How to Get Rid of Metallic Taste in Mouth

A metallic taste in mouth can be defined as a sour, bitter, acidic, generally foul taste, which makes it difficult for a person to eat anything. This abnormal taste in the mouth is medically known as "'Dysgeusia". Although, this condition is not very serious, yet it can be very discomforting for anyone who is experiencing it. So, to ease this discomfort, given below are some effective tips on how to get rid of metallic taste in mouth, but first let's look at the reasons behind it.

Metallic Taste in Mouth - Causes

• One of the primary causes behind metallic taste in mouth is poor oral health. Bad breath, infections in the oral cavity such as gingivitis, tooth abscess and periodontitis, as well as a dry mouth can lead to such a foul taste in the mouth.
• Digestion problems such as gastritis, heartburn and gastro-esophageal reflux disease cause metallic taste in mouth too.
• Intake of certain medicines and drugs, particularly antidepressants, prenatal vitamins, antibiotics, iron supplements, blood pressure medicines can cause metallic taste in mouth in some people.
• Metal poisoning caused by copper, aluminum, selenium, lead and mercury is another cause behind metallic taste in mouth.
• Smoking, excessive intake of caffeine and alcohol may cause a sour taste in mouth.
• Hormonal changes in the body, such as those experienced during pregnancy and menstruation, lead to a bad taste in mouth.
• Food allergy, jaundice, kidney failure, kidney diseases and chemotherapy are some of the other causes of metallic taste in mouth.

Tips on How to Get Rid of Metallic Taste in Mouth

The treatment for metallic taste in mouth depends upon the reasons behind it. For instance, if medicine is the cause, ask your doctor to prescribe some other in its place. This will help you to get rid of this condition. If digestive problems are behind it, change your diet and take certain herbal extracts. Given below are some more remedies for metallic taste in mouth.

Oral Hygiene
One of the first things to do to get rid of metallic taste in mouth is to keep your teeth clean. Make it a point to brush your teeth twice a day, once in the morning and once before sleeping. Flossing the teeth on a regular basis, keeping the tongue clean and using a mouthwash post brushing will prevent the build up of plaque, germs and bacteria in your mouth, which might otherwise cause a dental infection. Such an infection is one of the primary causes behind a metallic, sour taste in the mouth.

Baking Soda and Salt
To get rid of metallic taste in mouth after eating, put toothpaste on your brush and sprinkle baking soda and salt on it. Brush you teeth with it whenever you have a bad taste. This baking soda, salt mixture neutralizes the acids in the mouth, thus relieving a person of the metallic taste.

Foods Marinated in Vinegar
For all those women who are wondering, "how to get rid of metallic taste in mouth during pregnancy?", the most effective remedy is to eat foods marinated in vinegar such as pickles. These foods produce saliva in excess which washes off the bad taste in mouth.

Water
Water is the cheapest cure given by nature for many health conditions and disease. One of the benefits of drinking water is that it flushes out all the toxins in the body. So, drink a gallon of water everyday as it is one of the best remedies for metallic taste in mouth.

Citrus Fruits
Citrus fruits such as orange and lemon stimulate the production of saliva in the mouth. Saliva fights the bacteria and germs and thus keeps the mouth and teeth clean. This automatically prevents as well as treats metallic taste in the mouth.

Condiments
Although, it is not a permanent cure for metallic taste in mouth, yet condiments such as cinnamon and cloves do help in getting rid of the metallic taste. They should be taken in a small quantity to improve the taste of the mouth. Chew them a bit and keep in the mouth for some time to get relief from the bad taste.

This was in short about, "how to get rid of metallic taste in mouth?" If you follow the above mentioned remedies, in most cases, it should improve your mouth's taste. However, if the problem persists, consult a doctor for proper diagnoses and treatment.