Got A Perfume Taste In Mouth? Here’s Why!
Having a perfume taste in mouth may feel like a cause for concern, but in most cases, it’s actually nothing to worry about.
There are many times when I’ve spritzed a strong fragrance and tasted the after-effects of the perfume.
That said, there are several other reasons why you may be tasting perfume in the mouth.
If you have a soapy or floral taste in your mouth, here are some reasons why that may occur.
Why does my mouth taste like perfume? 11 reasons why!
What causes a perfume taste in mouth?
Have you sprayed too much perfume?
If you are wondering why your mouth tastes like perfume, it’s most likely because you have been spraying too much perfume. If you overspray perfume on your clothes, around your neck, or in the air before walking into it, this can easily happen.
If you want to avoid this, be sure to spray your perfume in a well-ventilated area and avoid spraying it directly onto your skin. You should also avoid eating or drinking for at least 30 minutes after spritzing your perfume.
Have you used any scented household products?
Products like air fresheners, diffusers, and candles can cause a perfume taste in mouth and nose, especially one that’s lingering.
Air fresheners or room spray can stay in the air even if you don’t notice the smell anymore. When using these types of items, try spraying these products and leaving the room immediately afterward. Give some time for the initial scent to fade before re-entering the space.
Are you taking medication or supplementation?
Some medications and dietary supplements, especially those that have a strong flavor can cause a perfume taste in mouth. Antibiotics and the contraceptive pill have both been noted as potential causes for tasting perfume.
If you’re on certain medication, you may notice a fuzzy tongue as well. These symptoms usually subside after a week or two as they are initial side effects. If not, speak to a medical practitioner.
Are you pregnant or having hormonal changes?
If you notice a perfume taste in mouth during pregnancy, here’s why.

If you’re pregnant, you may be experiencing a condition called pregnancy rhinitis, which can cause your mouth to taste like perfume.
Pregnancy rhinitis is a common condition that affects up to 30% of pregnant women. It’s caused by the increased hormones in your body during pregnancy, which can cause the lining of your nose to swell and produce more mucus. This can lead to a stuffy nose, congestion, and a bitter or metallic taste in your mouth.
Pregnancy rhinitis usually starts in the first trimester and improves after you give birth, but it can occasionally last throughout the entire pregnancy.
There are a few things you can do to help relieve the symptoms of pregnancy rhinitis:
- Drink plenty of fluids to thin out mucus
- Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air
- Avoid trigger foods and smells that make your symptoms worse
- Try over-the-counter medications like antihistamines or decongestants
Do you have stress and anxiety?
If you’re wondering why do I taste perfume in my mouth when I haven’t sprayed it? It could be due to stress and anxiety.
These can cause alterations in your taste and smell. I for one get a very dry mouth called Xerostomia which happens when very anxious. This can result in strange tastes like soap or perfume.
If you’re feeling stressed or anxious, it’s important to understand the difference between the two so that you can get the help you need.
Stress is a response to a specific situation or event, whereas anxiety is a more general feeling of unease or worry.
There are a number of different ways to cope with stress and anxiety, and it’s important to find what works for you.
Some people find that exercise helps to relieve stress, while others find that relaxation techniques, such as yoga or meditation are more effective.
If you’re struggling to cope with stress or anxiety, it’s important to seek help from a qualified professional. They can help you to understand the cause of your symptoms and develop a treatment plan that will work for you.
Do you have Covid?
If you have a sudden, unexplained change in your sense of smell or taste, it could be a sign of COVID-19.
These coronavirus symptoms are usually accompanied by other telltale signs of the virus, such as a fever, cough, and shortness of breath. If you develop these symptoms, it’s important to seek medical attention right away.
Do you have diabetes?
If you have a perfume taste in mouth, it could be diabetes.
If you have diabetes, you may experience a condition called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). DKA occurs when your body doesn’t have enough insulin to use glucose for energy, so it starts breaking down fat for energy.
This process produces ketones, which can build up in your blood and make your breath smell fruity or like nail polish remover. If you have diabetes and you notice that your breath smells like this, it’s important to check your blood sugar levels right away and contact your doctor.
Do you have gum disease?

Did you know that bleeding gums can cause a perfume taste in mouth?
If you notice a metallic taste in your mouth, check your gums. If you think that your gums are inflamed or feel particularly sensitive during cleaning, then see a dentist as soon as possible.
Are you overusing oral products?
Using too much sodium fluoride can result in a soapy or perfume-like taste which may last several days.
High levels of sodium fluoride are dangerous, so if you’re using several oral products you may want to discontinue use.
If you have mouth numbness, vomiting, stomach ache, or very pale skin, get emergency treatment.
Do you have allergies?
If you have allergies, you may be more likely to experience a reaction to certain chemicals in perfumes.
Allergies can cause a variety of symptoms, including sneezing, itching, and watery eyes. If you think you may be allergic to perfume, it’s important to see an allergist for testing.
Do you have Dysgeusia?
Dysgeusia is a condition that can result in your mouth tasting like perfume. It can be caused by a number of things, including certain medications, medical conditions, and even pregnancy.
If you are experiencing dysgeusia, it is important to see your doctor so they can determine the cause and help you find relief.
If you have fatigue, nausea, and/or headaches, then see your doctor as they can check for infections, nerve damage, etc.
How to get rid of perfume taste in mouth
Here are a few ways to get rid of a perfume taste in mouth:
- Eat something bland like crackers
- Brush your teeth with toothpaste
- Rinse your mouth with water
- Sip peppermint or lemon tea
- Chew a piece of gum
FAQs

What does perfume taste like?
Depending on their composition, some perfumes may taste sweet, while others may have a more bitter taste.
Perfume generally does not have a strong taste, but some people may be able to taste it more than others.
If you can taste your perfume, it is probably because one or more of the chemicals in the fragrance are interacting with your saliva or other fluids in your mouth. This can happen if the perfume contains alcohol or other volatile compounds.
Why does my food taste like perfume?
If you have dysgeusia, you may feel like you have a bad taste in your mouth that won’t go away. You may also have other symptoms like dry mouth, changes in your sense of smell, or a burning feeling in your mouth.
Dysgeusia can be a side effect of many medications, including antibiotics, blood pressure medications, and chemotherapy drugs. Certain foods can also cause dysgeusia, especially if they are spicy or high in acid.
Illnesses like sinus infections, diabetes, and GERD can also cause dysgeusia. If you have any of these conditions, you may want to talk to your doctor about ways to treat them.
Why am I waking up with a perfume taste in mouth?
Have you been eating spicy or acidic foods?
Drinking plenty of fluids and sucking on hard candy can help to increase saliva production and get rid of the bad taste in your mouth. Avoiding spicy or acidic foods can also help.
If the taste in your mouth does not go away after trying these home remedies, or if it gets worse, you should see your doctor.
Why does everything tastes like perfume?
If the taste of perfume lasts several hours, or you only notice it when eating, it’s most likely to be caused by using a lot of scented products. This could include things like toothpaste, mouthwash, or even lip balm.
If you’ve been using these products more often than usual, it’s not surprising that your mouth would start to taste like them.
Another possibility is that you have a sinus infection or other type of respiratory infection. When you have an infection, your body produces more mucus than usual. This mucus can drain down the back of your throat and make your mouth taste unpleasant.
If your mouth tastes like perfume and you’re not sure why, don’t worry!
In most cases, it’s nothing to be concerned about and will go away on its own. However, if the taste persists or gets worse, it’s always best to see a doctor to rule out any underlying health problems.