If you've ever had a cold sore on your lip or mouth, you most likely have herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). While the name might sound intimidating at first, this is a widespread virus that affects people worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 3.7 billion people under 50 have it. So it's an understatement to say that you are not alone! But sometimes, herpes can affect the esophagus, the tube that carries liquids and foods from your mouth to your stomach. Known as herpes esophagitis, this infection can be a more serious issue than a cold sore. Let's go over its symptoms, treatment options, and how to prevent it.
Esophagitis is the general term for any irritation, swelling, or inflammation of the esophagus. Note that esophagitis is most commonly caused by acid reflux. So even if you are diagnosed with esophagitis, it does not necessarily mean you have herpes. Other infections can cause esophagitis too. The fungus Candida, for example, which is also responsible for oral thrush, usually manifests into esophagitis in people with weakened immune systems. But this article focuses specifically on HSV-caused esophagitis. If you have difficulty swallowing or pain in your throat, herpes esophagitis may be diagnosed by your dental or medical professional.
Types of HSV
Herpes is a widespread viral infection that affects most of the world. While people can be asymptomatic, herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), noted above, can result in cold sores inside or around the mouth. But did you know that, according to the WHO, most people who have HSV-1 don't even know they have it? This is because HSV can remain dormant until an illness or other condition triggers it to manifest into sores.
Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) is predominantly associated with sores in the genital area, usually transmitted through sexual activity. Both types of the virus are contagious and can affect the mouth and genitals. HSV-1 more often causes herpes esophagitis. But HSV-2 can cause esophagitis in rare cases, most likely through oral sex. To prevent the spread, avoid sharing utensils, kissing, or engaging in sexual contact when a person carrying the virus is showing symptoms.
Symptoms of Herpes Esophagitis
It's important to note that herpes esophagitis rarely affects healthy people with functioning immune systems. It's crucial to consider this because while so many people have herpes, there's usually only a need to be on the lookout for herpes esophagitis if you have a weakened immune system. Immunocompromised groups include those with HIV/AIDS, people who have undergone an organ transplant, and those taking drugs that affect their immune system or have illnesses that weaken the immune system. Symptoms of herpes esophagitis include:
Difficult or painful swallowing
Sores in the back of the throat or esophagus
Fever
Weight loss
General discomfort
Diagnosis of Herpes Esophagitis
A dental or medical professional will likely diagnose herpes esophagitis through endoscopy, a procedure that allows them to look down your esophagus. They will visually examine the sores in the area and take tissue samples to test for virus strains that will confirm whether or not HSV is the cause of your infection.
Treatment and Prevention
Sometimes, herpes esophagitis can resolve on its own over several weeks. If it doesn't resolve by itself, a medical professional may need to prescribe you medication. According to MedlinePlus, the three main antiviral drugs for treating herpes esophagitis are acyclovir, famciclovir, and valacyclovir. Your medical or dental professional may also recommend that you take pain medication and eat a soft, nutrient-rich diet while the infection takes time to clear over a few days or weeks.
If you believe you have symptoms, you should see a medical or dental professional for diagnosis and treatment. Contacting your dental or medical professional will help you get started on a treatment path to reduce the severity of your symptoms and speed up the healing of your herpes outbreak.
If you have a weakened immune system, it is especially important to steer clear of possible infections and see a healthcare professional if you believe you've had herpes exposure. Mayo Clinic recommends practicing proper hygiene to reduce your chances of contracting the virus in the first place. Preventive measures include washing your hands with soap and water often, avoiding skin-to-skin contact, and not sharing items that have touched the mouth of someone experiencing an HSV outbreak.
And as general guidance for prevention and catching issues early, you should keep up with regularly scheduled medical and dental checkups. Rest assured that the HSV virus affects many people across the world, and in otherwise healthy people, it rarely results in complications such as herpes esophagitis. And if you do have herpes esophagitis, you're now equipped with the knowledge to seek treatment confidently!
According to a study in the European Journal of Dentistry, the overall success rate of endodontic treatment, such as a root canal, ranges between 86% to 98%. While the vast majority of treatments go smoothly, these statistics indicate that a small percentage of patients who receive an endodontic treatment develop further problems months or years later when old root canal infection symptoms return.
Read on to learn why a previously treated tooth might become problematic, what symptoms you may experience and how an endodontist can help you through endodontic retreatment.Why You May Need Retreatment After a Root CanalEven when every step of the procedure goes smoothly, a tooth that is treated with a root canal may experience prolonged sensitivity or reinfection.
