Why am I Losing My Sense of Taste?

A sudden loss of taste could be caused by a great number of things, even a simple cold! A loss of tasting ability can be bothersome, especially with an abundance of summer BBQs on the horizon.

From medications to oral health, the reasons you are having trouble tasting foods and drinks could have a very simple answer. Read on to see a list of some of the most common reasons your food might be tasting funny!

Several possible reasons for loss of taste

There are many possibilities that your loss of taste could be attributed to, and many that you likely haven’t even considered. Most of these culprits are easily remedied, so read on to see if one of these might be the answer for you.

A common cold

This is probably the most likely reason you could be experiencing a loss of taste. A cold often results in a plugged nose. So, while it may not directly affect your taste buds, your sense of taste is related to your sense of smell and when your nose is stuffed and you can’t smell, this will often result in a temporary loss of taste as well.

A sinus or throat infection

Since your sense of smell and sense of taste are directly tied to each other, an infection in either your sinuses or throat could quickly lead to loss of taste. The good news is that infections are easy to treat, often with the help of your doctor.

Poor oral health

Taking care of your teeth and mouth is important for more than just your teeth! Conditions like gingivitis or periodontal disease create inflammation in your gums that can result in a decreased ability to taste. Brushing twice a day and flossing once a day can help keep your teeth and mouth in top shape, so that you can enjoy those delicious burgers all summer long.

Aging

Losing your sense of taste as you age is a very common thing. In fact, over 75% of people over 60 report that they are experiencing a decreased ability to taste. While it is a completely natural part of aging, factors like those mentioned on this list can increase the rate at which changes are experienced.

Smoking

Smoking actually affects the shape of your taste buds and how blood flows to them, resulting in a decreased sense of taste. The good news is that once you stop smoking, you’ll experience a pretty quick improvement!

Health conditions

Nervous system disorders, autoimmune diseases, Bell’s Palsy and multiple sclerosis have all been shown to have an effect on one’s sense of taste. If you are living with any of these health conditions, it is possible that your taste ability is reduced. Even a previous head injury or ear injury could be affecting your tasting ability!

Medications

Many common medications that are used for treating thyroid conditions, cancer or bipolar disorder can result in dry mouth and reduced ability to taste. Unfortunately it’s hard to do much about these medications, but you should talk to your doctor about any side effects you are experiencing.

Loss of taste can often be reversed

In most cases, if you are experiencing a decrease in your ability to taste, there is still hope for you! From brushing your teeth and flossing daily to quitting smoking, adjusting your ability to taste the foods and drinks you consume can be an easy task. Seeing your dentist regularly for a scheduled cleaning and to talk about any mouth health concerns is the best way to stay on top of any possible issues, including a decreased sense of taste.