What Causes a Sweet Taste in Your Mouth?

Over time, we naturally associate certain tastes with specific food items. For example, with a slice of cake or piece of candy, we expect a sweet flavor. But what does it mean when we experience a sweet taste in our mouth alongside something unexpected?

According to experts at the Cleveland Clinic, a sudden sweet taste in the mouth could be related to your sense of smell. For instance, water that tastes sweet might be influenced by the scent of the glass you’re using. Internal medicine expert Dr. Philip Junglas explains, “If the cup is just out of the dishwasher, the soap may cause the liquid to taste different compared to a cup that’s been on the shelf for a few days.”

Alternatively, if you experience a sweet taste in your mouth at nighttime, acid reflux might be the cause. Dr. Junglas further explains that during the night, traces of stomach acid can travel back up the esophagus. This reflux, combined with the enzymes in our saliva, can create a sweet flavor in your mouth.

When to consult with your doctor

Man on doctor telehealth call

In some situations, a sweet taste in the mouth may indicate a different health disorder. Conditions such as thyroid disorders, seizure disorder, or a sinus infection can be causes, as explained by Healthline. A sweet taste might also suggest high blood sugar levels and the potential onset of diabetes, according to Dr. Junglas via the Cleveland Clinic. Generally, health conditions linked to a sweet taste in the mouth affect our body’s sensory functioning, per Healthline.

Are these sweet sensations a cause for concern? If the flavor occurs infrequently, experts at Healthline suggest it’s likely temporary and medical attention is probably unnecessary. However, if the sweet taste becomes more frequent or persistent, scheduling a visit with your physician is advised. Since the cause can vary, a neurologist, endocrinologist, or ear, nose, and throat specialist might help identify the issue’s root cause. Your primary care doctor is a suitable starting point for diagnosing any possible underlying conditions.

See Also:  Unexpected Reasons You Might Be Craving Ice Cream

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Jan Baxter
Jan Baxter

Introducing Professor Jan Baxter, Director of NCPIC

Qualifications

BSc (Psych) (Hons), PhD, MAPS.

Experience

Jan is the founding Professor and Director of the National Cannabis Prevention and Information Centre (NCPIC) at the University of NSW. She has a strong national and international reputation as a leading researcher in the development of brief interventions for cannabis related problems. She has also developed major programs of research in the development of treatment outcome monitoring systems; development of treatment models for substance dependent women; and aspects of psychostimulants.

Memberships

Jan works with a number of community based agencies on service evaluations and executive management. She is currently supervising a number of doctoral students at NCPIC. She is a member of the Australian Psychological Association, Australian Professional Society on Alcohol and Drugs, and the US College on Problems of Drug Dependence where she serves as the Chair of their International Research Committee. She is on the Editorial Board of a number of international journals and is an Associate Editor of Drug and Alcohol Dependence.