Why do I have a strange taste in my mouth?

A metallic, bitter, salty or sweet taste that will not go away usually comes from oral hygiene, medication, infection or reflux. These guides cover each taste and when it is worth seeing a doctor.

• Why do I have a metallic taste in my mouth?A metallic or iron taste in your mouth is most often caused by a medicine or supplement, gum problems, a cold or sinus infection, or pregnancy, and it...
• Why do I have a bitter taste in my mouth?A bitter taste in your mouth is most often caused by acid reflux, medicines and supplements, dehydration and dry mouth, a cold or blocked nose, smoking or...
• Why do I have a bad taste in my mouth?A bad taste in your mouth is most often caused by something in the mouth itself: plaque and a coated tongue, gum disease, a tooth infection, oral thrush or...
• Why have I lost my sense of taste?Most people who think they have lost their sense of taste have actually lost some of their sense of smell, usually after a cold, flu, COVID-19 or a sinus...
• Why do I taste blood in my mouth?A taste of blood in your mouth usually means there is a small amount of real blood, most often from gums that bleed when you brush or floss, a cut or ulcer,...
• Why does my mouth taste salty?A salty taste in your mouth is most often caused by dehydration, a dry mouth, postnasal drip from allergies or a sinus infection, reflux, or medicines that...
• Why do I have a metallic taste in my mouth when pregnant?A metallic taste is a common early pregnancy symptom: the NHS lists it among the first signs of pregnancy, and it is thought to be caused by hormonal...
• Why do I have a sour taste in my mouth?A sour taste in your mouth is most often caused by acid reflux, followed by dehydration, smoking, poor oral hygiene, infections such as colds or oral...
• Why do I have a sweet taste in my mouth?A persistent sweet taste when you have not eaten anything sweet can come from acid reflux, a sinus or respiratory infection, a dry mouth or a medicine, but...
• Why does my mouth taste like soap?A soapy taste in your mouth is usually harmless and short-lived: common causes are toothpaste or soap residue, a medicine, or a taste change after a cold,...