Metallic Taste in Mouth: Common Causes

A metallic taste in the mouth is a tin-like taste sensation like you have old pennies in your mouth. It can not only be bothersome but can also affect your appetite and nutrition.

Taste disorders such as a metallic taste in your mouth (the medical term is dysgeusia or parageusia) can be from relatively harmless causes, such as sinus infections or upper respiratory infections. For instance, if it is from a sinus issue, the taste changes are usually temporary and go away once the underlying cause (sinus infection) is treated. But a persistent metallic taste in the mouth could indicate something more serious, for example, problems with liver or kidney function, an allergy to certain foods, or even anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction.

Please continue reading to find out some of the common reasons for a metallic taste in the mouth, how to prevent it, and when to see a doctor.

What things can cause a metallic taste in your mouth?

If you have a lot of metallic dental fillings in your mouth, it may be the most obvious cause of a metallic taste. If your taste changes are accompanied by symptoms such as sharp, stabbing pain and sensitivity to sugary foods, you might have a loose dental filling (this should be replaced as soon as possible).

What is the most common cause of a metallic taste in the mouth?

A common cause of a metallic taste in the mouth is poor oral hygiene. If you don’t brush your teeth regularly, it can lead to tooth decay, tooth infections, gingivitis (gum inflammation), and periodontitis (gum disease). The distorted taste sensation occurs due to bleeding gums, in which iron-rich blood in the mouth causes a metallic taste. The CDC estimates that nearly half of all adults in the US over age 30 have some form of gum disease.

What deficiency causes a metallic taste in your mouth?

Studies have found that vitamin D deficiency may be associated with taste and smell changes. In particular, older adults with vitamin D deficiency are more likely to have dysgeusia (an altered or bad taste in the mouth) than people with normal vitamin D levels. Other nutritional deficiencies, such as vitamin B12, may also lead to a metallic taste.

Why do I have a metallic taste in my mouth all of a sudden?

Possible reasons you have a metallic taste in the mouth include:

Infections

Colds, sinus infections, middle ear infections, and even COVID-19 can cause a metallic taste in your mouth.

Dry mouth

Not having enough saliva in your mouth can affect your sense of taste.

Medications and supplements

A metallic taste in the mouth is a common side effect of certain medications, such as antibiotics (metronidazole, clarithromycin, tetracycline), blood pressure medications (captopril), gout medicines (allopurinol), diabetes medications (metformin), glaucoma medicines (methazolamide), and psychiatric drugs (lithium). In addition, a medication that causes dry mouth as a side effect can also affect the taste buds and sense of taste.

Nutrients found in multivitamins, such as zinc, chromium, and copper, and other nutritional supplements, such as prenatal vitamins, iron supplements, and cold remedies like zinc lozenges, are all potential causes of a metallic taste in your mouth.

Burning mouth syndrome

This is a condition in which there is a persistent burning sensation in the mouth without a known cause. It can be associated with other symptoms such as a metallic taste, loss of taste, dry mouth, and increased thirst.

Cancer treatment

Cancer treatments (chemotherapy or radiation therapy), especially to the head and neck region, can affect the sense of smell and taste. This is sometimes referred to as “chemo mouth” and gradually clears up after treatment is completed.

Indigestion

If a metallic taste in your mouth is accompanied by heartburn, it may be due to acid reflux and indigestion.

Pregnancy

Hormonal changes cause some women to experience food cravings during pregnancy and others to develop dysgeusia, such as a metallic taste or bad taste in the mouth. This is usually worse in the first trimester (early pregnancy) and goes away on its own.

Allergies

A metallic taste in the mouth can be from food allergies, for example, a food allergy to tree nuts or shellfish. It can also be a symptom of a serious allergic reaction called an anaphylactic reaction (throat closing). This is a medical emergency. You should seek immediate medical care if a metallic taste is accompanied by difficulty breathing.

Chemical exposures

Exposure to high levels of metallic elements in pesticides, insecticides, paints (lead), and seafood (mercury) can result in a metallic taste in the mouth if the body absorbs these chemicals.

Dementia

Age-related nerve damage and changes in the brain can cause a metallic taste in the mouth. Changes in the neurological aspects of taste can also make certain foods taste different.

How to treat a metallic taste in the mouth?

You should make an appointment to see your doctor if the metallic taste does not go away or is accompanied by other symptoms.

Treatment for a metallic taste in your mouth depends on the underlying condition causing it. For example, if you have sinus problems, treating them should provide relief from the metallic taste in your mouth.

If the metallic taste in your mouth is recent, check with your doctor if any new medication you have started could cause this side effect. Your healthcare provider can also evaluate you for other possible causes of a metallic taste in the mouth and treat the underlying problem appropriately. They may do a taste test to measure the lowest concentration of a taste quality (sweet, sour, bitter) you can detect and identify.

How to prevent a metallic taste in your mouth?

Here are some tips to prevent a metallic taste in your mouth:

Practice good oral hygiene (brush and floss regularly) to maintain good oral health.
Drink plenty of water to prevent your mouth becoming dry.
Suck on ice chips, ice cubes, or sugar-free ice pops to keep your mouth hydrated.
Chew sugar-free gum or sugar-free mints to keep your mouth moist.
Use glass, ceramic, or plastic dishes and cutlery instead of metallic ones.
Rinse your mouth with baking soda dissolved in warm water before you eat to neutralize acid in the mouth.
Eat citrus fruits, sour foods, and natural sweeteners like maple syrup (in limited quantities) to mask a metallic taste in your mouth.
Quit smoking (cigarettes can make a metallic taste in your mouth worse).