One moment you’re working, watching TV, or doing the chores, the next you’re noticing that there’s a distinctive bad taste in your mouth. At first, you may not think much of it and simply decide to brush your teeth and floss. After all, it you recently had a meal that contained particularly pungent ingredients, you may think that’s all it takes to get your mouth back to normal. But what happens when it doesn’t seem to go away? Here are three common causes and what you should do next, according to a dentist.

Dry Mouth

In chronic cases, dry mouth is known as xerostomia and it generally affects patients that are older. This condition occurs when the mouth is not producing enough saliva. The less saliva you have, the more bacteria are going to be present. This is what can cause the mouth to taste bitter or bad in general, even after practicing oral hygiene.

If you use tobacco, take certain medications, have a pre-existing condition known for causing dry mouth, or feel sick with a stuffy nose, you may also experience a bad or bitter taste more frequently. The best thing you can do right now is drink more water to ensure the mouth is able to produce more saliva. Going forward, get in touch with a dentist or general practitioner for guidance.

Poor Oral Hygiene

Brushing and flossing are meant to keep large populations of bacteria at bay and reduce your risk of developing tooth decay and gum disease. When excessive amounts of bacteria are allowed to thrive throughout the mouth, it can change its pH balance and cause the mouth to be more acidic overall. Not only does this increase the risk for dental disease as bacteria produce plaque acids over time, but it can make the mouth taste more bitter and bad throughout the day. If you want to avoid chronic bad breath as well as avoid poor taste, oral hygiene is essential.

Oral Thrush

Oral thrush is literally a yeast infection that has developed inside the mouth. If you notice bitterness, check your mouth, tongue, and throat in the mirror. If you notice white spots or blotches, you may have a yeast infection that requires additional treatment from a doctor. They can provide you with an anti-fungal prescription that is taken over the next several days. While oral thrush is rarely a problem for healthy children and adults, it can pose an issue for those with lowered immunity.

If you’ve been dealing with chronic bad or bitter taste and aren’t sure where to turn, a call to a dentist in Beverly Hills is a great place to start! Schedule an appointment today to get the care you need to alleviate a poor tasting mouth.

About the Author

Dr. Jason Kboudi has been practicing as a dentist for over 22 years and counting. When it comes to dental problems, whether it’s tooth decay, gum disease, or problems with poor or bitter taste in the mouth, he’s just about seen it all. He can provide a personalized treatment plan to address your symptoms and get your oral health back on track. Simply contact him by visiting his website and set up an appointment today!