A metallic taste may appear due to the consumption of specific foods or simple bleeding gums. Usually it does not linger for long and disappears without any outside intervention.
If a metallic taste in the mouth occurs repeatedly and for no apparent reason, then it is better to talk about the problem with a doctor.
. It is necessary to identify and eliminate the factor that led to the change in taste perception. But doing this on your own can be difficult, since many pathologies are asymptomatic and are detected only through laboratory tests.
Why does a metallic taste appear in the mouth?
A specific taste is felt due to an increase in the concentration of metal ions in the human body. It is extremely rare that this occurs as a result of chemical poisoning. For example, arsenic, zinc or cadmium.
Most poisonings occur at production facilities and laboratories where toxic compounds are used. Persons working with hazardous substances should not ignore even the slightest change in perception. Carelessness can cost them their lives.
More common causes of a metallic taste in the mouth are associated with exposure to external circumstances, the development of common diseases, hormonal imbalances or side effects from medications.
Causes associated with diseases
An unpleasant taste of iron is very often a symptom of various diseases of the digestive system. In most cases, it indicates destructive changes in the upper digestive tract. For example, they may be associated with the development of erosive gastritis. This pathology is associated with increased production of gastric juice containing hydrochloric acid. As a result of exposure to an aggressive environment, the mucous membrane is damaged by hydrochloric acid. Against the background of damage to the mucous membrane, a characteristic taste of metal appears in the mouth and, in addition, severe heartburn occurs.
Dental diseases also often cause a characteristic metallic bitterness in the mouth. This:
- Stomatitis, which occurs when the mucous membrane becomes inflamed.
- Gingivitis, characterized by inflammation of the gums.
- Periodontitis, which is often a complication of gingivitis.
- Glossitis, the characteristic symptoms of which is the occurrence of inflammation of the surface of the tongue and the formation of a pronounced coating on it.
All of the above dental pathologies cause minor bleeding. Since blood contains iron ions, this leads to a metallic taste in the mouth.
A metallic taste may also be a sign of iron deficiency anemia. In this case, the sensations are constantly present and do not disappear after eating and drinking. Additionally, there is a change in taste preferences, and there is also a craving for eating inedible items: chalk, earth, ice, etc. But at the same time, they enhance the metallic taste.
Also, characteristic bitterness is observed against the background of B12-deficiency anemia. It leads to atrophic changes in the oral mucosa. Additionally, there is a violation of all taste perceptions.
Influence of household factors
An iron taste may appear after drinking tap water. Huge amounts of iron-containing sediment accumulate in old pipes
, which dissolve in water and, entering the oral cavity with it, settle on the mucous membrane and oxidize. And the person begins to feel a sour smell and a metallic taste.
Mineral water can cause the same reaction. Many people drink it uncontrollably to enrich the body with microelements. However, their excess is no less harmful to health than their deficiency. Therefore, doctors do not recommend drinking more than 2 glasses of ordinary medicinal table mineral water per day.
Another common household factor is the use of stainless steel, aluminum or cast iron cookware
. If you cook a dish with foods high in acids in it, the latter will react with the material, which will lead to the appearance of a metallic taste.
The mechanism of the appearance of taste sensations
It is not always easy for even doctors to determine the cause of the taste in the mouth.
Special receptors, mostly located on the papillae of the tongue, are responsible for the sensation of taste in humans. A few receptors are located on the palate and back of the pharynx. All of them are sensitive to several dozen different tastes and their combinations.
Taste sensitivity, like an ear for music, is individual for each person; it can be developed and improved, achieving the ideal taste, like tasters or sommeliers. Despite individual differences, the sensation of the five basic tastes: salty, sweet, sour, bitter, and the taste of meat products is accessible to absolutely everyone.
When a product hits the taste buds, the sensations they receive travel through nerve fibers to the brain. A full sensation and perception of taste is impossible without its combination with smell.
When abnormal sensations such as a metallic taste appear, occurring suddenly, without any apparent connection or cause, it is necessary to find out the etiology of this symptom in order to correct your condition, especially if such sensations occur regularly.
Impact of common diseases
In addition to everyday factors, changes in taste perception are affected by internal pathologies. An unpleasant symptom in this case is observed over a long period of time.
