If you’ve ever had the experience of tasting soap when you weren’t expecting it, you know how unpleasant it can be. But what could cause this strange phenomenon? In this blog post, we’ll explore possible explanations for why someone might have a soapy taste in their mouth and some tips for getting rid of it.
Most people only experience a soapy taste in their mouth for a short time. However, it can sometimes signify a more serious medical condition.
To determine the cause of a soapy taste, you need to look at various factors, such as what you have eaten recently, any medications you are taking, and your health history. With this information, it will be easier to diagnose the cause.
People describe a soapy taste as being:
- Strange
- Bitter
- Slightly Metallic
- Burning
What can cause a soapy taste in the mouth
What could cause a soapy taste in your mouth? There are many potential causes, some of which are more serious than others.
Here are some of the most common causes:
1. Contaminated food or drink
The taste of soap can be so strong that a trace can change the taste of food and water. A soapy taste in the mouth may happen if a person:
- doesn’t rinse dishes properly
- washes vegetables or fruit in water with soap
- uses washed drinking straws with soap residue inside
- prepares food when they have soap left on their hands
The taste of soap usually goes away over time in these instances. However, it can be an unpleasant experience.
2. Improper dental hygiene
If you don’t brush and floss your teeth regularly, bacteria will build up on your teeth and gums. This bacteria can cause a soapy taste in your mouth.
If you’re experiencing a soapy or metallic taste in your mouth, it might be due to gum and tooth health problems. Poor oral hygiene can leave old food behind in your teeth and gums, changing how your food tastes.
Gum disease can cause a soapy taste in the mouth and various mouth and tooth infections. If you experience a soapy taste, jaw or tooth pain, swollen or red gums, or bad breath, you must consult a dentist.
3. Dry mouth
When your mouth is dry, it’s harder to produce saliva. Saliva helps to wash away food particles and bacteria, so if you don’t have enough saliva, these particles can linger in your mouth and cause a soapy taste.
4. Medications
Some medications can cause a soapy taste in your mouth. If you’re taking new medications, talk to your doctor to see if they could be causing the issue.
Telavancin is an antibiotic used to treat a variety of conditions, including bacterial pneumonia, skin infections, and Staphylococcus infections. It can sometimes cause a soapy or metallic taste in the mouth.
This symptom is harmless but can be annoying. It typically lasts as long as someone takes the drug.
5. Infection
An infection in your mouth or throat can also cause a soapy taste. A viral infection, such as the common cold or flu, is the most likely type of infection to cause this symptom.
6. Stroke or brain injury
A stroke or other brain injury can change the way food tastes. Some people experience a soapy or metallic taste. This taste may be temporary or long-term. If you experience changes in your sense of taste, consult a doctor. Occupational, speech, or swallowing therapy may be helpful.
7. Poison
Several poisons can change food taste, causing a soapy or metallic taste in the mouth. For example, arsenic can affect the way food tastes.
- Poisoning is more likely in children and babies, as well as people who have:
- eaten food that may be contaminated
- consumed contaminated water
- been exposed to polluted air
- been exposed to potentially contaminated enclosed spaces
A soapy taste may be the first symptom of poisoning, but most people quickly experience other symptoms, such as changes in consciousness, confusion, nausea, and so on.
8. GERD
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a condition that causes stomach acid to back up into your throat. This can sometimes cause a soapy taste in your mouth.
GERD is more likely to cause a soapy taste in the morning since stomach acid is often more potent at night. However, the symptom can occur at any time of day.
Other symptoms of GERD include:
- heartburn
- a sour or acidic taste in the mouth
- throat pain or discomfort
- difficulty swallowing
- coughing
- wheezing
- chest pain
You must consult a doctor if you experience GERD symptoms more than twice a week. GERD can lead to serious health complications if left untreated.
9. Sjogren’s syndrome
Sjogren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disorder that causes dryness in the eyes, mouth, and other body parts.
Sjogren’s syndrome can cause a soapy taste in the mouth due to dryness.
Other symptoms include:
- dry eyes
- dry skin
- fatigue
- joint pain
- muscle pain
If you experience these symptoms, it’s essential to consult a doctor. Sjogren’s syndrome is a severe condition that can lead to complications if left untreated.
10. Anxiety or stress
Anxiety and stress can sometimes cause a soapy taste in the mouth. This is likely due to increased saliva production, which can make the mouth feel dry and change how food tastes.
If you’re experiencing a soapy taste along with other symptoms of anxiety or stress, such as a racing heart, sweating, or difficulty breathing, it’s essential to consult a doctor. These symptoms can be signs of an underlying condition, such as panic disorder or generalized anxiety disorder.
11. Fluoride overdose
Fluoride is a mineral that helps prevent tooth decay. It’s often added to water supplies and used in dental products like toothpaste.
