Metallic Taste in Mouth

The medical term for metallic taste is dysgeusia, which refers to a sour and acidic or metallic taste in mouth. This is not a very serious condition in general, but can have several possible underlying causes. Individuals usually experience a continuous bitter or acidic taste in mouth and this condition is produced due to certain diseases or the intake of some medications. Here is a brief account of the main causes of metallic taste in mouth.

Causes of Metallic Taste in Mouth
Poor oral hygiene and dental diseases are one of the most important causes of metallic taste in mouth. Dental carries, oral infections like gingivitis (inflammation of the gums), periodontal diseases (bacterial infection that affects the gums and the bones around the teeth) and tooth abscess are some of the common diseases of the oral cavity that can produce a metallic taste in mouth. However, in many cases, tooth amalgams, especially the silver and mercury amalgams can produce a metallic taste when it reacts with certain substances inside the mouth. Gastritis is another common cause for acidic taste in mouth along with heartburn. Gastroesophageal reflux and jaundice can also be responsible for producing a bitter taste in mouth.

Certain medications like antibiotics, antidepressant drugs, high blood pressure medications, diabetes medications, prenatal vitamins are also associated with a change in taste in mouth. Sometimes metallic taste can be produced by copper toxicity, lead poisoning, mercury poisoning and selenium overdose. In women, hormonal fluctuations, especially fluctuation in the level of estrogen is also known to produce a metallic or acidic taste in mouth. Chronic alcoholism is another cause for this condition. Diseases which are related to this condition are peptic ulcer, hypercalcemia, food allergy, kidney diseases, acute kidney failure and cancer.

Common Remedies to Ward off the Metallic Taste in Mouth
It is important to determine the exact cause of metallic taste in mouth in order to get rid of this condition. Some of the causes like oral and dental diseases are quite easier to detect. Taking certain foods such as juices of citrus fruits like orange, lemon and also lemonade can help to eliminate this taste by stimulating the production of saliva. Baking soda can neutralize acid and hence can be effective in eliminating the acidic taste in mouth. Consuming foods that are marinated or prepared with vinegar can also be helpful in this condition.

One should also maintain proper oral hygiene by brushing twice daily. Along with toothpaste, brushing with salt and baking soda is very effective in fighting dental infection and plaque. Do not forget to clean the tongue while brushing the teeth. Bad breath and metallic taste in mouth is produced by the growth of bacteria in the oral cavity, which in turn is promoted by dental plaque and the food particles that get lodged between the teeth. Flossing the teeth can be helpful in alleviating this kind of problem. Using a suitable mouthwash or rinsing the mouth with a solution of salt and water can check the growth of bacteria and hence keep the oral cavity fresh and free from bad breath and metallic taste. Equally important is to treat any kind of dental disease on time.

If the metallic taste in mouth persists even after taking sufficient oral and dental care, then it is better to consult a physician to find out the exact cause. This is because, sometimes it can be caused by serious conditions like renal failure, lead and mercury poisoning and cancer.