Metallic Taste in Your Mouth - Causes and Treatment

Having a metallic taste in your mouth is usually a temporary condition triggered by the taking of certain medications, in particular chemotherapy drugs.

Other causes include a zinc deficiency and having a significant head injury such as a concussion.

The condition where your sense of taste is distorted is known as dysgeusia, or parageusia, and one of the symptoms is often a metallic taste.

Common Causes of Metallic Taste in Your Mouth

Among the causes are chemotherapy, zinc deficiency, hormonal changes during pregnancy, hypothyroidism, liver diseases and certain medications, including antibiotics and antihistamines.

Prevention

Preventing zinc deficiency may be a vital step in preventing dysgeusia. You can lower your risk of zinc deficiency by incorporating dietary sources rich in zinc, such as meat, fish, legumes, seeds, nuts, and dairy.

Zinc supplements are also an excellent preventative option.

Proper oral hygiene is important for preventing dysgeusia. Also, consuming foods that have a high acid content, including citrus fruits and foods marinated in vinegar, can help prevent the metallic taste in your mouth.

When to See a Doctor

Depending on the cause, a metallic taste in your mouth is usually a temporary condition. Medical experts advise a visit your doctor if the metallic taste does not go away or if there is no obvious cause of the condition.

See your doctor if the metallic taste and other accompanying symptoms affect the quality of your life.

Frequently Asked Questions