A bitter tongue usually occurs when someone is sick. Whether due to an unclean mouth or side effects of certain medications, a bitter tongue can disrupt your comfort in activities. However, you don't need to worry because there are some practical ways to overcome a bitter tongue that can be tried at home.
The part of the tongue that perceives bitter taste is located at the back of the tongue, near the base of the tongue. This is due to the concentration of taste buds sensitive to bitterness being present in that area.
In addition to caring for your teeth and mouth, one way to eliminate the bitter taste on your tongue is by chewing gum and quitting smoking. To learn more about the methods, see the discussion below.
1. Drink Plain Water Regularly
A way to overcome a bitter tongue is by drinking plain water regularly. The reason is that a bitter tongue can be caused by the mouth being too dry.
By drinking plain water, the production of saliva will also increase, moistening the mouth. Not only that, but plain water can also help clean the mouth and tongue of leftover food or certain substances that can cause a bitter taste.
2. Maintaining Dental and Oral Hygiene
The tongue can taste bitter if dental and oral health are not maintained. This is caused by the accumulation of saliva and bacteria in the area of the teeth, tongue, and gums. To prevent the tongue from tasting bitter, ensure the cleanliness of your teeth and mouth. The best way to do this is by brushing your teeth at least twice a day, preferably after waking up and before going to bed.
In addition, brush the tongue to remove bacteria and dead cells that cling to its surface. If necessary, consult a dentist for dental and oral care procedures, such as tartar cleaning.
3. Reducing Spicy or Fatty Foods
One effective way to eliminate a bitter mouth is by reducing the intake of spicy foods. Acid reflux issues, such as GERD, can cause a bitter taste on the tongue.
This is triggered by the rise of stomach acid into the esophagus. Gastric acid that rises into the mouth can create a bitter and sour taste.
Therefore, a way to overcome a bitter tongue for GERD sufferers is to try to reduce the consumption of foods that trigger stomach acid, such as spicy or fatty foods.
4. Chewing Sugar-Free Gum
One practical way to eliminate a bitter taste on the tongue is by chewing gum. This is similar to consuming sour foods or drinks.
Repeated chewing of gum can stimulate saliva production, which can help reduce the bitter taste on the tongue. To maintain stable blood sugar levels, it is advisable to choose sugar-free gum to eliminate the bitter taste on the tongue without increasing the risk of diabetes.
5. Getting Used to Eating Fruit
One way to get rid of the bitter taste on the tongue after being sick is by eating fruit. Fruits not only have benefits for physical health but can also help remove the bitter taste on the tongue.
Consuming fruits like oranges, papayas, bananas, strawberries, and lemons, which have distinctive flavors, can help gradually reduce the bitter taste on the tongue.
6. Gargling with Saltwater and Baking Soda
The bitter taste on the tongue can be eliminated by gargling with saltwater and baking soda. To make the solution, simply mix 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of baking soda in warm water. Then, stir until well combined and gargle with this water 3 to 4 times a day. Afterward, don't forget to rinse your mouth with clean water.
A combination of saltwater and baking soda acts as a natural antiseptic, cleansing bacteria and neutralizing acid in the mouth. However, it is advisable not to do it too often or in excessive amounts, as it may irritate the soft tissues in the mouth.
7. Quit Smoking
Aside from sufferers of gastric acid disorders, smokers often experience a bitter tongue due to reduced saliva production and dry mouth. Cigarettes can also encourage stomach acid to rise into the esophagus, which can cause mouth irritation.
Toxic substances, such as nicotine, found in cigarettes, can also damage the nerves in the tongue and mouth. Therefore, chronic smokers often have a bitter tongue due to the unhealthy habits they continuously engage in.
8. Reducing Alcohol Consumption
For those who enjoy consuming alcoholic beverages, having a bitter tongue may no longer be a new issue. The high alcohol content entering the body can stimulate stomach acid, potentially damaging the nerves in the tongue and the brain that control the sense of taste.
These are some ways to overcome a bitter tongue at home. However, if the bitter taste in the tongue does not go away, do not hesitate to consult a doctor nearby. To prevent a bitter tongue, you can also practice the habit of drinking plain water regularly. Therefore, always keep a 19-liter AQUA gallon at home or have a 600-milliliter AQUA bottle when engaging in outdoor activities.
Don't forget to drink AQUA DULU because not all water is AQUA, you know. This healthy drinking water is sourced from 19 selected mountain springs in Indonesia, providing a protective layer that keeps it free from contamination while retaining its natural minerals.
AQUA is an Indonesian product that is Halal, BPOM, and SNI certified, ensuring it is safe for consumption. Not only that, AQUA feels naturally cold without needing to be cooled, making it perfect to drink when your tongue feels bitter due to dry mouth. So, make sure to always #AQUADULU wherever you are. AQUA 100% Indonesia, 100% Halal, and 100% Pure.