According to the American Association of Endodontists (AAE), certain circumstances may prevent a tooth treated with a root canal from healing properly:If the dental professional misses tiny, hidden canals or curved canals during the first treatment, the bacteria inside them may not be entirely removed and can cause infection.
Immediately after the root canal, the dental professional often places a temporary filling to provide a short-term seal for the root canal before placing the permanent restoration (such as a crown or filling). If there is a delay in placing the permanent restoration, there is a greater chance that the root canal can get reinfected.
If bacteria in the saliva get under the filling material before the filling is placed, the canal can become reinfected.If the patient doesn't maintain proper oral hygiene, new cavities can form on the same tooth that already received a root canal.A filling or crown placed on the tooth that received the root canal can crack, loosen or break, allowing a new infection to start.
Symptoms of Lingering Endodontic ProblemsWhen any of the previous circumstances occurs with your root canal tooth, you may experience a range of symptoms.
Here are some signs that indicate it may be time to make an appointment with your dental professional, according to the AAE:
Sensitivity to hot and cold, or lingering pain after consuming hot or cold food
Sharp pain when biting down or when tapping the teeth togetherConstant pain and pressure
Swelling of the gums, with or without the presence of a pimple-like bump near the tooth on the gums
A dull ache experienced consistently in the same area.
These symptoms indicate there may be an issue with the pulp of the tooth, which is the interior portion of the tooth treated by a root canal procedure.
How a Dental Professional Can Help
Your general dentist or endodontist will usually take X-rays to assess the condition of the tooth in question. The AAE notes that endodontists are specialized dental professionals who have received two to three additional years of education to diagnose and treat infections inside the tooth.
When you experience issues with a previously treated tooth, it may be necessary for an endodontist to reopen the tooth, explains the AAE. This process, called endodontic retreatment, allows the dentist to remove the original root canal filling material and reclean and reseal the canals. Following this procedure, they will place a temporary filling and you will receive your permanent restoration at a later appointment.
If you have a severe toothache or other old root canal infection symptoms, don't hesitate to book an appointment with your dentist. When these conditions are addressed early, your dental professional can successfully retreat teeth and maintain your smile.
Individuals who think they have soft teeth most likely find themselves visiting the dentist more frequently because of tooth sensitivity, cavities, toothaches, and other issues regardless of how diligently they stick to their oral health care routine. Some people also claim that after having children, as they age, or endure other life changes, they observe a decline in their oral health.
Others may attribute “soft teeth” to their family history, which makes them believe their gene pool makes them more vulnerable to cavities and decay. The truth is — you are in control of your own oral health and teeth. That said, let’s take a closer look at the idea of “soft teeth” and what you can do to prevent oral discomfort.
What Causes People to Believe They Have “Soft Teeth”?
Heartburn or acid reflux may make your teeth more susceptible to cavities caused by damaged enamel. When stomach acid travels into your esophagus and mouth, your teeth are exposed to its erosive properties. The damage caused as a result is worse than that of sugar, soda, and other cavity-causing substances.
Here are additional potential factors that can contribute to weakened enamel and the perception of soft teeth:
Malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies
Genetic
Environmental factors like Fluoride in the running water
Bacteria and dental decay
Trauma
Infections in baby teeth
Misconceptions About “Soft Teeth”
Many incorrectly believe certain events cause their teeth to become soft, including pregnancy, breastfeeding, a diabetes diagnosis, and more. However, if you develop cavities, they are most likely from a poor diet and/or oral hygiene regimen. Significant life changes or traumas could contribute to an alteration in your oral health, but unlikely to result in your teeth softening.
What Is Amelogenesis Imperfecta?
While ‘soft teeth’ is a myth, a condition called amelogenesis imperfecta may be the culprit. This is a congenital disorder that causes the tooth enamel to be improperly formed or too thin, causing it to appear uneven, brown, or pitted. Those with this condition can experience a higher vulnerability to cavities and decay, especially if their diet consists of acidic food or beverages.
Those that believe they have the condition actually have teeth that are less likely to withstand everyday wear and tear, even with optimal daily hygiene. Fortunately, there are measures you can take to make them less cavity-prone and able to withstand everyday use.
How Can I Prevent Cavities and Keep My Teeth Strong?
Here are practical ways to ensure your oral health:
Brush two times and floss at least once per day.
