Many of us take our sense of taste for granted, but taste disorders can have a negative effect on your health and quality of life.
How does your sense of taste work?
The ability to taste comes from tiny molecules released when you chew, drink, or digest food; these molecules stimulate special sensory cells in the mouth and throat. These taste cells are clustered within the taste buds of the tongue and roof of the mouth, and along the lining of the throat.
What are taste disorders?
Taste Disorders
The most common taste disorder is phantom taste perception: a lingering, often unpleasant taste even though there is nothing in your mouth. People can also experience a reduced ability to taste sweet, sour, bitter, salty.
What causes them?
- 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 to
oth) - Poor oral hygiene and dental problems.
How are taste disorders diagnosed?
Both taste and smell disorders are diagnosed by an otolaryngologist.
An accurate assessment of your taste loss will include, among other things, a physical examination of your ears, nose, and throat; a dental examination and assessment of oral hygiene; a review of your health history; and a taste test supervised by a health care professional.
Can they be treated?
Occasionally, a person may recover his or her sense of taste spontaneously. Proper oral hygiene is important to regaining and maintaining a well-functioning sense of taste. If your taste disorder can’t be successfully treated, acupuncture and oral laser therapy will improve the symptom.
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