What illness causes dry mouth and bitter taste?
Jul 17, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Chao
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, there is no specific medical condition known as "dry and bitter mouth." Dryness and bitterness in the mouth may be caused by mild dehydration, poor oral hygiene, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Sjögren's syndrome, diabetes, or other factors. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical consultation and treatment at a正规 hospital. It is also important to maintain good oral hygiene by brushing teeth in the morning and evening and rinsing the mouth after meals.
Generally speaking, there is no specific disease known as "dry and bitter mouth." Dryness and bitterness in the mouth may be caused by mild dehydration, poor oral hygiene, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), Sjögren's syndrome, diabetes, and other conditions. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek timely medical consultation and treatment at a reputable hospital. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Mild Dehydration
If water intake has been insufficient recently, mild dehydration may occur, potentially causing dryness and bitterness in the mouth. It is recommended to increase water intake and maintain adequate hydration, which usually helps alleviate symptoms.
2. Poor Oral Hygiene
Failure to maintain proper oral hygiene can lead to increased oral bacteria, resulting in a bitter taste. It is recommended to brush teeth regularly, use dental floss and mouthwash, which can help relieve symptoms.
3. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
In patients with GERD, stomach contents may reflux into the esophagus and mouth, where stomach acid irritates the oral mucosa, causing bitterness. Reflux may also affect saliva secretion regulation, leading to dry mouth. Symptoms such as heartburn and acid regurgitation may also be present. Treatment should follow medical advice and may include medications like omeprazole enteric-coated capsules, domperidone tablets, and hydrotalcite chewable tablets.
4. Sjögren's Syndrome
Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune disease that damages exocrine glands such as salivary glands, leading to reduced saliva secretion and significant dry mouth. Immune abnormalities may also affect body metabolism, causing bitterness in the mouth. Symptoms such as dry eyes and joint pain may also occur. Treatment should follow medical advice and may include medications like methotrexate tablets, hydroxychloroquine tablets, and methylprednisolone tablets.
5. Diabetes
Elevated blood sugar levels in diabetic patients can lead to increased urinary glucose, causing osmotic diuresis and greater fluid loss, resulting in dry mouth. A high-sugar environment may also affect the oral environment, causing bitterness. Symptoms such as increased thirst, frequent urination, and weight loss may also accompany. Treatment should follow medical advice and may include medications such as metformin hydrochloride tablets, insulin injection, and glimepiride tablets.
Maintaining good oral hygiene is important in daily life: brushing teeth in the morning and evening, rinsing the mouth after meals; eating light meals, avoiding spicy and greasy foods, consuming more fresh fruits and vegetables to stay hydrated. Maintaining a regular lifestyle and avoiding excessive fatigue is also essential. If symptoms of dry or bitter mouth persist without improvement, timely medical evaluation is necessary.
