Problems with taste are caused by anything that interrupts the transfer of taste sensations to the brain, or by conditions that affect the way the brain interprets the sensation of taste. The most common causes of taste disorders are:
- Medications
- Infections
- Head injuries
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Dental problems
- Radiation therapy for head and neck cancers
- Mouth dryness
- Heavy smoking
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Vitamin deficiencies
- Bell's palsy, and Sjogren's syndrome
- Taking medications. Some antibiotics and blood pressure pills can cause a bad taste in the mouth or a loss of taste. Talk to your doctor about it.
- Gum disease. Dentures and inflammation or infections in the mouth caused by taking several medications. This causes dry mouth, which can make swallowing and digestion difficult and increase dental problems.
One type of taste disorder is characterized by a persistent bad taste in the mouth, such as a bitter or salty taste. This is called dysgeusia and it occurs in older people, usually because of medications or oral health problems.
The medicines that most frequently cause dysgeusias are drugs to lower cholesterol, antibiotics, blood pressure pills, medications to lower anxiety, and antidepressants. Smokers often report an improved sense of taste after quitting. Sometimes exposure to certain chemicals, such as insecticides and solvents, can impair taste.
Avoid contact with these substances, and if your aging parent does come in contact with them and experience a problem, see your doctor. You can help prevent problems with taste caused by respiratory infections by washing your mom or dad's hands frequently, especially during the winter months. If your elderly parent's taste disorder is made worse by allergies, avoid allergens, such as ragweed, grasses, and pet dander. Also, have your elderly mother or father get a flu shot every year to prevent influenza and other serious respiratory conditions that can result from the flu.