A metallic taste in your mouth is a type of taste condition known medically as parageusia. Typical causes include brand-new medications, pregnancy, and food allergies. In unusual cases, metal taste can be a sign of Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s disease.
This undesirable taste can develop unexpectedly or over longer periods of time. To comprehend what causes a metal taste you should first understand how taste works.
Your taste is managed by your taste and your olfactory sensory nerve cells. Olfactory sensory neurons are accountable for your sense of smell. Your nerve endings move info from your taste buds and olfactory sensory neurons to your brain, which then recognizes specific tastes. Many things can affect this complicated system and, in turn, cause a metal taste in the mouth.
Unpleasant Taste in Mouth Causes
There are numerous possible causes for a metal taste in your mouth.
Chemical Exposures
If you are exposed to mercury or lead, inhaling high levels of these substances typically can produce a metal taste.
Infections
Upper respiratory infections, colds and sinusitis change your taste. This is temporary and generally ends when the infection does.
Poor Oral Hygiene
If you don’t brush and floss routinely, the result can be teeth and gum problems such as gingivitis, periodontitis and tooth infection. These infections can be cleared up with a prescription from your dentist. The metal taste normally disappears after the infection is gone.
Prescription Drugs
These medicines include antibiotics such as tetracycline; the gout medicine allopurinol; lithium, which is used to treat particular psychiatric conditions; and some cardiac medications. Your body soaks up the medicine and it comes out in the saliva. Also, medications that can cause a dry mouth, such as antidepressants, can be a perpetrator. These can impact your taste because they close your taste.
Over the Counter Vitamins or Medicines
Multivitamins with heavy metals (such as copper, zinc or chromium) or cold remedies (such as zinc lozenges) can cause a metal taste. So can prenatal vitamins, and iron or calcium supplements. Normally the taste will go away as your body processes the vitamins or medication. If not, examine your dose and ensure you are not taking excessive.
Cancer Treatment
Patients being treated for cancer with chemotherapy or radiation might experience a metallic taste.
Pregnancy
During the early stages of pregnancy, some women find that their taste changes. One of those changes may be a metallic taste.
Dementia
People with dementia frequently have taste problems. The palate are connected by nerves to the brain. Taste problems can happen when the portion of the brain associated to taste is not working correctly.
When to See a Doctor
A metallic taste in your mouth will frequently disappear once the underlying cause has been treated, specifically if the cause is temporary. You need to call your doctor if the bad taste persists. Your doctor will frequently refer you to an otolaryngologist, likewise referred to as an ear, nose, and throat doctor.
An otolaryngologist might order a taste test to assist determine the cause and extent of the taste disorder. Taste tests determine a person’s action to different chemicals. Your doctor might likewise purchase imaging research studies to look at your sinuses.
Loss of taste can be a serious issue. Taste is very important for determining ruined foods. Taste also helps you feel satiated after a meal. Distorted taste can result in malnutrition, weight loss, weight gain, or depression.
For people who should stick to certain diets, such as those with diabetes, distorted taste can make it challenging to eat the needed foods. It can likewise be an indication of some illness, consisting of Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s diseases.
How to Prevent Metallic Taste in Mouth
Unfortunately, there is typically little you can do to prevent a metallic taste in your mouth. If sinus concerns are to blame, the taste distortion should disappear as soon as the sinus issue fixes. If the taste distortion is caused by a medication, talk to your doctor about alternative choices.
Finding methods to mask the metallic taste might help while you wait for it to disappear, particularly if it is caused by chemotherapy, pregnancy, or other long-lasting treatments or conditions. Here are some ways you might reduce or temporarily eliminate taste distortion:
- chew sugar-free gum or mints
- brush your teeth after meals
- explore various foods, spices, and seasonings
- use nonmetallic meals, utensils, and cookware
- remain hydrated
- don’t smoke.
There are likewise medications that may improve taste after development of parosmia (smell distortion) or ear surgery. Consult with your doctor for more information about your alternatives.
Eliminating the Bitter Taste
Brush teeth, tongue and gums a minimum of twice a day
Use a medicated mouthwash after brushing. After brushing the teeth, it is also essential to use floss. This will help prevent the build-up of bacteria in between the teeth. There are some people who also get a tongue scraper to remove the bacteria that remain on the tongue.
Eat foods that promote the production of saliva
Foods like citrus fruits can aid with the production of saliva. Grapefruits, lemons and oranges help eliminate the bitter taste that is left in the mouth.
Use baking soda and salt on the tooth brush to brush the teeth
Procedure equivalent quantities of salt and baking soda on the toothbrush and use it to brush the teeth. This can help eliminate any plaque and dental infections on the gums and teeth. This can be done two times a day.
If the cause of the bitter taste is GERD or indigestion, change one’s eating time
It is best to eat small portions of food numerous times a day in order to eliminate the symptoms. It is best to avoid eating fried and spicy foods.
Drink a great deal of water
Water helps flush out any toxins that reside in the mouth, in addition to reduce the amount of acids found in the stomach. This can help eliminate the bitter taste found in the mouth.
Use cinnamon or cloves
For those who have cloves or cinnamon at home, a teaspoon of either of these can be positioned in the mouth numerous times daily in order to get rid of the taste.
Utilize routine peppermints or breath mints
These sweets can help get rid of the bad taste in the mouth, which might be an impact of meals that are highly seasoned. If there are no mints available, citrus-flavored candies will do.
If these home remedies do not work, it is best to look for the help of one’s dentist. These regular remedies are typically efficient in eliminating the bad taste. If the condition is consistent, ask the help of a physician or dental practitioner for treatment.
Good luck! Have a nice weekend.
