how to get back your taste buds and appetite

They will assess your taste loss with a physical examination of your ears, nose, throat, a dental examination, and a taste test. That's where an otolaryngologist (also called an ENT) comes into play. As loss of taste could indicate a health problem, there's even more reason to figure out its cause before jumping to a treatment plan. Since there are so many different things that can cause a loss of taste, it's helpful to determine the cause before receiving treatment. If this channel is blocked, odors can't reach your nose, resulting in foods tasting bland or feeling like there's no taste in your mouth. Chewing food releases aromas that activate your sense of smell by way of a channel that links the roof of your throat to your nose. The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) has found that most people who think they have a taste disorder might actually have a problem with smell.

Some surgeries to the ear, nose, and throat (such a middle ear surgery).

Radiation therapy to treat cancers of the head and neck.

Exposure to certain chemicals or medications.

Middle ear and upper respiratory infections.

Common reasons for a loss of taste include the following: Most people develop taste disorders after illness or injury, although some people are born with them. Dry mouth can also affect your sense of taste. You might also experience dry mouth because your mouth produces less saliva as you age.

Sensitivity to the five tastes (sweet, salty, sour, bitter, and umami) typically declines after age 60. Did you know that most people have about 10,000 taste buds? According to MedlinePlus, this number decreases as you age, and each taste bud that remains also begins to shrink. That said, many other factors can cause a loss of taste, like cigarette smoking and increased age.

If you're experiencing a sudden loss of taste alongside other COVID-19 symptoms, contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has listed the new loss of taste and smell as a symptom of COVID-19. Recently, if you've heard about people losing their sense of taste, it's most likely related to COVID-19.

How to get back your taste buds and appetite