The tongue is responsible for tasting various flavors, including bitterness. However, there are instances where the tongue may feel bitter without consuming anything that would cause it. So, what leads to this bitter sensation, and how can it be addressed? Read on to find out.

Causes of Bitter Taste

A bitter sensation on the tongue can be triggered by a variety of factors, such as the food or drink you've consumed, oral hygiene issues, dehydration, and even pregnancy. Usually, this bitter taste is temporary and easily resolved. However, if it persists, the condition is known as dysgeusia.

Here are some common causes of a bitter tongue:

Burning Mouth Syndrome

This condition can make the mouth feel hot, painful, and lead to a bitter or metallic taste. Both men and women can experience this, though it is more common in women going through menopause.

The exact cause of burning mouth syndrome is still unclear, but experts believe it could be related to nerve damage, hormonal changes, or medication side effects.

Pregnancy

Hormonal changes during pregnancy, particularly fluctuations in estrogen, can also cause a bitter taste. Many women report experiencing this during pregnancy, and it typically fades after childbirth or a short time post-delivery.

Dry mouth

Also known as xerostomia, dry mouth occurs when there’s a reduction in saliva production. Several factors can contribute to this, including:

• Aging
• Certain medications
• Autoimmune diseases like Sjögren's syndrome, which causes dry mouth and eyes
• Smoking

When saliva production decreases, it affects the taste buds, making things taste more bitter or less salty. It also makes swallowing and speaking difficult, and increases susceptibility to cavities and gum disease.

Acid Reflux

Acid reflux occurs when the muscle below the esophagus weakens, allowing stomach acid and food to flow back into the throat. This can cause the tongue to taste bitter due to the presence of stomach acid and digestive enzymes. Other symptoms may include trouble chewing, a dry cough, or a burning sensation in the chest.

Medication Side Effects

Certain medications and supplements can leave a lingering bitter taste. After the body absorbs the medication, some of it is excreted through saliva, leaving behind a bitter residue.

Drugs that may cause this include chemotherapy, antibiotics, lithium, some heart medications, and supplements containing zinc, chromium, and copper.

Infections and Illnesses

Conditions like sinus infections, colds, and other illnesses can trigger the body to release proteins that reduce inflammation. These proteins may also affect the taste buds, making the tongue more sensitive to bitter tastes during illness.

How to Alleviate a Bitter Taste

To reduce bitterness on the tongue, treatment should address the underlying cause. For instance, if pregnancy is the cause, the bitter taste will typically resolve after delivery.

Staying hydrated, chewing gum to stimulate saliva production, and maintaining good oral hygiene—by brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist—can also help.

If the bitter taste continues, consult a healthcare provider or use the Ai Care app, available on the Play Store or App Store, for further assistance.

Looking for more health information? Click here!