Causes of an unpleasant metallic taste in the mouth. Why does my mouth taste of iron? Iron deficiency anemia

An unpleasant metallic taste in the mouth can turn into a real problem - because it interferes with the normal taste of food and causes constant irritation. And if neither brushing your teeth nor chewing gum helps get rid of it, then you should think about what’s wrong in your body?

Causes of a metallic taste in the mouth

A metallic taste in the mouth can be caused by a variety of reasons - from deteriorating environmental conditions or pregnancy, to heavy metal poisoning or the development of malignant tumors. Therefore, it is very important to pay attention to the regularity and intensity of the appearance of an unpleasant taste in the mouth, as well as the symptoms accompanying it.

If a metallic taste appears and disappears after short periods of time and in full physical health, the reasons for its appearance may be:

Drinking water with a lot of iron - if you do not have a water filter at home, and an unpleasant taste in your mouth appears after rinsing your mouth or drinking unboiled water, then it is worth checking the condition of the water pipes. An unpleasant taste in the mouth may appear due to the fact that old pipes have rusted and iron particles from their walls get into the water. Less commonly, an excess of iron ions in water is caused by an increased iron content in the soil; mineral waters sometimes “suffer” from this. Checking the quality of water is quite simple - if there is a lot of iron in it, when it settles, it turns rusty or a dark sediment forms at the bottom;
Using low-quality cookware - if you cook food in an aluminum pan or frying pan with a poor-quality coating, when using high heat or cooking foods containing a lot of acid, some metal ions enter the food and can cause a metallic taste in the mouth;
Metal crowns or braces – over time, metal crowns and braces in the oral cavity can begin to oxidize, which is why a taste appears in the mouth;
Use of medications – long-term use of tetracycline, metranidazole, lansporazor, antihistamines and some vitamins can cause a metallic taste in the mouth;
Eating low-quality seafood - if you have an unpleasant taste in your mouth after a seafood dinner, you may have come across stale fish, oysters or shrimp. Sometimes such poisonings are quite serious and the patient requires immediate medical attention.

These reasons for the appearance of a metallic taste in the mouth can be considered universal and independent of the gender or age of a person, but there are also more specific reasons for such manifestations.

Among women

pregnancy - a metallic taste in the mouth that appears during pregnancy most often signals a lack of iron, vitamins or other microelements in the body. Sometimes such a taste occurs even when a woman is completely physically well due to hormonal imbalances and changes in the functioning of taste buds;
uncontrolled use of dietary supplements or drugs for weight loss - exceeding the recommended dose of vitamins, dietary supplements or taking uncertified drugs for weight loss can also cause poisoning of the body, one of the symptoms of which will be a metallic taste in the mouth;
long-term dehydration - sometimes women, in order to lose weight or get rid of edema, reduce the amount of fluid they consume, which is why they develop dehydration, manifested by dry mouth, dizziness, weakness and a metallic taste in the mouth.

In men:

long-term wearing of metal watches, bracelets or other massive jewelry - with constant contact of the skin with metal, metal ions may penetrate into the body, the excess of which causes the appearance of a metallic taste;
occupational hazards – working with heavy metals in production or mining can cause a metallic taste in the mouth, in the absence of other signs of the disease.

In addition to the reasons described above, a metallic taste in the mouth may appear due to the following diseases:

Anemia– It is iron deficiency in the body that most often causes the appearance of an iron taste in the mouth. Iron deficiency occurs in approximately half of women of reproductive age, children during periods of active growth, and people suffering from diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. With anemia, in addition to the taste of iron, the patient's performance decreases, weakness, headaches, dry skin and mucous membranes, brittle hair and nails appear.
Oral diseases– gingivitis, stomatitis, periodontitis, glossitis and even caries can cause an unpleasant taste in the mouth. In addition to the metallic taste, bleeding gums, increased sensitivity of tooth enamel, and bad breath are common concerns.
Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract– gastritis, stomach ulcers with low acidity, diseases of the intestines, gall bladder and liver are often accompanied by belching, heartburn and an unpleasant taste in the mouth.
ENT diseases– organs – chronic sinusitis, otitis, pharyngitis and sinusitis can also cause a metallic taste. If the disease cannot be treated with traditional means, and in addition to the usual symptoms of the disease, the patient develops bad breath and a metallic taste in the mouth, it is necessary to rule out a fungal infection.
Diabetes– a strong iron taste that does not disappear for a long time can be caused by an increase in blood glucose concentrations. Therefore, if, in addition to an unpleasant taste, the patient is worried about weakness, extreme thirst, increased sweating, or a sharp increase or decrease in weight, it is necessary to urgently do a blood test to determine blood sugar levels.
Hypovitaminosis– a decrease in the concentration of B vitamins, vitamin C, E and some others, in addition to weakness, sleep disturbances, appetite and general deterioration, can also cause an unpleasant taste in the mouth.
Allergic reactions– sometimes, due to inflammation and swelling of the mucous membrane, taste buds stop working normally, which can result in changes in the taste of familiar dishes and the appearance of an unpleasant taste in the mouth.
Neurological disorders– any pathology of the central nervous system or peripheral nerves can lead to changes in taste sensations, including the appearance of an unpleasant taste in the mouth.
Neoplasms– in some cases, a metallic taste in the mouth becomes the first symptom of a tumor growing inside the body, to which the patient pays attention. With neoplasms, patients may experience weakness, loss of appetite, sudden weight loss, headaches and an unpleasant taste in the mouth.
Heavy metal poisoning– sometimes a metallic taste in the mouth indicates a serious dysfunction that occurs when large amounts of arsenic, mercury, lead, cadmium, vanadium and other dangerous components enter the body. If, in addition to a metallic taste, you experience symptoms such as dizziness, thirst, abdominal pain, vomiting, loss of consciousness, blurred vision or tremors, you should seek medical help as soon as possible. Poisoning with such substances can cause severe complications or even death of the patient.

