The most likely reason your back tooth tastes bad, independent of what you've eaten, is due to an infection.
Here's a breakdown of potential causes and what they mean:
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Infection (Abscess): This is the most common culprit. An abscess is a pocket of pus caused by a bacterial infection. If the abscess ruptures, the pus drains into your mouth, creating a distinctly unpleasant, often metallic or sour taste. This could stem from:
- Tooth Decay: Cavities can penetrate the tooth enamel and dentin, reaching the pulp (nerve center). Bacteria can then infect the pulp, leading to an abscess.
- Gum Disease (Periodontitis): Advanced gum disease can cause pockets between the teeth and gums to form. These pockets can become infected and lead to abscesses.
- Failed Root Canal: If a previous root canal treatment was unsuccessful, an infection can re-emerge.
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Untreated Cavity: Even without a full-blown abscess, a deep, untreated cavity can harbor bacteria and decaying food particles, leading to a foul taste.
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Gingivitis/Periodontitis (Gum Disease): Even without an abscess, inflamed and bleeding gums can contribute to an unpleasant taste in your mouth. The inflammation and bacterial byproducts can create a metallic or bitter flavor.
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Dry Socket: This can happen after a tooth extraction, including wisdom tooth removal. If the blood clot at the extraction site dislodges, it exposes the bone and nerves beneath, making them prone to infection and resulting in a bad taste and pain.
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Sinus Infection: Though less likely to pinpoint to a single tooth, sinus infections can cause post-nasal drip. That drip can be perceived as a bad taste, and may seem to be coming from your upper back teeth, as the sinuses are located above the teeth.
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Poor Oral Hygiene: Even if you brush regularly, inadequate flossing can leave food particles and bacteria trapped between your teeth, leading to decay and a bad taste.
What to Do:
- See a Dentist Immediately: A persistent bad taste, especially localized to a specific tooth, warrants prompt dental attention. A dentist can diagnose the cause and recommend appropriate treatment.
- Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Brush twice daily, floss daily, and use an antiseptic mouthwash to help reduce bacteria in your mouth. However, this is not a substitute for professional dental care.
- Salt Water Rinse: Rinsing with warm salt water can help soothe inflamed gums and temporarily reduce the bacterial load.
Ignoring a bad taste in your mouth, especially if localized to a tooth, can lead to more serious problems like bone loss, systemic infections, and even tooth loss.
