Elite Dental of Staten Island

Business Hours
Monday:
9.00am to 5.00pm
Tuesday:
12:00pm to 8:00pm
Wednesday:
9.00am to 5.00pm
Thursday:
9.00am to 5.00pm
Friday:
CLOSED
Saturday:
CLOSED

Have you heard of sour tongue?

A change in your sense of taste could indicate an oral health issue

If you have noticed a sour, bitter, or metallic taste in your mouth that you can’t seem to get rid of, it may be a sign of an underlying health issue. Although it is quite normal to experience an unpleasant taste from time to time — perhaps you’ve had a bitter cup of coffee or eaten something with a high level of acidity — if you find that your mouth tastes strange on a regular basis, it might be time for a dental check-up.

What is sour tongue?

Sour tongue is a condition known as dysgeusia, in which one’s ability to taste is changed in some way. The condition can occur for a number of reasons, including hormonal changes during pregnancy, or as a result of reflux disease, in which case acid from the stomach flows back into the esophagus and causes a sour taste in the mouth. The condition can also be caused by certain medications that tend to cause a metallic or bitter taste in the mouth. In some cases, individuals who are going through chemotherapy for the treatment of cancer can experience the condition.

Although all of the aforementioned factors could be causing a strange taste in the mouth, sour tongue could also be a symptom of poor oral hygiene. A build-up of plaque and bacteria in the mouth can cause a bad taste as well as bad breath, as can gum disease and tooth decay.

How can it be prevented?

One of the best things you can do to prevent the condition is to practice good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing twice a day. It’s also advisable to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Keep the production of saliva in your mouth stimulated by chewing sugar-free gum.

Sometimes, the pH levels of the bacteria in the mouth can cause an unpleasant taste in the mouth, and the foods that you eat have an impact on the levels of acidity in your mouth. If you have noticed a sour taste in your mouth for an extended period of time, we recommend that you come in for a dental check-up. We will perform a thorough oral examination and determine the cause of your issue.

Ready to make an appointment?

If you would like to come in for a dental check-up, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. If you are a new patient, find out what to expect at your first visit here.