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Metallic Taste in the Mouth: Causes and Treatment Options

What Could Be Causing a Metallic Taste in Your Mouth?

A metallic taste in the mouth can stem from a variety of sources such as health conditions, diet, medications, supplements, or even poor oral hygiene, leading to an unusual taste sensation.

Poor Oral Hygiene

Inadequate or irregular teeth cleaning and not using dental floss can lead to strange taste sensations, including a metallic taste. This can be due to:

  • Bacterial infections such as gingivitis or periodontitis;

  • Fungal infections;

  • Trauma to the oral cavity, including tooth extractions;

  • Complications from poorly fitting dentures such as ulcers.

Managing infections and maintaining good oral hygiene—brushing after meals, using dental floss, regular dental check-ups, and tartar removal—can help prevent strange tastes in the mouth.

Colds and Other Infections

If the sense of smell is distorted, it can also affect taste, thus infections that impact smell can cause a metallic taste in the mouth. This includes:

  • Common colds,

  • Sinus infections,

  • Other upper respiratory infections.

Digestive Issues

Heartburn, acid reflux, and various digestive issues can also be responsible for a metallic taste.

Dementia

Those suffering from dementia may experience altered taste because the part of the brain that controls tasting may not function properly.

Cancer Treatment

Those undergoing cancer treatment might experience an unpleasant taste during meals or drinking, as chemotherapy and radiation can irritate taste buds, sometimes making even water taste bitter.

Certain Supplements and Medications

Metals are common components of supplements and can leave a metallic taste in the mouth, especially if consumed in large doses. This may occur with supplements containing:

  • Calcium,

  • Copper,

  • Chromium,

  • Iron,

  • Magnesium,

  • Zinc.

Antibiotics, some heart medications, and antidepressants can also cause a metallic taste.

Bitter Taste Causes: Pregnancy, Menopause, and COVID-19

A bitter taste in the mouth is a common complaint in the first trimester of pregnancy. Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy can affect the senses, including taste. Many women experience metallic, bitter, or iron-like tastes, which can be annoying but usually subside later in pregnancy or after childbirth.

Women undergoing menopause might also experience strange tastes due to lower estrogen levels, which can lead to conditions like burning mouth syndrome.

COVID-19 can also cause a bitter taste, often accompanied by reduced smell and other symptoms.

Eliminating Bitter Taste

Eliminating a bitter taste usually involves treating the underlying cause. Doctors typically diagnose the problem by inquiring about other symptoms and medications and conducting various tests.

To prevent bitter taste, it is important to:

  • Maintain regular oral care, brushing twice daily, using dental floss, and using an interdental cleaner;

  • Ensure ample hydration throughout the day;

  • Reduce risk factors for acid reflux, such as consumption of fatty or spicy foods, as well as avoiding tobacco products and alcohol.

Fehérvári Dental: Professional Dental Care in the Heart of Budapest

Since our establishment in 1997, we have been committed to providing your family with the highest standard and comprehensive care, from toddlers to great-grandparents. Our specialists cover every area of dentistry, enabling us to handle complex treatments requiring multiple dental specialists. Our team's professional and coordinated operation is evident throughout the entire care process, from specialist consultations to administrative tasks.

Our dental clinic represents high standards in its design and technical equipment. Our three-story clinic houses 3 modern treatment rooms and an imaging diagnostic area (panorama X-ray, tele X-ray, CBCT, intraoral) connected by a spacious elevator that is accessible for those with mobility restrictions and those with strollers.

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