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Why Metal Taste?

“Dr. Sun, can you check why I taste metal in my mouth? I have no metal fillings; I checked online, and I’m afraid I might have a cavity or gum infection!” So, I checked, and the oral department was cleared.

"Your mouth is healthy, tell me what has changed in your life?”
”I lost my job, I’ve been taking antidepressants and Ambien for sleep, but I had a physical exam that was fine.”
“Have you been good to yourself, healthy diet, taking supplements, exercising and proactive on job hunting?”
“Ha! Funny, Dr. Sun, I was going to ask you for a job! I exercise, but not eating well and maybe drinking more.”
“Well, keep yourself in the best condition. The metallic taste has lot to do with the medications you are taking; poor diet and alcohol intake don’t help either. My advice to you is be positive, count your blessings, treat yourself right, maintain a healthy diet, cut down on alcohol and keep up your good oral hygiene. You may rinse your mouth with warm salt water or rinse with warm water with added baking soda (1/4 teaspoon to 8 oz warm water) to neutralize the taste. Also talk to your physician about this, see whether GERD or other gastrointestinal issues play a role.”

It is common to get the funny taste in your mouth (dysgeusia), it might taste metallic, acidic or bitter, it usually goes away on its own, but if is lasts more than two weeks, consult with your health care professional.

Dysgeusia is related to a multitude of adverse health conditions. It is a sign of imbalanced body chemistry, associated with changes of your physical, mental or oral condition: medication and diet also are contributing factors. Starting with the mouth, make sure there is no caries, infection or poor oral hygiene. Think about whether you are taking prescription medications to treat hypertension and anxiety, (like lithium) antibiotics, antidepressant or others which may cause the metallic taste. The last would be possible physical illness likes cancer, a peptic ulcer, food allergies, or excessive metal elements (iron, copper, iodine, mercury, selenium, lead) in your body. Effects of radiation therapy may also cause dysgeusia.

Get a good assessment of the condition, then improve your health and feel better. Apart from consulting with your health care professional, do your part of eating right. Keep up good and clean habits, including oral hygiene, balanced stress level and a positive life outlook. You can also try brushing / scraping the tongue, rinsing with herbal mouth wash (like Tooth & Gum tonic), or swishing with warm salt water or baking soda rinse to neutralize the metallic taste.