Paxlovid is an antiviral medication that patients use to treat mild to moderate COVID-19. Many people who take Paxlovid report a bitter, metallic, soapy, or grapefruit taste in their mouth. Both of the drugs in Paxlovid, nirmatrelvir, and ritonavir, taste bitter and can have lingering effects. This medication can create dysgeusia or a taste disorder that impacts the taste buds. If you have a bitter taste from medicine or bad breath you cannot get rid of it at home, call our office in Philadelphia, PA, for a dental cleaning. Although the effects of this bitter taste are not severe and will not last, it can be annoying to deal with for several days. Below we will explore multiple solutions for “Paxlovid mouth” or dysgeusia caused by medication.
How to Reduce a Bitter Taste in the Mouth in Philadelphia, PA
Whether you have side effects from a medication or have problems like dry mouth, several tips can help:
- Continue Your Oral Hygiene Routine: Brushing and flossing are some of the best ways to reduce a bad taste in the mouth. Patients can also miss their tongues when they brush and floss. Brushing the tongue can also help remove bacteria or bitter tastes that build up in the mouth.
- Chew Sugar-free Gum: Chewing gum encourages saliva production. Saliva washes away bacteria and alleviates bitter or bad tastes in the mouth. On the other hand, sugary chewing gum increases the risk of harmful bacteria buildup.
- Drink Water: Like chewing gum, water helps wash away particles that cause a bad taste in the mouth. In addition, Hydrating regularly helps alleviate the lingering effects of bitter-tasting medications.
- Avoid Alcohol and Tobacco: Tobacco products and alcohol can worsen acidic and bitter tastes in the mouth. Nicotine is a common cause of chronic bad breath, while alcohol creates acetic acid, which exacerbates bitter tastes or bad breath.
Treating Bad Breath
Many of the same tips for “Paxlovid mouth” may be used for halitosis or chronic bad breath. Common causes of halitosis are onions, garlic, or other foods. Patients who do not have a good oral hygiene routine can experience halitosis due to bacteria buildup on the teeth and gums. Additionally, dry mouth exacerbates problems like bad breath.
Patients can adjust their diets to prevent temporary halitosis or brush and floss after eating. However, patients with dry mouth or poor oral hygiene need to visit the dentist on a regular basis. Dry mouth helps bacteria grow in the mouth which can also increase the risk of decay or gum disease.
At routine dental cleanings, our hygienists remove bacteria from the mouth. We remove plaque and tartar from the gums and between teeth. We can also provide antibacterial rinses to fight bacteria that cause halitosis.
If you need to treat bad breath or a bitter taste in your mouth, call Dr. Pamela Doray for care today at (215) 395-6076. You may also request a dental appointment with our dentists on our website. We are passionate about helping patients maintain their smiles.