Dysgeusia
Pronunciation: dis-GYOO-zhuh
A distortion or impairment of the sense of taste, which in dental contexts may arise from local oral pathology, medications, dry mouth, or restorative materials.
Full Definition
Dysgeusia encompasses qualitative taste disturbances, including metallic, bitter, sour, or absent taste sensations that do not correspond to the actual substance in the mouth. In dentistry, it is a recognised complaint associated with xerostomia, oral candidiasis, zinc-containing restorations or cements, certain local anaesthetic agents, and post-surgical states such as following third molar removal. Editors working on dental prescribing or adverse-effects literature must distinguish dysgeusia (distorted taste) from ageusia (complete loss of taste) and hypogeusia (reduced taste sensitivity). Correct spelling is 'dysgeusia', not 'dysguesia'.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from 'ageusia' (complete loss) and 'hypogeusia' (diminished taste). The spelling 'dysguesia' is an error; flag and correct when editing.
In Context
- "The patient reported persistent metallic dysgeusia following placement of the zinc oxide-eugenol temporary restoration." — Adverse event report
- "Dysgeusia was noted as a side-effect in 4.3% of participants receiving the investigational oral rinse." — Clinical trial results section