Burning your mouth from hot food can easily alter your sense of taste, leading to a sour sensation. Taste changes can also stem from various health problems affecting the mouth.
Oral health issues
Dry mouth syndrome, or xerostomia, results from insufficient saliva production. Saliva is crucial for digestion and protecting the oral cavity. A lack of saliva can alter taste perception, making food less enjoyable and causing a persistent sour, unpleasant taste.
Conditions like diabetes and certain medications, including antihistamines, antidepressants, and diuretics, can induce dry mouth. Oral or throat Candida infections, known as oral thrush, typically present as white patches on the tongue and oral lining, often accompanied by a sour or bitter taste. Furthermore, inadequate oral hygiene, such as not brushing twice daily or neglecting flossing, allows food particles to accumulate, leading to a sour taste.
Lifestyle habits
Smoking alters taste perception and diminishes the ability to discern flavors. Tobacco contains numerous harmful substances, and smoke residue lingering in the mouth after smoking leaves an unpleasant taste. Moreover, insufficient water intake causes dehydration and dry mouth, contributing to a persistent sour taste throughout the day and a reduced sense of taste.
Hormonal factors
Fluctuations in female hormones during the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and breastfeeding can induce unusual tastes. Beyond a sour sensation, individuals may experience sweet or metallic tastes. This condition typically subsides once hormone levels stabilize.
Aging
Sensory perceptions, including taste, naturally evolve with age. This occurs independently of hormonal shifts, as bodily organs gradually decline in function. Older adults frequently consume less food due to a diminished ability to savor flavors and discomfort from a persistent sour taste.
Zinc deficiency
A common cause of a sour taste after eating is zinc deficiency. Factors contributing to low zinc levels include diets lacking zinc-rich foods such as meat, fish, and seafood; liver disease; diuretic use; or undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease
A sour taste after eating is a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a chronic condition impacting the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). GERD can also manifest as heartburn, chest pain, and a burning sensation in the throat. Triggers for acid reflux, including smoking, alcohol, high-fat foods, and acidic foods, can exacerbate these symptoms.
Infections and illnesses
When the body combats infections or viruses anywhere, it can impact sensory perceptions, including taste. Respiratory illnesses, in particular, often lead to nasal congestion and post-nasal drip, which can create an unpleasant, sour taste.
Brain and neurological conditions
The brain is essential for taste perception. Individuals with brain damage or those who have undergone brain surgery may experience phantom tastes or smells. Other neurological conditions, such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, facial nerve paralysis, brain tumors, and dementia, can also alter taste.
Anh Chi (According to Very Well Health, WebMD)
