What causes a sour taste in the mouth?

Sometimes you feel a sour taste in your mouth and it goes away on its own, but in some cases, the sour taste in your mouth lasts for a long time, affecting your taste buds and making you feel like eating is not enjoyable. This disorder in taste can come from many causes, from habits to diseases.

1. Causes of sour taste in mouth

1.1. Oral health problems

Dental health conditions can be the cause of changes in taste. When it comes to the perception of a sour taste in the mouth, there are a number of possible causes, including:

Dry mouth syndrome : Insufficient saliva production can alter the taste of food and leave a sour taste in the mouth. Certain health conditions, medications, and treatments can lead to dry mouth.

Oral candidiasis (thrush) : This type of yeast infection can cause a sour taste in the mouth, along with white patches on the tongue and mouth. People with weakened immune systems are especially susceptible to thrush.

Burning mouth syndrome : This uncommon condition can cause a burning or heat sensation in the mouth and changes in taste for no apparent reason. It can be linked to certain health conditions or medications, and it is more common in postmenopausal women. Burning mouth syndrome is difficult to diagnose and treat.

Oral thrush can cause a sour taste in the mouth.

1.2. Habits

Certain habits can also contribute to a sour taste in your mouth. By changing these habits, you may be able to eliminate or prevent this symptom:

Smoking : Smoking changes the sense of taste and can leave a sour taste in your mouth. Whether you smoke, vape, or use smokeless tobacco products, it can leave a sour taste in your mouth or alter your sense of taste.

Drink less water : Drinking less water can lead to dry mouth, which alters the sense of taste and can cause a sour taste. Make sure you drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water every day.

1.3. Related to hormones

Hormone-related problems that cause a sour taste in the mouth include:

During your menstrual cycle : During different stages of your menstrual cycle, some people may notice changes in their sense of taste. In addition to experiencing a strange taste in your mouth, you may also experience cravings for specific flavors, such as salty, sweet, etc.

During pregnancy : Pregnancy brings about major hormonal changes that can affect the sense of taste. Many expectant mothers report changes in their taste preferences, especially during the first trimester. These changes can result in a sour taste in the mouth after eating or drinking.

Menopause : Similar to pregnancy, menopause also includes hormonal changes that can affect taste buds and leave a sour taste in the mouth.

Women are prone to having a sour taste in their mouth due to hormonal changes.

1.4. Aging

Your senses, including taste, change as you age. This is independent of the hormonal changes discussed above and can happen in both men and women.

You may notice that food doesn't taste the way it used to, or that your mouth sometimes feels unpleasant or has a sour taste.

1.5. Zinc deficiency

Not getting enough zinc in your body can cause a sour taste after eating. Many factors can lead to zinc deficiency, such as a diet lacking in zinc-rich foods, certain medical conditions such as ulcerative colitis or liver disease, taking certain medications, or undergoing medical treatments such as chemotherapy.

1.6. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) - a chronic condition that affects the lower esophageal sphincter, can cause a sour taste in the mouth after eating. This condition occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, leading to symptoms such as heartburn, chest pain, and a burning sensation in the throat.

Certain factors aggravate these symptoms, such as smoking, alcohol, fatty or acidic foods, and eating large meals.

Gastroesophageal reflux also causes a sour taste in the mouth, chest pain and a burning sensation in the throat

1.7. Infection or disease

Fighting infections or illnesses can affect our senses, including taste.

For example, when we have a stuffy nose due to a cold, sinus infection or Covid-19, we may lose our sense of smell or have a change in taste, feeling a sour taste in our mouth. Phlegm from a persistent cough can also contribute to this feeling.

1.8. Effects of drugs

A bitter or sour taste in the mouth after eating can be a side effect of medication. This side effect can be caused by:

Drugs that affect taste receptors in the brain

Taste of medicine when mixed with saliva

A drug molecule in the tongue's blood vessels interacts with taste bud receptors

Some of the more common medications that can cause a sour taste in the mouth include:

Antibiotics : Including ampicillin, macrolides, quinolones, sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim, tetracycline and metronidazole

Heart medications : Including many high blood pressure medications, diuretics, statins, and antiarrhythmics

Chemotherapy drugs : Including cisplatin, cyclophosphamide, and etoposide

Neurologic drugs : Including anti-Parkinson's drugs, migraine medications, and muscle relaxants

Psychotropic drugs : Including most tricyclic antidepressants, some antipsychotics, anti-anxiety drugs, mood stabilizers, and hypnotics

Other prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications : These include thyroid medications, antihistamines, bronchodilators, anti-inflammatory medications, smoking cessation aids, antifungals, and antivirals.

A sour or bitter taste in the mouth can be a side effect of medication.

In addition to the above causes, lead poisoning or stress and anxiety can also cause a sour taste in the mouth.

2. How to get rid of sour taste in mouth

In most cases, a sour taste in your mouth is not a cause for concern. But if the sour taste affects your taste buds and makes you uncomfortable, there are a few things you can do to help:

Clean teeth : Make sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day and pay attention to cleaning your tongue - the tongue is a part that contains a lot of bacteria but is often overlooked when cleaning. You should also rinse your mouth with a mixture of 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda or 1/2 teaspoon of salt and a glass of water to better protect your teeth.

Drink plenty of water : Drinking plenty of water not only keeps your mouth moist, but it also makes you urinate more often. This can help flush out any substances in your body that may be contributing to your symptoms.

Check your medication : If the sour taste in your mouth is due to medication, you may want to consult your doctor about stopping or changing the medication if possible.

If you have gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) : Dietary and lifestyle changes (such as losing weight and avoiding trigger foods) may help. Acid-reducing medications, H2 blockers, or proton pump inhibitors may also be recommended.

If you lack zinc in your diet : You should supplement foods such as beans, eggs and red meat,...

If you have oral thrush : Treatment includes using certain medications such as antifungal drops, mouthwashes, etc.

Chew sugar-free gum : Chewing gum stimulates saliva production, which helps keep your mouth from drying out. The flavor of the gum can also help reduce bad breath.

Quit smoking : Whatever the underlying cause of your bad taste in your mouth, smoking or using tobacco will make the problem worse.

Generally, a sour taste in the mouth is not a cause for concern. However, if the symptoms persist and are accompanied by other unusual symptoms, you should go to the hospital for examination and treatment.