Causes of Dry Mouth and Bitter Taste
Disease description:
Recently, I have often felt a bitter taste in my mouth, especially upon waking up, and my mouth feels quite dry during the day. May I ask what causes dryness and bitterness in the mouth?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Dry mouth and bitter taste are common oral symptoms, causes include:
1. Excess internal heat: Dry weather, invasion of heat pathogens, and other factors may lead to excessive internal heat. Patients often experience dryness and sore throat, accompanied by a bitter taste.
2. Medication side effects: Many medications, such as antidepressants, antihypertensive drugs, and antiallergy medications, can cause dry or bitter taste as a side effect.
3. Dehydration: One of the most common causes. When the body lacks sufficient water, saliva production decreases, leading to dry mouth.
4. Neurological diseases: Conditions such as Parkinson's disease and stroke may also affect the function of salivary glands.
5. Dietary factors: Consuming foods low in water content or high in chili, fat, and other ingredients may reduce oral fluids, causing dryness and bitterness in the mouth.
6. Autoimmune diseases: Such as Sjögren's syndrome, which significantly reduces the secretion of saliva and tears, resulting in dry mouth and dry eyes.
If dryness and bitter taste persist, timely medical consultation is recommended. Maintaining good oral hygiene, drinking adequate water, and avoiding excessive intake of stimulants such as caffeine and alcohol can also help alleviate these symptoms.
