Although there are four basic tastes-sweet, salty, sour and bitter, the mouth can also have a metallic taste. This is not an uncommon problem and this must not cause panic or any serious problem.
Causes of Metallic Taste
These are medical conditions and medications wherein a person can have metallic tastes:
- Antibiotics
- Kidney stones
- Heart failure
- Giardiasis
- Chronic alcoholism
- Antidepressants
- Prenatal vitamins
- Calcitriol- used for low calcium treatment
- Lidocaine- an anesthetic agent
- Metformin- used to weight loss and diabetes
No proper hygiene
Gingivitis
Tooth infection
Diseases like
- Cancer
- Food allergy
- Too much iron
- Lead poisoning
- Hypercalcemia
- Peptic ulcer
- Copper overdose
- Selenium toxicity
- Kidney disease
- Bleeding gum
People taking calcium carbonate supplements
Taste of Metal in Your Mouth Symptoms
The metallic taste alone is the symptom in this problem. Although this happens, it doesn’t mean that the person is critically ill. However, it is suggested to visit a physician in order to have a thorough check-up. Going to the dentist may seem fine too since metallic taste can be a symptom of a gum disease.
Metallic taste in mouth pregnancy
For women, having a metallic taste is called Dysgeusia wherein there is a change in the sense of taste especially when the pregnant woman is not eating. This is common to many pregnant women and this is felt in the first trimester and it can disappear during the second trimester. Metallic tastes are usually caused by hormonal changes particularly the estrogen since it controls and moderates the sense of taste. When a woman is pregnant, the estrogen fluctuates.
When a pregnant woman experiences metallic tastes, it is best to take sour foods like citrus juices and lemonade. The soon-to-be mother should make sure that she handles the taste of sour foods since some women can feel nauseous about it. These foods can eliminate the metal taste and they can also increase the production of saliva. Every time the woman brushes her teeth is also a good idea or rinse the mouth with mild salt solution or ¼ teaspoon of baking soda in 8 ounces of water can help neutralize the pH in the mouth. Lastly, it is best to consult the medical practitioner during prenatal visits to know what are the suggested ways in eliminating the metal taste of the mouth.
Metallic Taste in Mouth Remedies and Cures
- If medications are taken, always take note that the metallic taste will go away after discontinuing with the medication.
- Proper oral hygiene should always be done like brushing the teeth twice a day to get rid of the plaque buildups, metallic tastes and cavities.
- Consuming foods marinated in vinegar can also help
- Eat fruits with citrus and lemon flavor. Lemon juice can also be taken
- Eat cloves and cinnamon
- When rinsing the mouth, put a few teaspoons of salt
- Use plastic utensils instead of metal utensils when there is metallic taste. However, if the problem is gone the person can resume to using the metallic utensils.
- When brushing, scrape the tongue to alleviate the metal taste.
References
http://www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/symptoms-and-solutions/metallic-taste.aspx
http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/QAA350574/Metallic-Taste-in-Your-Mouth.html
