Sweet taste in the mouth

Unlike the metallic taste , the truth is that the sweet taste in the mouth is to the liking of practically everyone. It is linked to very appetizing foods, such as sweets or fruits. However, there are people who have a permanently sweet taste in the mouth. It is not a disease in itself, but it is a symptom that can indicate different disorders. Therefore, it is important to pay special attention to it.

Taste

There are four types of tastes : bitter, sour, salty and sweet. The sense of taste is found on the tongue, and each different type of taste is lodged within the taste buds.

When food is chewed, it mixes with saliva and comes into contact with the taste buds . The latter are in charge of sending the messages related to taste to the brain. The brain is in charge of processing the messages received, thus identifying the different tastes.

Those who suffer from taste disorders may feel flavors that do not really exist, not perceive any flavor and even not differentiate the flavors of the food they eat.

What is the sweet taste in the mouth?

Having a sweet taste in the mouth is something that we have all felt from time to time in life. This is completely normal when we eat a sweet food. The problem occurs when this flavor remains even without having eaten this type of food.

Consistently tasting sweet is an alteration of the sense of taste . Although a priori it may seem that it is not unpleasant, the truth is that it can be very annoying. And it is that this alteration can prevent recognizing other flavors, which negatively affects the diet and, therefore, the state of health of the organism.

Dysgeusia – what is it?

The dysgeusia is as known to taste disorders, that is, any alteration of this. Depending on the food eaten, everyone feels that their taste changes. Instead, dysgeusia is an alteration that remains over time.

A “sweetish” taste in the mouth is very normal, although sometimes it can also respond to a symptom of diseases such as diabetes or gastroesophageal reflux .

What are the causes of sweet taste in the mouth

Digestion problems

One of the main problems in the digestive system that can lead to this alteration in taste is gastroesophageal reflux . Reflux occurs when the input of food functions as an outlet. The most common symptoms of this disorder are: frequent vomiting, heartburn, burning in the chest and a sweet taste in the mouth.

Alteration in the nervous system

The taste buds play a very important role in the body. They are responsible for sending information about the taste of food to the brain through the nervous system . If a certain alteration is suffered, the neural connections can be affected, so that the information that the brain receives is not correct.

Ketosis

Following a healthy and balanced diet is essential for good health. The body needs to receive nutrients in order to perform its functions. Fats are responsible for providing energy, which, when eliminated, are transformed into a waste that receives the name of ketone. Well, this residue is the cause of this alteration in the sense of taste.

The ketosis is a relatively common disorder in people who follow diets low in carbohydrates. Do not forget that carbohydrates are the main source of energy, both physical and mental.

These types of diets are specially designed to lose many kilos in a short period of time. They are known as “miracle diets”, in which the consumption of legumes, bread, rice, pasta is restricted … Therefore, the body is forced to obtain the nutrients it needs from fats.

Ketosis also occurs in people with diabetes who do not undergo any treatment, perhaps because they have not yet been diagnosed with the disease. In diabetes pictures, the body is not able to use the sugar present in the blood for energy.

Pseudomonas infection

The pseudomonas is a bacteria that can cause mild infections external or internal bass. If they attack the taste buds, the sweet taste may appear in the mouth. This alteration is easy to diagnose. All you need is a blood test. If this test confirms the pseudomonas infection, if it is mild, the treatment is simple with antibiotics.

Medicines

Another possible cause is taking certain medications . The sweet taste in the mouth is a side effect of a large number of antibiotics, and it can occur both as soon as you take the medicine and hours later. In any case, do not interrupt treatment. The best thing is to go to the doctor and consult the problem.

Exercise

This is one of the most common causes of sweet taste. There are many people who after exercising feel their mouth “sweet.” This alteration is explained because, when exercising, you sweat, and therefore, once the training is finished, the body needs to ingest more carbohydrates to recover the lost nutrients .

Thus, the whole body is focused towards this goal, including the sense of taste . The sweet taste therefore appears because the body needs to eat foods rich in salt. That is why sports drinks include very little sugar.

Lung cancer

This is the least frequent cause of all, although it is also important to mention it. When the sweet taste in the mouth is unpleasant, it can be a symptom of lung cancer . This is because there are times when this type of malignant tumor causes high levels of a hormone that alters the sense of taste.

Sweet taste in the mouth and pregnancy

This taste disturbance is relatively common in pregnant women . There is no doubt that the gestational state involves great changes in a woman’s body, both physically and mentally. Although the sweet taste is not one of the best known symptoms of pregnancy, the truth is that it usually occurs with some frequency.

In the vast majority of cases when this flavor remains for a long time, and even increased in intensity, it responds to gestational diabetes . This is a disease that arises when the pancreas is not able to bear the load, so it increases the level of sugar in the blood, urine and saliva.

Although the exact cause of gestational diabetes is not known, there are a number of risk factors: the pregnant woman is over 40 years old, chronic digestive system disorders , overweight, developmental defects in previous pregnancies, and pancreatitis.

Diagnosis

When the sweet taste in the mouth occurs throughout the day, and does not disappear even when consuming salty and even acidic foods, it is important to see a doctor.

Depending on the patient’s medical history and taking into account whether this taste alteration is accompanied by other symptoms, he will recommend performing a series of tests.

One of the most common tests is the blood test , which is used to detect any possible bacterial infection. In addition, through this analysis, blood sugar levels are determined.

If the doctor suspects a tumor, he or she can order an MRI or brain scan. These tests allow to evaluate if there is any damage to the nerves, as well as to evaluate the neurological response of the patient.

One of the possible causes of the sweet taste is gastroesophageal reflux. If the doctor believes that this is the reason for the alteration, he will recommend an endoscopy .

Once the cause is determined, the appropriate treatment will be applied . If the patient suffers from diabetes, the most appropriate treatment consists of the administration of insulin, combined with a healthy diet and the practice of exercise.

Treatment of sweet taste in the mouth

When this alteration in the sense of taste remains over time, and even affects diet and quality of life, it is important to see a doctor to rule out any type of serious disease. As we have pointed out, the sweet taste can be a symptom of disorders such as diabetes that require urgent treatment.

If the doctor performs the appropriate tests and they do not reveal any disease, but this alteration continues, it is important to make some changes in lifestyle.

The first and most important thing is to bet on a healthy and balanced diet , reducing the consumption of foods rich in carbohydrates. In addition, it is advisable not to drink too many carbonated drinks and precooked foods. To take care of your health you have to favor the consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes.

In addition, it is essential to pay special attention to oral hygiene . You have to brush your teeth after meals, in addition to using dental floss and a good oral mouthwash.

The sweet taste in the mouth does not necessarily imply a health problem. However, if there is no reason for this alteration in the sense of taste, it may be a symptom of a serious illness.

That is why this flavor remains constant, it is advisable that you go to the doctor. He will recommend which tests to carry out to rule out any type of disorder.