Why Is There a Metallic Taste in My Mouth?

Date: Oct-28-2016 Taste, one of the five senses, is a combination of various sensations that tell the brain how something tastes.

Along with thousands of sensory organs called taste buds and taste papillae on the tongue, smell, texture, and temperature also play large roles in taste. Someone with a stuffy nose may not be able to enjoy their favorite meal because an important part in creating that taste is impaired.

With the information the tongue sends to the brain, the brain sorts taste into five basic categories: sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and savory. It's a common mistake that taste buds only register certain tastes on certain regions of the tongue.

Because there are many factors involved in the sense of taste, taste disorders can be a result of various different conditions or bodily imbalances. Metallic taste, or dysgeusia, can occur as the body responds to a foreign substance. It can also be a warning sign of other health problems.

Contents of this article:

What causes a metallic taste?

When to see a doctor about a metallic taste

Diagnosis and treatment

What causes a metallic taste?

Taste disorders may be a sign of other health-related issues.

There are a number of common things that can cause a metallic taste. Some are more serious than others but most can be resolved easily or will go away on their own.

Metallic taste in someone who is otherwise healthy isn't usually cause for alarm, says Dr. Michael Rabovsky, a family medicine physician at the Cleveland Clinic. Here is a list of common causes behind metallic taste:

Poor oral health

Those who don't brush or floss regularly may experience a metallic taste due to gingivitis, periodontitis, or tooth infection. These issues can cause people to bleed after they brush or floss, sometimes resulting in metallic taste.

These issues can also cause more serious infections in the teeth and gums. Dentists can give a prescription drug to clear up infections, after which the metallic taste should go away.

Regular dental cleanings and routine work will help to prevent or treat these issues before they get worse. Recent wisdom tooth removal surgery can also cause a metallic taste.

Sinus problems

Because the senses of smell and taste are so closely tied together, sinus issues can impair the ability to taste or cause a metallic taste. A blocked nose is one sign of a sinus issue. Once the sinus problems go away, the metallic taste should as well.

These problems are generally very common and include:

Common cold

Sinus infection

Allergies

Nasal polyps

Middle ear or other upper respiratory infections

Recent middle ear surgery

Prescription drugs

One possible side effect of some prescription medications is a metallic taste.

Sometimes prescription drugs can cause an aftertaste as the body is absorbing them. Metallic taste can also occur if someone experiences dry mouth as a side effect of their medication.

Some common drugs that are known to cause a metallic taste include:

Antibiotics

Antidepressants and other psychiatric medications

Blood pressure medications

Glaucoma medications

Antifungal medications

Steroids

Nicotine patches

Diuretic medications

Antihistamine medications

Osteoporosis medications

Cancer treatment therapies

Taste changes are a common side effect of cancer therapies like chemotherapy and radiation to the head and neck. These treatments can cause damage to the taste buds and salivary glands, sometimes resulting in a metallic taste.

This change is temporary, and a normal sense of taste should return eventually. Macmillan Cancer Support offer a fact sheet of tips to help people enjoy foods as normally as possible.

Vitamins

Vitamins with heavy metals such as copper, zinc, or chromium can be the cause of a metallic taste. Prenatal vitamins, iron, or calcium supplements can also result in the same problem.

The taste should go away as the body absorbs the vitamins, but it's best to check the dosage to make sure the correct amount is taken.

Pregnancy

Some women report a change in taste and smell in the early stages of their pregnancy. This is due to hormonal changes occurring in the body.

Along with a metallic taste, a change in cravings or a dislike for certain foods is also common for pregnant women. In this case, the metallic taste tends to go away with time.

Dementia

People with dementia can sometimes experience taste changes like a metallic taste. Because the taste buds send signals to the brain, taste changes can occur if part of the brain is not working properly.

Other allergies

Some allergies cause sinus problems, which can then cause a metallic taste. However, there are some other allergens said to cause metallic taste. Tree pollen, tree nuts, and shellfish are among these.

Anyone who is unaware of any food allergies but has eaten or been exposed to these foods and experiences a metallic taste should let their doctor know.

Kidney failure

Kidney failure is one of the more serious causes of dysgeusia. A metallic taste is also fairly common in people with diabetes, which can then lead to kidney failure.

About 30 percent of patients with type 1 diabetes and 10 to 40 percent of patients with type 2 diabetes will eventually have kidney failure, according to the National Kidney Foundation.

Waste buildup in the kidneys can result in bad breath or loss of appetite, causing a metallic taste.

When to see a doctor about a metallic taste

If someone receives medication for a cause of a metallic taste and it remains, it could be a sign of a more serious problem. Also, if anyone has had a recent sinus or dental problem or has any of the pre-existing conditions mentioned above but the metallic taste remains, it's best to see a doctor right away.

A metallic taste can cause loss of appetite. This can lead to weight loss, poor nutrition, depression, and even a weakened immune system if not treated.

For seniors, an untreated metallic taste could also be a sign of a central nervous disorder, such as Alzheimer's disease or Parkinson's disease.

Diagnosis and treatment

If the metallic taste persists, patients may be referred to an otolaryngologist.

A doctor may refer someone to an otolaryngologist, a doctor who specializes in diseases of the ear, nose, and throat. The first step in diagnosing the cause behind metallic taste will involve some basic tests, including:

A physical exam of the ears, nose, and throat

A dental exam to determine oral hygiene

A review of general health history

A taste test to diagnose any taste disorders

The taste test may involve comparing tastes of different items to determine the ability to pick up on changes in taste intensity. Additionally, the doctor may ask patients to do a "sip, spit, and rinse" test. Similar exams may be involved in order to diagnose any taste disorders causing the dysgeusia.

If the specialist thinks the metallic taste is the result of an issue affecting the nerves in the mouth or head, they may order an X-ray. If it's a sinus issue, other imaging tests may be ordered.

Depending on the final diagnosis, the doctor may prescribe medication to relieve the metallic taste. If they suspect a serious condition, they may refer the patient to another specialist, arrange more exams, or prescribe medication for the underlying cause.

How to make a metallic taste better

Doctors may offer some advice on how to change eating, drinking, or lifestyle habits to help a metallic taste go away on its own. People can also try to:

Drink more water (except if the underlying cause is kidney failure)

Try various spices and marinades with their food

Avoid smoking

Brush their teeth and floss after eating

Chew sugar-free gum or eat sugar-free mints

Written by Foram Mehta

Courtesy: Medical News Today Note: Any medical information available in this news section is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a health care professional.