What causes metallic taste in mouth?

Categories : Digestive conditions
Tags : Conditions treatments

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When you notice a metallic taste in mouth, it can mean several things. Other symptoms can help narrow down what may be causing the taste. Most causes require at least a check-up with a medical care provider and some need immediate treatment.

Burning Mouth Syndrome

An unusual syndrome that causes pain and a burning sensation in the mouth, burning mouth syndrome also can cause a metallic taste. The causes of the syndrome remain unknown, but treatment options may help with the symptoms. Other symptoms, which indicate burning mouth syndrome is causing the metallic taste, include tingling in the mouth, dry mouth, increased pain, loss of taste, and thirstiness. You should see your doctor or dentist as soon as possible if you notice these symptoms.

Kidney Disease

One possible condition with a symptom of a metallic tasting mouth is kidney disease. Many symptoms of the disease go unnoticed because they appear subtle. If you have a metallic taste in addition to other symptoms, seek medical care as soon as possible. Kidney disease with several symptoms appearing may be quite advanced. Watch for swelling in the extremities and face, leg pain, rashes, ammonia smell to the breath, changes in urination, difficulty concentrating, dizziness, being cold, fatigue and nausea.

Poisoning & Overdose

Accidental overdose or poisoning is a potential cause. Lead, zinc and iodine poisoning all result in a metallic taste. Overdosing on iron supplements also result in the symptom. Many of the other symptoms also overlap, such as headaches, nausea, seizures, abdominal pain, pale skin, shock, collapse, convulsions, shortness of breath, and low blood pressure. If any of these symptoms appear with a metallic taste, seek immediate medical help.

Oral Lichen Planus

A mouth condition called oral lichen planus occurs when the immune system attacks mucous membranes in the mouth. Sores and swollen, white patches may appear on the tongue, sides of the mouth, gums and inside the lips. The condition may not isolate just to the mouth and the sores may appear over other areas of the body. In addition to sores and a metallic taste, other symptoms such as bleeding when brushing teeth, dry mouth, difficulty or painful swallowing, and sensitivity to spicy foods. See a doctor if any of the symptoms are present.

Medications & Medical Treatments

In some cases, treatment for a disease can cause a metallic taste in mouth. For example, chelating agents that bind and remove poisons and radioactive materials from the body have a side effect of metal tasting mouth. If you are on any medication or receiving medical treatments, speak to your health care provider to find out if any of your treatments could be the cause. If they don’t seem to be a side effect, you will need to see your doctor to discover the cause.