Toxic effects on gustatory function.

A large number of substances and disease processes may impact the sense of taste. Toxic substances may cause taste dysfunction from their effects on the gustatory system from the salivary gland, to the taste bud, to the central neural pathways. A number of external toxins, including industrial compounds, tobacco, and alcohol, may adversely affect taste, most commonly through local effects in the oral cavity. Blood-borne toxins, such as medications and those present in autoimmune and other systemic disorders (e.g. renal or liver failure), have access to all parts of the gustatory system, and thus may exhibit varied effects on taste function. An understanding of these potential toxins and their impact on gustation will help physicians better recognize, and potentially limit the impact of such taste alterations on their patients.