Most people worry when they experience a bitter, metallic or unpleasant taste in their mouth.
Any change in gustatory perception and an unexplained taste in the mouth, however, could be a sign of a problem.
This applies to experiencing the sweet taste for no reason.
When is a sweet taste in the mouth a reason to worry and when is it something that will simply go away on its own?
There are several important things to know about the condition and its primary causes.
Sweet Taste in the Mouth: An Overview
A sweet taste in the mouth is characterized by a constant sensation that’s similar to what people will experience after consuming candy or a sugary drink.
People that have had a sweet taste in their mouth say that it’s fruity and potent. This constant sensation isn’t linked to the consumption of foods, it’s simply present at all times.
Experiencing sweet taste in the mouth can be quite unsettling. It’s far from a serious problem on its own but a sweet taste in the mouth can interfere with enjoying foods and feel good.
It’s also important to keep in mind that a sweet taste could be the sign of a medical condition.(1)
If the issue persists for a couple of days, it would be a good idea to see a physician.
Causes of Sweet Taste
Several medical conditions could contribute to experiencing a constant sweet taste in the mouth.
The most common medical problems include the following:
1) GERD
GERD stands for gastroesophageal reflux disorder. It’s characterized by an acid imbalance in the stomach.
This is the main reason why people suffering from GERD could experience a strange and persistent taste in their mouth, including a sweet taste, according to WebMD.(2)
People that suffer from GERD will also experience a constant sensation of fullness and bloating, inability to consume certain foods, acid reflux and vomiting.
If the sweet taste in the mouth is accompanied by any of the mentioned symptoms, a medical diagnosis will be required.
2) Diabetes
When the body isn’t capable of producing enough insulin, a glucose spike will occur.
The condition is known as diabetes and, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, an unexplained sweet taste in the mouth is one of the symptoms.(3)
Diabetes changes the composition of saliva, which leads to a change in taste.
Some other accompanying symptoms include constant thirst, neurological disturbances, an increase in appetite and increased urination.
Diabetes is a serious medical condition that can be life-threatening.
If you’re at a higher risk of developing the condition, you should seek medical attention immediately upon acknowledging the unusual symptoms.
3) Infections
Various types of infections could contribute to an unexplained sweet taste in the mouth. Infections are both of viral and bacterial origins.
A few viruses have the ability to affect the nerves that are connected to experiencing certain tastes.
Bacterial infections are more prone to affecting the sinuses. People that have blocked sinuses may experience changes in taste, according to the National Institutes of Health’s Web site.(4)
4) Neurological disorders
The example given above explains how nerve damage could change the taste.(5) Nerve damage isn’t always caused by viral activity.
Several neurological disorders could contribute to a persistent sweet taste.
Epilepsy and other seizure disorders may sometimes have sweet taste as their symptom.(6)
5) Dietary deficiencies
Less commonly, an unpleasant sweet taste in the mouth could be caused by a dietary deficiency. A zinc, folic acid or vitamin B deficiency could contribute to changes in taste.(7,8,9)
Usually, when sweet taste in the mouth occurs on its own and disappears in a couple of days, it’s not to be considered a major problem.
When it is accompanied by other symptoms, however, the wisest thing to do would be to seek medical attention.
The sooner a problem gets diagnosed, the easier the treatment’s going to be.
Sweet Taste and Pregnancy
According to the official website of the National Health Service in England, many ladies that are expecting a baby report a persistent and troubling taste in the mouth (which many women describe as metallic).(10)
Very often, a metallic taste in the mouth is described as an early sign of pregnancy. It isn’t the only gustatory change, however.
Many women report changes in taste during their pregnancy…
One of the common reasons why a constant sweet taste could occur while expecting a baby is that many pregnant women experience gastrointestinal issues, including acid reflux.(11)
These digestive problems often lead to changes in taste.
Though the symptom is usually an isolated occurrence that will go away on its own, it’s a good idea to talk to a physician and rule out gestational diabetes mellitus.
As the name indicates, this is a type of diabetes that’s diagnosed during pregnancy.
