What Causes Sour Taste In The Mouth?

Posted on Sat, 16 Aug 2014

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

Sat, 16 Aug 2014 Answered on

Mon, 8 Sep 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : For the past 10 days I have been experiencing an abnormal "sour" taste in everything I eat or drink! I have an appointment on Monday with my physician. However, I would like to have a "clue" as to what is causing this sudden diversion from fully functioning taste buds to ONLY the SOUR ones working!

Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
As below:

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for your query.

1. There can be many causes for an abnormal sour taste in the mouth.

2. Some of the possible causes for are:
a. Acid or bile reflux.
b. Inflammation (glossitis) , infection (including fungal thrush).
c. Overuse of mouthwashes, dehydration, decreased salivary flow,
d. Nutritional and mineral deficiencies (including B Complex and Folic Acid),
e. Low hemoglobin (Anemia), raised blood sugars (diabetes)
f. Damage to the nerve supply of the tongue.
g. Dental problems,
h. Food allergy or Intolerance,
i. Many rare causes which will require direct examination and tests.

3. Treatment is based on the most likely cause. Relief may be obtained by the use of Mucaine Gel or an anaesthetic mouthwash.

I hope that I have answered your queries. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.

Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar