People have been taking their sense of taste for granted for years until something unusual happens, that is, a bad taste in mouth. Having a metallic taste in your mouth can be caused my many different reasons, from medicines to possible environmental hazards and systemic disorders. Once we know the causes of bad taste in mouth, it would be easier for it to be treated.
Causes of Bad Taste in Mouth
Bitter and metallic taste in your mouth can be a sign of an infection or any number of other conditions, which is why it's important to see your doctor and make sure it isn't something more serious. If you experience any difficulty in breathing or swallowing, or if your bad taste persists, or recurs, go to the emergency room immediately.
1. Medications
Probably one of the most common causes for bad taste in your mouth is medications. Some of the types of medications that may be causing a bad taste in your mouth include:
- Antibiotics like clarithromycin
- Heart and blood pressure medications like propafenone
- Anticancer medication like carboplatin
- Hyperactive thyroid medications like propylthioracil
- Arthritis medications gold sodium thiomalate
- Diabetes medications like metformin
- Heartburn medications like dexlansoprazole
- Glaucoma medications like methazolamide
- Osteoporosis medications like vitamin D supplements
- Sleep medications like eszopiclone
2. Inhaled Substances
I think it's easy to understand that smoking can also have a bad effect on the taste in your mouth, since it affects your taste buds. Other environmental chemicals that may be inhaled over time can also cause a metallic taste in your mouth, such as gasoline, rubber dust and benzene.
3. Nervous System Disorder
Another possible cause for bad taste in your mouth could be from a nervous system disorder. The problem could be something in your brain or along your peripheral nerves which are responsible for your sense of smell and taste buds. Tumors, diseases that cause inflammation and other autoimmune diseases can all affect your nervous system and cause a metallic taste in your mouth.
4. Oral Health Problems
Your taste buds can be affected if you have problems with your mouth and teeth. Tooth decay, plaque buildup, gingivitis and other conditions can all cause a bad taste in your mouth. Other possible causes include sinus infections or any illness that may cause your mouth to become dry.
To prevent this from happening, you should keep great oral hygiene, keep a balanced diet. Avoid smoking, and at the same time visit your doctor regularly.
5. Diseases
It's important to regularly check with your doctor and make sure you are healthy, especially when you find yourself experiencing any symptoms you are not sure about. Some diseases that can cause a bad taste in your mouth include: diabetes, cancer, amyloidosis, and hyperparathyroidism to name just a few.
6. Poor Oral Hygiene
Poor oral hygiene can cause a bad taste in your mouth. By not brushing your teeth, food stuck in between your teeth can rot and not only lead to bad breath but later also lead to a wide range of oral problems. Gum disease can also cause bad taste in your mouth.
7. Pregnancy
Certain stages of a pregnancy can cause a bad taste in the mother's mouth, after which she may experience bouts of nausea or vomiting. This is usually a result of hormonal imbalances. While this is a common problem for most pregnant women, it usually goes away after a few days. A good way to fix this is by eating mint or lemon flavored candy.
8. Fungal Infections
Fungal infections as well as yeast infection can be treated through medication and anti-fungal creams. However, till you are cured, patients may suffer from a bad taste in their mouth which also causes bad breath.
9. Acid Reflux
Acid reflux is a condition when acids in your stomach rise up to your esophagus. These acids can lead to foul breath. Note: acid reflux is not a heartburn, the latter is simply a burning sensation whereas acid reflux involves food going up the wrong way.
To deal with acid reflux, you should avoid spicy and greasy foods. Medications like acid suppressants, prokinetic agents, and antiacids can help.
10. Zinc Deficiency and Vitamin B-12 Deficiency
Zinc and Vitamin B-12 deficiency could be causing the bad odor in your mouth. Below are some foods rich in these vitamins:
- Oysters/Crab
- Roasted pumpkin/squash/dried watermelon seeds
- Veal liver
- Roast beef
- Toasted Wheat Germ
- Peanuts
- Dark chocolate
- Lamb
- Eggs
- Seafood
Home Remedies for Bad Taste in Mouth
If none of the home remedies listed below don't work, you may want to contact your dentist about the bad taste in your mouth.
1. Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Sometimes, it could be that you're simply not practicing enough good oral hygiene. When brushing your teeth, make sure to also go over your gums and tongue. Also, use a mouthwash after. You have to do this at least twice a day.
Flossing is also important and highly recommended by dental specialists. Try to floss at least three-four times a week, but if you can do it every night it would be even better.
2. Try Baking Soda and Regular Table Salt
Put a little baking soda and table salt on your toothbrush and brush your teeth/gum/tongue. This helps eliminate dental infections and also get rid of any plaque. Do this twice a day for best results.
3. Eat Saliva-stimulating Foods
Eating foods that increase your saliva is a great way to get rid of the bitter or metallic taste in your mouth. These types of foods include citrus fruits like grapefruit and oranges.
4. Change Your Eating habits
If the bad taste in your mouth is a result of indigestion, pay attention to what you eat. Avoid spicy and fried foods, and make sure you eat smaller portions at a time. Also make sure you chew your food well and eat slowly.
5. Cover the Bad Breath
Keeping some peppermints or mint fresh gum handy can help temporarily remove the bad mouth from your mouth. If you're not a fan of mint, you could suck on citrus flavored candy instead.
6. Drink More Water
Water is a great cure to wash out toxins in your mouth, and also to reduce acids in your stomach which are both big causes for bad taste in your mouth.