Oral diseases
Quite often, the taste of metal indicates the development of the following dental diseases:
- Glossitis
is an infectious inflammation of the mucous membrane of the tongue, provoked by thermal, chemical burns or injuries. The main symptoms are swelling of the muscle organ, redness of its surface, a feeling of bitterness and an iron smell from the mouth. - Periodontal disease and periodontitis
are diseases that affect the gums. The inflammatory process provokes deformation of the periodontium - the tissues that surround the tooth. As a result, capillaries are damaged and bleeding develops. Blood, which contains large amounts of iron, gives saliva a metallic taste. - Gingivitis
is an inflammation of the gums, which is accompanied by redness, swelling and bleeding. Additional signs include pain, heavy plaque and acidic breath.
Pathologies of ENT organs
Sometimes a metallic taste on the tongue indicates a fungal infection of the mucous membranes of the pharynx, larynx, nose and paranasal sinuses. The following signs may indicate the development of an infectious process:
- sore throat;
- hearing loss;
- bleeding from the nose;
- feeling of dryness in the mouth;
- pain in the auricle or in the paranasal sinuses;
- increased sensitivity of mucous membranes to foods at borderline temperatures and spicy foods;
- a cheesy white coating covering the affected area and thickening abundantly in the morning.
Anemia
Another common cause of a metallic taste in the mouth is an imbalance of minerals. This phenomenon is observed in anemia, a pathological condition characterized by a decrease in the concentration of hemoglobin and, sometimes, red blood cells per unit volume of blood.
Despite the paradox, one of the main symptoms of an illness closely associated with iron deficiency is an iron taste in the mouth. In addition, for anemia:
- drowsiness and weakness appear;
- migraine attacks occur;
- often feel dizzy;
- heart rhythm is disturbed;
- mucous membranes are dehydrated;
- nails become brittle;
- tongue goes numb.
To confirm anemia, a routine blood test is performed. After treatment, which includes taking iron-containing drugs, the hemoglobin concentration normalizes - the metallic taste disappears.
Hypovitaminosis
A lack of vitamins can also lead to an iron taste in the mouth. This condition of the body is called hypovitaminosis and is characterized by symptoms such as sleep disturbances, low physical and intellectual activity, and groundless irritability.
A certain disease develops against the background of vitamin deficiency. For example, a lack of vitamin B1 can lead to pathologies such as beriberi, polyneuritis, paralysis, and central nervous system damage. Each disease has more specific symptoms.
A general list of possible signs:
- blurred vision;
- frequent conjunctivitis;
- constipation;
- nausea;
- decreased appetite;
- headache;
- paralysis;
- tachycardia;
- dyspnea;
- amyotrophy;
- nosebleeds;
- allergic manifestations.
Gastrointestinal diseases
The most common prerequisite for the occurrence of a metallic taste in the mouth in both men and women is pathology of the gastrointestinal tract. Moreover, by the severity of the sensation one can judge the stage of development of the disease.
| Affected organ | Probable diseases | General symptoms |
| Gallbladder |
|
|
| Stomach |
|
|
| Intestines | Any pathology that leads to disruption of the organ. |
|
| Liver | Any disease characterized by impaired liver function. |
|
Central nervous system diseases
The nervous system is responsible for processing impulses that come from taste buds. Therefore, the perception of taste may be distorted in pathologies of the central nervous system. For example, against the background of a stroke, neuritis of the facial nerve, Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease.
The main signs of central nervous system damage:
- complete loss or partial decrease in muscle strength;
- tremor - trembling in the fingers, chin, upper limbs;
- speech and coordination disorders;
- involuntary muscle contractions;
- pain in the back, legs, arms, neck;
- insomnia or excessive sleepiness;
- constant migraine;
- smell and taste of copper in the mouth;
- Sometimes various parts of the body go numb.
Diabetes
A metallic taste on the tongue may mean the development of diabetes mellitus, a disease of the endocrine system that occurs when there is insufficient insulin production. The sensation occurs during a period of critical decrease in hormone production and provokes an increase in the concentration of acetone in the urine. If you inject insulin into a patient, the taste will disappear or become barely noticeable.
In diabetes mellitus, dry mucous membranes, constant thirst, and increased appetite are observed. Along with taste changes, visual impairment develops.
Treatment
Help before diagnosis
To reduce the metallic taste, it is recommended to carefully monitor hygiene: brush your teeth at least 2 times a day, use a toothpick or dental floss after each meal, and rinse your mouth with water. To overcome the disturbing taste, you can add spices with a strong aroma to food - cinnamon, cardamom, pepper. If there are metal utensils in the house, it is advisable to replace them with glass or ceramic ones.
If you have a strong metallic taste, doctors advise eating a mint candy or a slice of orange and rinsing your mouth with water and lemon juice. You should not use medications uncontrollably, as they often leave a “iron” aftertaste. If taste disturbances are combined with nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain and general malaise, you should seek medical help as soon as possible.
Conservative therapy
The drug treatment regimen is selected depending on the cause of the metallic taste in the mouth. In most cases, etiotropic drugs are prescribed that eliminate the underlying disease, and local rinses are used for local lesions of the oral cavity. The most effective medications are:
- Iron supplements
. Medicines eliminate microelement deficiency in the body and successfully eliminate the manifestations of anemia. The course of treatment is at least 1 month, then iron is taken in low doses for another 2-3 months. For other types of anemia, vitamin B12 and folic acid supplements are recommended. - Antisecretory agents
. They reduce the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach and normalize digestive function, due to which the metallic taste disappears. The most effective drugs are from the group of proton pump inhibitors; H2-histamine blockers are also used. - Corticosteroids
. Medicines are used to treat renal pathology as a common cause of uncomfortable taste sensations in the mouth. They have a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect, reduce damage to the renal tubules by circulating immune complexes and autoantibodies. - Antibiotics
. The drugs are prescribed for massive bacterial processes in the oral cavity, exacerbation of sinusitis and purulent bronchitis. Antibiotics are taken in tablet form for 7-10 days; for severe pyelonephritis, intravenous administration and a combination of 2 drugs are indicated. - Complexons
. They are chelate compounds that, when ingested, bind and neutralize heavy metals. They must be administered as soon as possible after poisoning. The drugs are combined with massive detoxification therapy with saline and colloid solutions.
Causes of metallic taste in the mouth in women
In women, the cause of iron taste in the mouth can be not only a lack of insulin, but also an imbalance of sex hormones: estrogen and progesterone. Hormonal changes are often observed during adolescence and before menopause. During these periods, unpleasant symptoms are suppressed by corrective therapy and quickly disappear.
Imbalance can also arise due to other reasons:
- pathologies of the thyroid gland;
- consequences of abortion and some surgical interventions;
- use of incorrectly selected contraceptive drugs;
- too strict diets;
- heredity;
- sexually transmitted infections;
- excessively late or early onset of sexual activity;
- weakened immunity and some common diseases;
- pregnancy.
Diagnostics
Patients with complaints of iron taste are referred to a general practitioner. To understand why a metallic taste is felt in the mouth, a specialist eliminates the most typical etiological factors. To do this, anamnesis is collected, concomitant diseases and the person’s working conditions are clarified. To make a diagnosis, a set of laboratory and instrumental studies is prescribed, the most informative of which are:
- Blood tests
. A clinical blood test is informative for the diagnosis of various anemias, which are manifested by a decrease in hemoglobin levels, hypochromia of erythrocytes, and the appearance of microcytes or megaloblasts. In a biochemical blood test, attention is paid to the levels of urea and creatinine, an increase in which indicates renal pathology. - Hormonal profile
. Women must have their estrogen and progesterone levels measured on different days of the menstrual cycle, and if their periods are late, they do a hCG test for early detection of pregnancy. To exclude diabetic nephropathy, glucose levels are determined, an oral stress test is performed, and the concentration of insulin in the blood is determined. - Dental examination
. Often, a metallic taste is caused by local causes, so a thorough examination of the mucous membrane, gums and tooth crowns is necessary. During the examination, carious cavities, loose teeth and other signs of periodontal disease are detected. If there are plaques on the mucous membrane, a smear is taken for microscopic examination. - X-ray imaging
. To confirm the renal etiology of unpleasant taste sensations, excretory urography is recommended, which demonstrates the degree of functional activity of the organ and the presence of anatomical defects. When the taste is combined with dyspeptic disorders, radiography of the passage of barium through the gastrointestinal tract is indicated. - Additional methods
. To confirm heavy metal poisoning as the cause of the metallic taste felt in the mouth, a toxicological blood test is prescribed. If bleeding from the upper gastrointestinal tract is suspected, a therapeutic and diagnostic FGDS is performed. If there are atypical behavioral reactions or cognitive impairment, the patient is referred to a neurologist.
