It’s not a pleasant feeling when you have to ask yourself – why do I have a metallic taste in my mouth? Truth is, there are a lot of possible reasons, but once you figure out what’s happening, you’ll be able to find the solution. Aspire Dental Wellness is here to help.
Why Do I Have a Metallic Taste in My Mouth? The Most Common Causes
So, what causes the metallic taste in the mouth? There are a lot of possible reasons, but the most common culprits include dental and sinus issues, certain medications or vitamins, as well as indigestion. With the help of your doctor or dentist, you can figure out the root cause and find the right solution.
Oral Hygiene Is the Possible Culprit
Most commonly, distorted taste in the mouth, medically known as dysgeusia, might stem from an inadequate oral hygiene routine. This is because not brushing and flossing regularly can cause plenty of dental issues down the road, which can alter the taste.
It might be due to a tooth cavity, a bacterial infection such as periodontitis, or tooth extraction, among other things. No matter the underlying condition, the best thing you can do for your smile is to schedule an appointment with your Charlotte dentist in SouthPark. They’ll provide you with the right treatment, and you’ll be able to get a thorough dental cleaning and exam.
Sinus Problems Can Also Alter the Taste
If you’re feeling under the weather, you’re probably wondering – when I cough, my mouth tastes like metal. Why is that? Well, taste and smell are closely linked, so a stuffed nose or other sinus issues can be the reason your mouth tastes like metal. Here are possible culprits:
- The common cold,
- Sinus and other respiratory infections,
- Nasal polyps,
- Allergies,
- Middle ear issues.
Some Medications Can Cause a Sudden Metallic Taste in the Mouth
Certain medications can be behind dysgeusia, leaving a metallic aftertaste. For example, medical research shows that metformin, a common diabetes treatment, can have this outcome. The aftertaste will be there for as long as the medication is in the person’s system.
Besides metformin, some thyroid medications and antibiotics, including tetracycline, can cause the same effect. However, the last thing you want to do is just stop taking your medication – first things first, talk to your doctor about it.
Certain Vitamins Can Also Leave an Unusual Aftertaste
Supplements that contain metals, including zinc, iron, calcium, and copper, can leave a metallic aftertaste – that’s unsurprising. Prenatal vitamins can have the same effect. However, it should go away quickly, soon after you take the supplements.
On the flip side, vitamin deficiencies can have the same effect. For example, people dealing with liver failure can experience it, most probably due to deficiencies in vitamin B, vitamin C, zinc, and copper.
Indigestion Problems Are Another Common Cause
Besides bloating and heartburn, an unusual aftertaste is a common symptom of acid reflux. When you’re dealing with this condition, you need to know exactly when and what to eat. For example, you should eat dinner a bit earlier and do your best to avoid fatty foods. If you can’t get your indigestion under control, you can always talk to your doctor about it.
Here Are a Couple of Other Reasons This Can Happen
While we’ve covered the most common reasons why you might be dealing with an unusual aftertaste in your mouth, there are numerous other culprits, including the following:
- Pregnancy – early pregnancy can alter taste, including that metallic aftertaste,
- Older age – aging affects the nerves’ function, which can change taste recognition,
- Neurological conditions – any condition that affects the nervous system can potentially cause it,
- Chemical exposures – insecticides, lead, and mercury can result in this unusual aftertaste,
- Cancer treatment – chemotherapy or radiation can cause significant changes in taste and smell.
How to Get Rid of the Metallic Taste in Your Mouth
Now that we’ve covered the causes, let’s talk about the possible solutions. There are many things you can do to get your taste buds back to normal:
- Maintain good oral hygiene, which means brushing and flossing twice a day,
- Make sure to stay hydrated to avoid dry mouth,
- Rinse your mouth with a solution of baking soda and warm water before eating,
- Use nonmetallic dishes and utensils that won’t make the aftertaste even more intense,
- Eat foods that can mask the aftertaste, such as sour foods and citrus fruits.
While these tips can help a lot, make sure not to neglect the root cause. If the aftertaste becomes a daily occurrence, persisting no matter what you do, schedule an appointment with your doctor. In cases where an underlying oral condition is the culprit, our Charlotte, NC, dentist can help.
Let’s Get Your Taste Buds Back on Track
In most cases, a metallic aftertaste is nothing to worry about. However, that doesn’t mean you should learn to live with an altered taste. There are simple and effective solutions, especially when it requires treatment from our practice of advanced cosmetic & laser dentistry in Charlotte, NC.
Our team at Aspire Dental Wellness, led by Dr. Sladjana Bjelac, is committed to providing a completely customized treatment plan for each and every patient. With our holistic approach, you can rest assured your overall well-being is the top priority, no matter what we need to do to get rid of that aftertaste. Contact us today, and let’s get you back to enjoying the right flavors of life!
