What is the gross taste after a tooth extraction?

Experiencing a bad taste in the mouth after a tooth extraction is commonly the result of the formation of blood clots or food becoming caught in the hollow extraction site, according to Dr. John V. Shroyer. The taste is generally normal and part of the healing process.

It is important to rinse with a warm water and salt mixture to remove trapped debris, and doing so also alleviates unpleasant odors and tastes. The persistence of a foul taste or smell accompanied by swelling, pus or excessive bleeding indicates the need for immediate medical attention, according to Mayo Clinic. Serious implications include dry socket, an infection or nerve damage.