Have you ever noticed a metallic taste in your mouth? It can feel like you just munched on some coins, but it’s not the most pleasant experience. In fact, you might be searching for ways to get relief from it. Here’s a short guide on what can cause this complication and how you can ease it to get back a comfortable smile.
What Causes a Metal Taste in the Mouth?
Parageusia is the medical term for a metallic taste in your mouth. It often occurs when your sense of smell changes, as this can affect your taste perception. Thankfully, it’s oftentimes rare, but these are a few possible culprits to know:
- Certain medications, minerals, and vitamin supplements
- Some medical and dental infections
- Hormonal changes, like during pregnancy
- Chemotherapy or radiation therapy
- Symptoms of central nervous system disorders
- Lifestyle habits, such as smoking
- Food allergies
- Exposure to lead, mercury, and other chemicals
- Psychological disorders
How You Can Ease This Unpleasant Taste
Since there can be several reasons for a metallic taste in your mouth, you might want to get rid of it first. There are a few things you can do, such as drinking water or chewing sugar-free gum. This can stimulate saliva production and wash away debris that may be the cause.
Though, it may be your best bet to visit your dentist if it persists. By having a checkup, you can ensure it’s not an oral health issue or get closer to an answer that gives you relief.
Tips to Avoid This Metal Taste from Occurring
The good news is that there are plenty of things you can do to avoid developing a metallic taste in your mouth. Try out these tips to prevent it:
- Don’t forget to brush and floss twice daily. This can remove plaque that can cause trouble for your smile. Make sure you also scrub your tongue to get rid of any buildup.
- Carry around a water bottle to stay hydrated.
- Break bad habits, like smoking or chewing tobacco. They can affect your sense of smell and increase your risk of gum disease.
- Consider swapping out metal utensils for non-metal options. That way, you can eliminate this as a cause.
In the end, a metallic taste can be annoying, but try out the tips above. You might find relief and get back a confident smile.
About the Practice
Worried about your teeth and gums? Our team at Boyd & Walther Tallahassee Dental Associates is dedicated to helping patients maintain their oral health with preventive care. Led by Dr. Ransey Boyd and Dr. Kirstin Walther, we can spot dental problems while they are minor and give you the effective treatment you deserve. If you are struggling with a metallic taste in your mouth, schedule an appointment or call our office at 850-878-4117.