Tooth decay, also known as dental caries or cavities, is a breakdown of teeth due to acids made by bacteria. The bacteria in plaque (a sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth) thrive on sugars and produce acids that destroy tooth enamel, the hard, outer layer of teeth. Once tooth decay sets in, it doesn’t get better on its own. Without treatment, tooth decay can cause pain, tooth loss and infection.
So can you actually taste tooth decay setting in? Here’s what you need to know.
What causes the taste of tooth decay?
As tooth decay progresses, it can sometimes cause a bad taste in your mouth. Here are some reasons you may taste tooth decay:
- Food debris can get trapped in cavities or broken fillings. As this debris decays, it can cause a bad odor and taste.
- The acids produced by bacteria can irritate your mouth tissues, alter your taste sensations and leave a bad taste in your mouth.
- Abscesses or infections in your tooth’s pulp (inside part containing nerves and blood vessels) can cause a foul metallic taste.
- Exposed dentin, which is the layer under the enamel, can also cause an unpleasant taste. Dentin contains tubes that connect to the pulp. When these tubes are exposed due to decay, stimuli like cold, heat or sugar can cause fluid movement in the tubes that may register as a bad taste.
Common tastes caused by tooth decay
Some common tastes caused by tooth decay include:
- Sweet taste: Decaying debris trapped in cavities can taste sweet. A sweet taste is often an early sign of tooth decay.
- Salty taste: As tooth decay progresses, you may notice a persistent salty taste. This is from exposed dentin and irritated mouth tissues.
- Metallic/iron taste: An abscess or infection in the tooth pulp can cause a foul, metallic taste in your mouth.
- Rotten taste: Advanced tooth decay can cause a persistent rotten taste stemming from decaying food debris and bacteria in cavities.
When is a bad taste a sign of tooth decay?
A bad taste in your mouth doesn’t always mean you have tooth decay brewing. But pay attention if you notice any of these warning signs:
- The bad taste persists for more than a couple weeks.
- It seems to be coming from a specific tooth or area of your mouth.
- You have other dental symptoms like tooth sensitivity or pain.
- The taste occurs every time you eat or drink something sweet, hot or cold.
- You see cavities, chips, cracks or other visible tooth defects.
- The taste is accompanied by bad breath.
Schedule a dental exam if a bad mouth taste won’t go away. This will allow your dentist to diagnose the cause and provide any needed treatment.
Treatments for bad tastes from tooth decay
If your dentist determines tooth decay is causing a bad taste, they may recommend one or more of these treatments to fix the problem:
- Fillings: Fillings are used to restore teeth with mild to moderate decay. The decayed area is removed and replaced with metal, porcelain or composite resin.
- Crowns: Crowns (caps) are used when teeth are severely decayed. The entire visible part of the tooth is capped to strengthen it and prevent further decay.
- Root canals: If decay reaches the inner pulp, a root canal may be needed to remove the infected pulp and save the tooth.
- Extraction: Severely decayed teeth that cannot be repaired may need to be extracted.
- Improved oral hygiene: Your dentist will recommend brushing twice a day, flossing daily, using antiseptic mouthwash and getting regular dental cleanings.
Getting cavities treated and practicing good oral hygiene at home will help resolve bad tastes coming from tooth decay.
Tips for preventing tooth decay and bad tastes
Preventing problems is better than treating them. Here are some tips for keeping your mouth healthy and avoiding bad tastes from tooth decay:
- Brush teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss daily to remove plaque from between teeth.
- Use antiseptic mouthwash to kill bacteria.
- Drink water and chew sugar-free gum after eating to neutralize acids.
- Limit sugary and starchy foods and acidic drinks.
- Avoid frequent snacking, which gives bacteria more chance to produce acids.
- Get dental cleanings and check-ups every six months.
- Use dental sealants to protect grooves on chewing surfaces.
When to see a dentist
See your dentist right away if you notice any of the following:
- Visible cavities, cracks, chips or other tooth defects
- Tooth pain when eating or drinking something hot, cold or sweet
- Lingering bad taste from a specific area of your mouth
- Swollen gums, mouth sores or red, inflamed areas
- Bad breath along with a bad taste that won’t go away
Getting prompt treatment can help prevent further decay and permanent tooth damage. Don’t ignore ongoing bad tastes or rely on breath mints or gum to mask symptoms. See your dentist so the cause can be diagnosed and treated.
Conclusion
A bad taste in your mouth doesn’t always mean tooth decay, but persistent symptoms should be checked by your dentist. Tooth decay can cause tastes ranging from sweet to rotten stemming from trapped food debris, bacterial acids and infections. Seek prompt treatment for decay to relieve symptoms, prevent loss of tooth structure and avoid more serious complications. Practicing good oral hygiene and limiting sugary foods can help ward off tooth decay and accompanying foul tastes.