There are
numerous causes of a lingering metallic taste in your mouth, ranging from
medication to poor tooth brushing habits. When you figure out why it's
happening, there are usually simple steps you can take to solve the problem.
Orthodontic Health
You may need
to improve your dental hygiene. Brush and floss your teeth and gums on a
regular basis to avoid tooth and gum problems such as gingivitis,
periodontitis, and tooth infections. All of these conditions can leave a bad
taste in your mouth.
If you have
poor oral health, you may also have swollen, bright, or dark red gums, as well
as gums that bleed easily. You may also suffer from bad breath.
If you have
any of these symptoms, go to your dentist for a professional cleaning and ask
if you need a prescription to treat any infections.
Cold symptoms and Other Infections
Have you
been feeling ill? Colds, sinus infections, and upper respiratory infections can
all alter the taste of your mouth. If this is the case, you will also
experience symptoms such as a runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, and cough.
Rest, drink
plenty of fluids, and use over-the-counter pain relievers as needed. When
you're feeling better, the metallic taste should go away.
Medication
Antibiotics,
for example, can leave you with a metallic taste. Among the other possible
causes in the medicine cabinet are:
- Cardiovascular medication
- Gout medication
- Lithium and antidepressants (used to treat some mental health conditions)
If the
metallic taste bothers you, consult your doctor, but do not discontinue your
medication without their approval.
Vitamins
It's
possible that your prenatal vitamins, iron, or calcium supplements are to
blame. Multivitamins containing copper, zinc, or chromium may have a metallic
taste. Cold lozenges containing zinc can also be beneficial.
The good
news is that the metallic taste should fade quickly after you take the pills.
Indigestion
A metallic
taste could be caused by heartburn, acid reflux, or indigestion. Bloating and a
burning sensation in your chest after eating are also symptoms of these
conditions.
Avoid rich
foods, eat dinner earlier, and take antacids to treat the underlying problem.
Consult your
doctor if you continue to experience indigestion, difficulty swallowing, or
severe pain. When your indigestion is under control, the taste in your mouth
should return to normal.
Pregnancy
It's not
surprising that the taste in your mouth may change while you're pregnant.
You may
experience a metallic taste at the start of your pregnancy. It should be only
temporary and vanish on its own.
Dementia
When you
have dementia, everything tastes different. The part of the brain that controls
taste can occasionally stop working properly.
Cook with
strong or sweet flavors, and experiment with different foods and drinks to help
stimulate your appetite.
Cancer Therapy
Chemotherapy
and radiation can leave you with lingering bitter or metallic tastes in your
mouth. When you finish treatment, it usually goes away.
In the
meantime, experiment with different foods to help mask the problem. Add tart
ingredients to your meals, such as lemon juice, vinegar, or pickles. Spices,
herbs, and sweeteners add depth of flavor. Consume more frozen or cold foods.
Swap out metal utensils for wooden or plastic ones.
Chemical Contamination
Inhaling
high levels of mercury or lead can leave your mouth with a metallic taste. It
is critical to avoid or reduce your and your family's exposure to these
chemicals.
Lead is
toxic to both children and adults. Lead poisoning in children can occur as a
result of lead-based paints or lead-contaminated dust found in older buildings.
Lead can contaminate the air, water, and soil, all of which can be hazardous.
Adults who do home renovations or work with batteries are more likely to become
lead poisoned.
Mercury can enter your home through industrial sites and broken household items such as thermometers. Long-term and short-term mercury exposure can both be harmful to your health.
The first
line of treatment is to remove the source of contamination (such as lead-based
paint). You may also require a medication from a doctor.
Brain and Nervous System Disorders
A central
nervous system (CNS) disorder can sometimes cause taste distortions or make
things taste different than usual. Conditions such as Bell's palsy, multiple
sclerosis (MS), and even depression fall into this category. If you have one of
these conditions and notice a metallic taste, consult your doctor.
Treatment and Prevention
of Metallic Taste in Your Mouth
There is no
single method for treating or preventing a metallic taste in your mouth. Your
treatment is determined by the underlying cause. This unpleasant symptom may go
away on its own in some cases, such as if you stop taking the vitamins or
remove the source of lead exposure. However, there are times when you must
employ alternative methods:
See your
dentist if you have any infections around your teeth or gums (periodontitis).
For good oral hygiene, brush your teeth and tongue twice a day and floss once a day. This can help to prevent tooth decay and infections in the mouth.
To avoid
oral infections that can cause a metallic taste in the mouth, drink water and
chew sugar-free gum.
Rinse your
mouth with a mixture of 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon baking soda in 1 cup
of warm water before meals.
Instead of
using metal cookware, try using plastic utensils and glass or ceramic cookware.
Marinate
meat in sweet fruit juices or sweet wines, or cook with a variety of herbs and
spices.
Some
medications may cause a metallic taste in your mouth. Consult your doctor and
inform them that you are experiencing this side effect. It's possible that
switching to a different medication will help. Do not discontinue prescribed medication
without first consulting your doctor.
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