Is your mouth tasting like old pennies all of a sudden? Don’t worry – this predicament is more common than you might think. Once you uncover the root cause, it’s time to figure out how to get rid of the metallic taste in the mouth. Here’s what you need to know.
While, in some cases, this unusual aftertaste can disappear on its own, there are plenty of things you can do to reduce it. Among other things, you should brush and floss regularly, stick with sugar-free gum, and eat food that masks the taste. If it’s due to an oral health issue, schedule an appointment with your dentist to resolve it.
Why Do I Have a Metallic Taste in My Mouth Anyway?
An altered sense of taste, medically known as dysgeusia, can develop for a variety of reasons. One of the most common manifestations of dysgeusia is the infamous metal mouth. Many possible culprits can be behind this unusual aftertaste:
- Oral conditions such as cavities or gum disease (periodontitis),
- Sinus issues, including infections and allergies,
- Medications such as antibiotics, including tetracycline,
- Zinc, iron, calcium, or copper supplements,
- Deficiencies in vitamin B, vitamin C, zinc, and copper,
- Acid reflux and other indigestion problems,
- Changes in the early stage of pregnancy,
- Aging and certain neurological conditions, such as dementia,
- Exposure to chemicals such as insecticides, mercury, and lead.
Here’s How to Get Rid of the Metallic Taste in the Mouth
Just like there are many underlying causes of this unusual aftertaste, there are many different ways to get everything back to normal. Of course, the solution depends on what’s creating it in the first place. So, let’s talk about how to get rid of the metallic taste in your mouth, taking it one case scenario at a time.
Metal Mouth Goes Away on Its Own Sometimes
If the common cold or another sinus issue is to blame, this unusual aftertaste should disappear once you get back up on your feet. In the meantime, try to rest as much as possible and drink plenty of fluids. If you’re wondering how to get rid of the metallic taste in the mouth during pregnancy, the same goes for this case scenario. It should go away on its own – in the meantime, you can use sour and vinegary foods to mask the taste.
How to Get Rid of the Metallic Taste in the Mouth From Medicine
From antibiotics to diabetes treatment, various prescribed medications can alter the taste in your mouth. The same goes for certain vitamins or minerals, such as iron, zinc, copper, and calcium. If this is the case, it’s important not to just stop taking them – talk to your doctor first. They’ll be able to come up with alternatives that will get your taste buds back on track.
If It’s Indigestion, Simple Changes to the Diet Can Go a Long Way
This metallic taste is a pretty common symptom of acid reflux. To keep it at bay, it’s all about knowing what to eat. You should skip all the bad stuff – fast food, fried food, and other fatty meals. When the indigestion is under control, the aftertaste should go away as well.
In Most Cases, Your Charlotte, NC, Dentist Can Help
More often than not, the root cause of this unusual aftertaste is an oral health issue. Tooth cavities, gingivitis, periodontitis, or getting a tooth extraction – all of these can significantly alter the taste in your mouth.
In this scenario, there’s nothing else you can do but schedule an appointment with your Charlotte dentist in South Park. With a quick dental exam, they’ll be able to figure out what’s going on and find the appropriate treatment.
Here’s What You Can Do in the Meantime to Get Rid of the Aftertaste
Sometimes, an oral health issue can’t be resolved in one swift dentist appointment. So, here are some ways to reduce the metallic taste for the time being:
- Stick to a strict oral hygiene routine, brushing and flossing twice a day,
- Drink plenty of water to prevent dry mouth, which can alter the taste even more,
- Chew sugar-free gum or, if that doesn’t work, try sugar-free mints,
- Get rid of metallic utensils, cookware, and dishes,
- Experiment with different spices and foods that can mask the aftertaste,
- Rinse your mouth with a combination of water, salt, and baking soda before and after each meal,
- If you’re a smoker, try to avoid cigarettes or quit them altogether.
Remember, these are just temporary solutions – don’t ignore the root cause. You should still schedule an appointment with your dentist in Charlotte, NC, as soon as you can. It’s the first step towards getting the right flavors back into your life.
Aspire Dental Wellness Can Help on This Tasteful Journey
While it’s nothing to stress about, an altered, metallic taste in your mouth is not something you have to live with. Our practice of advanced cosmetic & laser dentistry in Charlotte, NC, offers plenty of treatment solutions, each as unique as your smile.
Led by Dr. Sladjana Bjelac, our team at Aspire Dental Wellness is dedicated to providing each patient with a customized treatment complete with a special, holistic approach. You don’t have to wait and hope for the taste to go away on its own – contact us today to schedule your appointment. Let’s get your taste buds back on track!
