The cause of the appearance of a metallic taste is not only various pathological conditions, but also factors unrelated to them. Now you can buy special medications that will quickly remove unpleasant taste sensations if they are caused by certain diseases. But sometimes, in order to remove the iron taste in the mouth, stop drinking certain drinks and foods or undergo dental treatment.
Physiological causes of iron taste
Among the reasons that lead to a sharp taste of iron on the tongue, one can distinguish pathological and physiological (transient, which, when unfavorable conditions are eliminated, completely eliminate the indicated symptom).
A metallic taste can occur when you have a tongue or lip piercing (the metal oxidizes when it interacts with food and drinks).
The physiological factors of iron taste in the oral cavity include:
- Lack of a balanced diet, errors in the diet and the introduction of new foods and drinks into the diet. This applies to the abuse of foods containing iron (pomegranates, pomegranate juice, sour apples, buckwheat, etc.); overdose of iron-containing vitamins and dietary supplements.
- Hormonal changes, natural changes in the monthly cycle.
- Taking medications that have side effects that may cause a metallic taste in the mouth. When they are canceled, the symptom disappears immediately or after some time (necessary for removing the remaining medication from the body).
- Drinking unfiltered tap water when carrying out sanitary measures related to cleaning pipes, etc.
- Using metal utensils (an additional flavor may appear in the food). This especially applies to aluminum and cast iron pots and pans.
- Problems with the oral cavity: the presence of metal crowns; stomatitis, gingivitis, accompanied by heavy bleeding of the mucous membrane.
- Gastritis with low acidity.
- Bronchitis, consequences of viral infections.
- Work in factories producing metal products.
- Constant contact with the skin of metal jewelry (watches, bracelets, etc.).
These reasons can lead to the appearance of an unpleasant taste in the mouth not only in women, but also in men. However, in the latter, the severity of the symptom is observed to a lesser extent.
Iron taste during pregnancy
During the period of conception and further gestation, a change in hormonal levels occurs in a woman’s body. As a result, a symptom of a metallic taste in the mouth may appear.
The most common reasons:
- Shift in hormonal balance towards progesterone.
- Digestive disorders, belching, indigestion.
- Exacerbation of taste buds.
- Natural diet change.
- Taking dietary supplements and vitamin complexes.
Intense jogging can cause an unpleasant taste in the mouth.
Sometimes metallic notes in the mouth may appear at the end of the second trimester, when the taste buds have already acquired their usual sensitivity and the woman has returned to a classic diet. This is due to a period of time characterized by heartburn and excess bile production (these can cause a bitter feeling at the base of the tongue).
The condition is corrected by taking antireflux drugs and drugs that block heartburn.
Features of treatment
Treatment to eliminate a metallic taste in the mouth can only be prescribed after the cause of its occurrence has been determined. Therefore, you cannot purchase any medications from pharmacies on your own.
Diagnosis requires a mandatory clinical blood test. This will confirm or refute the development of anemia. Also, indicators of general and biochemical blood tests are important for detecting inflammatory processes in the body. A thorough dental examination is required. Women are additionally prescribed special tests to study hormonal levels.
You should buy medications to eliminate the metallic taste in the mouth only after a diagnosis has been made and a course of treatment has been prescribed. In each specific case, an individual approach is used, which allows you to quickly remove discomfort in the mouth.
Now all the drugs recommended by the doctor are available in pharmacies. At the same time, medications can be reserved if necessary, so that they can be purchased at the most convenient time. It is also convenient that it is possible to deliver funds to the specified address.
Metal taste in the mouth as a symptom of disease
A constant specific taste, especially one that occurs in the morning, may indicate the presence of a pathological process (disease) in a woman’s body.
Poisoning with heavy metal salts
An extremely severe type of poisoning of the body. It is characterized by blocking of many vital functions, with serious consequences. Metals that cause poisoning include: gold, lead, copper, iron, arsenic, mercury.
Intoxication can manifest itself in the form of weakness, severe nausea, repeated vomiting, headache, and discomfort in the abdominal area. If such conditions occur, you should call an ambulance team.
Such poisoning is treated by gastric lavage and the administration of systemic blood purifying drugs administered by drip. If necessary, dialysis is done (cleansing through an artificial kidney machine).
In severe and advanced cases, a blood transfusion may be prescribed. A necessary measure is to take significant doses of sorbents that bind and remove the toxic substance from the body.
Anemia
Anemia is a state of iron deficiency. It can be of different types:
- hemolytic;
- sickle cell;
- iron deficiency;
- due to bleeding.
The cause of hemolytic anemia is the spontaneous destruction of blood cells (erythrocytes) under the influence of various unfavorable factors. In this case, the iron level does not initially fall; only red blood cells are destroyed, being part of which it can perform its function of transporting oxygen to the tissues.
The contents of the cells are poured into the tissues and can make themselves felt by the taste of iron in the mouth.
A state of heavy blood loss can also give a similar sign. This could be stomach or other internal bleeding, possibly menstrual bleeding.
Treatment in this case will be:
- eliminating the cause of iron deficiency (normalization of hormonal levels, etc.) and destruction of blood cells (in the case of the hemolytic form);
- taking iron supplements in the dosage prescribed by the doctor.
Smokers may experience a metallic taste if they smoke and do not brush their teeth immediately before going to bed.
Hypo- and hypervitaminosis
Conditions of deficiency and excess of vitamins are also characterized by general fatigue and external manifestations: brittle nails, hair and dry skin.
Moreover, the symptoms will be similar in both cases.
Treatment will consist of an adequate diet (taking into account the needs of the body) and the prescription of multivitamin complexes for hypovitaminosis.
Diabetes
In diabetes mellitus, metabolic disorders are pronounced. An unpleasant metallic taste appears in the mouth. In addition, the gums begin to bleed, the mucous membranes feel dry, and there is constant thirst. If these signs occur together, you should undergo a blood glucose test and consult a physician.
To correct the condition, a special menu can be introduced and hypoglycemic drugs may be prescribed.
Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract
They can be divided according to the location of the lesion:
- Intestinal pathologies will manifest themselves not only with the symptom discussed, but also with a white coating on the tongue.
- A stomach ulcer will also be manifested by bloody vomiting (this is what gives the sensation of metal on the tongue).
- Problems with the liver and gall bladder will be manifested by nausea, a feeling of not only metal, but also bitterness in the mouth.
The condition of each disease can be corrected by taking appropriate medications. For stomach problems, medications that normalize the production of gastric juice, gastroprotectors, and antibiotics that destroy Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium that causes gastritis, may be prescribed.
To restore liver function, it is rational to prescribe hepatoprotectors and choleretic drugs. The intestines are treated with probiotics, antispasmodics and laxatives in case of constipation.
Fungus
Sometimes the feeling of the presence of iron on the tongue can be associated with the presence of a fungus on the mucous membrane. This is a fairly common disease, manifested by a white tint on the inner surface of the cheeks, palate and causeless itching.
Corrected with antifungal drugs and gels.
Causes associated with diseases
An unpleasant taste of iron is very often a symptom of various diseases of the digestive system. In most cases, it indicates destructive changes in the upper digestive tract. For example, they may be associated with the development of erosive gastritis. This pathology is associated with increased production of gastric juice containing hydrochloric acid. As a result of exposure to an aggressive environment, the mucous membrane is damaged by hydrochloric acid. Against the background of damage to the mucous membrane, a characteristic taste of metal appears in the mouth and, in addition, severe heartburn occurs.
Dental diseases also often cause a characteristic metallic bitterness in the mouth. This:
- Stomatitis, which occurs when the mucous membrane becomes inflamed.
- Gingivitis, characterized by inflammation of the gums.
- Periodontitis, which is often a complication of gingivitis.
- Glossitis, the characteristic symptoms of which is the occurrence of inflammation of the surface of the tongue and the formation of a pronounced coating on it.
All of the above dental pathologies cause minor bleeding. Since blood contains iron ions, this leads to a metallic taste in the mouth.
A metallic taste may also be a sign of iron deficiency anemia. In this case, the sensations are constantly present and do not disappear after eating and drinking. Additionally, there is a change in taste preferences, and there is also a craving for eating inedible items: chalk, earth, ice, etc. But at the same time, they enhance the metallic taste.
Also, characteristic bitterness is observed against the background of B12-deficiency anemia. It leads to atrophic changes in the oral mucosa. Additionally, there is a violation of all taste perceptions.
Treatment of iron taste in the mouth
It is not recommended to try to independently identify any pathology. This is especially true for conditions characterized by: lack of oxygen, the presence of a temperature that cannot be reduced by medications, constant lethargy/bursts of excitement,
dizziness, hemoptysis. It is better to immediately contact a specialist who, after prescribing general (and, if necessary, more specific) tests, will be able to determine the disease and prescribe a treatment regimen.
In the absence of suspicious symptoms, the causes of the metallic taste are most likely hidden in a changed diet. There are simple but effective methods to eliminate symptoms:
- Try not to cook in aluminum and cast iron cookware.
- Minimize or completely eliminate the consumption of smoked meats, fatty and spicy foods.
- Stop drinking alcohol and smoking.
- Replace mineral water with purified water.
- Include foods rich in iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid in your diet.
In mild cases, you can get rid of the iron taste in the mouth with the help of spices: cinnamon, ginger, cardamom.
Diagnostics
Patients with complaints of iron taste are referred to a general practitioner. To understand why a metallic taste is felt in the mouth, a specialist eliminates the most typical etiological factors. To do this, anamnesis is collected, concomitant diseases and the person’s working conditions are clarified. To make a diagnosis, a set of laboratory and instrumental studies is prescribed, the most informative of which are:
- Blood tests
. A clinical blood test is informative for the diagnosis of various anemias, which are manifested by a decrease in hemoglobin levels, hypochromia of erythrocytes, and the appearance of microcytes or megaloblasts. In a biochemical blood test, attention is paid to the levels of urea and creatinine, an increase in which indicates renal pathology. - Hormonal profile
. Women must have their estrogen and progesterone levels measured on different days of the menstrual cycle, and if their periods are late, they do a hCG test for early detection of pregnancy. To exclude diabetic nephropathy, glucose levels are determined, an oral stress test is performed, and the concentration of insulin in the blood is determined. - Dental examination
. Often, a metallic taste is caused by local causes, so a thorough examination of the mucous membrane, gums and tooth crowns is necessary. During the examination, carious cavities, loose teeth and other signs of periodontal disease are detected. If there are plaques on the mucous membrane, a smear is taken for microscopic examination. - X-ray imaging
. To confirm the renal etiology of unpleasant taste sensations, excretory urography is recommended, which demonstrates the degree of functional activity of the organ and the presence of anatomical defects. When the taste is combined with dyspeptic disorders, radiography of the passage of barium through the gastrointestinal tract is indicated. - Additional methods
. To confirm heavy metal poisoning as the cause of the metallic taste felt in the mouth, a toxicological blood test is prescribed. If bleeding from the upper gastrointestinal tract is suspected, a therapeutic and diagnostic FGDS is performed. If there are atypical behavioral reactions or cognitive impairment, the patient is referred to a neurologist.
Preventing bad taste in the mouth
In order to prevent the appearance of a metallic taste, you need to carefully monitor your daily diet. You need to eat a balanced diet, maintaining the proportions of proteins, carbohydrates and fats. In most cases, the taste of iron indicates its lack in the body, so seasonal consumption of vitamins and minerals is only welcome.
It is recommended to consume more tomatoes, lemon juice, and garlic. After eating, you should rinse your mouth with a special balm. Sometimes you can treat yourself to sucking on mystic lollipops.
It is much easier to cope with a timely identified pathology than with a neglected one. Therefore, at the first alarming symptoms, you should visit a doctor who will either refute or confirm your doubts.
Method number 3. Carry out daily oral hygiene carefully
If you use a stiff bristle brush, electric toothbrush, floss, toothpicks, or even a waterpik, and are overzealous in your daily routine, this may explain why you have a metallic taste in your mouth.
Brushing too vigorously can cause injury to the mucous membranes.
All of the above hygiene products can injure the mucous membranes and gums, causing blood and an unpleasant characteristic taste to appear in the mouth. You can get injured if you handle the devices carelessly, use the wrong technique, or apply strong pressure to the brush. You can also damage delicate tissues if you use devices contrary to contraindications (for example, exacerbation of gingivitis and periodontitis, sensitive gums, rehabilitation period after surgery on soft tissues of the oral cavity).
Read the article on the topic “5 Tips for Safely and Effectively Brushing Your Teeth with an Electric Brush.”
To avoid this problem, consult your dentist about what personal hygiene products you can use depending on the clinical situation in your oral cavity.
Method number 6. Use folk recipes
To get rid of an unpleasant symptom, sometimes it is enough to rinse your mouth thoroughly with water and soda or salt. You can also neutralize the metallic taste with mint candy, chewing the zest or slice of lemon, cinnamon, cardamom, drinking green tea or a drink with ginger.
Chewing lemon will help relieve symptoms.
However, if such measures help only for a short period of time, then more serious action must be taken. For example, make an appointment for an examination and consultation with a dentist or therapist.
Some researchers believe that iron taste in the mouth occurs more often in women than in men. For what reasons? Read the feature article on the site and you will know the answer to this question.
Method number 4. Cook food in the right dishes
Not everyone knows why a metallic taste appears in the mouth. Often an unpleasant symptom arises because we make a number of mistakes in the kitchen. For example, we cook and then store dishes in aluminum, copper or cast iron containers. It is important to remember that the safest materials for cooking on a stove are stainless steel, ceramics, and cast iron. But you can’t store them in them - it’s better to use glass for this.
Cooking food in metal utensils can cause an unpleasant aftertaste
Method number 7. Take control of internal diseases of the body
The problem often indicates internal diseases of the body. If your tongue goes numb and there is a metallic taste in your mouth, and other alarming symptoms appear (for example, a general deterioration in health, increased body temperature, enlarged lymph nodes, bad breath, gastrointestinal upset), then this may indicate the following pathologies:
- anemia,
- diabetes and thyroid disorders,
- acid reflux,
- renal failure,
- violation of the outflow of bile,
- peptic ulcer and gastritis,
- ENT pathologies: sinusitis, pharyngitis,
- tuberculosis,
- central nervous system disorder, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, dementia,
- oncology.
Such a symptom may be the result of a serious illness in the body.
All of the listed diseases can indeed cause a metallic taste in the mouth. Consult a doctor to examine your body and prescribe professional treatment if the unpleasant symptom constantly reappears. Perhaps, to establish the true cause of the problem, you will need to visit a gastroenterologist, oncologist, gynecologist, or infectious disease specialist.
Remember that some medications also cause unpleasant symptoms. For example, tetracycline and antihistamines, diet pills and blood pressure lowering pills, antidepressants, antifungals, nicotine patches. To minimize the likelihood of a problem occurring, never self-medicate.
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- Borisova E.G. [and others] Galvanosis of the oral cavity // Problems of dentistry. – 2021.
Consulting specialist
Dzhutova Aida Vladimirovna
Doctor rating: 8.8 out of 10 (5) Specialization: Implant surgeon, periodontist Experience: 9 years
