy may also experience a strange taste in the mouth, which can be salty, metallic, or bitter.
Health Conditions Gastric reflux or heartburn is also a common cause of bad taste. This is because of the stomach acid regurgitated into the mouth producing an acidic or metallic taste. Damage in the salivary glands and infection in the tonsils can also lead to metallic taste. Those with multiple sclerosis or facial paralysis are more likely to experience taste problems and changes.
The feeling of bad taste in mouth is just temporary and usually improves when the underlying cause is treated. If the sense of taste is permanently altered, the person may lose interest food, leading to weight loss. It is best to talk to a dentist or physician to keep track of oral and overall health.
Resources: http://www.bromleydentalpractice.co.uk/dental-implants-bromley.html http://www.medicinenet.com/loss_of_taste_sensation/symptoms.htm http://www.md-health.com/Bad-Taste-In-Mouth.html