Metallic taste in the mouth - what to do?

If a metallic taste appears in your mouth, you must find out what caused it. And for this you need not only to visit your doctor, but also to undergo a full examination to rule out pathologies of the internal organs or the oral cavity.

But if the cause of the metallic taste is pregnancy, neurology, or other non-pathological conditions, you can try to get rid of it at home. To do this you need:

rinse your mouth more often with slightly acidified water or water with lemon juice;
pay more attention to oral hygiene and use dental floss after every meal;
drink tea with the addition of cinnamon, cardamom or ginger - all these spices can also be simply chewed in between meals;
add citrus fruits to your diet - oranges, tangerines, grapefruits and lemons will help refresh your mouth and get rid of the unpleasant taste for several hours;
replace metal utensils with high-quality ceramics or utensils with a special coating;
use only purified water for drinking and cooking;
from time to time, suck on mint candies and cough lozenges - mint candies or lollipops will help you quickly get rid of not only the taste, but also bad breath, but abusing this remedy, of course, is not recommended.

When the taste of metal is felt on the tongue, many shrug off the symptom, mistaking it for a common occurrence: they ate something wrong, or drank, or were slightly unwell. If the taste of iron persists for a long time, this is a reason to pay attention to your health. This symptom may indicate both changes in the body and serious diseases.

How do we taste?

To help you understand, there are about 2000 taste buds on the tongue. They are concentrated zonally: on the palate, in the area of the pharynx, in different parts of the tongue, in the epiglottis. Each receptor (also called a kidney) is equipped with nerve endings. Food comes into contact with the cell protein, it analyzes and “translates” it into a form understandable to the nervous system. It is the nerve cells that transmit information about taste to the brain. There they are analyzed, and we understand what taste we feel.

Different parts of the mouth perceive tastes differently. For example, sweet taste is well felt by the tip of the tongue, and bitter taste is felt by its root. If your mouth is sour, the sides of your tongue will react to this. When we eat, a complex taste develops in the mouth, which, in addition, depends on the area of the tongue, the concentration of taste, the temperature of the dish, and so on.

For example, the signal from the front of the tongue (approximately the outer 2/3) is transmitted through the facial nerve. The vagus nerve is responsible for the tastes collected by the epiglottis and larynx. For reference: this is the largest nerve in the human body; its endings lead to all internal organs. It turns out that if the organ is not in order, the taste transmission changes, and the taste of iron in the mouth begins to bother you.

Why do I have a metallic taste in my mouth?

If you start to worry about the taste of metal, you shouldn’t worry right away. Of course, it may signal the need to undergo diagnostics, treatment, or simply change your lifestyle. The main reasons are the same for both men and women.

Non-pathological causes

External factors, generally speaking, include features of everyday life, menus and human hygiene. The most common are the following:

habit of drinking water enriched with iron ions. This may include the abuse of brands of mineral water, the habit of not filtering tap water in houses with old plumbing or in regions where ground or surface water is oversaturated with iron (as a rule, these are regions where this or related minerals are mined);
cooking food in low quality metal utensils. Due to insufficient quality or damaged enamel, a chemical reaction occurs between the dish and the pans, and the food absorbs a lot of iron;
the presence of metal structures in the mouth - old-style crowns, braces, piercings. When eating acidic food (pickled, sour dishes and foods, canned food), the metal oxidizes and an unpleasant aftertaste appears;
heavy plaque on the tongue and teeth, tartar. In turn, the causes of such phenomena are improper or careless oral hygiene or gastrointestinal diseases, as well as smoking;
inflammation of teeth under crowns. Often this is the only sign of the inflammatory process, since the teeth under the crowns are depulped (their nerve is removed), and the person does not feel pain.

