Sweet Taste in Mouth

Experiencing a sweet taste for some time after having a candy, ice cream or a chocolate is quite normal but when this sweet sensation on the tongue stays persistently and surprisingly is not related to any food consumed, it can be a symptom of an underlying condition.

Constant sweet taste in the mouth is attributed to indigestion. People with acid reflux disease, commonly referred as GERD experience this taste disorder. In acid reflux disease, the stomach acid travels upward and reaches the food pipe. This abnormal back-up of stomach acids to the food pipe can cause this taste problem and is accompanied by chest pain.

Pseudomonas is a bacterial infection that is responsible for causing a number of health problems, the most common being sinus trouble. This strain of bacteria does interfere with normal taste of the mouth but more importantly pseudomonas infections are a serious issue.

Loss of taste is a common side effect of a severe sinus problem. Taste receptors may also malfunction when the bacteria attacks nose and ears. A common ear infection called swimmer's ear is often the result of a pseudomonas invasion. Pseudomonas affecting the nose and causing nasal congestion, chest pain and breathing trouble can also cause taste problems.

As we all know, the nervous system of our body controls sensory functions such as sense of smell, taste and touch. Some of the nerves are directly connected to the brain while others branch out from the spinal cord. Whenever we chew food, the gustatory nerve under the tongue transmits the taste signals to the brain.

This is how we are able to distinguish between sour and a sweet taste for example. In other words, the brain must receive this electrical signal through the nerve that conveys the taste.

However, electrical disturbances in the brain caused due to medical problems like a stroke (a condition in which blood flow to a part of the brain decreases temporarily) or seizures (involuntary muscle movement) can impair the function of the nerve that sends taste signals, which may lead to a persistent sweet sensation on the tongue.

A fruity taste in mouth could also mean diabetes, a condition that is typically marked by abnormally high blood sugar levels. Quite a few diabetic patients are seen complaining about this troubling taste in their mouth. Uncontrolled diabetes can trigger health complications like neuropathy, in which the nerve that regulates sensation of taste is damaged.

In order to overcome this taste disorder, it is essential to find out what is causing this annoying taste in the mouth. Blood tests are often helpful to detect pseudomonas infections that can easily be treated with antibiotics.

On the other hand, diabetic patients should take the necessary precautions to keep diabetes under control. Managing diabetes properly is the key to getting rid of this unpleasant sensation in the mouth.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.