A metal taste in your mouth is a type of taste disorder known medically as parageusia. This unpleasant taste can establish suddenly or over longer periods of time. To understand what causes a metallic taste you must first understand how taste works.
Your taste is controlled by your taste and your olfactory sensory neurons. Olfactory sensory neurons are accountable for your sense of odor. Your nerve endings transfer info from your taste and olfactory sensory nerve cells to your brain, which then recognizes specific tastes. Many things can impact this complicated system and, in turn, cause a metallic taste in the mouth. There are numerous possible causes for a metallic taste in your mouth.
Medication
Distorted taste is a typical side effect of specific medications. These medications consist of:
- antibiotics, such as clarithromycin (Biaxin) or metronidazole (Flagyl).
- blood pressure medications, such as captopril (Capoten).
- glaucoma medications, such as methazolamide (Neptazane).
- osteoporosis medications.
Chemotherapy and Radiation
Inning accordance with the American Cancer Society, certain types of chemotherapy and radiation can cause a metallic taste. This side effect is often called “chemo mouth.” Studies suggest that particular vitamin supplements, such as vitamin D or zinc, can assist prevent taste distortion in people undergoing radiation therapy or chemotherapy. This recommends that certain vitamin deficiencies may be a factor to taste distortion.
Sinus Issues
Your sense of taste is closely associated to your sense of odor. When your sense of smell is distorted, it can have an impact on your sense of taste. Sinus issues are a typical cause of metal taste in the mouth. Sinus concerns can be brought on by:.
- allergies.
- the cold.
- sinus infections.
- other upper breathing infections.
Central Nervous System (CNS) Disorders
Your CNS sends out messages to the rest of your body, consisting of messages about taste. A CNS disorder or injury, such as stroke or Bell’s palsy, can distort these messages. This can lead to impaired or distorted taste.
Pregnancy
Some pregnant women report a metallic taste, particularly early in their pregnancy. The cause is unidentified, however some think it’s triggered by the change in hormonal agents experienced during early pregnancy. Others have actually associated a boost in the sense of smell, a symptom typically connected with pregnancy, as the cause.
Food Allergies
Metal taste has actually been recognized as a symptom of some food allergies. If you experience distorted taste after consuming a kind of food, such as shellfish or tree nuts, you might have a food allergy. Speak to your doctor if you think you have a food allergy.
Middle Ear Surgery
Middle ear and ear tube surgery is frequently performed due to chronic ear infections, or otitis media. Periodically, chorda tympani, a structure near the inner ear that controls taste in the rear two-thirds of the tongue, might be harmed during surgery. This can result in distorted taste or parageusia. One case research study revealed substantial improvement in taste with medication management.
Oral Health
Poor oral and dental health can contribute to taste dysfunction. Regular dental cleanings and cavity filling can minimize your risk of developing taste changes.
When to See a Doctor
A metallic taste in your mouth will often go away as soon as the underlying cause has actually been treated, particularly if the cause is temporary. You should call your doctor if the bad taste persists. Your doctor will often refer you to an otolaryngologist, also called an ear, nose, and throat doctor. An otolaryngologist might order a taste test to assist determine the cause and degree of the taste disorder. Trial run determine an individual’s response to different chemicals. Your doctor might also purchase imaging research studies to take a look at your sinuses.
Loss of taste can be a major issue. Taste is important for recognizing ruined foods. Taste also helps you feel satiated after a meal. Distorted taste can cause poor nutrition, weight loss, weight gain, or depression. For people who should stay with particular diets, such as those with diabetes, distorted taste can make it challenging to eat the needed foods. It can likewise be an indication of some diseases, consisting of Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s diseases.
How to Prevent a Metallic Taste
Regrettably, there is typically little you can do to prevent a metallic taste in your mouth. If sinus issues are to blame, the taste distortion must disappear when the sinus problem solves itself. If the taste distortion is brought on by a medication, speak to your doctor about alternative options.
Finding ways to mask the metallic taste may help while you wait on it to disappear, specifically if it is triggered by chemotherapy, pregnancy, or other long-lasting treatments or conditions. Here are some methods you may decrease or temporarily remove taste distortion:.
- chew sugar-free gum or mints.
- brush your teeth after meals.
- experiment with different foods, spices, and spices.
- use nonmetallic meals, utensils, and cookware.
- stay hydrated.
- prevent smoking cigarettes.
There are also medications that might enhance taste after advancement of parosmia (odor distortion) or ear surgery. Speak to your doctor to get more information about your alternatives.