Consider investing in an electric toothbrush for a more thorough clean that won’t damage your teeth and gums
Limit foods high in sugars and starch
Swap out sugary sodas and juices for water, as water helps wash away food particles and bacteria
Keep up with periodic dental exams.
If you or your child experience tooth pain or sensitivity, consult a professional dentist to receive dental cleaning service, learn more about periodontal treatment, and determine a care plan that helps prevent cavities. For more information or to schedule an appointment with our team, contact us today!
Whether you are experiencing a dull and achy or sharp and throbbing pain, dental pain can throw you off your routine. When dealing with dental pain, normal activities like talking, chewing, and sleeping become difficult, and it can be difficult to maintain focus. Depending on the cause of the pain, and the severity of the problem, treatment can either be as simple as adjusting your oral hygiene or as complicated as undergoing oral surgery. If your mouth doesn’t feel right, make an appointment with a dentist to have it looked at.
At the Dental Center of Norcross, our dentists can help you resolve the issues associated with dental pain. Reach out to us online today or call us at 678.504.6422 for a consultation.
REASONS FOR DENTAL PAIN
Tooth Decay
Tooth decay is arguably is the most common reason why people experience tooth pain. Tooth decay itself does not necessarily cause pain, especially if it is in its early stages. However, when the decay reaches the dentin, the inner layer of the tooth and the surrounding area may hurt. If the decay progresses beyond the dentin and reaches the center of the tooth, you will likely experience increasingly intense and sharp pain. If not addressed, tooth decay can lead to more severe dental problems.
Tooth Abscess
When tooth decay advances to the point of affecting the root beneath the visible tooth, the root and the surrounding tissue have likely been affected. As a result, you may experience pulsating, consistent pain that makes it hard for you to identify the precise location or root cause. When this happens, you should seek prompt medical attention as it can lead to severe oral and dental problems such as bone and tissue loss.
Gum Disease
If you are experiencing a dull, aching pain in the mouth, bleeding gums, or toothache, you may have gum disease. In most cases, gum disease is a result of inflammation of oral bone or the gums. When left untreated, gum disease can cause loss of teeth, gums, and bone.
Tooth Fracture
Chipped, cracked, or otherwise fractured teeth are most often the result of dental trauma. At first, a chipped or damaged tooth may not hurt, but you will experience some pain when the tooth damage worsens. If your fractured tooth is painful, the fracture has likely reached the nerve ending, in which case it is essential that you reach out to a dental professional.
Sensitivity to Temperature
Does your tooth hurt during or after eating or drinking something cold or hot? It is likely that your enamel has worn down and that your tooth’s dentin has been exposed to these temperatures. Before the pain becomes worse, consult with your dentist about mitigating the pain and treatment options.
Filling Damage
If your tooth has a groove or fracture, your dentist may recommend dental fillings to protect the vulnerable parts of the tooth. When these fillings wear out and the delicate parts of the tooth are exposed to temperatures and food particles, you may suffer tooth pain ranging from mild, dull pain to a sharper sensation. If you notice that your filling or sealant is damaged, be sure to visit a dentist to have it fixed before the tooth suffers further damage.
Teeth Grinding
Teeth grinding, also known as “bruxism,” commonly leads to dental pain. People with bruxism grind their teeth when they are asleep, when they are in stressful situations, or both. As a result of excessive teeth grinding, a person may suffer sore jawbones, headaches, or even chipped or cracked teeth.
Dental pain, regardless of its degree, is not something you can afford to ignore. Maintaining good oral hygiene and seeking medical attention from your dentist are the best courses of action.
When it comes to taking care of your smile, it’s probably your teeth that get most of your attention, but in reality, your gums matter just as much for your oral health. Without healthy gums, a strong and attractive smile is basically impossible! September is actually National Gum Care Month, so today, we’re going to cover how to prevent, detect, and treat the biggest threat to their health: gum disease.
WHAT IS GUM DISEASE?
If you don’t brush and floss regularly, plaque and tartar can accumulate on your teeth and lead to cavities, and you’ve probably known about this since you were a small child. But, these substances can also cause an infection to develop that attacks your gums. This is gum disease, and it’s actually the most common oral health problem in the world. Your gums provide essential support for your teeth and protect the delicate enamel located around the roots, so when gum disease bacteria begins to break this tissue down, it can lead to all kinds of unpleasant symptoms:
Gums that bleed easily
Redness, swelling, and tenderness
Chronic bad breath
Gum recession
Loose teeth
Tooth loss
In fact, gum disease is the leading cause of adult tooth loss around the world, and there is an increasing number of studies that show it’s linked to an increased risk of diabetes, heart disease, and even Alzheimer’s.
