What causes a metallic taste in my mouth and what can I do about it?
Mar 12, 2022 · A metallic taste in the mouth is a relatively common side effect A metallic taste can indicate serious illness, such as kidney or liver problems, undiagnosed diabetes or certain cancers. If a metallic taste in your mouth is your only complaint, the cause might be one of several, including prescription drugs or a medical condition.
What chemical will cause a metallic taste in mouth?
Jan 31, 2022 · A metallic taste in your mouth may be a sign of a food allergy, likely related to the body’s immune response. In some cases, it can even indicate an allergic reaction and anaphylaxis . If you develop any difficulty breathing, swelling, itchy skin, or other concerning symptoms it’s very important to go to the emergency room.
What causes a constant metallic taste in mouth?
Feb 16, 2022 · A metallic taste in the mouth may indicate a variety of different conditions, some of which are temporary and minor and some which may be chronic or serious. A metallic taste in the mouth may be caused by: Gum disease; Use of certain medications Antibiotics; Antidepressants; Gout medicines; Heart medications; Lithium; Cancer treatments …
How to get rid of metallic taste in mouth?
Sep 09, 2021 · Certain vitamin and mineral deficiencies can lead to an altered sense of taste, and the result can be a metallic-flavored mouth, Dr. Li says. For instance, a vitamin B12 deficiency can cause symptoms such as a swollen, inflamed tongue (which can tamper with your taste buds) along with fatigue, according to Harvard Health Publishing.
What can cause a metallic taste in your mouth?
Why does my mouth taste like metal?Poor oral hygiene. If you don't brush and floss regularly, the result can be teeth and gum problems such as gingivitis, periodontitis and tooth infection. ... Prescription drugs. ... Over-the-counter vitamins or medicines. ... Infections. ... Cancer treatment. ... Pregnancy. ... Dementia. ... Allergies.More items...•Aug 31, 2021
When should I be concerned about a metallic taste in my mouth?
A metallic taste in your mouth will often go away once the underlying cause has been treated, especially if the cause is temporary. You should contact your doctor if the bad taste persists. Your doctor will often refer you to an otolaryngologist, also known as an ear, nose, and throat doctor.
How do you get rid of metallic taste in your mouth?
Sprinkling a pinch of baking soda on your toothbrush or rinsing your mouth with a half teaspoon of baking soda and water is a natural remedy to treat dysgeusia. It works by helping to regulate the pH balance, neutralizes acid, and effectively reduces metallic taste.
Why do I keep getting a funny taste in my mouth?
Bad taste, also known as dysgeusia, is a common symptom of gastrointestinal reflux disease, salivary gland infection (parotitis), sinusitis, poor dental hygiene, and can even be the result of taking certain medicines.Mar 23, 2021
What medications can cause a metallic taste in your mouth?
There are many medications or supplements that can cause a metallic taste in your mouth, including:
What medical conditions might cause a metallic taste in your mouth?
A metallic taste in your mouth can also be a symptom of an underlying medical condition. For example, it can be seen with these health conditions:
How does COVID-19 change your sense of taste and smell?
One symptom of COVID-19 is an altered taste and smell. Researchers don’t completely understand why this happens, but it’s likely due to inflammation of the lining of the nose and the nerve endings that control smell and taste.
Should I worry about a metallic taste in my mouth?
Most of the time, a metallic taste in your mouth is temporary and harmless. But it can be a symptom of a more serious health condition, so it’s a good idea to talk with your healthcare provider if the metallic taste persists or is associated with other symptoms such as allergy symptoms, pain, or any signs of infection.
How do you get rid of the taste of metal in your mouth?
Often the metallic taste will get better on its own once the cause has been identified and addressed. The best treatment will depend on the cause. If it’s ongoing or worsening, it’s a good idea to talk with your healthcare provider. They may refer you for imaging studies or to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist.
The bottom line
There are many reasons why you may develop a metallic taste in your mouth. Most of the time you do not need to worry. It’s commonly due to medications or supplements and will resolve on its own.
Why does my mouth taste metallic?
Gum disease is a common culprit of a metallic taste in the mouth. Other oral issues that may cause this weird taste include periodontitis, tooth infection, or gingivitis. If you have one of these infections, your dentist can give you medication to clear it up. The metallic taste should fade once the infection is healed.
How to get rid of metal taste in mouth?
