Bitter Taste in Your Mouth: How Do I Get Rid of It?

Bitter taste in the mouth is usually harmless, but can be very unpleasant. We show you possible causes and what you can do about it.

Introduction

We humans like to assume the worst. If you feel a bitter taste in your mouth, you should stay relaxed. Even if you feel a burning sensation in your mouth or on your tongue, or if your mouth feels very dry, this is only rarely related to a real illness.

Often it is just a reaction in the mouth to the food you have consumed. Nuts and kernels, for example, can develop a bitter taste on the tongue, which sometimes does not appear until days later. But after a few days your sensation should return to normal. However, if there is no improvement, a visit to the doctor is definitely recommended.

Bitter taste in mouth: In pregnant women

The hormone release during pregnancy can also affect the taste. Many women notice a bitter taste in their mouth. However, this usually disappears during pregnancy or at the very latest after birth.

Diseases

• Xerostomia, a dryness in the mouth, is caused by a decrease in saliva production. Causes can be medication that has been taken or diseases such as sinus infection or a simple cold.
• In general, the saliva production decreases with increasing age. Regular consumption of cigarettes and other tobacco products or an autoimmune disease can also cause dryness in the mouth and tongue.

Home remedies

• You can often get rid of the bitter taste with enough water and fresh sweets. Certain teas, such as lemon balm or sage, are also a good alternative. Mouthwashes also help to get rid of the bitter taste.
• Since a dry tongue is often one of the reasons for the bitter taste, you can also help yourself with foods that produce more saliva, such as fruit like grapes or oranges.
• Sugar-free chewing gum also promotes salivation in the mouth, and you should also pay attention to good dental hygiene, as teeth can often be a reason for the taste.
• You should avoid sour foods for the time being. Especially spicy and fatty foods, alcohol and cigarettes do not have a positive effect on the bitter taste.
• If you still cannot get rid of the bitter feeling and the causes are completely unclear, you should definitely consult a doctor.

Treatment

• How a doctor proceeds in concrete terms naturally depends entirely on the causes and varies from case to case.
• If the taste is related to an illness, the doctor will try to avoid or use certain drugs.
• If the teeth are a possible cause, it may also make sense to refer the patient to a dentist.