10 Reasons Why You Have Metallic Taste in Your Mouth

When you have a metallic taste, it distorts your mouth’s sense of taste. A metallic, foul, or bitter taste in your mouth is commonly known as dysgeusia. If there is an interference with the tasting process, you may experience a change or lack of taste. Your taste buds are responsible for telling your brain whether the substances you taste are sweet, sour, salty, or bitter.

Seeing that a metallic taste in your mouth may indicate an even more significant problem, it is imperative to seek medical care.

Symptoms That May Come with The Metallic Taste

Sometimes, the taste may occur on its own, while other times, it may be accompanied by several other symptoms depending on the root of the problem. Common symptoms include:

• Bleeding gums
• Bad breath
• Dysfunction of the facial nerve
• Excessive salivation
• Dry mouth
• Stuffy nose
• Reduced appetite
• Swollen tonsils
• Vomiting
• And Flu-like symptoms such as fatigue, sore throat, fever, cough, headache, and pains.

The following are the more serious symptoms that may indicate life-threatening conditions:

• A change in alertness, consciousness or confusion
• Difficulties in swallowing
• Face paralysis
• High fever
• Difficulties in breathing
• Slurred speech
• Swelling in the lips, mouth or tongue

Causes

Any infection, condition, or disorder that alters the tasting process can cause a metallic taste in your mouth. The bad taste will often disappear when the underlying issue is resolved. Here are the common causes of the metallic taste in your mouth:

Certain Medications

Medications may influence the strange taste in your mouth. It is a side effect of the following medications:

• Antibiotics like Blaxin orFlagyl
• Medications for blood pressure e.g.Capoten
• Glaucoma medications,e.g.,Neptazane
• Osteoporosis medications

Chemotherapy & Radiation

The American Cancer Society (ACS) revealed that some types of radiation and chemotherapy might result in the metallic taste: a side-effect commonly known as chemo mouth. Studies indicate that there are vitamin supplements like zinc or vitamin D that may help in preventing the Distortion in taste in chemotherapy and radiation therapy patients.

This proves that taste distortion may be as a result of some vitamin deficiencies.

Sinus Issues

There is a close correlation between your senses of taste and smell. Distortion of your smell sense can profoundly impact your taste sense. Sinus issues may result from:

• Common cold
• Sinus infections
• Allergies
• And several other respiratory infections of the upper tract.

Disorders of the Central Nervous System

The central nervous system is responsible for sending messages to all parts of your body. Taste messages included. Distortion of signals occurs when it is injured or has a disorder. Consequently, you may experience impaired taste.

Pregnancy

It is common for expectant women to report a strange smell in their mouth, especially during the first trimester. Although the cause remains unknown, doctors believe it stems from hormonal changes during the early stages of pregnancy. Others say it may be due to the increased sense of smell in pregnant women.

Food Allergies

The metallic taste in your mouth may be an indication of food allergies. If, after eating some foods such as tree nuts or shellfish, you experience a distorted taste, you may be allergic to those foods. Immediately talk to your doctor if you suspect a food allergy

Ear Tube and Middle Ear Surgery

The performance of this surgery is to eliminate otitis or chronic infections of the ear. On rare occasions, there may be damages to the chorda tympani. The chorda tympani is located near your inner ear and is responsible for taste control in two-thirds of your tongue. If damaged, it may result inparageusia.

Poor Dental Health

This is a contributor to taste dysfunction. Regularly visiting your dentist for cleanings and cavity fillings are capable of reducing taste distortion risks.

Kidney Failure

Kidney dysfunction can lead to the build-up of waste materials in your blood. The result is fatigue and taste disorientation.

Deficiency of Vitamin B-12

The deficiency in vitamin B-12 impairs the production of red blood cells, causing fatigue. In severe cases, it may affect the nerves resulting in a metallic taste in your mouth.

Preventing the Metallic Taste

You can do little to prevent taste distortion. If the cause is a sinus issue, things will go back to normal when the problem goes away. If your medication is to blame, talk to your doctor to see if there are alternatives.

In the case of taste distortion caused by long-term conditions like pregnancy and chemotherapy, the taste should be masked until the condition goes away.Here are tips to temporarily eliminate the taste distortion:

• After meals, ensure you brush the teeth
• Experiment with a variety of foods, seasonings, and spices
• Use nonmetallic utensils, dishes, and cookware
• Quit smoking
• Stay hydrated
• Chew gum and mints that are sugar-free

When Should You See a Professional?

Most times, the Distortion will appear on its own. However, you should speak to your doctor if it persists. You may be referred to an otolaryngologist- this is an ear, throat, and nose doctor. We at delaRoca Dentistry understand the confusion taste distortion may cause, and we are here to help through our general dentistry services. Are you looking for a dentist near you in East Hemet? Call us today and book an appointment.