Metallic Taste

Question: What does it mean when you have a persistent “metal” taste in your mouth?

Answer: Here is a list of the most common causes of a Metallic Taste in the mouth as well as some suggested methods to help.

Heart burn or Acid Reflux (Metallic, Bitter or Acid Taste)

This is a common reason for a strange taste in the mouth and is due to our diet and life style. Although many people spend their lives taking medication to prevent acid reflux there are many alternative and successful cures for this problem.  Here is an example  Click Here

A question I always ask my patients is.

Do you have a little cough when you first lie down at night?

If the answer is Yes, then there is often low level acid reflux as the cough is caused by the acid fumes irritating the lungs.  Also see if  the metallic taste comes and goes with what you eat.

Poor Oral Hygiene (Metallic Taste)

With irritated gums or infections there is often low level bleeding from the gums and as the blood contains Iron (haemoglobin) this can give rise to a metallic taste in your mouth.

This and other dental problems are a very common cause of a metallic taste. This is a good ebook to help with this and many other oral problems. Click Here

Oral Infections like Gingivitis or Periodontitis (Metallic Taste)

In extreme cases pus can slowly seep out from the gums giving rise to a metallic or bitter taste. You may also have bad breath with this problem.

Bad breath is not only caused by gum and mouth infections and although embarrassing it can be relieved. This is a recommended ebook to eplain and help with this problem. Click Here

Fluctuation in Oestrogen Levels (Metallic Taste)

This can be at times of hormonal change within the menstrual cycle or at Menopause or puberty.

See if your symptoms occur or worsen at these times.

Selenium Overuse (Metallic Taste)

Typically, most adult multivitamins contain 55 mcg or less of selenium per dose. Other types of supplements, such as those that contain just selenium or selenium plus a few other vitamins and minerals, may contain significantly more selenium. Check out your supplements.

Mercury Poisoning (Metallic Taste)

The most common cause of this problem is due to dental amalgam please visit

www.heavy-metal-toxicity.com for more details.

Copper Toxicity (Metallic Taste)

This is very rare

Lead Poisoning (Metallic Taste)

Older housing with the use of lead pipes is the most common cause here. Check your house.

Dental Caries (Bad & Metallic Taste)

This will be due to infected matter leaking from the tooth or low level bleeding in to the mouth.

This is a good ebook on treating and preventing tooth decay saving you expensive trips to the dentist and the development of other serious health problems. Click Here

Inflammation of the stomach (Bad and sometimes Metallic Taste)

This can commonly be caused by Helicobacter pylori a  bacteria that lives in the stomach have a chat with your doctor about being treated.

Sinus or nasal infections (Foul and sometimes Metallic Taste)

This is quite common and is caused by the mucus or low level bleeding from the nose or sinus.

Often people feel quite tired with this and have pain in the nose or forehead when leaning forward.

There are various self-help manuals around with natural remedies for sinus problems. Click Here

Medications like Antibiotics, Prenatal Vitamins and Antidepressants (Metallic Taste)

Speak to your doctor if you symptoms arrived after starting and new medication.

Other drugs that are known to cause a metallic taste include

Acetylcholine esterase inhibitors for Alzheimer’s disease

Anti thyroid drugs

Bronchodilators for asthma and COPD, such as Albuterol (Proventil, Ventolin)

Captopril (Capoten) for high blood pressure and heart failure

Chemotherapy drugs

Lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid)

Penicillamine (Cuprimine, Depen) for severe rheumatoid arthritis and Wilson’s disease      Procarbazine (Matulane) for Hodgkin’s disease

Rifampin (Rifamate, Rifater, IsonaRif) for tuberculosis or to prevent bacterial meningitis

To diagnose the underlying cause of a metallic taste, your doctor or licensed health care practitioner will ask you several questions about your symptoms.

When did the metallic taste first appear?

Describe any changes in the texture, appearance and taste of the tongue. Have you noticed any tongue swelling or mouth sores or lesions?

Describe all diseases and conditions in your medical and dental history and list all the medications, supplements, and herbal drugs you are taking. Do you smoke?

Have you been in recent contact with any unusual substances or environments, such as chemicals, insecticides, or hot and spicy foods?

Describe any recent conditions, such as fever, upper respiratory infections, oral or tongue trauma, or other conditions of the mouth, throat or nose.

Your answers to these questions will help with finding a diagnosis and cure.