The taste buds contained within the mouth are able to detect five basic types of taste, namely sweet, sour, savory, salty and bitter. For more complex tastes, the sense of smell is also essential.
If a person suffers from a diminished sense of smell, say due to a respiratory infection, the ability to taste also changes.
A changed ability to taste, or dysgeusia, at it is referred to in medical terms, can seriously affect a person's appetite, especially if it involves constant bitterness.
Apart from respiratory problems, there are a variety of other causes of bitterness in the mouth. Dental conditions, such as gum disease, gum infections, known as gingivitis or an abscess in a tooth may all be responsible.
It has also been known for individuals to have a bitter taste as a result of being sensitive to fillings, or components thereof.
Acid reflux, a condition caused through eating spicy or fatty foods, generally over-eating or eating at the wrong times, may also produce a bitter taste.
Some medications, especially some anti-depressants, prenatal vitamins often prescribed for pregnant women and even some regular antibiotics can equally cause bitterness.
In addition, hormonal imbalances, specifically low estrogen levels; lead, mercury or copper poisoning and diseases such as diabetes, jaundice, cancer and liver or kidney malfunctions may all be underlying causes of bitter tastes.
Finally, poor oral hygiene will result in a build-up of bacteria and/ or germs in the mouth, all of which are capable of producing unpleasant, bitter tastes.
Experiencing a bitter taste is not a major problem and can be avoided by keeping a good dental hygiene routine, improving digestion and avoiding excessively spicy or fatty foods.
If all else fails to improve taste, seeing a doctor will help to determine underlying problems and allow them to be resolved.
If a person suffers from a diminished sense of smell, say due to a respiratory infection, the ability to taste also changes.
A changed ability to taste, or dysgeusia, at it is referred to in medical terms, can seriously affect a person's appetite, especially if it involves constant bitterness.
Apart from respiratory problems, there are a variety of other causes of bitterness in the mouth. Dental conditions, such as gum disease, gum infections, known as gingivitis or an abscess in a tooth may all be responsible.
It has also been known for individuals to have a bitter taste as a result of being sensitive to fillings, or components thereof.
Acid reflux, a condition caused through eating spicy or fatty foods, generally over-eating or eating at the wrong times, may also produce a bitter taste.
Some medications, especially some anti-depressants, prenatal vitamins often prescribed for pregnant women and even some regular antibiotics can equally cause bitterness.
In addition, hormonal imbalances, specifically low estrogen levels; lead, mercury or copper poisoning and diseases such as diabetes, jaundice, cancer and liver or kidney malfunctions may all be underlying causes of bitter tastes.
Finally, poor oral hygiene will result in a build-up of bacteria and/ or germs in the mouth, all of which are capable of producing unpleasant, bitter tastes.
Experiencing a bitter taste is not a major problem and can be avoided by keeping a good dental hygiene routine, improving digestion and avoiding excessively spicy or fatty foods.
If all else fails to improve taste, seeing a doctor will help to determine underlying problems and allow them to be resolved.
