Taste disorders: a review

Taste disorders are distressing for patients. They can also pose a serious threat to the health of older and more vulnerable patients, who can become malnourished through a loss of taste or changes in taste perception. Despite the profound impact of taste changes on health, the literature on their diagnosis, pathogenesis and treatment is sparse. Taste changes, including the experience of unexplained foul tastes or a decrease in taste sensations, may lead patients to seek out inappropriate dental treatments, but such treatments are often unsuccessful in resolving the complaint. Correct diagnosis of taste loss is the first step in the treatment of taste abnormalities and the avoidance of unnecessary dental treatment. It is therefore helpful for both patient and health care provider to be aware of the causes of taste changes. This review presents an overview of the causes, diagnosis and management of taste abnormalities.