June 08, 2010

Bitter Taste Syndrome (Pine Nut Mouth, Artichoke Effect, Pineapple Tongue, Tomato Tongue, etc)

Ever eat something or brush your teeth after which everything tastes bitter or metallic?

This phenomenon is called bitter taste syndrome and often occurs after certain eating foods or after brushing the teeth. The altered taste lasts anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks.

Common food culprits include toothpaste, pine nuts, tomatoes, artichoke, pineapples, and certain medications.

Not everybody experiences this problem which is felt to be due to misfiring of the sweet taste receptor in the mouth.

If per chance you are suffering from this, not to worry... it will resolve with time. However, a little sugar or artificial sweetener in food (or on the tongue) can help as well as rinsing the mouth with watered-down milk-of-magnesia or chewing (non-mint-flavored) gum.

Fauquier blog
Fauquier ENT

Dr. Christopher Chang is a private practice otolaryngology, head & neck surgeon specializing in the treatment of problems related to the ear, nose, and throat. Located in Warrenton, VA about 45 minutes west of Washington DC, he also provides inhalant allergy testing/treatment, hearing tests, and dispenses hearing aids.


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