Specific Prerequisites
A metallic taste in the mouth does not always indicate some kind of internal pathology or the presence of a household provocateur. Specific factors can influence the perceptions of both women and men. Among them:
- Taking medications
. The iron taste appears due to medications with toxic effects that inhibit liver function. These include Tetracycline, Metronidazole, Lansporazole and some types of dietary supplements. - Professional activity
. Harmful substances that a person works with constantly accumulate in his body and provoke various side effects, including coughing and a sour, bitter or aluminum taste. Particularly dangerous chemical elements include zinc, arsenic, cadmium, pigs, mercury, and copper. Some of the listed substances are often used in the manufacture of paints. - Diets
. Prolonged fasts combined with insufficient fluid intake lead to dehydration, which disrupts metabolic processes. As a result, a person feels constant weakness, dizziness and a taste of aluminum.
Metal taste as a symptom of oral diseases
Patients with gum problems often complain of a strong metallic taste that occurs repeatedly throughout the day. The most popular diseases that provoke such unpleasant sensations include periodontitis and gingivitis, which are accompanied by bleeding gums, and many people describe the taste of blood as metallic. It usually appears during brushing your teeth and after eating. Some patients feel as if there is a foreign body in the mouth, which causes serious inconvenience.
Loose teeth and tartar build-up can also cause a metallic taste. There is no point in trying to independently identify the causes - it is better to immediately contact a dentist.
How to determine the cause
To find out what a metallic taste in the mouth means, you need to pay attention to the conditions under which it arose. For example, if the sensation appears after drinking water, you need to check the condition of the pipes. A sharp change in the composition of the diet or taking medications can also affect the perception of receptors.
If the cause lies in the development of any disease, this will be indicated by a number of accompanying symptoms:
- skin itching, thirst in the morning, blurred vision accompany diabetes mellitus;
- dry throat, cough, white plaque on the tonsils – pharyngitis and tonsillitis;
- abdominal cramps, heartburn, belching – stomach ulcers;
- nausea, weight loss, lack of appetite - liver disease;
- pain in the right side, bitterness, alternating diarrhea and constipation - gallbladder pathologies;
- drowsiness, weakness, pallor, dizziness and arrhythmia - anemia.
Making a diagnosis on your own is quite difficult. Even if you understand the nature of this manifestation, you cannot do without consulting a doctor and laboratory tests. Therefore, if the taste of iron in the mouth is observed for a long time, it is worth contacting a therapist who will prescribe the necessary tests. Treatment will be carried out by a more specialized specialist: a gastroenterologist, ENT, pulmonologist, endocrinologist or even an oncologist.
Acetone smell from child's mouth
Children's breath smells like acetone most often due to type I diabetes. The disease develops slowly and insidiously, so parents often do not know that their child is sick. In addition, young patients often experience weight loss, excessive thirst, weakness, and pollakiuria.
This type of odor can also occur when a child doesn't drink enough. Sometimes parents report an ammonia odor from their child's mouth during an infection such as pharyngitis.
A strange smell from the mouth should prompt parents to contact a pediatrician, who will prescribe the necessary examinations.
How to get rid of the problem
If the cause of this is not a symptom of a disease, or a change in physiological state, you can try to eliminate the problem by rinsing with a salt solution (a teaspoon per half liter of water), drinking fruit and vegetable juices. You can chew propolis, ginger root, fresh mint leaves, and add dried spices to drinks.
Brushing your teeth after every meal, using rinses, dental floss for additional cleaning of interdental spaces, brushing your tongue with a special brush - all these measures will help get rid of the unpleasant taste in your mouth. Timely installation and replacement of dentures and dental sanitation can solve the problem.
