Metallic taste in your mouth is certainly unpleasant, but it is usually not chronic.
Have you ever had a metallic taste in your mouth for no apparent reason? This affects many of our patients, but the causes for it are varied. This condition, rarely chronic in nature, is known in the medical community as parageusia. What causes metallic taste and is it preventable?
The Causes of Metallic Taste
There are quite a few different causes for metallic taste in the mouth.
- One of the most common causes is some sort of prescription medication or supplement you might be taking. In this instance, the metallic taste usually goes away once the body has processed the ingredients. Dry mouth is also a common side effect of prescription medication that can exacerbate the taste of metal in your mouth. Treating dry mouth can help relieve the unpleasant taste.
- Sinus, throat, and ear infections can also cause a metallic taste in the mouth to form, as well as other infections. See your doctor to have the infection treated. Once the infection clears up you should notice the metallic taste disappear.
- A specific dental infection known as acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (ANUG) is known to cause a metallic taste in your mouth. Your dentist or a gum specialist will be able to diagnose this infection and recommend a course of treatment. Reducing the inflammation associated with gingivitis can help make the taste of metal go away, so your dentist may recommend a mouthwash to help combat this.
- Other temporary causes of metallic taste in the mouth include pregnancy, undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy, and certain food allergies.
Is Metallic Taste Preventable?
While having the taste of metal in your mouth is not a serious problem in itself, it can be indicative of other, more serious problems. So preventing metallic taste is very simple: practice great oral hygiene by brushing your teeth and tongue twice a day and flossing once a day. Chew sugar-free gum and drink plenty of water. You may also want to consider switching your eating utensils to non-metal varieties. Finally, quitting smoking and avoiding certain spicy food can help prevent the problem as well.
You Can Trust Olney Dental for All of Your Oral Care Needs
For all of your oral care questions and concerns, Olney Dental has the expertise and professionalism to get them the answers they need. Olney Dental is ready to supply you with expert service in a professional environment. Schedule an appointment online today! For more information on how we can give your family the best dentist experience available, give us a call at (301) 250-1057 or contact us online. For more dental tips, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, YouTube, and Pinterest.