Locations:
SearchThe Short Answer from an oral surgeon
A: It is not uncommon for our sense of taste to change, or diminish, with time. This is due to many factors. As we age, the number of taste buds that we have decreases. This usually begins to occur in our 40s if we’re female or in our 50s if we’re male.
Advertisement
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
At the same time, our remaining taste buds also begin to shrink, or atrophy, and do not function as well. This results in decreased sensitivity to taste, typically affecting salty or sweet, and eventually sour or bitter foods. Around the same time, our sense of smell may also start to decrease, which can contribute to the loss of taste.
—Oral surgeon Michael Horan, MD, DDS, PhD
Advertisement
Learn more about our editorial process.
Advertisement
Dehydration, medication and nasal congestion are common culprits
Smoking, medications, acid reflux and even aging can all leave you with a bad taste in your mouth
Some people experience taste — or certain flavors — more intensely than others
These berries may make life taste a little sweeter, but they may not be for everyone
8 reasons salty mouth happens and how to treat it
Expert advice on what might be causing that strange taste
An expert explains the primary causes
This medicated liquid is available by prescription only and is specially formulated for your specific needs
The ‘sunshine vitamin’ is found naturally in some fish and is added to other foods
Autism and ADHD often go hand in hand, giving rise to the term AuDHD
The Yuzpe regimen is less effective than other forms of emergency contraceptives, and it’s associated with more side effects
