A bad taste in your mouth that will not go away is unpleasant, and it is often linked to bad breath. It can come from the teeth and gums, but also from the sinuses, the stomach or medicines. Here are the common causes and when to see a dentist.
Dental causes of a bad taste in mouth
- Plaque and food build-up on the teeth and tongue.
- Gum disease – often with bleeding gums. See gum disease signs and stages.
- Tooth infection or abscess – can cause a salty, foul taste, sometimes with a bump on the gum. This needs prompt dental care.
- Wisdom teeth – gum infection around a partly erupted wisdom tooth. See wisdom tooth pain relief.
- Broken fillings or crowns that trap food.
- Dentures that are not cleaned well – see how to clean dentures.
- Dry mouth – see dry mouth remedies.
Other causes
- Sinus infections, colds and post-nasal drip
- Tonsil stones – see tonsil stones
- Acid reflux
- Some medicines, which can cause a metallic or bitter taste
- Pregnancy
- Smoking and vaping
What you can do
- Brush twice daily and clean between your teeth every day.
- Clean your tongue gently with your brush or a tongue scraper.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Avoid smoking and vaping.
How to clean your tongue
Bacteria on the back of the tongue are a common cause of a bad taste and bad breath. Once a day, gently clean your tongue from back to front with a tongue scraper or a soft toothbrush, then rinse. Do not scrape hard enough to cause soreness. If your tongue is sore, patchy or discoloured for more than two weeks, have it checked.
When to see a dentist
See a dentist if the taste lasts more than a week or two, or comes with pain, swelling, a bump on the gum, bleeding gums or a broken tooth. If your teeth and gums are healthy, your GP can look into sinus, reflux or medicine-related causes. Our bad breath treatment page explains how we investigate ongoing taste and breath problems.
Bad taste that will not go away?
The team at Penrith Dental Care can check what is going on and talk you through your options. Call (02) 4733 1197 or book an appointment online.
For more general health information, see healthdirect: halitosis (bad breath).
Related reading
- Bad Breath Treatment Penrith
- Dry Mouth: Causes, Remedies and How It Affects Your Teeth
- Tonsil stones removal
- Sore Inside Cheek: Common Causes of Mouth Sores and Bumps
Looking for more dental health tips? Browse all articles on the Penrith Dental Care blog, or meet the Penrith Dental Care team. Have a question? See our dental FAQ.
This article is general information and does not replace advice from your own dental practitioner.