It’s a good thing we have tastebuds. It’s always great to taste different foods and beverages. But sometimes we may experience not so pleasant tastes. Have you ever experienced a metallic taste in your mouth? This can be referred to as parageusia or dysgeusia. This slightly bitter taste can be a result of many underlying causes. Fortunately, this condition is often temporary and is rarely reoccurring once the cause is treated.
https://health.howstuffworks.com/wellness/oral-care/problems/metallic-taste-in-mouth.htm
According to the Cleveland Clinic, common reasons you may be having a metallic taste in your mouth includes:
- Certain Infections: This can include oral diseases such as gum disease and tooth decay because of poor oral hygiene. In addition, the common cold, and sinus, ear, and upper respiratory infections lead to a metallic taste. As many know, infection with COVID-19 is also a potential cause of a metallic taste.
- Specific Medications: Side effects of certain medications may lead to ‘metal mouth.’ This may include certain dietary supplements, antibiotics, and diabetes, blood pressure, psychiatric, and gout medications for instance.
- Dry Mouth: Dry mouth can trigger the taste of metal.
- Pregnancy: Hormonal changes may lead to the taste of metal in your mouth.
- Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy: Cancer treatments may be a cause of a metallic taste.
- Dementia: This condition may not only alter your thinking and memory, but your taste buds too.
- Exposures to chemicals (i.e., lead, pesticides, mercury), smoking, and food allergies may also lead to a metallic taste.
Less likely conditions attributed to metallic taste include metal fillings, kidney or liver issues, diabetes, and specific cancers.
There are many things that you can do to help prevent experiencing this strange taste. Aim to quit smoking, as tobacco can tend to alter your tastebuds among causing many other health issues. Try avoiding spicy foods that can also disrupt your tastebuds. It is also beneficial to chew sugar-free gum to help stimulate saliva flow in addition to staying hydrated with water throughout the day. In addition, maintain good oral hygiene, making sure to brush twice a day, brush your tongue, and floss daily.
If you’re experiencing a metallic taste in your mouth that does not seem to go away, be sure to let your health and dental professionals know. Once a proper diagnosis is determined, treatment can be initiated which can often resolve the strange taste so you can enjoy the foods and drinks you love again!
This pandemic has impacted us all, but our community is indeed all stronger together. Our team at WDG always has your safety and health as our top priority, and we have implemented additional safety measures and equipment to help prevent the transmission of all infections, including COVID-19. Wellesley Dental Group has completely reopened since June 8th, 2020 for all dental procedures and cleanings! Thank you for entrusting your health and dental care to us at Wellesley Dental Group.
Feel free to contact Drs. Ali & Ali and the caring team at Wellesley Dental Group if you have any thoughts or concerns; they will be happy to answer your questions! Contact us today at 781-237-9071 or smile@wellesleydentalgroup.com to set up an appointment.
Your little ones and teens are welcome to visit our pediatric dentist, Dr. Bahar Houshman and Dr. Marisa Reason is happy to help with your TMJ and orthodontic needs. For wisdom teeth extractions or any other oral surgery needs, Dr. Reisman would love to help, and our gum-specialist Dr. Singh can help with your gum-related concerns.
References:
https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/adult-oral-care/metallic-taste-in-mouth-what-does-it-mean