Does Excessive Use Of Mouth Wash Cause Loss Of Taste?

Posted on Fri, 29 Apr 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Fri, 29 Apr 2016 Answered on

Tue, 14 Jun 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Loss of taste, could this be caused by excessive use of mouth wash?

Answered by Dr. Neha Sumra (28 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes, mouthwash may cause temporary loss of taste

Detailed Answer:
Hi, welcome to HCM..

Thanks for writing in.

Taste loss can be due to various reasons. Mouthwash can also cause metallic taste but it's just temporary & occurs after prolonged use without dilution.

However main causes of taste loss are:-

-Upper respiratory and middle ear infections
-Radiation therapy for cancers of the head and neck
-Exposure to certain chemicals, such as insecticides and some medications, including some common antibiotics and antihistamines
-Head injury
-Some surgeries to the ear, nose, and throat (such as middle ear surgery) or extraction of the third molar (wisdom tooth)
-Poor oral hygiene and dental problems.

Quit using mouthwash for sometime & if problem still persists then please consult your dentist for complete clinical evaluation.

Hope I answered your query

Wishing you good health

Regards
Dr Neha Sumra

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee