Metallic taste in the mouth: causes and symptoms
Although we have an uncommon condition or disorder, it is possible that at some point in your life you had the feeling of having an unpleasant Metallic flavor in the mouth. Unlike what can be mistakenly thought, the truth is that we are facing a symptom and never before a disease, which can become a signal, a sign or an alert that something is not working correctly in our organism. It's more, may indicate serious health problems, as for example the existence of alterations in the kidneys or in the liver, or if you are generally in good health, its cause tends to be benign and be related to certain habits or specific problems.
From a medical point of view, the alteration of the sense of taste is known by the name of dysgeusia. This alteration causes a change of flavor that precisely causes that all those foods and drinks that we consume are perceived with a flavor certainly unpleasant, with a tendency to rust, metal or iron. It can manifest itself in isolation or together with other symptoms, become a chronic problem (which causes irreversible damage to our sense of taste) or simply stay for a short period of time.
Anyway, if at this moment you have the sensation of having a metallic taste or rust in the mouth it is interesting to know what causes can cause its appearance, since these can be banal or simple or even find us before a sign or symptom of a condition or a much more serious illness.
The causes of having metallic taste in the mouth
Poor hygiene and oral health
Maintaining an inadequate and deficient oral hygiene can cause an alteration of the sense of taste, causing the appearance of having an unpleasant metallic taste in the mouth. Among the conditions that can cause this alteration we can mention the following disorders:
- Gingivitis: inflammation and infection that destroys the supporting tissues of the teeth (gums).
- Periodontitis: advance without treatment of gingivitis, spreading from the gums to the ligaments and bone that support the teeth.
- Xerostomia: sensation of dry mouth due to lack or decrease of saliva.
Consumption of certain medications
Some drugs can have a side effect causing the appearance of a metallic taste in the mouth, a symptom that can arise just days after starting medical treatment.
Among the drugs that can cause this side effect we can mention antibiotics or chlorhexidine. In these cases it is advisable to go to your doctor's office and discuss it.
Hormonal disorders in pregnancy
During pregnancy, changes that usually occur at different hormone levels are common, especially during the first trimester of pregnancy. These disorders are a common cause of appearance of metallic taste in the mouth, which disappears after the first three months of gestation.
Certain systemic diseases
Some systemic diseases can cause the appearance of a metallic taste in the mouth, hence this symptom becomes a sign of alarm that could be an indication that you suffer from a serious illness.
It may arise in the case of cancer and tumors, diabetes, renal failure or mal-functioning of the liver, hyperparathyroidism or Sjögren's syndrome. It is also common for this symptom to appear in patients treated with chemotherapy or radiation.
Respiratory problems
A simple cold, a respiratory infection, nasal congestion or an allergy can also cause the sensation of metallic taste or rust in the mouth, since we should not forget that the nerve endings present in the tongue can suffer irritation especially in the nasal area.
It is a temporary condition, which tends to end when the infection is overcome.
Other causes
In addition to the most serious causes mentioned and others that are not really so, we must also mention other common causes that can cause the appearance of metallic taste in the mouth. It is the case of food poisoning (especially fish) and deficiency of vitamins and minerals. This article is published for informational purposes only. It can not and should not replace the consultation with a Physician. We advise you to consult your Trusted Doctor.
