Taste in the mouth: causes, diagnosis and treatment

A foreign taste in the mouth not only causes discomfort and prevents you from enjoying your favorite food, but also often indicates health problems.

The occurrence of a metallic taste in the mouth is familiar to a large number of people: this sensation is not the most pleasant, but not all of those who have encountered it try to find out its cause. There is nothing wrong with if the iron taste in the mouth appears once, but if it occurs periodically, then the reasons for this phenomenon should be found out.

Quite often you can hear complaints about a metallic taste in the mouth: why does it appear and how to get rid of it?

The reasons that cause an iron taste in the mouth can be very different: when faced with this symptom, you need to try to determine how often it occurs, and whether it is accompanied by any other signs.

First of all, it is worth clarifying what a metallic taste in the mouth is: it is unlikely to confuse this phenomenon with anything else, since it is a pronounced bitter taste with sour notes - a fairly accurate understanding of this taste can be obtained by touching the battery with your tongue . Often the appearance of such a taste is accompanied by an astringent sensation in the mouth and tingling of the tongue (partial numbness is also possible).

general characteristics

A pathological disorder of taste perception is called dysgeusia.
Such a “perversion” of taste sensations can be a sign of the development of neurological, hormonal, mental disorders and other diseases, including those caused by a deficiency of certain substances in the body. If the taste of the products remains unchanged, this diagnosis can be excluded. In this case, we are talking about the temporary persistence of an unusual taste in the mouth, and most often the problem disappears when the cause of its appearance is eliminated.

Rules for caring for fixed dentures

High-quality care of crowns in compliance with all hygienic rules can significantly extend the service life of the product.

Since a regular toothbrush is not able to fully clean all hard-to-reach places, additional care products are used to better treat teeth and dentures.

Dental floss (floss). This is a special thread made of nylon, silk, acetate fibers with a flat or round cross-section, designed to clean interdental spaces. To enhance the effect, they are often impregnated with antiseptics.

Floss - disposable toothpicks with a thread on a frame are used for the same purposes as floss.

Bundle brush . The interdental spaces are cleaned using a brush-brush with many long bristles. Dentists recommend alternating cleaning the spaces between teeth with brushes and dental floss, since some of them (floss) are better suited for narrow gaps, and a tuft brush does an excellent job of cleaning wide gaps.

An interproximal brush with a brush is designed to treat hard-to-reach areas between the crown and adjacent teeth.

An irrigator is a device for cleaning the oral cavity using a water jet supplied under pressure. A pulsating stream of water penetrates into the most inaccessible places, cleanses the surface of teeth and artificial dentures from plaque and food debris in the gum pockets and interdental spaces.

Dentists do not recommend using wooden toothpicks at all. Wood particles get stuck between the teeth, begin to rot and cause inflammation. In addition, toothpicks can easily injure your gums without even noticing it.

Causes of taste in mouth

Throat diseases may be accompanied by an unpleasant taste in the mouth.
Photo: imagepointfr / Depositphotos Reasons for an unusual taste in the mouth may include:

diseases of the teeth, gums and oral mucosa;
pathologies of the ENT organs (nasopharynx, paranasal sinuses);
unbalanced diet;
diseases of the stomach and gall bladder;
hormonal and neurological disorders;
intoxication with chemicals.

In women, a change in taste can be a sign of pregnancy; in men, it is rarely associated with physiological conditions and hormonal surges. At the same time, diseases of the nervous, respiratory systems, or even cancer can lead to the development of symptoms. Doctors will help you understand the cause of the symptom: in this case, an integrated approach to examination and treatment is necessary.

Causes of blood taste in mouth

The characteristic taste of blood most often indicates increased bleeding of the gums. Also, such a taste can be a symptom of diseases of the nasopharynx and paranasal sinuses (sinusitis, frontal sinusitis, sinusitis).

Other reasons for feeling blood in the mouth:

diseases of the bronchi and lungs (acute bronchitis, pneumonia, pleurisy, lung abscess);
disorders of the hematopoietic system;
diabetes;
renal failure;
oncological diseases;
internal bleeding.

In addition, the sensation of blood in the mouth may be associated with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT):

Causes of bitter taste in mouth

An unpleasant bitter taste may appear in the morning after waking up or several hours after eating.

