What Causes Metallic Taste in Mouth

Sometimes we tend to experience a weird, acidic taste in mouth when we suffer from certain illnesses. This condition is called dysgeusia, which is the medical terminology for metallic taste in mouth. This condition can be recognized by the feeling of an acidic, sour flavor in the mouth. At times, the individual may also feel as if he is eating metal, even when he is not eating anything. Though this condition is not of a serious nature, but the causes of this foul taste in the mouth may be due to some underlying health conditions.

Metallic Taste Causes

One of the most common causes is poor oral hygiene and the presence of other dental diseases that can leave a foul taste in the mouth. Some diseases of the oral cavity that can cause a repelling taste in mouth are certain oral infections like gingivitis, dental carries and other periodontal diseases that are caused due to bacterial infections that invade the gums and teeth. Another disease that produces a nasty taste in mouth is tooth abscess, which is the accumulation of pus at the root of the infected tooth in the tissue of the jaw line. Certain diseases like jaundice and gastroesophageal reflux (also known as acid reflux disease) may also be some of the causes for noticing a distasteful mouth, apart from oral diseases. Individuals who have had a tooth filling or tooth amalgams in mercury or silver may also experience a bitter taste in the mouth. Heartburn and gastritis may also cause acidic felling in the mouth.

In women, the variations in hormonal levels, estrogen and progesterone in the body may lead to a feeling of sourness in the mouth. Hormonal fluctuations can also be one of the reasons for abnormal taste in the mouth during pregnancy. A disgusting taste in mouth can also be caused due to certain medications like antidepressants, antibiotics, and prenatal vitamins. A few other medications that are associated with metallic taste in the mouth are hypertension medications and medications taken to lower blood sugar levels. Overconsumption of caffeinated or carbonated drinks also result in producing an unpalatable taste on the tongue. Alcoholism and smoking tends to give a feeling of bitterness or sour taste in the mouth. Some other conditions leading to metal taste in mouth are lead poisoning, an overdose of selenium, mercury poisoning and copper toxicity. Allergy to certain foods (food allergy), acute kidney failure, chronic kidney diseases, peptic ulcer and chemotherapy are some other causative factors for foul or bitter taste in the mouth. Sometimes when there is an overproduction of bile in the body, it can lead to a bitter taste in mouth.

Ridding Metallic Taste

Before undergoing treatment for eliminating abnormal taste in the mouth, it is necessary to diagnose the cause, and prompt medications to reduce the acidic taste in mouth can be taken. Mentioned below are some of the means to get rid of this disorder.

• One of the most essential and beneficial ways to get rid of the weird taste from your mouth is to brush your teeth twice a day. Maintaining proper oral hygiene is an important aspect to ward off not only the smelly taste in mouth but also other diseases.
• Drinking citrus juices and lemonade stimulates the production of saliva which helps in reducing the metallic taste, and also getting rid of it completely.
• Use a tongue cleaner regularly to clean off any residue on the tongue. Chew condiments like cardamom or cloves which also help in fighting against oral diseases.
• Rinse your mouth with vinegar, salt solution or a solution made from baking soda and water. Repeat this at least twice a day, especially before going to bed. It will help get rid of the bacteria and keep away gum and dental problems.

To keep off metallic taste in the mouth, it is important to practice proper oral hygiene. A routine visit to your dentist will also help you combat any oral disorders in the initial stages and curb their development.