Metallic Taste in Mouth

This can be a gauge of diverse disorders which can vary from oral cavity diseases, gastritis, to conditions which are severe such as mercury and lead poisoning as well as cancer. It is categorized by a transformed acidic or sour taste in the mouth.

This metallic taste has the medical term of Dysgeusia which denotes an acidic and sour or metallic taste in the mouth. Generally, this is not a serious complaint, but it can have several possible causal conditions. Individuals generally experience a nonstop acidic or bitter taste in the mouth and this complaint is created due to certain diseases or the consumption of some medicines.

Metallic Taste in Mouth – Causes

The sensation of a metallic taste in the mouth as already mentioned can be caused by a vast array of mouth factors. But, the more common causes of the taste of metal are medications used to treat the following:

• Kidney stones
• Antibiotics
• Antidepressants
• Anesthetic – Lidocaine
• Prenatal vitamins
• Heart failure – Captopril
• Giardiasis – Metronidazole
• Trichomoniasis – Tinidazole
• CT scan – contrast medium
• Chronic alcoholism – Disulfiram
• Rheumatoid arthritis – Auranofin
• High blood pressure – Captopril
• Low calcium treatment – Calcitriol
• Weight loss, diabetes – Metformin

Oral hygiene that is unhealthy can be a large cause of a metal taste in the mouth and include the following diseases:

• Gingivitis
• Periodontitis
• Tooth infections

Some other disease and causes that also create this symptom of taste are:

• Cancer
• Peptic Ulcer
• Food allergy
• Marine toxins
• Lichen planus
• Too much iron
• Lead poisoning
• Bleeding gums
• Hypercalcemia
• Kidney disease
• Eating pine nuts
• Copper overdose
• Selenium toxicity
• Mercury poisoning
• Iodine intoxication
• Cadmium poisoning
• Acute kidney failure
• Burning mouth syndrome

Calcium carbonate supplements often cause the sensation that one is eating metal. Often the cause of metallic in taste may never come to be known and the metal taste episode will just go away all on its own. But often, this taste of metal can last for a month or even more.

Metallic Taste in Mouth – Treatment

Although it is not heard about much, Dysgeusis or metallic taste in mouth, this problem is fairly common.

It is very important to first determine the exact cause of the metallic taste in the mouth before you know what to do to get rid of the problems. Causes such as oral as well as dental diseases are easier to detect. Taking certain foods such as juices of citrus fruits such as lemon, orange and also lemonade may help to eliminate the taste by stimulating the saliva production. Baking soda may neutralize acid and therefore can be effective in eliminating the acidic taste in the mouth. Consuming foods which have been marinated or prepared with vinegar may also be an aid to get rid of this condition.

Every time the teeth are brushed, make certain to brush the tongue also. This will help to lessen the metallic taste.

Rinse the mouth with a solution made from a teaspoon of salt with eight ounces of water.

Another option for rinsing the mouth is to make a solution of ¼ teaspoon baking soda with 8 ounces of water.

Also eat raw condiments such as cinnamon or cloves in very small portions. This will temporary relieve the metallic taste

Dental Hygiene

Strict dental hygiene needs to be used to and is important in getting rid of the metallic taste in the mouth. This includes brushing teeth twice a day, to keep away from cavities as well as keeping the teeth clean. The formation of plaque in the mouth can also contribute to the intensity of the metallic taste. Sprinkling some baking soda mixed with salt, on a toothbrush and cleaning the teeth with this solution at least once a day. This not only will break up the layer of plaque but can also help to fight other dental problems or infections. The presence of acid in the mouth will be neutralized by the baking soda, leaving a cleaner taste in the mouth.

Of course there is always the chance that there is really no real reason for the metallic taste in the mouth so there is nothing which can be done to prevent it or make it go away. When this happens it is best to use mouthwash as well as chewing gum or mint to help lessen the distastefulness, stop worrying about it and go about your daily activities.

Of course, there’s a good chance that there’s no real reason for the metallic taste in your mouth, and there’s nothing you can do to prevent it or make it go away. If this happens to be the case, use mouthwash and chewing gum or mints to alleviate the unpleasantness.