Regular oral hygiene: This can reduce the taste of metal in the mouth. Nonmetallic dishware: Use nonmetal dishes and silverware when cooking and eating. Stop smoking: Avoid smoking to reduce the chance of dry mouth, which increases the metal taste. Check your medications: Your medications may be the culprit.
Why does my mouth taste sour?
Daily use of these vitamins may cause a metallic or sour taste in the mouth. Prenatal vitamins: Prenatal vitamins can sometimes cause a copper taste in the mouth. If the taste is too strong, check different brands and compare the levels of minerals. You may find that a particular brand works better for you than others.
What happens if you inhale a lot of mercury?
They tend to affect the part of the body that is most exposed. If you inhale large amounts of chemicals like lead or mercury, you’ll experience a metallic taste in your mouth.
Why do people with dementia have strange tastes?
People who have dementia often experience strange tastes because their brain is sending abnormal signals to the taste buds. They may get a metallic taste in their mouths whether they have eaten anything or not.
What happens if you don't take care of your mouth?
If you don’t take care of your mouth properly, you can develop various issues. Some of these can lead to a bad taste in your mouth. Taking care of our mouths goes much deeper than the occasional brushing. When you don’t practice proper oral hygiene, you leave your mouth open to developing problems such as: Bad breath: If you don’t brush your teeth ...
What happens if you don't brush your teeth?
Bad breath: If you don’t brush your teeth after you eat, those food particles will remain in your mouth, break down, and cause bad breath. Cavities: When you don’t brush or floss, plaque settles onto your teeth and starts to eat away at the enamel.
1. Certain Infections
Feeling tired along with a tinny taste on your tongue could indicate an infection.
2. COVID-19
While you've probably heard that a loss of taste and smell is a possible side effect of a coronavirus infection, some people have also reported a metallic taste after contracting COVID-19, Dr. Li says.
3. Allergies and Hay Fever
From sniffling to sneezing and itchy, watery eyes, there's no shortage of annoying allergy and hay fever symptoms. And now you can add a meddling metallic taste to your litany of complaints.
4. Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies
Certain vitamin and mineral deficiencies can lead to an altered sense of taste, and the result can be a metallic-flavored mouth, Dr. Li says.
5. Certain Medications
If you're feeling tired and have a tinny tang in your mouth, your medication might be the culprit.
6. Diabetes
A change in taste or a persistent bad flavor in your mouth (like metal) may also occur when you're dealing with diabetes, according to the American Dental Association.
7. Pregnancy
From congestion to cravings, pregnancy can produce some strange side effects, including dysgeusia.
Why does my mouth taste metallic?
There are lots of reasons you may have a lingering metallic taste in your mouth, from medication to poor tooth brushing habits. Once you figure out why it's happening, there are often easy steps you can take to get rid of the problem.
How to get rid of metallic taste in mouth?
This can prevent tooth decay and mouth infections. Drink water and chew sugar-free gum to keep away oral infections that could cause a metallic taste in the mouth. Before meals, rinse your mouth with a combination of a 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon ...
Why does my cold lozenge taste metallic?
Your prenatal vitamins, iron, or calcium supplements could be the cause. Multivitamins with copper, zinc, or chromium can leave a metallic flavor. So can cold lozenges that are made with zinc. The good news: The metallic taste should go away soon after you take the pills.
How to get your taste back after indigestion?
To treat the underlying problem, avoid rich foods, eat dinner earlier, and take antacids. If you keep getting indigestion, have a hard time swallowing, or are in serious pain, see your doctor. The taste in your mouth should go back to normal when your indigestion is under control. Pregnancy.
What causes a taste to linger in your mouth?
Cancer Treatment. Bitter or metallic tastes that linger in your mouth are a common side effect of chemotherapy and radiation.
How to clean mouth before eating?
Before meals, rinse your mouth with a combination of a 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in 1 cup of warm water. Try using plastic utensils and glass or ceramic cookware rather than metal ones. Try marinating meat in sweet fruit juices or sweet wines or cook with lots of herbs and spices.
How to get rid of a swollen ear?
In the meantime, switch up your foods to help mask the problem. Add tart ingredients like lemon juice, vinegar, or pickles to your meals. Spices, herbs, and sweeteners bring strong flavor. Try eating more frozen or cold foods. Swap metal utensils for wood or plastic .
