Mouth Tasting Sour, Here are 9 Common Causes Identified
In the realm of health concerns, a sour taste in the mouth can sometimes be a cause for concern. Dr. Mark Rood, a family medicine physician, has identified nine common causes of this unpleasant sensation.
A wide range of drugs, from antibiotics and antipsychotics to chemotherapy, can contribute to a sour taste in the mouth. Over-the-counter medicines like antihistamines and even the recently introduced Paxlovid® for COVID-19 can also have this side effect.
Poor oral hygiene is another common culprit. Neglecting to brush and floss regularly leads to bacteria buildup, producing unpleasant tastes. Addressing this issue is simple: brush your teeth and tongue at least twice daily, floss, and get regular dental cleanings.
Smoking and tobacco use leave a sour or stale taste in the mouth and reduce taste sensitivity. Quitting smoking not only helps eliminate this taste but also improves oral health.
Acid reflux, or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), can cause a sour or unpleasant taste in your mouth. Stomach acid rising into the esophagus can be the root cause. Treatment involves lifestyle changes (diet, weight management) and antacid medications.
Dehydration can also cause a sour taste in the mouth. Insufficient water intake can dry out the mouth and alter taste. Drinking at least eight glasses of water daily typically resolves this issue.
Other medical conditions, such as diabetes, liver disease, or kidney disease, could be subtle signs of a sour taste in the mouth. If the symptoms of a sour taste in the mouth continue for weeks, you'll need a doctor's help to pinpoint the cause.
Mouth breathing creates a dry environment for a sour taste to occur in the mouth. If you find yourself breathing through your mouth frequently, it might be worth exploring solutions to promote nose breathing.
Infections or illnesses can affect the sense of taste and may cause a sour taste in the mouth. When sick, it's important to maintain hydration levels, especially if experiencing fever, sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting.
Oral thrush, a yeast infection in the mouth and tongue, can cause a sour taste and is characterized by white patches on the tongue. If you notice these symptoms, it's important to seek medical attention.
As we get older, our taste buds change and become less sensitive, which can affect our sense of taste. While this is a natural part of aging, maintaining good oral hygiene and a balanced diet can help preserve taste sensitivity.
In addressing these causes, improving oral care routines, hydrating well, managing medical conditions, and consulting healthcare providers for medication review or dental care are key. Remember, a sour taste in the mouth can sometimes be a sign of an underlying issue, so it's always a good idea to seek professional advice if the problem persists.
[1] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Sour taste in the mouth: Causes and treatment. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sour-taste-in-the-mouth/symptoms-causes/syc-20371460
[2] WebMD. (2021). Sour taste in mouth: Causes, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Retrieved from https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/sour-taste-in-mouth
[3] Healthline. (2021). Sour taste in the mouth: Causes, symptoms, and treatments. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/sour-taste-in-mouth
[4] Cleveland Clinic. (2021). Acid reflux and heartburn. Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14882-acid-reflux-and-heartburn
[5] Drugs.com. (2021). Paxlovid (Pfizer). Retrieved from https://www.drugs.com/paxlovid.html