THE 1-2-3 OF PREVENTING GUM DISEASE
Fortunately, preventing this infection is relatively straightforward, and you’re probably already familiar with the best ways to do it. This breaks down into three simple steps:
Brush your teeth at least twice a day for two minutes each, paying special attention to clean the area where your teeth and gums meet.
Floss once in the evening. When flossing, don’t simply “saw” the floss back and forth—be sure to move it up and down the side of each tooth to remove any plaque and bacteria your brush missed.
Every six months, visit your dentist for a checkup and cleaning. A hygienist will be able to remove plaque and tartar from those areas of your mouth that your tools at home can’t reach.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU HAVE GUM DISEASE?
If one or more of the symptoms above sound familiar, then you’re far from alone, as it’s estimated that about 75% of the US adult population has at least a mild form of gum disease. As soon as you think there is an issue, the best thing you can do is contact your dentist. With a quick exam, they’ll be able to determine whether or not you have the infection, and if you do, they can offer a variety of solutions:
A special cleaning called scaling & root planing that specifically removes plaque, tartar, and bacteria from below the gum line.
Topical antibiotics that eliminate bacteria in the small spaces between your teeth and gums.
For advanced cases, they can refer you to a trusted specialist (periodontist) who can offer more involved services like gum surgery and treatments for gum recession.
Whether we’re sitting in the dentist’s chair or not, when we hear the word “plaque,” we know it’s not a good thing. But what exactly is dental plaque, and why is it related to so many oral health issues?
What Is Plaque, Exactly?
Simply put, dental plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that is constantly forming on our teeth. This bacteria feeds off sugars from foods left on teeth (due to improper brushing), producing acids in the process. These acids attack tooth enamel and can cause it to break down. Since many things we eat and drink during the day contain some sort of sugar, that acid production could be happening all day long!
What Health Issues Can Plaque Cause?
Poor brushing habits allow the acids produced by dental plaque to slowly eat away at tooth enamel, which is what causes cavities. Plaque that is left on teeth for too long can also form into a hard substance called tartar. Calculus (tartar) can form anywhere on the exposed tooth surface, and can only be removed by a dentist or hygienist during dental cleanings.
Untreated plaque doesn’t just go after our teeth — it can also affect our gums. Gum disease (or periodontal disease) is typically caused by plaque and can unleash all sorts of not-fun scenarios like bleeding gums, a receding gum line, and potentially, tooth loss.
So even though we all deal with plaque, if we don’t fight it daily, it can create a boatload of issues.
How to Fight Back Against Plaque
Brushing twice a day and flossing are two of the best ways to fight against plaque. Making sure you schedule regular dental cleanings is another way to keep your mouth safe.
You may have been startled at one time or another at the appearance of your tongue being white in colour. This is typically harmless and can occur either on the entire top of the tongue or just a portion. In rare occurrences, a white tongue can be caused by something more serious. It is essential to monitor signs and symptoms if you are experiencing a white tongue and see your dentist if there is no improvement after a couple of weeks.
Typical Causes of a White Tongue
A common cause of a white tongue is poor oral hygiene. This occurs when plaque and bacteria form on the tongue, giving it a coated appearance. This white coating is easily cleanable with a toothbrush or tongue scraper. Other causes of a white tongue are dry mouth, dehydrating, breathing through the mouth at night, eating a diet high in carbohydrates, trauma to the tongue such as biting it, smoking and drinking alcohol.
Less Common White Tongue Causes
Oral Thrush – This is an oral infection caused by a build-up of candida yeast. Those with a weakened immune system are more at risk of oral thrush, such as people with diabetes, HIV/AIDS, or certain deficiencies such as iron or vitamin B. Additionally; oral thrush can be caused by the use of dentures, in particular, if they are not removed nightly or cleaned properly.
Leukoplakia – Consists of white patches that form on the mouth’s soft tissue, such as the cheeks, gums, floor of the mouth and tongue. The patches are typically thickened tissue and can form into oral cancer.
Oral Lichen Planus – caused by an issue with the immune system, lichen planus cause appear as white spots that form on the tongue. This is usually coupled with mouth sores and bleeding gums.
Syphilis – This is a sexually transmitted infection that can cause oral sores. If left untreated, syphilis can cause leukoplakia spots on the tongue called syphilis leukoplakia.
