What causes dry mouth, bitter taste, and bad breath?
Disease description:
Recently, I have often felt a bitter and dry taste in my mouth. I find it strange—what causes dryness, bitterness, and bad breath in the mouth?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Dry mouth, bitter taste, and bad breath are usually caused by multiple factors. The following are some common causes:
1. Poor oral hygiene: Irregular brushing, flossing, or cleaning of the tongue can lead to bacterial accumulation in the mouth, producing unpleasant odors, which is the most common cause of bad breath.
2. Environmental factors: In dry climates or prolonged exposure to air-conditioned rooms may cause oral dryness, increasing the risk of dry mouth, bitter taste, and bad breath.
3. Dietary factors: After consuming foods such as garlic and onions, their components are absorbed into the bloodstream and then exhaled through the lungs, causing bad breath. High-sugar and high-fat foods can easily promote bacterial growth in the mouth, worsening bad breath.
4. Disease-related factors: Oral infections, gingivitis, periodontitis, indigestion, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), chronic gastritis, and other digestive system disorders, as well as metabolic diseases such as diabetes and hypothyroidism, may cause dry mouth, bitter taste, and bad breath.
If these symptoms persist, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly.
