Why is there a metallic taste in my mouth?

Causes

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Several factors can trigger a metallic taste in the mouth. The problem may go away without intervention or when a person makes a lifestyle change, such as stopping a certain medication.

Sometimes, however, it can indicate an underlying condition that needs medical attention.

The following are some potential causes of a metallic taste in the mouth.

Poor oral health

People who do not brush their teeth or floss regularly may experience changes in taste, including a metallic taste.

Some reasons for this include:

• bacterial infections, such as gingivitis or periodontitis
• fungal infections
• trauma to the mouth, including tooth removal
• ulcers and other complications of ill fitting dentures
• tumors

Treating any infections and maintaining good oral hygiene may help prevent or resolve a metallic taste in the mouth.

Sinus problems

Because smell and taste are so closely linked, sinus issues can impair a person’s sense of taste or cause a metallic taste in the mouth. A blocked nose is one symptom of a sinus issue.

Once the sinus problem subsides, the metallic taste should also go away.

Sinus problems are very common and include:

• the common cold
• sinus infections
• allergies
• nasal polyps
• middle ear infection or other upper respiratory infections
• recent middle ear surgery

People with sinusitis often report dysgeusia.

Sjogren’s syndrome

Sjogren’s syndrome can cause dryness in the mouth, sinuses, and eyes. Also, people with this condition sometimes report a constant metallic taste in their mouth and in food and water.

Sjogren’s syndrome is a type of sicca syndrome. People with other sicca syndromes also experience a dry mouth and a metallic taste.

Certain medications

Some medications can cause an aftertaste as the body absorbs them.

People who use metformin, for example, often say that they have a lingering metallic taste in the mouth. Metformin is a treatment for diabetes.

Research shows that the body excretes metformin into the saliva. The taste will continue as long as the drug remains in the person’s system.

Some other medications that can cause a metallic taste in the mouth include those for chemotherapy and radiation therapy, as well as:

• some antibiotics, such as metronidazole
• acetylcholinesterase inhibitors, for Alzheimer’s disease
• systemic anesthesia (in rare cases)
• some thyroid medications
• adenosine (in fewer than 1% of people)
• angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors
• lithium, a mood stabilizer for bipolar disorder
• ethionamide, an antibacterial treatment for tuberculosis
• lorcainide hydrochloride, for arrhythmia
• gallium nitrate, for reducing high blood calcium levels

In addition, some drugs — such as anticholinergics — may cause a dry mouth. People may experience this as a metallic taste.

Cancer therapies

Taste changes are a common side effect of many cancer therapies, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

This can be due to the treatment itself or its complications, such as mouth ulcers.

The American Cancer Society suggest the following tips for people who experience taste changes due to cancer treatment:

• Avoid using metal eating utensils.
• Use sugar-free lemon drops or mint.
• Opt for fresh or frozen foods rather than canned.
• Add flavors such as lemon, spices, and mint to foods.
• Brush the teeth regularly.
• Use a mouthwash before eating.
• Eat foods cold or at room temperature.
• Opt for chicken, tofu, or dairy products instead of red meat.

Vitamins

Substances that contain metals — such as iron, zinc, and copper — can also cause a metallic taste in the mouth. Experts believe that this happens when the mineral causes oxidation of the salivary protein.

Prenatal vitamins and calcium supplements may have this effect. Scientists have found that closing the nasal passage may reduce the metallic taste from iron, but not from other minerals.

The taste should go away as the body absorbs the vitamins.

People with liver failure may experience a metallic taste, possibly due to deficiencies in B vitamins, vitamin C, zinc, and copper.

What causes a metallic taste and fatigue?

Pregnancy

The National Health Service (NHS) suggest that early pregnancy often causes taste changes, including a metallic taste in the mouth.

Pregnancy can also cause cravings or a dislike for certain foods. Both of these symptoms tend to go away with time.

Dementia

A number of neurological conditions — including head and neck trauma, multiple sclerosis, and depression — can also affect a person’s sense of taste.

Because the taste buds send signals to the brain, taste changes can occur if part of the brain is not working as it should.

Older age

Aging can affect the way the nerves function, and this can affect taste recognition. Research suggests that dysgeusia commonly affects older adults, especially those receiving residential care. It may affect their appetite and nutritional status.

Guillain-Barre syndrome

A metallic taste in the mouth can sometimes be a symptom of Guillain-Barre syndrome. This is an autoimmune condition that affects the peripheral nervous system.

A 2003 review stated that this can be due to the “dysfunction of small nerve fibers.”

In 2020, researchers described a person with this syndrome whose only symptom in the early stages was dysgeusia.

Allergies

A metallic taste can be an early symptom of anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction.

If a person develops itching, hives, swelling, and difficulty breathing after exposure to a possible allergen, they need immediate medical attention. Anaphylaxis can be life threatening.

Kidney failure

People with end stage kidney disease often complain of a metallic taste in their mouth.

Possible causes of this include:

• high levels of urea and other substances in the body
• low levels of zinc
• metabolic changes
• the use of medication
• a lower number of taste buds
• a change in the flow and composition of saliva

Other causes

Other possible causes of a metallic taste include:

• colds
• sinus infections
• indigestion

The symptom is usually temporary and disappears when the underlying issue clears up.

When to see a doctor

A metallic taste in the mouth is not usually a cause for concern. However, a person should see their doctor if:

• the taste does not go away
• there are other symptoms
• there is no obvious cause for the change

If the taste develops after starting a certain medication, a doctor may be able to change the drug type or dosage.

Diagnosis

To diagnose the cause of this symptom, a doctor may refer someone to an otolaryngologist. This is a doctor who specializes in conditions of the ear, nose, and throat.

Diagnosis may involve:

• a physical examination of the ears, nose, and throat
• a dental exam to determine oral hygiene
• a review of the person’s health history and medications
• a taste test to diagnose any taste-related disorders
• other tests to help determine the underlying cause

Depending on the diagnosis, the doctor may prescribe treatment for the metallic taste itself or for an underlying cause of the issue.

Home remedies

Making changes to diet or lifestyle habits may help remove the metallic taste.

Here are some tips that may help:

• Avoid smoking.
• Limit alcohol consumption.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Brush the teeth and floss regularly.
• Chew sugar-free gum or eat sugar-free mints.

Frequently asked questions

Here are some answers to questions people often ask about a metallic taste in the mouth.

How can I get rid of a metallic taste in my mouth?

If there is an underlying medical condition, such as tooth decay or Sjogren’s syndrome, treating this condition may help improve the taste. People who experience a metallic taste with medication use can ask their doctor if an alternative is available. Home remedies include avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol intake, drinking plenty of water, following good dental hygiene practices, and chewing sugar-free gum.

What deficiency causes a metallic taste in the mouth?

There is a lack of evidence to show that specific deficiencies cause a metallic taste in the mouth, although it can occur with end-stage liver failure, according to some experts. This may involve low levels of B vitamins, vitamin C, zinc, and copper.

Summary

Dysgeusia is when a person has a metallic taste in their mouth. It can happen for many reasons. In some cases, an underlying health condition or treatment for a disease can be the cause.

Other causes include problems with oral health, such as mouth ulcers and dentures that do not fit correctly. Asking a dentist for advice may help find a solution.

Everyday practices to reduce the risk include avoiding smoking and alcohol, drinking plenty of water, and chewing sugar free gum.