Having a constant metallic taste in the mouth is uncomfortable. This is also known as Dysgeusia. A sudden metallic or copper taste in your mouth is often caused by small issues such as poor oral hygiene. However, it can occasionally be caused by underlying health conditions.

Taste bud receptors on the tongue work with your sense of smell. If there is an issue with these sensitive nerves, your saliva and/or small amounts of chemicals get into your mouth. This often makes your brain think you have a metallic taste.

What Prescription Medications Can Cause a Metallic Taste?

The most common cause of Dysgeusia is prescription medication. Certain medications can cause chemical reactions in the body. The small amounts of chemicals make their way to the salivary glands.

  • Antibiotics and Anti-fungal: Medications such as Metronidazole, Clarithromycin and Tetracycline can all cause taste changes.

  • Blood Pressure Medication: These can often cause a metallic taste. ACE inhibitors such as Lisinopril are commonly used.

  • Mood Stabilizers: Medication such as Lithium can cause changes in the sensory nerves in the brain.

  • Chemotherapy: These can cause damage to the taste buds. Radiation to the head and neck or injected chemotherapy drugs can cause this.

  • Over the counter supplements: Large amounts of heavy metals in Prenatal Vitamins, Zinc Cold Lozenges, Iron Supplements and Copper Tablets can cause a metallic taste.

Which Oral Health Issues Can Cause a Metallic Taste?

You have millions of micro organisms in your mouth. If you do not look after your mouth properly, bacteria can grow.

  • Gum Disease and Gingivitis: This causes the gums to become inflamed and bleed. As blood contains high amounts of iron, this can cause a metallic taste.

  • Periodontitis and Abscess: Serious bacterial infections can cause the gums to become inflamed. This can cause a bad tasting pus and gas.

  • Dry Mouth: Saliva helps break down food molecules so they can be recognized by the taste buds. If there is less saliva in the mouth, the proteins become more concentrated. This causes the bacteria to grow rapidly and cause a metallic taste.

  • Galvanism: Older metal fillings such as Silver Amalgam Fillings and Metal Crowns can cause a small electrical current with the acidic saliva. This can cause a metallic or battery taste.

Which Sinus Issues Can Affect Your Sense of Taste?

As your sense of smell plays a huge part in your taste, any infection or inflammation will cause your taste to become less accurate.

  • Sinusitis and Colds: Upper respiratory tract infections cause excess mucus which runs down the back of your throat. This causes protein from the inflammation to reach the taste buds.

  • Polyps and Allergies: Constant inflammation can block the smell molecules to reach the taste buds.

  • Post-viral Neuropathy: Viruses such as Covid-19 can cause damage to the nerves in your nose and tongue. This can cause a metallic taste.

Which Systemic Diseases and Metabolic Conditions Can Cause a Metallic Taste?

If your organs are struggling to remove waste or balance hormones, toxins can build up in your blood stream.

  • Kidney Failure/Uremia: Healthy kidneys remove waste products from your body such as Urea. If your kidneys are not working, waste can build in your blood. This turns to ammonia in your saliva causing a harsh metallic/bitter taste.

  • Liver Disease: If your liver is not working properly, heavy metal toxins and nitrogen can build up in your blood stream.

  • Diabetes: Fluctuations in your blood sugar can cause changes in your saliva. High blood sugar can cause fungal growth in your mouth. Diabetic Keto-acidosis can cause a change in the smell of your breath.

  • Neurological Diseases: Diseases such as Alzheimer, Parkinson and Multiple Sclerosis can affect the nerves in your brain.

How Can Hormonal Changes Cause a Metallic Taste?

Hormones can cause changes in your sensory receptors.

  • Pregnancy (First Trimester): Many women experience Dysgeusia due to the sharp increase in Estrogen and Progesterone. Pregnant women often experience a strong metallic taste along with morning sickness. This will often stop on its own in the second trimester.

  • Menopause and HRT: Hormonal fluctuations can cause a dry mouth and burning mouth syndrome. This can cause a metallic or bitter taste.

Which Chemicals and Toxins Can Cause a Metallic Taste?

Exposure to high concentrations of heavy metals can be dangerous.

  • Mercury Vapor and Lead Poisoning: Inhaling high concentrations of mercury can cause damage to your central nerves. Eating lead paint dust can cause this too. It can cause a metallic taste.

  • Cadmium and Arsenic: Toxins from agriculture or industry can cause toxins in your body fluids. This can cause damage to your organs.

  • Pine Nut Syndrome: Some types of pine nuts that are not edible can cause an unusual issue. This can cause a strong metallic taste within 48hours. This will often go away on its own.

What Things Should You Check If You Have a Metallic Taste?

  • Look at your medication and supplements to see if you have recently changed the dose.

  • Look in the mirror at your gums to see if they are inflamed, red or bleed.

  • Has the metallic taste happened alongside a cold, sinus pressure or congestion?

  • Are you experiencing any other symptoms? Such as extreme tiredness, weight loss or dry mouth?

  • Have you been drinking enough water throughout the day?

What Simple Home Remedies Can Help Reduce a Metallic Taste?

Whilst looking at what could be causing your metallic taste, there are some simple changes you can make to help reduce the issue.

  • Brush your teeth and tongue twice a day using a soft bristle brush. Floss once a day.

  • Rinse your mouth with a salt and bicarbonate solution before eating.

  • Use plastic/bamboo cutlery and glassware. Avoid using metal cutlery.

  • Eat foods with a tart flavor. Citrus fruits, vinegar based dressings and pickles can help increase saliva. This can help mask the metallic taste.

  • Drink lots of fresh water throughout the day.

When Should You See a Doctor About a Metallic Taste?

If the metallic taste goes away within a few days there is not much to worry about. However if you are still experiencing it, you should see a medical professional. If you have had a metallic taste for longer than 2 weeks and there is no obvious cause, visit your doctor or dentist. If the metallic taste is alongside facial numbness, sudden muscle weakness, severe difficulty breathing or an allergic reaction seek emergency help.

What Are the Frequently Asked Questions About a Metallic Taste?

Can a Vitamin Deficiency Cause a Metallic Taste?

Yes, a severe deficiency in important vitamins such as Zinc, B12 and Copper can cause changes in nerve signals. This can cause Dysgeusia. Usually taking the missing vitamins will return your taste to normal.

How Long Will the Metallic Taste Last?

This depends on the cause. If caused by a cold then it will often go in 1-2 weeks. If caused by medication, it will often go once your doctor has changed your medication.

Can Acid Reflux Cause a Metallic Taste?

Yes, chronic GERD can cause the stomach acid and enzymes to travel back up the oesophagus and into your mouth. This can cause irritation to the sensitive areas in your mouth causing a metallic taste.