Sometimes you get a disgusting metal like taste in your mouth. There may be many reasons behind it. Dental problems, systemic diseases, pregnancy, etc., are among the major ones.
Taste buds help you to differentiate lots of tastes under various categories of sweet, sour or bitter. You have the ability to judge between a good taste and a bad taste. Sometimes you may experience some kind of metallic taste in mouth. This can be a sign of some disease or it may be due to the reaction of medicine. Though some reasons are very normal, some may be life-threatening. Metallic taste can recede in few minutes or it may even take few months to subside and whatever you eat during this period, tastes metallic or bland.
What Causes Metallic Taste in Mouth?
There are lots of causes behind metallic taste. The causes can be many but you should remember that metal taste in mouth can also be one of the symptoms for some diseases. So let’s check out various causes of metal like taste in mouth.
⚫ Oral Disorders and Sinus Problems
Any kind of disorder in the tooth and mouth which leads to the plaque formation, gingivitis, periodontitis, tooth decay and abscesses may result in metallic taste in mouth. You need to take proper dental care in such case. Sinus infection and other problems related to sinus can also cause such taste in mouth.
⚫ Medicines
Medicines are said to be the major cause of metallic taste. There are many drugs and medicines which are responsible for it like some antibiotics, anticancer medicine, heart and blood pressure, arthritis, diabetes, heartburn, glaucoma, sleep medicine, etc. There are many more medicines like potassium iodide, interferon, lithium, fomepizole, mycophenolate, iron supplements, etc., which can also cause metal like taste.
⚫ Systemic Diseases
Cancer, diabetes, vitamin B-12 deficiency, zinc deficiency, hyperparathyroidism, renal failure, etc., are some of the systemic diseases that can cause metallic taste in mouth. One can observe metallic taste after chemotherapy sessions.
⚫ Nervous System Diseases
The imbalance in the part of the brain which controls the taste and smell senses can cause taste disturbances. Autoimmune diseases and tumors can also leave you with metallic taste in mouth.
⚫ Pregnancy
Many pregnant women face the problem of metal like taste in mouth but what causes metallic taste in mouth during pregnancy? The answer to this question is hormonal changes. Hormone fluctuation in the body of a woman specially in the first trimester, can lead to weird taste in mouth.
⚫ Marine Food Poisoning
Some sea fish like tuna, mackerel, bonito, etc., can take you to temporary metallic taste in the mouth. This is also known as histamine fish poisoning. This taste goes after sometime on its own.
⚫ High Level of Metal
High level of metals in the body can also result in metal taste in mouth. The metals can be copper and iron. When the levels of these substances increase from the standard amount, you may observe taste change.
⚫ Allergies & Infections
Many allergies can result in metallic taste. Infections such as fungal infection in mouth and tongue which affects the taste buds can also changes the taste of your mouth.
⚫ Inhaled Substances
Prolonged inhalation of some chemicals like benzene, hydrazine, gasoline, lacquers, rubber dust, cobalt, etc., can also result in metallic taste. People working in such industries usually face this problem.
⚫ Other Causes
Other causes of metal like taste in mouth may consists of unfiltered underground water which contains traces of metals such as calcium and magnesium, leakage of metal from the dental filling, aging, etc. Excess smoking can also be a cause for this taste.
To get rid of it you can use some simple home remedies such as drink citrus juices, rinse your mouth with salt solution, eat small portion of clove and cinnamon and the most important, brush you teeth twice daily and clean your tongue properly. After brushing, gargle with mouthwash to get completely rid of the microorganisms. Sprinkle small amount of baking soda and salt on your toothbrush and brush your teeth. This will kill all the microorganism and improve the taste of your mouth. Water is among the most effective remedies to fight against metal like taste. Drink at least 7 to 8 glasses of water in a day. If you are still unable to get relief from this condition then consult a doctor for further guidance.
