A metallic taste in the mouth can be caused by conditions such as gastroesophageal reflux, kidney failure, pregnancy, use of medications and supplements, or even poor oral hygiene.
Depending on the cause of the condition, other symptoms that accompany a metallic taste include burning sensation, indigestion, excessive fatigue, bad breath, and memory loss.
When a metallic taste occurs frequently or does not improve after a few days, it is recommended to consult a general practitioner or gastroenterologist to identify the possible causes of the change in taste and indicate the most appropriate treatment.
Main causes of metallic taste in mouth
The main causes of a metallic taste in the mouth include:
1. Gastroesophageal reflux
Gastroesophageal reflux can cause a metallic taste in the mouth due to the return of acidic stomach contents into the esophagus. Other symptoms of reflux include a feeling of something stuck in your throat, heartburn, indigestion and a burning sensation.
To do: Treatment must be directed by a gastroenterologist or general practitioner and is carried out with drugs that speed gastric emptying, reduce the amount of stomach acid and neutralize heartburn, such as domperidone, omeprazole, esomeprazole or anti- Acid.
Likewise, it’s important to maintain a balanced diet that prioritizes fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains (such as rice or whole-wheat pasta), and lean proteins (such as tofu, white fish, or chicken). Learn what a reflux diet should look like.
2. Chronic renal failure
A metallic taste in the mouth and bad breath are possible symptoms of chronic kidney failure, as reduced kidney function can lead to uremia, a syndrome characterized by the accumulation of urea and other toxic substances produced in the liver after protein digestion. Learn more about chronic kidney failure.
To do: A nephrologist or general practitioner can prescribe medications such as antihypertensives, statins, and antidiabetics. Likewise, depending on kidney function, transplantation or hemodialysis may also be recommended.
3. Pregnancy
A metallic taste in the mouth is one of the symptoms of pregnancy, mostly in the first trimester due to hormonal changes that alter the sense of smell and taste. In addition to a metallic or bitter taste in your mouth, pregnancy symptoms include morning sickness, mood swings, and excessive fatigue. Check out other symptoms of pregnancy.
To do: Some tips to help reduce metallic taste in your mouth include flossing and using mouthwash, brushing your teeth and tongue thoroughly, dressing salads with vinegar, and drinking citrus juices like lemon or orange juice.
4. Use of drugs
Using medications such as antibiotics, antidepressants, and medications to treat gout, diabetes, or high blood pressure may cause a metallic taste in the mouth because they are absorbed by the body and excreted through saliva.
To do: Chewing mint-free and sugar-free gum, brushing your teeth after meals, and using non-metallic utensils can all help temporarily relieve the metallic taste. However, if the metallic taste is very unpleasant, it is recommended to consult a doctor to evaluate the possibility of using other medications that do not cause this side effect.
5. Poor oral hygiene
A metallic taste in your mouth can be caused by poor oral hygiene. Bacteria buildup on your tongue, teeth, and gums can also cause bad breath.
To do: It is recommended to brush your teeth at least twice a day. Likewise, it’s important to brush your tongue well to avoid bacterial buildup, which is the main cause of a bitter taste in your mouth. Learn how to brush your teeth properly.
6. Side Effects of Supplements
For example, some supplements, such as iron, zinc, copper, chromium, and potassium, may leave a metallic taste in your mouth. This side effect is common and usually only occurs while the supplement is being absorbed by the body.
To do: Wait a few minutes after taking the supplement as absorption by the body will reduce this side effect. However, if the metallic taste is very strong or frequent, you can talk to your doctor to evaluate the possibility of reducing or switching supplements.
7. Respiratory tract infection
Respiratory infections, such as colds, flu, or sinusitis, can change your sense of smell and taste, causing a metallic taste in your mouth. Learn more about respiratory infections.
To do: As the respiratory infection recovers, the sense of taste often returns to normal. As such, treatment must be prescribed by a doctor depending on the cause of the metallic taste and may include the use of pain relievers, antibiotics, anti-allergy and fever-reducing medications. Likewise, it’s important to drink plenty of fluids and rest.
8. Dementia
Because the brain is connected to taste buds, dementia can cause changes in taste, leading to a metallic taste in the mouth. Learn about all the symptoms of dementia.
To do: Treatment can be with medications such as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, antidepressants, mood stabilizers or neuroleptics, which must be ordered by a geriatrician or general practitioner.
In addition, physical therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy exercises are recommended with the goal of improving the patient’s quality of life and preventing the progression of the disease.
9. Lack of vitamin B12
A lack of vitamin B12 is one of the causes of a metallic taste in the mouth. This happens because a lack of this vitamin can damage the nervous system and alter the sense of taste. Other symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency include loss of sensation and tingling in the hands, legs, or feet, frequent tiredness, and memory loss.
To do: Treatment of vitamin B12 deficiency should be carried out by a general practitioner or nutritionist and includes the use of oral supplements, injections and feeding, with priority given to foods rich in vitamin B12, such as beef, fish, eggs and milk. Learn about the list of foods rich in vitamin B12.
10. Cancer Treatment
A metallic taste in the mouth may occur during chemotherapy, a cancer treatment with drugs such as cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, cisplatin, fluorouracil, or methotrexate, which can damage taste buds and cause a metallic taste in the mouth. A bitter, metallic taste appears. Mouth.
On the other hand, radiation therapy, when used to treat head and neck cancer, can also damage taste buds, causing symptoms such as a metallic taste, dry mouth, and pain in the mouth and throat.
To do: Some tips to help relieve the metallic taste in your mouth include using herbs and spices during preparation, always brushing your teeth after meals, eating cold or room temperature foods, chewing gum or sucking on sugar-free candy, and using plastic utensils or bamboo for eating.
Also, to help improve the taste of food, you can also gargle with a solution of 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon baking soda thoroughly diluted in 4 cups of water.