
Have you been experiencing a strange taste in your mouth frequently? If so, then it is imperative that you know about this condition.
In most cases, the phrase ‘strange taste in mouth’ often means the condition of metallic taste. As the name suggests, one experiences a metallic, sour, or maybe an acidic taste. A condition known as dysgeusia is characterized by a malfunction in the sense of taste, and one of its symptoms can be a strange or metallic taste in mouth. Sometimes, this condition may be too mild to cause concern, but then, there is a possibility that it can be a manifestation of some severe deficiency in the body. So, knowing about what could be the reason behind it, at an early stage, can keep things from getting ugly or let’s say ‘distasteful’.
What Could Cause this Condition?
The most common and obvious causes are associated with poor dental hygiene. Common ones may include:
- Tooth decay
- Gingivitis
- Tooth abscess
- Periodontitis
In some cases, certain medical conditions may also trigger a metallic taste in the mouth. One such common condition is gastroesophageal reflux disease. In this, the stomach acid is forced up the food pipe, and one may experience an abnormal taste after eating. Other conditions include gastritis and heartburn.
Apart from these, some other possible causes include:
- Ulcers
- Jaundice
- Copper toxicity
- Alcohol abuse
- Cancer (in some cases)
- Hormonal changes (in women)
- Too much calcium in the blood
- Allergic reactions due to foods
- Certain diseases of the kidneys or acute kidney failure
- Lead or mercury poisoning or overdose of selenium
- Administration of medications that include antibiotics, depression medicines, and those prescribed for high blood pressure
Treatment Methods
For an effectual treatment, it is essential to determine the underlying cause. For instance, if it is a tooth cavity, then consulting a dentist and fixing the issue would eliminate the bad taste in mouth. However, certain general remedies may prove to be beneficial in dispelling the abnormal taste.
☛ One of the body’s natural responses to fight strange taste is to produce saliva. Consumption of citric juices, like orange, grapefruit, or lemon juice increases salivation. You would notice an improvement within a few days. However, if the cause of the condition is gastritis, then you may have to avoid the intake of acidic foods.
☛ Apart from brushing and flossing, scraping the tongue is also important. As soon as you are done with brushing, rinse your mouth with an antibacterial mouthwash, clean your tongue, and then rinse with the mouthwash again. Remember, an unclean tongue promotes the growth of bacteria, which further adds to the unpleasant taste.
☛ To get rid of metallic taste, you can avoid the use of metallic utensils and start using plastic ones instead.
If you feel that your mouth is tasting strange or funny occasionally, then it should not be a cause of concern. However, if you are suffering from a condition like gastritis and have an abnormal taste, then this warrants a medical visit. In such cases, treating the underlying problem is more important than what is apparent to the eye.
Disclaimer: This HealthHearty article is for informative purposes only and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.