The issue affects approximately seven percent of all pregnant women and the most prominent risk factors for its development include:(12,13)
» Family history of type 2 diabetes
» Being in a pre-diabetic condition prior to getting pregnant
» Being overweight or obese
» Age of 25 or older at the time of pregnancy
» Having had a previous pregnancy with the birth of a baby weighing 10 pounds (4.5 kg) or more
» Having had a previous pregnancy that led to gestational diabetes
Diagnostic Process
Physicians know which medical conditions are most likely to cause a sweet taste in the mouth.
They’ll do a thorough physical and order a couple of lab exams to rule out the most prominent conditions.
Usually, physicians will check for digestive issues first. These are most common and they typically contribute to an altered taste.
If you have diabetes risk factors, your blood glucose levels will be checked out, as well.
Common Treatments
The treatment for an unpleasant sweet taste in the mouth will depend entirely on the condition that’s causing the symptom.
If the sweet taste is an isolated occurrence, your doctor will suggest waiting for the problem to get resolved on its own.
The treatment for GERD is complex and it involves the use of antacids to neutralize stomach acid, medications that keep acid production at a healthy level and diet changes.
The treatment for type 2 diabetes is insulin therapy, diet changes, regular exercise and regular blood sugar monitoring.
Alternative Treatments
Alternative medicine has a couple of solutions that you can rely on if you’re not suffering from a serious condition like nerve damage or type 2 diabetes.
Improving digestion is one of the most important factors for getting rid of any weird taste, including the constant sweetness.
You may want to try probiotic supplements or foods rich in probiotics.
Probiotic-containing foods include yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, kimchi and miso soup. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria that maintain balance in the intestines and that contribute to improved digestion.
Digestive enzyme supplements are equally beneficial – they make it possible for the GI organs to break down foods.(14)
The market features numerous such supplements. You’ll simply have to read online reviews and educate yourself about the quality of such products.(Learn more at Amazon)
If you’re experiencing a nutritional deficiency, you’ll need to make your diet healthier and more balanced.
Such a decision will be tremendously important for improving your overall health and reducing the burden on the gastrointestinal tract.
Consume more fresh fruits and veggies. Reduce the intake of processed foods, sugar and unhealthy fats.
Keep yourself properly hydrated and you’ll soon notice that your digestive tract is getting regulated and you’re decreasing the prominence of symptoms.
Remember that alternative therapies shouldn’t replace the treatment for a medical condition!
They can be used as a form of supportive therapy.
Always talk to your physician and discuss the alternative therapies that you’re interested in.
Conclusion: Dealing with a Sweet Taste in the Mouth
On occasions, a constant sweet taste in the mouth could be the symptom of a medical condition.
If this is the case, it will usually be accompanied by additional symptoms. Don’t hesitate to seek medical attention.
Ruling out serious problems will make it easier to deal with the issue.
Are you suffering from constant sweet taste in the mouth all the time?
If so, you’ll need to do the following in order to overcome the problem:
• Keep your eyes open and identify any accompanying symptoms – these can give you a better idea about whether you’re suffering from a medical problem like GERD or diabetes
• Talk to your physician
• Go through the necessary exams to rule out medical issues
• If the sweet taste isn’t caused by a medical problem, you’ll simply have to wait for the issue to resolve on its own
• Alternatively, stick to the treatment prescribed by your doctor
• Changes in diet and supplementation could also make it possible to overcome sweet taste in the mouth faster
References
(1)http://www.aafp.org/afp/2000/0115/p427.html
(2)http://www.webmd.com/heartburn-gerd/tc/gastroesophageal-reflux-disease-gerd-symptoms
(3)http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-topics/Diabetes/prevent-diabetes-problems/Pages/keep-your-mouth-healthy.aspx
(4)https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003050.htm
(5)http://nihseniorhealth.gov/problemswithtaste/aboutproblemswithtaste/01.html
(6)http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/epilepsy/detail_epilepsy.htm
(7)http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2009-02-15/features/0902110331_1_taste-sensations-taste-buds-folic-acid
(8)http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3574592/
(9)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dysgeusia
(10)http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/pages/signs-and-symptoms-pregnancy.aspx#close
(11)http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2967327/
(12)http://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/26/suppl_1/s103.full
(13)http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2582643/
(14)http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19152478
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