Constant Horrible Taste in Mouth

[Perd Hapley]

For the past couple of weeks I've had a foul taste in my mouth. It's a sort of bitter chemical taste. If you've ever used Barkeepers Friend powder to clean stainless steel, it tastes like that smells! Most foods can overpower it, but I've had some Diet Coke and that amplifies it. It's awful.

It feels like it's coming from my throat. No dental problems, I floss and brush, no tonsil stones, not had a cold or stuffy nose recently, and no digestive upset. In fact, absolutely no problems other than this disgusting taste. I have had hiccups a few times, that's unusual.

Anyone had anything like this?

[PH5121]

I had a horrible taste in my mouth which turned out to be the first symptom of an abscess.

[eybic]

Are you sure it's not some sort of acid reflux? That taste can be described as a bitter chemicalesque taste. Swig some gaviscon, if that sorts it then it's acid. Have a look online for the symptoms, I did exactly that and self diagnosed with reflux (confirmed by a discussion with the doc) I'm on tablets (omaprezole) for it and it's sorted it.

[budgie smuggler]

Yes it could be an abscess, I had a horrible metallic taste from mine.

I suppose it could also be something like a blocked saliva gland? But I should think that you would be aware of that (or the abscess) from the pain!

[Shappers24]

No sudden changes to diet? Certain diets like Keto/Atkins can lead to odd tastes in the mouth.

[speedysoprano]

My first thought is reflux- possibly "silent reflux", which you won't feel. Best get checked out.

[numtumfutunch]

Google says its an abscess or cancer

Common sense says go and see a proper doctor and be reassured its nothing to worry about

Cheers

[Lanby]

Do you feel nauseous/sick in the morning?

[CanAm]

numtumfutunch said:

Google says its an abscess or cancer

Common sense says go and see a proper doctor and be reassured its nothing to worry about

Cheers

Could be a total red herring, but my brother-in-law mentioned having a "metallic" taste in his mouth just before he had a massive stroke. As Numtumfutunch says, see your GP not PH.

[Perd Hapley]

Thanks for the replies, everyone.

Since it was the easiest path to take, I've been downing Gaviscon for the last couple of days and am pleased to say the foul taste has subsided considerably. There's still a trace of it there, but it's not like last weekend where I was choosing foods based on how they paired with it.

So I'm guessing Silent Reflux is probably what it is.

[colin79666]

Occasional reflux is common and nothing to worry about but persistent reflux needs to be checked out. If it persists go see your GP. Reflux long term isn't good and can lead to other issues like tooth erosion and, very rarely, cancer. Depending on your symptoms, age and other factors they may refer you for an endoscopy just to check there is nothing sinister going on that needs treatment.

If it bothers you at night try propping the head end of your bed up a bit (the whole bed, not just an extra pillow). A GP can prescribe medication to reduce the amount of acid produced. Being overweight and/or smoking often makes reflux worse.