Sour mouth even though you are not a smoker? maybe this is why

The tongue is one of the five senses that functions as taste or taste in the oral cavity. You can feel various taste sensations through the tongue, such as sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and savory tastes that are obtained from various kinds of food or other things. Have you ever experienced a sour or metallic taste in your mouth, even though you are not a smoker? Here are some reasons the tongue feels sour.

What are the factors that cause the mouth to taste sour?

Many factors influence how taste is described, such as smell, texture and temperature. In addition, conditions or imbalances in the body can affect taste.

For example, when you experience a stuffy nose, you may not be able to enjoy the food you like as when you are healthy and fit. The food you eat may taste different when you are sick.

Likewise, when the mouth feels sour or like metal. Acid mouth conditions in the medical world are called dysgeusia . Quoted from European Association of Oral Medicine , dysgeusia is a medical condition caused by an unpleasant or altered taste in the mouth.

This can cause the mouth to taste bitter, sour, salty, until it tastes like metal. Dysgeusia also can describe your health condition that is being disturbed or other factors that are less severe. The length of time this condition lasts can be quite long or short depending on the cause

Then, what are the causes of the mouth feeling sour or dysgeusia ? The following are various factors that can cause it, ranging from minor things to causes that you need to be aware of.

1. Poor oral health

You can experience a sour or metallic mouth when you have gingivitis (gingivitis), gum infection (periodontitis), or dental disease. These oral health problems can cause your gums to bleed after you brush your teeth, resulting in a metallic taste in your mouth.

More serious infections of the teeth and gums will arise if you don't treat them immediately. The sour or metallic taste in your mouth will not go away until these tooth and gum problems are treated properly.

Therefore, you may have to see a doctor immediately to treat it. Apart from taking care of your teeth and gums properly, regular dental check-ups to the doctor can also help prevent and treat this problem.

2. Smoking

For those of you who have a smoking habit, this could be the main trigger for a sour taste in the mouth and other health problems. Smoking can dull your taste buds and also leave a sour and unpleasant taste in the mouth.

This is because the active chemicals contained in tobacco can affect the outermost layer of the tongue and throat. This is what can cause changes in the taste perception that you experience.

3. Dehydration

Dehydration is a condition when the body loses more fluids than fluids that enter the body. This condition can make the mouth dry or sticky, resulting in unpleasant tastes, including a sour or metallic taste.

To deal with dehydration, make sure you are getting enough water every day. At least you are advised to drink 6-8 glasses of water per day so that your body is well hydrated.

4. Sinus infection

Having problems with the sinuses in the nose can also cause a stuffy nose so that the mouth feels sour. This is because the senses of taste and the senses of smell are closely related. Apart from sinusitis, other health conditions such as flu and colds as well as allergies can also cause sour mouth.

5. Effects of drugs and supplements

Some medicines can cause your mouth to get sour or have a metallic taste when you take them. Medicines that can cause this include:

• Antibiotics
• Antidepressants
• Antihistamines
• Steroids
• Blood pressure medication
• Antifungal drugs
• Diuretic drugs
• Osteoporosis drugs.

Apart from medication, taking vitamin and mineral supplements can also cause your mouth to taste metallic or sour. Vitamin supplements with heavy metal content, such as copper, zinc, or chromium can cause your mouth to feel metallic after consuming them.

Vitamin and mineral supplements for pregnant women that contain iron or calcium can also cause this. The sour or metallic taste will disappear after your body fully absorbs the supplements you are taking.

6. Pregnancy

You can also feel dysgeusia when you are pregnant. This is caused by hormonal changes that occur in the body during pregnancy. This is normal in the early stages of pregnancy and will disappear over time. Changes in taste on the tongue may also cause loss of appetite in pregnant women.

7. GERD

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a digestive disorder characterized by repeated long-term reflux of gastric acid. Gastric acid that flows back into the esophagus not only causes a burning feeling, but also creates a sour or bitter taste in the mouth.

GERD can be triggered by obesity problems, consumption of certain types of food, consumption of drugs, stress, and bad habits, such as smoking and drinking alcohol.

8. Kidney failure and diabetes

Kidney failure is one of the causes dysgeusia serious and you need to be aware of. The buildup of substances that are not used by the body in the kidneys can cause bad breath and a disturbing sour taste. You may also lose your appetite because of this.

Apart from kidney failure, people with diabetes can also feel it dysgeusia . If diabetes is not handled properly, it can lead to kidney failure later on.

9. After chemotherapy

Chemotherapy, which involves radiation to your head and neck, can also cause symptoms dysgeusia . Chemotherapy in this area can cause damage to the taste buds and salivary glands, which can sometimes cause sour mouth. This usually only happens temporarily and then goes away on its own.

10. Aging

Aging factors can also be one of the causes of the condition dysgeusia . Quoting the statement of dr. Amber Tully from Cleveland Clinic , the increasing age of a person causes taste buds (taste buds) getting smaller and less sensitive. This can affect taste, including creating an excess sour taste in the mouth.

How to deal with a sour mouth?

The sour sensation in the mouth is generally temporary and will go away on its own, so you shouldn't have to worry. To be able to solve the problem dysgeusia which causes the mouth to taste sour, of course, must be adjusted to the factors that cause it.

If the cause comes from bad habits and is relatively mild, there are a number of things you can do, including:

• Stop taking any medications or supplements until the discomfort in your mouth is normal. If it can't be stopped, first consult your doctor to change the drugs or supplements that you have to take.
• It is better to reduce or better stop smoking.
• Consume more drinking water to prevent dry mouth, which can be caused by aging factors, chemotherapy processes, or Sjogren's syndrome.
• Maintain oral hygiene by brushing your teeth properly and regularly twice a day, using dental floss (dental floss), and mouthwash.

However, if the mouth feels sour due to serious disease factors, such as diabetes, kidney failure, sinusitis, or GERD digestive disorders, you should consult a doctor immediately.

The doctor will determine the appropriate handling and treatment method, according to the complaints you are experiencing.