What Does a Metallic Taste in the Mouth Mean?
The term for the metallic taste that some dental patients experience
is often referred to as parageusia or dysgeusia. This isn’t a chronic
condition, and it can derive from more than one cause, most often medication.
According to the Journal of the Canadian
Dental Association
, parageusia can also come from psychological issues,
autoimmune diseases, and neurological disorders.
Patients may experience this unpleasant taste suddenly or over some
time – again for various reasons. Patients often go to their dentists with this
concern, but visits to the doctor could be warranted as well, especially if the
case of parageusia is indicative of a taste disorder. Here are a few
possibilities behind the unpleasant taste and some ways to prevent it.
Prescriptions
Usually, prescription drugs and supplements are the reason behind the
metallic taste. Vitamins, antibiotics, and other medications can leave the
unpleasant taste behind, but once the body has processed the ingredients of
these medications, the metallic taste should fade. Dry mouth is a common side
effect of most prescription drugs, and it could further enhance the mouth’s
metallic taste. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water and chewing
sugarless gum can help get rid of the taste.
Poor Oral Hygiene
When individuals have a bad habit of not brushing or flossing
regularly, this can cause gum problems, including gingivitis, as well as a
potential metallic taste in the mouth. These gum problems can clear up with a
prescription from the dentist. Once the condition is treated, the taste usually
subsides.
Infections
A sinus infection or a middle ear infection may also be the source of parageusia.
If patients are concerned, they should visit their ear, nose, and throat
doctor. The doctor can diagnose any possible infections individuals may have.
There is also a dental infection known as acute necrotizing ulcerative
gingivitis (ANUG) that can cause a metallic taste to develop in the mouth, as
per the Journal of Indian Academy of Oral
Medicine and Radiology
. For this, patients may want to visit a gum
specialist or periodontist who can confirm the diagnosis and treat it.
Infections are often temporary, and the taste usually ends after the infection
subsides.
To prevent the above concerns, try to brush your teeth at least twice
a day and the tongue as well -- there are tools like tongue scrapers designed
to clear any debris that may be left behind. You should also floss once daily,
chew sugar free gum, and drink plenty of water. It may also help to quit
smoking, avoid certain foods, and use utensils that don’t contain metal – all
of which can help you determine the reason behind your parageusia.
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