When to See a Dentist
It is essential to see a dentist if the white coating stays persistently on the tongue after a couple of weeks, even with cleaning it. In addition, if there is a burning sensation, pain, trouble chewing or talking, open sores, fever or weight loss.
Brushing your teeth twice daily is just not enough to maintain your oral hygiene, since the bristles of the brush may not reach the tight spaces between your teeth. Along with brushing flossing is equally important. Now many may think why floss when all is well? But, not flossing may cost you future cavities. If a person doesn’t floss, he is on the wrong road of oral hygiene. Between the teeth are the prime spots where the plaque can accumulate and then lead to calculus formation over time, which can lead to premature loss of natural teeth.
Even though you do floss every day, doing it in a hurry won’t do good to you as it will be equal to not flossing. This is the very reason why many people usually avoid flossing. When the procedure of flossing is correctly followed, it can help to prevent further alternatives that can take place in the oral cavity like gingivitis i.e., inflammation of the gums (swelling of gums), periodontitis(infections of the gums and the underlying bone), loosening of teeth etc. Flossing should be done with plenty of time in hand, but the question that actually arises and causes a dilemma between the floss users is “when is the right time to floss? Morning or night?” Half of the population prefer flossing in the morning while the other half prefer flossing in the night itself.
Night time- Best time
Throughout the day we are always munching something thereby keeping our oral cavity busy. It is recommended that after every meal one should gargle properly and if possible, just run a finger over the surface of the tooth surfaces, if the time permits for the individual, then flossing can also be done to prevent plaque accumulation between the teeth. In order to keep the oral cavity at its utmost best, flossing can be done in the night before one goes to bed, because this is time when we do not consume food.
The morning hustle
The morning hustle restricts people to using only a toothbrush and a toothpaste to maintain their oral hygiene. Flossing is usually not on the to-do list for many. During the night, each individual can brush and floss according to their time duration and pace that they are comfortable with. Cleaning between the teeth, prevents damage to the gums and surrounding tooth structure, thereby giving the best oral health possible. The time duration since the individual sleeps to the time he wakes up and consumes something is longer than compared during the day. By flossing at night also helps the fluoride in the toothpaste to reach the interdental areas effectively thereby remineralizing the spaces between the teeth.
Studies conducted have said that it’s better to floss at night as the level of saliva production goes down in the night thereby increasing the tendency of cavity preparation after some time interval, therefore flossing at night had turned to be beneficial for the user as it helps to reduce the bacterial count between the teeth
No more second thoughts about flossing
Flossing is not an option. They say floss your teeth only the ones you want to keep. With the right technique and proper flossing material you can ace the dental hygiene routine. Night-time flossing is beneficial for everyone as they have ample amount of time at their hand for the proper care of their oral hygiene. People who follow the proper regime of oral hygiene have a better future scenario for their oral health as they age.
Highlights
Night time flossing anytime better than flossing in the morning
Plenty of time available for flossing in the night
Bacteria build up and calculus formation reduced
After bed time there is no consumption of food
Night time and morning flossing helps reduced plaque growth, which in turn helps the toothpaste to reach interdental spaces
Healthy gums should look pink and firm. They may be darker around the sides of the mouth and lighter around the teeth. Some people may have slightly lighter or darker gums to begin with. They should not bleed when you brush them or when you use floss.
My gums are sore… do I have gum disease (Gingivitis)?
Gingivitis is the clinical term given to a mild form of gum disease. It typically presents as red, or purple swollen gums which bleed easily when touched. Persistent bad breath (halitosis) or a bad taste in the mouth are further signs of the presence of gum disease. If the gums seem to be pulling away from the teeth, or alternatively, if they are very inflamed and are making the teeth look shorter – then this may be another sign of gum disease being present in the mouth.
Why can I see white areas on my gums?
Plaque build-up in the mouth and along the gum line can cause the gums to appear white. Dental plaque is a film of sticky bacteria that can form around, or in between your teeth after you eat or drink anything. If the plaque is left around the teeth for a certain period of time, it can form harder deposits known as calculus or tartar. Plaque build-up can lead to bad breath, bad taste and over the longer-term could lead to gum disease, which in turn can cause loose teeth and in severe cases even tooth loss.
How can I practice good oral hygiene?