Too much fluoride can sometimes cause a soapy taste in the mouth. This condition is known as fluorosis. Fluorosis typically occurs when people consume too much fluoride during childhood when teeth develop.
Other Symptoms of fluorosis than a soapy taste in your mouth include:
- white spots on the teeth
- discoloration of the teeth
- brittle or crumbly teeth
- salty taste in your mouth
- skin irritation
- burning sensation
- coughing
- wheezing
- shortness of breath
It is important to seek medical help if you experience these symptoms, as fluoride poisoning can be dangerous and even fatal if left untreated.
12. Vitamin deficiency
A lack of specific vitamins can cause several health problems, including a soap taste in the mouth. While many potential deficiencies could lead to this symptom, one of the most common is a deficiency in vitamin B12. This vitamin is essential for the proper functioning of the nervous system, and a deficiency can lead to some neurological problems, including changes in taste and smell.
Other potential causes of a soap taste in the mouth include a lack of zinc or copper, essential minerals needed for healthy bodily function. If you are experiencing this unusual taste and cannot identify a specific cause, it is important to speak with your doctor to determine if you might be suffering from a vitamin deficiency.
How to get rid of annoying soap taste in your mouth at home
If you have a soapy taste in your mouth that is not caused by any underlying medical condition, there are some things you can do at home to get rid of it.
1. Flossing correctly
Flossing daily is key to good oral health – but are you doing it correctly? If you’re unsure how to floss properly, you’re not getting the most out of this crucial dental hygiene habit.
Flossing correctly is very simple, but many people aren’t taught how to do it properly.
So how do you floss correctly? Follow these simple instructions:
- Gently slide the floss between your teeth.
- Move the floss in a “C” motion when it makes contact with the gums, and use an up and down motion to clean the area.
- Repeat the process between each tooth.
- Don’t forget the backs of your rear molars!
It may seem simple enough, but if you’ve been doing it wrong, take the time to learn how to floss appropriately. It could make a big difference in your dental health!
What kind of floss is best to use?
Regular floss is excellent. It gets the job done if you’re using it correctly. However, if using regular floss is challenging (perhaps it hurts your fingertips), he recommends trying curved shape floss picks.
Another great alternative to traditional floss is a water flosser like the Waterpik, which uses water pressure to eliminate leftover food particles between your teeth, much like regular floss.
2. Rinse your mouth out with water after meals
If you don’t have time to brush your teeth after a meal, at least make sure to rinse your mouth out with water. This will help remove any food particles that may be lingering in your mouth and can also help get rid of that soapy taste.
3. Chew sugar-free gum
Chewing gum can help increase saliva production, which can help rinse away any leftover food particles in your mouth. Make sure to choose sugar-free gum so you’re not doing more harm than good!
4. Brush your tongue
Your tongue can harbor many bacteria – even more so than your teeth! So it’s important to give it a good scrubbing now and then.
There are a few different ways you can brush your tongue:
Use a tongue scraper.
A tongue scraper is a tool that’s specifically designed to clean your tongue. You can find them at most drugstores.
Use your toothbrush
If you don’t have a tongue scraper, you can use your toothbrush to brush your tongue. Just make sure to use a soft-bristled brush, so you don’t damage your tongue.
5. Drink plenty of water
Staying hydrated is vital for overall health, but it can also help eliminate that soapy taste in your mouth. When you’re adequately hydrated, your saliva production increases, which helps rinse away any leftover food particles or bacteria in your mouth.
6. Eat fresh fruits and vegetables
These can help to neutralize the taste of soap in your mouth. Fruits and vegetables with a high water content can also help keep you hydrated, which, as we mentioned before, is essential for saliva production.
So make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day – aim for eight glasses daily! – and see if that helps get rid of that soapy taste.
7. Avoid foods that are high in sodium
Sodium can make the soapy taste in your mouth worse. So it’s best to avoid salty foods if you’re trying to eliminate this pesky problem.
8. See your dentist regularly
Of course, one of the best ways to keep your mouth healthy (and free of that soapy taste) is to see your dentist regularly. They can help identify any underlying dental problems that may be causing the soapy taste and give tips on improving your oral hygiene routine.
When to see a doctor
A soapy taste in the mouth is not typically a severe condition, but it’s essential to see a doctor if the taste doesn’t go away on its own, it gets more intense, or it occurs with stomach problems. If you have a head injury, signs of a stroke, or other symptoms, go to the emergency room. If your child has a soapy taste in the mouth, take them to the doctor. If you’ve eaten large quantities of soap or were exposed to potentially toxic substances, contaminated food, or dirty water, seek medical attention.
So, don’t hesitate to go to the ER if you are experiencing a soapy taste in your mouth – it could save your life.
Don’t worry, and it’s probably nothing serious. A soapy taste is unpleasant, but it doesn’t always mean something is wrong. If you’re in doubt, or if the soapy taste doesn’t go away quickly, consult a doctor.
