Which of the following is a short-term effect related to tobacco use on taste?

• A. Bad breath
• B. Yellow teeth
• C. Taste buds are dulled and appetite is reduced
• D. Smelly hair

Answer: (C)

Short-term taste changes from tobacco use come from irritation of the tongue’s taste buds and changes in saliva caused by smoke and nicotine. The chemicals in tobacco can temporarily dull taste perception, so flavors may seem weaker or foods may taste bland. Nicotine can also suppress appetite in the short term, which is often linked with this dulling of taste. This effect tends to be reversible after stopping, with recovery taking a little time depending on use. The other options describe odor or cosmetic changes (bad breath, yellow teeth, smelly hair) that aren’t about the immediate change in taste perception.