Your sense of taste is controlled by your taste buds and your olfactory sensory neurons, which are responsible for your sense of smell. A metallic taste can indicate a serious illness, undiagnosed diabetes or certain cancers, but those are typically accompanied by other symptoms according to Donald Ford, MD, MBA, Chairman of the Department of Family Medicine at Cleveland Clinic. But, if you aren’t having any other symptoms, then here are several causes that could be behind the metallic taste in your mouth and what to do about it.
Why Does My Mouth Taste Like Metal?
Poor Oral Hygiene
If you haven’t been staying on top of your oral hygiene by brushing and flossing regularly and going for regular dental check-ups, then you may have gum disease, which can leave a metallic taste in your mouth. The metallic taste often comes from bleeding gums and since blood is rich in iron, that’s what causes the taste in your mouth. “The metal taste typically goes away after the infection is gone,” says Dr. Ford in an article on the Cleveland Clinic website.
Burning Mouth Syndrome
According to the Mayo Clinic, burning mouth syndrome is chronic or recurrent burning in the mouth. It can affect the tongue, gums, lips, inside of your cheeks, the roof of your mouth or your entire mouth. It can cause a bitter or metallic taste. Medications to treat burning mouth syndrome include saliva replacement products, specific oral rinses, nerve pain blockers and antidepressants.
Prescription Drugs
There are a wide variety of medicines and vitamins you have in your medicine cabinet that could cause dry mouth and a metallic taste. “Some medications can cause a metallic taste because your body absorbs the medicine and it then comes out in the saliva,” Dr. Ford explains. According to Cleveland Clinic, these medicines include:
Antibiotics such as clarithromycin, metronidazole and tetracycline.Allopurinol, a gout medicine.Blood pressure medications, including captopril.Lithium, which is used to treat certain psychiatric conditions.Methazolamide, used to treat glaucoma.Metformin, a diabetes medication.
Vitamins
Vitamins that contain metals, such as copper, iron and zinc, can also bring about a metallic taste simply because of the ingredients they contain. Women often experience this when taking prenatal vitamins. If you undergo iron infusions, that can also cause a metallic taste in your mouth. Dr. Ford says when your body adjusts to vitamins and other medications, the metallic taste should go away.
Sinus Issues
You may experience more than just sneezing when it comes to your allergies—you could also have a metallic taste. Conditions such as upper respiratory infections, sinusitis, colds, or even an ear infection can alter your sense of smell and your sense of taste.
Cancer Treatments
People being treated with chemotherapy or radiation for cancers of the head and neck may experience what is referred to as “chemo mouth” according to Dr. Ford. It’s when a patient experiences changes in taste and smell including a metallic taste.
Pregnancy
You can point the blame finger at your hormones. For some pregnant women, they experience a metallic or sour taste during the first trimester. As pregnancy progresses, the metallic taste most often goes away.
Food allergies
Certain food allergies such as shellfish and tree nuts, can cause a metallic taste in the mouth. It can start almost immediately before the allergic reaction known as anaphylaxis. Other symptoms of anaphylaxis include swelling, itchy skin, difficulty breathing, wheezing, nausea or vomiting, headaches, and disorientation.
Exposure to chemicals
Exposure to certain chemicals such as mercury, lead or insecticides, can cause a metallic taste. It could be a signal that you have pesticide poisoning, or you may have been exposed to lead through lead-based paint or even in your water or cosmetics. Mercury can be found in seafood, as well as old products like thermometers. If you think you or someone in your family has been exposed to these toxins, contact your healthcare provider.
COVID-19
According to the Cleveland Clinic, some have reported either a loss of smell and taste with COVID-19, but others have reported having a metallic taste. “Typically, metal mouth resolves itself once the underlying cause has been treated, but a COVID-19 induced metallic taste in the mouth could stick around for weeks or even months after your recovery from the virus,” says Dr. Ford.
Neurological diseases
Neurological problems, such as Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia, can cause the brain to misinterpret signals coming from the taste buds resulting in a metallic taste. “The taste buds are connected by nerves to the brain, and taste abnormalities can occur when the portion of the brain related to taste is not working properly,” Dr. Ford explains.
How to Minimize a Metallic Taste in Your Mouth
There are several ways to prevent or even cope with the metallic taste in your mouth.
Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing after meals. Stay hydrated by making sure you are drinking enough fluids throughout the day. A dry mouth can amplify the metallic taste so drink lots of water. Swap your metal utensils for plastic or glass ones.Quit smoking. Chew on sugar-free gum or mints. Mask the taste with certain foods that are sweet or sour.
While having a metallic taste in your mouth is unpleasant, it’s usually nothing to worry about. Dr. Ford says if the taste persists, then instead of trying to mask the issue, it’s time for a visit to your dentist doctor to help determine the cause. Next up: How to get rid of garlic breath.
Sources:
Donald Ford, MD, MBA, Chairman of the Department of Family Medicine at Cleveland Clinic.Cleveland Clinic, Common Causes for a Metallic Taste in Your MouthMayo Clinic, Burning Mouth Syndrome
