Frederic Melton
Waking up to a cheesy mouth is not an uncommon experience. While the exact cause of this phenomenon is not clear, several factors could contribute to this unpleasant morning taste. One of the main reasons could be poor oral hygiene, which allows bacteria to feast on leftover food particles, producing a foul stench. Other causes may include dry mouth, hormonal changes, certain medications, and even pregnancy. In some cases, it could be a sign of a more serious health condition, especially if accompanied by other symptoms like heartburn or tongue swelling.
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What You'll Learn
Poor oral hygiene
Good oral hygiene practices include brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and using mouthwash. It is also important to clean your tongue, as bacteria can build up on it, leading to bad breath. Tongue scrapers are an inexpensive way to do this effectively.
In addition to these daily practices, it is important to see a dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings. They can help remove plaque and tartar buildup that you may not be able to reach at home.
While cheese may be implicated in poor oral hygiene due to its strong smell and taste, it actually has several benefits for oral health. Cheese contains a protein called casein, which strengthens tooth enamel and prevents acid damage. It also increases saliva production, which washes away sugar, bacteria, and acid. So, while poor oral hygiene can lead to a cheesy taste and smell in the mouth, cheese itself can be a helpful part of a dental health routine.
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Dry mouth
Medications: Many medications can affect a person's sense of taste and cause dry mouth. For example, drugs used to treat hepatitis C can impact the sense of taste and smell. It is recommended that individuals check the drug leaflet to determine if changes in taste are a common side effect. However, individuals should not change their dosage or stop taking medication without consulting a doctor.
Anxiety: Anxiety can lead to dry mouth, which can result in a bitter taste. This may be due to the connection between taste buds and the nerves of the brain. Nerve damage from a head injury or other conditions can alter how a person experiences tastes.
Hormonal changes: Hormonal fluctuations during early pregnancy can affect a person's sense of taste and smell. Many women report a metallic taste in their mouths during this time, which usually disappears as the pregnancy progresses. Additionally, menopause can cause dry mouth and a bitter taste due to decreasing estrogen levels.
Other causes: Various other factors can contribute to dry mouth and changes in taste. These include dental problems, infections, acid reflux, and neurological conditions. Maintaining good oral hygiene practices, such as regular brushing, flossing, and tongue scraping, can help prevent dental issues and reduce the occurrence of a bad taste in the mouth.
If you are experiencing persistent dry mouth or changes in your sense of taste, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and explore appropriate treatment options.
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Pregnancy
The metallic taste can be highly unpleasant and is often described as tasting like old coins or aluminium foil. It can also make some foods taste bitter or unpleasant, especially those with strong flavours or those that leave an aftertaste, such as artificial sweeteners. In addition to the metallic taste, some women may also experience heightened taste and smell sensitivity, which can further impact their food preferences. For example, coffee, which is typically a beloved beverage, may suddenly taste and smell terrible during pregnancy.
While dysgeusia typically improves or resolves completely by the second trimester, it is important to note that it may return later in the pregnancy or even after giving birth. In rare cases, it may persist until then. However, there are ways to minimise the effects of dysgeusia. Staying well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water can help keep the unpleasant taste at bay. Additionally, maintaining good oral hygiene, including brushing the tongue and using a mild saltwater or baking soda mouth rinse, can help reduce the metallic taste. Eating acidic or sour foods, such as citrus fruits or pickles, may also help counteract the taste.
It is important to remember that while dysgeusia can be unpleasant, it is typically not a cause for concern and is a normal part of the pregnancy journey. However, if the symptoms are extreme or persist beyond the first trimester, it is recommended to consult an OB-GYN or healthcare provider.
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Food particles
Poor oral hygiene can also cause gum disease and tooth decay, which can further contribute to the problem. Additionally, failing to rinse dishes properly before eating can leave a soapy taste in the mouth due to the strong taste of soap.
To improve oral hygiene, it is recommended to brush and floss teeth regularly and to use a tongue scraper. Mouthwash can also be used to keep foul-tasting bacteria to a minimum, although it may not be effective against strong dairy odours.
In addition to oral hygiene and hydration, certain foods and drinks can contribute to the problem of food particles in the mouth. Dairy products, such as cheese, can cause particularly strong odours due to the breakdown of milk solids by bacteria, producing excess hydrogen sulfide. This can result in a smell similar to rotten eggs.
While it may be difficult to avoid all food particles in the mouth, maintaining good oral hygiene practices and staying hydrated can help to minimise the issue.
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Medication
Dysgeusia can be caused by hormonal changes, such as those that occur during pregnancy, menopause, or when taking hormonal medications. Many women experience dysgeusia during their first trimester of pregnancy, which usually resolves later in the pregnancy. It can also be caused by certain medical treatments, such as chemotherapy, or by taking certain medications.
There are over 200 drugs that can cause a bitter taste in the mouth, including antibiotics, gout medication, lithium, heart medications, neurologic medications, psychotropic drugs, and other prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. For example, antibiotics such as tetracyclines, gout medication such as allopurinol, and heart medications such as diuretics and statins. Antidepressants can also cause dry mouth, which can alter taste perception.
If you are experiencing dysgeusia due to medication, changing medications may help. It is important to consult a healthcare professional or pharmacist to determine if your medications are causing the altered taste and to discuss alternative options.
In addition to prescription medications, certain vitamins and supplements can also cause a metallic taste in the mouth, especially if taken in large amounts. These include multivitamins and large doses of nutrients such as zinc.
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Frequently asked questions
A cheese-like taste in the mouth can be caused by poor oral hygiene, which allows bacteria to feast on particles of food and tissue in the mouth, creating excess hydrogen sulfide. This can be avoided by maintaining good oral hygiene, such as brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash.
A bitter taste in the mouth can be caused by a variety of factors, including dry mouth, hormonal changes, pregnancy, certain medications, and poor oral health. It is recommended to consult a healthcare professional if the issue persists or is accompanied by other symptoms.
Yes, a sour or metallic taste in the mouth can also be caused by certain foods, sinus infections, viral infections such as a cold or flu, or even poisoning. It is important to maintain good oral hygiene, stay hydrated, and consult a healthcare professional if concerned.
