Soapy taste in mouth: 7 causes

People describe a soapy taste as being:

• bitter
• slightly metallic
• burning

Eating soap is a surefire way to get this unpleasant sensation, but it is not the only reason for a soapy taste in the mouth.

On its own, a soapy taste in the mouth does not reveal much about a person’s overall health.

It is important to look at a variety of factors, such as what a person recently ate, any medications they take, and their health history, to disagnose the cause of the soapy taste.

Seven potential causes

Here, we describe some common reasons why a person might have a soapy taste in their mouth:

1. Contaminated food or drink

The taste of soap is so strong that even a trace of it can change the taste of food and water.

A soapy taste in the mouth may happen if a person:

• eats off dishes they have failed to rinse properly
• washes vegetables or fruit in water that has soap in it
• uses washed drinking straws that still have soap residue inside
• prepares food when they have soap left on their hands

The taste of soap in a person’s mouth usually goes away over a short time in these instances.

2. Medications

Some medications leave a taste in the mouth. This flavor can resemble soap or can interact with food or water to create a soapy or metallic taste. If the soapy taste occurs with a new medication, the drug is probably the culprit.

Telavancin, an antibiotic used to treat bacterial pneumonia, some skin infections, and infections by the Staphylococcus bacteria, can cause a soapy or metallic taste in the mouth.

This symptom is harmless but can be annoying. It typically lasts as long as a person takes the drug.

3. Stroke or brain injury

Every taste and flavor requires the taste buds to send signals to the brain. If the brain cannot correctly process or understand these signals, it can change the way food tastes.

Some people experience changes in the way food tastes during or after a stroke or other brain injury. Others are not able to detect flavors at all. A soapy or metallic taste after a stroke may be temporary or long-term.

If a person experiences changes in their sense of taste, they should consult a doctor who can diagnose the cause. Occupational, speech, or swallowing therapy may be helpful.

Problems with gum and tooth health can cause a soapy or metallic taste in the mouth. If a person does not maintain good oral hygiene, old food may be left behind in the teeth and gums, changing the way food tastes.

Gum disease can cause a soapy taste in the mouth. Some people also notice a strong metallic taste. Various mouth and tooth infections also cause unusual tastes in the mouth.

If a soapy taste occurs with jaw or tooth pain, swollen or red gums, or bad breath, people should consult a dentist.

7. Poisoning

A number of poisons can change the way food tastes or cause a soapy or metallic taste in the mouth. An example of this is arsenic, which may affect the way food tastes.

Poisoning is more likely in children and babies and 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

A soapy taste in the mouth is not typically a serious condition. However, people should see a doctor within 1 to 2 days if:

• the taste does not go away on its own
• the taste gets more intense
• the taste occurs with stomach problems, such as vomiting

People should go to the emergency room if:

• a soapy taste in the mouth happens after a head injury
• there are signs of a stroke, such as changes in thinking or a droopy face
• there are other symptoms, such as a loss of consciousness
• a child complains of a soapy taste in the mouth
• they have eaten large quantities of soap
• they were exposed to potentially toxic substances, contaminated food, or dirty water

Takeaway

The taste buds do not always accurately reflect the taste of food. A soapy taste in the mouth is unpleasant but does not often mean that something serious is wrong.

If someone is in doubt about the reason for the soapy taste, or it does not go away quickly, they should consult a doctor.

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