Common causes of a bitter taste in the mouth:

Pathologies of the liver and gallbladder (hepatitis, cirrhosis, cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, gallbladder kinks), stagnation of bile - at a certain point, its excess leaves through the bile ducts, enters the stomach and penetrates the esophagus.
Indigestion. Slowing intestinal motility leads to retention of undigested food in the gastrointestinal tract. This leads to fermentation processes and the appearance of a characteristic taste in the mouth.
Neurological pathologies (Alzheimer's disease, consequences of traumatic brain injury).
Pregnancy.

Symptoms can also be caused by hormonal disorders, parasitic infections, or taking certain medications (antibiotics, antiallergic drugs, chemotherapy drugs).

At home you can get rid of the symptom with:

eating small meals frequently;
compliance with the water regime;
rinse your mouth with a spoon of baking soda.

However, after eating, the sensations usually disappear for some time.

Causes of a metallic taste in the mouth

This symptom is often confused with the taste of blood, but other conditions can cause a strong sensation of “metal” in the mouth:

chemical poisoning with heavy metals (mercury, copper, lead, arsenic);
taking certain medications (iron supplements for anemia, antiparasitic drugs, pills to lower blood pressure);
galvanosis - disruption of electrochemical processes in the oral cavity due to metal prostheses, implants, piercings;
“burning mouth syndrome”, insufficient salivation and dry mouth;
impaired kidney function (excessive accumulation of metabolic products);
endocrine diseases (diabetes mellitus, Fig. 1);
period of hormonal changes (pregnancy, menopause).

The symptom can also appear due to everyday reasons:

insufficient purification of drinking water;
storing food in aluminum containers.

To relieve the metallic taste, you can try rinsing your mouth with salt and water, eating foods with intense flavors, and adding more natural spices. It is also important to temporarily switch to cutlery made from non-metallic materials.

Figure 1: A metallic taste in the mouth may indicate a serious medical condition. Source: Verywell Health

Causes of sweet taste in mouth

A sweetish taste that is not associated with an excess of desserts in the diet may be a sign of:

dental pathologies;
diabetes mellitus;
pregnancy;
problems with the thyroid gland;
neurological pathologies (stroke, epilepsy);
GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease);
bacterial infections - some microorganisms (streptococci, staphylococci) produce enzymes with a specific taste;
pesticide poisoning.

You can try to get rid of this feeling by giving up sweets. Also, in the fight against taste, it is necessary to avoid smoking, drink enough fluids throughout the day and carefully observe the rules of oral hygiene.

Causes of acetone taste in the mouth

The reason for this taste and smell of “nail polish remover” from the mouth is most often the excessive content of special substances of fat metabolism - ketone bodies.

As a rule, the symptom appears with diabetes mellitus, but can also accompany other conditions:

following a keto diet (Fig. 2);
fasting or drinking too much fluid;
kidney damage (glomerulonephritis, renal failure);
excessive alcohol consumption;
liver pathologies.

Figure 2: Following a keto diet may cause your breath to smell like acetone.
Source: Sewcream / Depositphotos You can get rid of the characteristic smell of acetone using natural breath fresheners, using dental floss and drinking water with lemon.

Important! If you experience a taste of acetone in your mouth, you should reconsider your diet and abandon alternative foods that do not contain sugar - a carbohydrate-free diet often leads to ketoacidosis.

Why does it occur after running?

Athletes often experience a taste of blood in their mouth. The condition occurs as a result of:

microtrauma of the capillaries of the respiratory system;
increased bleeding of gums under increased stress.

The condition does not pose a threat to human health. Consultation with a doctor is required only for throat bleeding.

Help before diagnosis

In most cases, the following help to get rid of the symptom:

keeping the oral cavity clean;
regular and balanced nutrition;
cessation of smoking, alcohol abuse;
drink enough fluid during the day;
moderate activity after meals.

You can temporarily remove the taste by thoroughly brushing your teeth, rinsing your mouth with water and lemon juice or baking soda, chewing gum, or special mouth fresheners.

