Loss of taste is a common symptom of several diseases and issues. While taste problems are common, and often not serious on its own, a complete lack of taste is extremely rare. Your dentist in Cary shares more about the loss of taste, reasons you could be experiencing it, and some common symptoms that come along with it.
What Can Cause a Lack of Taste?
There are many reasons that you could be experiencing a lack of taste. Here are some of the most common:
- Gastric reflux or heartburn: This is probably the most common cause for a lack of taste. When stomach acid is regurgitated into the mouth, it produces a loss of normal taste. This can result in a taste that’s often described as acidic or metallic.
- Sinusitis: With sinusitis, inflammation interferes with the ability of your sinuses to drain, therefore you experience a loss of your sense of smell and taste.
- Poor dental hygiene: With poor oral hygiene, including tobacco usage, comes bacterial growth in the mouth. This can contribute to a lack of taste.
- Certain medications: Some antibiotics, radiation therapy, and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors can cause taste issues that can take many months to resolve on their own. If the mouth is the direct target of radiation therapy, then it can be permanent.
- Nutrient Deficiency: Lacking certain necessary nutrients, like B-12 and zinc, could cause you to lose taste due to nerve dysfunction or damage.
What Other Symptoms Occur with a Lack of Taste?
Lacking taste doesn’t cause issues on its own, but when it’s a sign of another problem, other signs can be related.
Gastrointestinal Symptoms
If your lack of taste is brought on by gastrointestinal issues, you may also experience the following symptoms:
- Abdominal pain
- Cough
- Indigestion
- Bloating
- Heartburn
Nasal and Sinus Symptoms
If you have sinusitis, you may also experience these symptoms:
- Headaches
- Postnasal drip
- Nasal congestion
- Fever
How Do I Know if it’s Serious?
In certain cases, if you have loss of taste, it could indicate a serious, life threatening condition such as oral cancer, stroke, head injury, or brain tumor. Seek immediate medical care if you’re experiencing any of the following:
- High fever
- Weakness or numbness on one side of the body
- Changes in vision or speech
If you’re concerned about your taste, give your dentist in Cary a call. He will be happy to help you get to the root of the problem.
About the Author
Dr. Bikram Singh provides a wide array of services at his practice in Cary, NC. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. He also receive advanced training at the Royal London Hospital in the UK and attended a General Practice Residency program at Sacred Heart Hospital in Allentown, PA. For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit hiswebsite or call (919) 460-5454.