Bad Tastes in Your Mouth in the Morning? Patients Beware of GERD!

By Dr. David Leader, published Sep 13, 2007
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Some of us wake regularly or occasionally with a sour taste and perhaps a sore throat. There are a few common causes of bad taste. The some causes can and should receive treatment. There is no treatment for other causes.

Gastro-esophageal reflux disease or GERD, affects as much as half the population. Bad or sour taste is one symptom that patients may discuss with their dentist before their physician. Other oral signs and symptoms include tooth sensitivity, tooth erosion, and an increase in tooth decay (see photos). Other symptoms include frequent sinusitis, frequent heart burn, and chest and upper back pain. Some patients have no noticeable symptoms - known as "Silent GERD". Silent GERD may be a significant cause of sleep disorders. GERD is a treatable, but serious condition.

Normally, the pyloric valve prevents stomach contents from backing up into the esophagus or food pipe. Reflux occurs when stomach acid flows up the esophagus. While the stomach lining protects soft tissue from acid, the esophagus, throat and teeth do not have protection against stomach acid.

A primary cause of GERD is weakening of the pyloric valve by a peptic ulcer (a sore near the pyloric valve) or hiatal hernia (part of the stomach presses through the diaphragm into the chest).

Another cause of GERD is an increase in pressure in the stomach or abdomen. Obesity, frequent coughing as in asthma, and pregnancy can cause enough of an increase in abdominal pressure to force stomach contents up into the esophagus.

Other medical conditions may cause the stomach to empty more slowly. Diabetes and diseases that affects the normal function of nerves and muscles may slow the movement of food through the esophagus and stomach.

Finally, connective tissue disorders such as scleroderma and lupus erythematosis, may change texture and pliability of the stomach, its lining and the pyloric valve. When these organs become thicker and less pliant, gastric reflux may result.

Bad Tastes in Your Mouth in the Morning? Patients Beware of GERD!
Bad Tastes in Your Mouth in the Morning? Patients Beware of GERD!

Stomach acid erodes enamel from teeth. Brushing right after reflux accelerates the damage.

Credit: David Leader, DMD

Copyright: David Leader, DMD

Takeaways
  • Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease is a dangerous cause of sour taste in the morning.
  • Some medications cause bad taste.
  • Yeast infections cause bad taste.
Did You Know?
Pregnancy frequently causes bad taste.
Comments
Showing Comments 1 - 10 of 10
 
 
Very informative.

Posted on 02/14/2008 at 11:02:51 PM

 
Very educational without dragging. Good writing! Thanks! :o)

Posted on 12/24/2007 at 4:12:05 PM

 
Dr Leader, I just discovered your articles and your information and writing style are great. Thank you for sharing so much great info in an easy-to-read format.

Posted on 11/16/2007 at 6:11:00 AM

 
I have learned so much from this article..I had to print this out and show it to my brother..I think he could very well have this...thank you for this very well written article..

Posted on 10/17/2007 at 2:10:00 PM

 
The esophageal sphincter prevents stomach contents from rising into the esophagus. The pyloric valve is at the other end. Sorry for any confusion.

Posted on 09/29/2007 at 11:09:00 PM

 
I didn't realize that diabetes caused the stomach to empty slower. I learned a few things from this article, thanks for informing us of the various conditions to look out for.

Posted on 09/17/2007 at 9:09:00 PM

 
I learned so much from this article. thanks a lot. you always find great and useful subjects to write about, congratulations. you are a talented doctor!

Posted on 09/16/2007 at 12:09:00 AM

 
Excellent article Dr Leader. Wish you and your family a happy new year.

Posted on 09/15/2007 at 8:09:00 AM

 
Thanks for the informative article, Good Doctor!

Posted on 09/13/2007 at 11:09:00 AM

 
This is comprehensive and quite informative.

Posted on 09/13/2007 at 10:09:00 AM

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