The main reasons why a tooth under a crown begins to smell bad

Wearing a prosthesis longer than expected . Over time, when wearing a denture for a long time, the gum tissue atrophies, and the area of the neck of the tooth is exposed. A loose connection of the crown to the gum causes the formation of a gap into which food debris gets trapped. It is impossible to remove accumulated substrate from under the crown using traditional methods: toothbrush, rinsing. As a result, an environment favorable for the growth of bacteria is formed under the crown, which in the course of their life emit foul-smelling sulfur dioxide gases.

Violation of the seal between the crown and the tooth . The reason is most often the incorrect installation of the prosthesis or the resorption of the material that was used to fix the artificial crown to the supporting tooth. Pathogenic microflora, penetrating into the formed cavities, causes secondary caries and inflammation of the gums.

If the crown is metal-ceramic, then under the influence of salivary secretions and oxygen in the air, the metal in its composition undergoes oxidation, which causes an unpleasant odor. In addition, the resulting oxides irritate the mucous membranes of the gums and can provoke allergic reactions.

Lack of tooth protection after grinding . One of the stages of preparation for prosthetics is preparation - removal of the enamel coating, which protects tooth tissue from mechanical damage and the action of microbes. If, before installing a permanent prosthesis, the ground tooth is not covered with a temporary crown or treated with cement, then bacteria settle on it and continue their destructive activity under the prosthesis.

Violation of the technological process of manufacturing and installing a prosthesis . If a crown is installed incorrectly, regardless of the reason (insufficient experience of dental technicians and orthopedists, use of low-quality materials), soft tissue injury occurs, followed by infection and the development of inflammation.

Poor oral hygiene . Artificial structures - dentures require special care and cleaning. If you neglect the rules of hygiene, pathogenic microorganisms begin to actively multiply, causing putrefactive processes.

Poor quality dental treatment . One of the main conditions for successful prosthetics is the absence of infection in the oral cavity. If teeth that are subject to prosthetics have a defect in filling the dental canals, a granuloma or cyst filled with pus may form at the apex of the root.

When teeth affected by caries appear under the crown, the decay process continues and ends with complete destruction and death of the tooth.

When to see a doctor?

Eliminating the cause of the development of a symptom most often completely eliminates all its manifestations, so it is important to consult a doctor in a timely manner (Table 1).
Table 1. Taste in the mouth: when should you seek medical help?

Type of taste in the mouth	Reasons to see a doctor
Taste Blood	If the symptom is not associated with accidental damage to the oral mucosa, you should begin the examination with a trip to the dentist. If necessary, the specialist will refer you to other doctors for consultation.
Metallic taste	You need to undergo examination in the toxicology department if the taste appears after poisoning with chemical agents. It is also important to consult a doctor if you suspect bleeding of unknown location or galvanism.
Bitter taste	If bitterness in the mouth persists for several days, and is also accompanied by the appearance of plaque, nausea or vomiting, you should make an appointment with a gastroenterologist. This is probably how the body “signals” about disturbances in the gastrointestinal tract.
Bitter taste	If your taste changes regularly without connection with the amount of sweets in your diet, you should consult a therapist or endocrinologist.
Taste of acetone	You should definitely see an endocrinologist if the symptom occurs due to diabetes. When following a low-carbohydrate diet, it is also important to choose a new diet from a nutritionist.

Reviews

The causes of bleeding gums can be determined independently by additional symptoms accompanying the pathology. If you suspect damage to internal organs or poisoning, you should call an ambulance.

You can leave a comment on the article and write about your reasons for the taste of blood in your mouth.

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Tags: gingivitis, bleeding gums taste

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Diagnostics

The first step in finding the cause of an unpleasant taste in the mouth should be a trip to the dentist: he will immediately determine the possible connection of the symptom with diseases of the teeth and surrounding tissues.

If the problem does not go away, you should consult a therapist: a specialist will help you understand the likely causes of the symptom. For an accurate diagnosis, the results of the following studies may be needed:

clinical and biochemical blood tests (liver, kidney tests, glucose levels, lipid profile);
tests to evaluate thyroid function;
Ultrasound of the abdominal organs;
fibrogastroduodenoscopy (FGDS);
pH-metry of the stomach;
tests for Helicobacter pylori infection;
electroencephalography (EEG), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the head.