To prevent gum disease and reduce plaque build-up, you should be practicing good oral hygiene at home. It is very important to not only brush your teeth, but yours gums as well (which a lot of people forget to do). As part of your daily oral hygiene routine, you should be brushing your teeth and gums twice a day using a soft brush and a fluoride toothpaste. Flossing and using interdental brushes to clean in between your teeth will also help remove plaque deposits and food debris.
How can I treat my sore gums?
If you have sore gums, we recommend having them checked by a dentist in order to determine if gum disease is present and obtaining tailored advice as how to best treat it. It may be that a hygiene treatment is advised to remove any plaque and tartar build up – allowing you to clean your gums more efficiently and easily at home.
How can I make my gums healthier?
There are a number of things we recommend to make your gums healthier, and to look after them as well as possible:
Use an electric toothbrush; it really makes the job easier
Brush your teeth thoroughly, at least twice a day
Use a tongue scraper
Floss daily
Massage your gums; some newer, more expensive toothbrushes which stimulate your gumline when you brush, but it is possible to do with less expensive ones too
Use mouthwash and toothpaste which is designed for receding gums
Visit a Dentist at least twice a year for a dental examination and hygiene (scale and polish) appointment to remove plaque.
Sour cream is great on a baked potato. Heavy metal is great to work out to. But a sour or metallic taste in your mouth is not great. Occasional bad tastes are one thing, perhaps triggered by too many cups of coffee. But when it becomes more frequent, that sour taste is worth getting to the bottom of it. What's the cause of these sour and metallic tastes? What does it mean? How can you prevent it? Check out all of those answers below.
What Causes the Condition?
Before getting to the cause, let's identify it first. What you may be experiencing is commonly referred to as dysgeusia (or parageusia). This taste disorder leaves your tongue and mouth with a very unpleasant lingering sensation. It's often described as a bitter, metallic, or sour taste perception. And many factors could cause it. Taste disorders, like dysgeusia, can be caused by:
InfectionInfections to your teeth, gums, mouth, or throat cause swelling, reduce taste bud blood flow, and can alter your taste.
InflammationTaste pores can close up if your tongue is swollen and inflamed.
Vitamin or mineral deficienciesShortages in certain minerals and vitamins, especially B12 and zinc, can affect your sense of taste.
Dry mouthWhen there's a lack of saliva flow, dry mouth is very common, causing your taste receptors to not being stimulated.
Medication side effectsACE inhibitors, antibiotics, diuretics, and chemotherapy agents can all affect your ability to taste.
Nerve damage or traumaIf you've been in a traumatic accident on the tongue, neck, or have had Bell's palsy or other ear surgeries, your taste could be affected.
Neurologic disordersMS, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's disease can all decrease your taste.
Metabolic changesKidney disease, diabetes, pregnancy, and hypothyroidism can all cause taste disturbances.
Tobacco useAll forms of tobacco (smoking, chewing tobacco, etc.) can affect your tongue, throat, mouth, and tasting ability.
Acid reflux or GERDSuffers of gastroesophageal reflux disease often experience a sour taste in their mouth.
Oral hygieneBad breath and an unpleasant taste in your mouth can be attributed to poor oral hygiene — making proper oral care and regular dental checkups imperative.
Ways to Prevent Sour Tongue
Preventing and treating sour tongue or dysgeusia really depends on the cause of it. There are many things that you could try. Some are just sensible decisions when it comes to good oral care, and some are recommended by the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery:
HydrateDrinking plenty of water can help wash the sour taste away and stimulate saliva flow.
Sugarless gumChewing sugar-free gum stimulates your saliva flow and help eliminate the bad taste associated with dry mouth.
Dietary changesIf suffering from GERD, avoid foods that may irritate your stomach, like tomatoes, citrus fruits, caffeine, chocolate, or soda, leading to higher levels of acid reflux.
Vitamins and mineralsSupplementing specific or multi-vitamins could help if deficient.
Switching medicationsIf possible, your doctor can adjust certain medication levels or change to a different one to help restore your taste.
Avoid alcohol and tobaccoHabitual use of these can have long-term health effects on your body, and your sense of taste may only be the beginning.
Proper oral careSee your dentist for your regular checkups on top of routine brushing, flossing, and antibacterial mouth rinse to eliminate the bad breath and sour taste.
Sometimes, the cause of a sour tongue is out of your hands. And sometimes, your sense of taste will return to normal after you've taken all of your medication, delivered your baby, or managed your GERD. But you and your dentist can do your part to eliminate the sour taste by caring for your teeth, gums, tongue, and mouth. Which, is actually pretty sweet.