DISTURBANCES OF TASTE

ABNORMALITIES OF TASTE INCLUDE:

• Ageusia: Complete loss of taste

• Dysgeusia: Unpleasant or altered taste sensation.

• Hypogeusia: Reduced or partial loss of taste sensation.

ETIOLOGY

• Abnormality of the central nervous system (rare).

• surgical trauma to the Chorda tumpani nerve (rare).

• Bell's palsy

• Hormone changes

• Presence of pyogenic infection.

• Exposure to radiation therapy for head or neck cancer

• Exposure to certain chemicals, such as insecticides and some

medications, including Antirheumatic (allopurinol, phenylbutazone),

Penicillamine and Captopril (ACE inhibitoers), Metronodazole.

CONDITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH ALTERATION IN TASTE

Dental conditionsPeriodontal deseaseCaries lesionsDischarched dental sinusRestoration with maginal deficienciesDry soket

Associated structuresSalivary glands: (salivaru hypo function, Sialadenitis)SinusitisLungs : (respiratory disease)Stomach: (Gastro-Esophageal reflex disorder)

Systemic diseaseUraemiaNeurulgical disordersAnemia

DrugsACE inhibitors, lithium salts, gold, carbimazole, metronidazole, pencillimine, xerogenic drugs

Deficienciese.g. Zinc

Smoking

PsychogenicOral dysaethesiaPsychosis (delusions, hypochondraisis)

DIAGNOSIS

• Taking history of the patient• Examination of the oral cavity• Checking of zinc deficiency• Referring the patient to a specialist

TREATMENT MAY INCLUDE:

• Treatment of the underlying cause

• Correction of the underlying medical problem

• Surgical removal of obstructions that may be causing the

disorder

• Improving Oral hygiene

• Counseling