The choice of diagnostic algorithm depends on the most likely cause of the development of an unpleasant taste in the mouth.

Write a comment

Olya
May 17, 2022 at 5:14 am
I had a taste of blood in my mouth for a long time, I couldn’t get rid of it until I was completely examined, and it turned out that I had problems with the gastrointestinal tract (cholecystitis). I completed a course of treatment, adjusted my diet and everything got better, now a year later the problem has not returned, I feel great. There are a lot of practical tips here that will help everyone.
Anya
May 17, 2022 at 09:21 pm
I have a similar problem. I think my mouth is too sensitive. Every time I eat something hard, for example crackers, I injure the mucous membrane and a huge blood bubble swells there, which causes painful difficulties when chewing, then bursts and fills my mouth with blood. This happens quite often and I just don’t know what to do, maybe someone can advise what?
Natalia
May 18, 2022 at 11:59 pm
I sometimes face the problem of bleeding gums, initially I thought that my blood vessels were weak or my brush was too hard, but after a visit to the dentist it turned out that I simply had tartar that had formed, which needed to be removed periodically. After brushing your teeth, the problem disappears. Now I already know that as soon as I start to feel the taste of blood in my mouth, it’s time to go to clean the stone.
Julia
May 22, 2022 at 7:43 am
From time to time I encounter this unpleasant phenomenon, but the main reason is either bleeding gums when using a brush that is too hard, or damage to the mucous membrane, stomatitis. Therefore, in a maximum of a day the problem goes away by itself, there was no need to contact specialists. But the fact that such a taste can be caused by a variety of problems, including cardiac dysfunction, was a surprise.
Nastya
June 21, 2022 at 01:11 pm
I had this problem until I went to clean my mouth of stones. After this, there was no taste in the mouth, I think, if there are no problems associated with bleeding gums in the mouth, then this is the most common way to deal with such a problem. Quite a large number of people have stones on their teeth, so they need to be removed more often so as not to worsen the situation.
Dina
June 22, 2022 at 15:20
I always have a taste of blood in my mouth when I have my teeth done. Even after I just fill my teeth, I have this taste in my mouth for about 2-3 days. I regularly go to have my teeth cleaned once a year, of course, after it there is also a bloody taste, but this is understandable, since in the process of such brushing blood often flows. Regular mouthwash helps me get rid of it.

Treatment

The best and most effective method of treating a symptom is to eliminate the cause of its occurrence. If the bad taste in your mouth is caused by a dental problem, it is important to get rid of tooth decay or other diseases as soon as possible.

If an unpleasant taste occurs due to pathology of certain organs and metabolic disorders, the doctor prescribes treatment for the underlying disease.

Conservative therapy

Depending on the characteristics of the symptom, to eliminate it, the doctor may prescribe drugs from the following groups:

antiseptics;
antacids;
choleretic drugs;
hypoglycemic agents;
antidotes and detoxification drugs.

The doctor selects treatment individually. The treatment regimen depends on the causes of the taste, its severity, concomitant diseases and other features of the clinical case.

Sometimes, to get rid of the taste in the mouth, you have to resort to medications. Photo by JESHOOTS.com: Pexels

Physiotherapy

Methods of physiotherapeutic treatment in cases of unpleasant taste in the mouth help to cope with chronic inflammatory and metabolic processes, and eliminate other symptoms of pathology.

For example, for diseases of the ENT organs, rinsing with sea salt solutions, ultrasound treatment and UV irradiation, and therapeutic inhalations are used.

Warming procedures are contraindicated for patients with acute conditions - inflammation, likelihood of bleeding, severe pain.

Factors not related to diseases

The taste of blood in the mouth is not always associated with a pathological condition. It may result from:

Consumption of water saturated with metal ions.
Installation of implants or artificial prostheses. The symptom is especially pronounced when consuming acidic foods or drinks, when food acid reacts with metal.
Consumption of foods rich in iron.
Cooking dishes in cast iron containers.
Tongue piercing. When metal earrings come into contact with food, they cause an off-flavor.
Poor dental hygiene. The symptom occurs due to the presence of plaque and stones on the teeth.