You may have experienced the sensation of a sour taste in your mouth. The causes of this condition are very diverse, ranging from the impact of the food consumed, the side effects of the drugs used, to the possible symptoms of a disease.
In medical terms, a taste disorder characterized by a sour taste in the mouth is called dysgeusia. In addition to a sour taste in the mouth, people who experience this condition can also sometimes feel a bitter or salty sensation in their mouth. This condition can be experienced by anyone, both adults and children.
Dysgeusia cannot be treated arbitrarily and must be adjusted according to the cause. To find out what things can cause this condition, see the following explanation.
Various Causes of Acidic Mouth
There are many causes of sour taste in the mouth. Here are some possible reasons why your mouth tastes sour:
1. Drug side effects
There are several types of drugs that can cause a sour taste in the mouth, including:
- Medications to treat infections, such as antibiotics, antifungals, and antivirals.
- Antidepressants.
- Antipsychotics.
- Asthma medicine.
- Medicine for hypertension and heart disease.
- Chemotherapy.
- Medicine for neurological diseases.
- Medications for gout, such as allopurinol.
In addition, several types of supplements or medications can also make your mouth taste sour, including fever medications, pregnancy supplements containing calcium and iron, and multivitamins containing zinc, copper, or chromium.
Tell your doctor if your mouth feels sour after taking any of the above supplements or medications. The doctor can adjust the dose of the drug or change the drug given.
2. Consumption of certain foods
Eating too many high-protein foods, such as meat, eggs, milk, and yogurt, can cause your mouth to taste sour. Therefore, if your mouth feels sour, try to limit the consumption of these foods.
3. Food allergies
A sour taste in the mouth is a symptom of a food allergy. If your mouth feels sour and is accompanied by itching and swelling of your lips, tongue, or throat when you eat certain foods, see a doctor immediately.
4. Diseases of the teeth and mouth
Some disorders of the teeth and mouth, such as gingivitis, dental infections, or periodontitis, can cause the mouth to taste sour. To prevent oral problems that can make the mouth taste sour, it is recommended that you brush your teeth 2 times a day using a toothpaste containing fluoride.
Don't forget to clean your teeth with dental floss at least once a day.
5. Exposure to chemicals
Exposure to chemicals, such as mercury and lead, that is inhaled can also impair the function of the sense of taste and cause the mouth to taste sour.
If you live or work in an environment prone to chemical exposure, protect yourself by wearing a mask or protective clothing and equipment while working.
6. Pregnancy
During pregnancy, women will experience many changes, ranging from body shape, mood, to the ability to taste. A sour taste in the mouth is a common and normal symptom of pregnancy.
7. Infection
Sour mouth can be a sign that you have an infection. Several types of infections that can make you experience this condition are ear and throat infections, sinusitis, and the flu.
Not only that, sour mouth can also be caused by: gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This condition is caused by stomach acid rising into the esophagus. To relieve it, try to eat small portions but often. If necessary, ask the doctor to prescribe drugs that can reduce the production of stomach acid.
A sour taste in the mouth can also be a sign of a problem with the nerves in the brain that control the ability to taste. This condition is also often experienced by people with dementia.
Considering that sour mouth complaints can be a sign of an illness, you should check with your doctor, especially if this condition often appears for no apparent reason or lasts for a long time.