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Dr Gérald Kierzek (Medical Director of Doctissimo)
Metallic, sweet, bitter… You can sometimes feel strange tastes in your mouth. What does this mean? When should you consult? Explanations from Dr Gérald Kierzek, emergency doctor and medical director of Doctissimo.
In humans, the highly developed sense of taste allows us to experience the different flavors of foods. But sometimes, without even eating, we can feel certain tastes in our mouth. What are the causes ? When should you consult a doctor? According to Dr. Gérald Kierzek, emergency physician and medical director of Doctissimo, “Tastes in the mouth can be influenced by various factors, and some of these can signal health problems.”. Here are the ones that are important to pay attention to
A bitter taste
“A bitter taste in the mouth can be linked to several pathologies. It may be associated with problems of gallbladder, gastroesophageal reflux or excessive intake of certain medications. If you experience a persistent bitter taste, it is important to consult a healthcare professional” explains Dr. Gérald Kierzek.
“This taste may be caused by dental problems, such as gum disease or infection. It can also be linked to undetected pathologies, such as kidney problems, liver problems or a diabetes” warns the doctor. Vitamin deficiency is one of the possible reasons for a metallic taste in the mouth, too. “At the start of pregnancy, this dysgeusia is very usual and not serious” reassures Gérald Kierzek.
A sweet taste
High blood glucose levels can cause a sweet taste in the mouth. “This may be a sign of uncontrolled diabetes. If you experience this sweet taste persistently, consult a healthcare professional.” estimates the expert. “Similarly, a smell of pippin apple can reveal a complication of diabetes, which we call l‘ketotic acid’.
A persistent strange taste
“If you notice an unusual taste in your mouth that does not seem related to a meal and persists, it may be associated with health problems such as periodontal disease, cryptic tonsillitis or… more rarely a stroke (stroke)” concludes Gérald Kierzek. Here again, it is better to consult a doctor quickly.
Slide: Strange noises of the human body