Waking up with a bitter mouth or a taste as if you were holding a coin worries many people. Most causes are fairly simple and lie in the mouth itself.
- A bitter or metallic taste often starts with dry mouth, gum inflammation, plaque, decay or smoking.
- Old metal fillings or crowns with a metal base can sometimes also cause a metallic taste.
- Reflux, some medicines you take and respiratory conditions can also cause an odd taste and should be discussed with your treating doctor.
- An odd taste lasting over two weeks or coming with bad breath, swollen gums or toothache is a reason to be checked.
Many people complain that their mouth often tastes bitter or metallic, and that everything tastes strange. The feeling can be passing, but if it lasts it is worth finding the cause. In many cases it starts with the teeth and gums themselves.
Common causes in the mouth
- Dry mouth: less saliva lets bacteria multiply and changes taste, see sleeping with the mouth open and waking up dry.
- Gum inflammation, plaque and tartar: bacteria produce substances with an unpleasant taste.
- Decay or infection at a tooth root: can release fluid that tastes bitter.
- Metal materials in the mouth: old metal fillings or crowns with a metal base sometimes give a metallic taste.
- Smoking: changes taste over the long term.
Causes outside the mouth
Stomach reflux, some medicines you take as prescribed, hormonal changes in women, and respiratory or sinus infections can also cause a strange taste. In these cases, discuss it with your treating doctor. See also whether stomach reflux wears teeth.
What can you do at home?
- Brush twice a day, clean between the teeth and gently clean the tongue.
- Drink enough water and rinse with clean water after meals.
- Cut down on smoking, coffee and strongly flavoured food.
- Do not change or stop prescribed medicine without asking your doctor.
When should you be checked?
Have a check if the odd taste lasts more than two weeks, comes with bad breath, swollen bleeding gums, toothache or you have old metal fillings. See also bad breath, causes and how to handle it. Nha Khoa Ky Hoa is at 266A - 268, 3 Thang 2 Street, Hoa Hung Ward, Ho Chi Minh City. You can walk in during opening hours, or call the hotline 028.3868.1097 to ask about quieter times first. The dentist will check your teeth, gums and the materials in your mouth and, if needed, advise you to see another specialist.
Frequently asked questions
Is a metallic taste caused by fillings?
It can be, especially old metal fillings or crowns with a metal base. But dry mouth, gum inflammation and smoking also often cause this taste, so a dentist should check.
Is a bitter mouth on waking a problem?
Usually it comes from dry mouth at night and plaque buildup. If it lasts more than two weeks or comes with other signs, have it checked.
Should I stop my medicine if I think it causes a bitter mouth?
No. Ask your treating doctor before changing or stopping any medicine.