On many occasions we have noticed an alteration in the sense of taste, that is, we can perceive some flavors without having consumed any food that produces it, and it is also very common to feel Metallic flavor in the mouth, which can be due to several causes.
Although it is true that on certain occasions the metallic taste in the mouth can be temporary, it could be a cause for concern, since its appearance may be associated with the presence of some disease that can be serious. In any case, the metallic taste in the mouth will be a symptom and not a disease.
The idea is that if you have several days feeling the metallic taste in your mouth, which in turn alters the taste of other foods, it is best that you go to the doctor, he does a complete check of your state of health, the appropriate clinical tests and prescribe both the indicated medications and a series of tips that will help you overcome this episode.
Factors associated with changes in taste
Before listing some of the causes related to metallic taste in the mouth, we must consider several aspects, such as, for example, the relationship between taste and smell, which could have some implication in the appearance of this taste.
Another important aspect is the side effects caused by some medications, and that usually affects some people more than others.
Likewise, the hormonal changes that women constantly present in the different stages of their life could also involve the sense of taste; especially pregnant women, who undergo considerable changes especially in the first months of pregnancy.
Likewise, factors such as diet, alcohol and tobacco consumption, oral hygiene habits and the mania that some people have such as biting or chewing everything that falls on their hands, including metal pieces, paper, wooden pencils, pencils made of plastic with metal parts, nail biting, etc., may have some implication in changing taste perception.
Some causes of metallic taste in the mouth
Oral diseases
The pathologies that occur in the mouth can cause a metallic taste in the mouth and affect the sense of taste, these can be:
- Cavities
- Dental plaque
- Abscesses
- Periodontitis
- Gingivitis
If the cause is any of these, the dentist will be the indicated specialist to establish the appropriate treatment.
There may also be mouth bleeds from aggressive brushing, which produces that taste that comes from the blood.
Consumption of some medications
Side effects appear after certain days taking medications, which, depending on these, can cause the metallic taste in the mouth. For example, antihypertensive, antidepressant, antimicrobial, and antibiotic drugs, especially those containing chlorhexidine, can give rise to the appearance of this taste in the mouth or other unpleasant tastes.
It is possible that the package inserts of these drugs warn about the appearance of this taste as a side effect; The recommendation is to read them and make sure that it will pass once the treatment is completed, or, if it is for life, consult with the specialist to find out how to mitigate it, if it will pass after a certain time or the medication can be changed.
Systemic diseases
Systemic diseases are those where several organs of the body are involved, or even the whole organism, such as diabetes, hypothyroidism, metabolic syndrome, fibromyalgia, arthritis, atherosclerosis, among many others.
The appearance of the metallic taste in the mouth may be due to the suffering of any of these diseases, which can mean an alarm sign and an urgent visit to the doctor, if you have not yet been diagnosed.
The metallic taste in the mouth can also be due to a specific condition in the liver, kidneys or pancreas, so you should see a doctor if the taste lasts for several days.
Cancer treatments of any kind
Chemotherapies and radiotherapies are also treatments that can compromise other parts of the body, and it is usually the origin of the metallic taste in the mouth, which some have described as iron or rust.
Exposure to compromised environments
Work environments are often the cause of alterations in both the sense of smell and taste. People who work in companies that collect solid waste often suffer from anosmia or hyposmia, which can also alter the sense of taste, as they are exposed to strong odors.
Likewise, those who work in companies that work with heavy metals such as mercury, lead, etc., tend to present alterations in the sense of taste and feel the taste of metal in their mouth.
Lack of vitamins
A deficiency of vitamins B6 and B12 can also cause this taste in the mouth, as this insufficiency is usually responsible for the appearance of anemia due to a lack of iron in the blood.
Pregnancy and hormonal disorders
Pregnancy is a stage of many changes for women, due to hormonal alterations, as some multiply, others cause discomfort and discomfort in such a way that they usually require treatment.
These hormonal changes are also responsible for the appearance of the metal taste in the mouth and even for sharpening the sense of smell, which makes the pregnant woman reject some odors because she perceives them strongly.
Commonly, the metallic taste in the mouth usually appears during the first months of pregnancy, and disappears after the first trimester.
What to do?
The first thing to remember is that the metallic taste in the mouth is not in itself a disease, but a symptom of any condition, so it is recommended to see a doctor if it persists to identify the cause and give it the appropriate treatment.
In case of locating the cause in any of the indicated reasons, speak with the specialist and do the same: change the treatment, improve the work environment, avoid strong odors, comply with the dental treatment that has been defined, treat the vitamin deficiency, etc. .
If you cannot go to the doctor immediately, you can take some measures to reduce this unpleasant taste, such as:
- Brush your teeth frequently
- Using mouthwash
- Eating peppermint or peppermint candy or gum
- Drink lemon or orange juices
- Drink plenty of fresh water
- Gargle with a mixture of water, baking soda, and lemon twice a day