In addition, the taste of metal in the mouth is provoked by antibiotics, drugs that reduce acidity and cholesterol levels, sugar-lowering drugs, antiallergic drugs, and antihypertensive drugs.

Before starting treatment, non-pathological causes of aftertaste should be excluded.

Why does a man have a metallic taste in his mouth?

In the stronger half of humanity, the taste of iron in the mouth may indicate poisoning with heavy metals (mercury, lead, zinc, copper, arsenic). This problem is often faced by workers in hazardous, toxic industries and those who work with newspapers. In addition, you can be poisoned if you break a thermometer or accidentally eat arsenic salts, for example. By the way, poisoning with volatile substances in varnishes and paints has the same symptoms.

The liquidators of the Chernobyl accident complained about the feeling as if they had licked a battery. It is not surprising, because it is one of the symptoms of radiation sickness, which occurs due to excess ionizing radiation.

Metallic taste in the mouth in women

The fair half of humanity, in addition to the above reasons, also has its own, determined by the characteristics of the female body.

In particular, a metallic taste in the mouth is a sign of pregnancy. Until the 12th week, the level of the hCG hormone in expectant mothers increases abruptly, which affects how the papillae on the tongue “understand” tastes. Later, pregnant women may experience glandular anemia, which is compensated by taking mineral complexes. Normally, a metallic taste during pregnancy is felt on the tongue until the 16th week, later it is already a symptom of the disease.

During menopause, women's hormone balance always changes. This, as in pregnant women, provokes a change in taste perception. The same process unfolds in the female body during menstruation. In addition, the risk of heavy blood loss increases, which leads to an unpleasant taste.

Among non-pathological reasons, in women one can also note the systematic use of hormonal contraceptives, especially “Zhanina”, “Yarina” and “Marvelona”.

Pathological causes of metallic taste

If all of the above options are excluded, you should consult a doctor. The taste of iron on the tongue can be a symptom of either a minor or a very serious disease, for example:

periodontitis. Inflammation of the soft tissues of the gums is accompanied by loose teeth and bleeding, which contribute to the appearance of a taste;
anemia. It occurs due to a lack of iron in the body due to a violation of the mechanism of its absorption, an insufficiently balanced diet, and excessive blood loss. In addition to a perverted taste, the disease is accompanied by severe fatigue, the skin, hair, and nails become dry and covered with painful cracks;
diseases of the liver and gallbladder, biliary tract, including cancer (malignant tumors, cysts, hepatitis, cholecystitis, cholangitis). In this case, the man is worried about weakness, pain in the right half of the abdomen or hypochondrium, the appearance of a characteristic abdomen with general weight loss, vomiting, stool disorders (the condition is accompanied by both constipation and diarrhea), poor blood clotting, an increase in temperature to 37-37.5 degrees ;
diabetes mellitus This sign “screams” that the blood sugar level is extremely high and a glycemic coma may occur. Diabetes should be suspected if an iron taste is accompanied by frequent and copious urination, accompanied by persistent dry mouth or thirst. If a man already has diabetes, he should immediately measure his blood sugar level and administer insulin;
Gastrointestinal diseases (ulcers, gastritis). Then the unpleasant taste in the mouth is accompanied by the appearance of a white coating on the tongue, belching, vomiting, bloating, constipation or diarrhea;
respiratory diseases (ENT infections, pneumonia, tuberculosis, abscess, lung tumors, cystic fibrosis). Damage to the respiratory system is also indicated by plaque in the mouth and tonsils, general malaise, decreased hearing, discharge from the ear or nose, increased temperature (up to 39 degrees), pain in the chest, headache, cough, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, bloody or purulent discharge from the lungs.

What should you do if you have a metallic sensation in your mouth?

The first is to exclude the development of pathologies. If this is a disease, then consult a doctor immediately. To suspect a diagnosis, it is enough to analyze the combination of symptoms:

a metallic taste in the mouth after eating or drinking alcohol is a signal of possible inflammation under the crowns or problems with the gastrointestinal tract. The latter diseases are also often accompanied by abdominal pain or bitterness in the mouth, nausea;
an unpleasant aftertaste plus weakness or dizziness, which means either poisoning by the smell of paint, or illnesses caused by dysfunction of the respiratory system, or neurology. In the first case, nausea or headache will also appear, in the second - cough.

You definitely need to see a doctor if, in addition to the taste of iron, a man or woman feels as if they are suffocating, they have unclear consciousness, vomiting, discharge of pus or blood when coughing, fever, poor health, and a constant desire to sleep.

How to get rid of the unfortunate taste if it is not a disease? Prepare less sour dishes, eat less sweets, fatty smoked foods, and more vegetable products, switch to a healthy diet, forget about cigarettes and booze, low-alcohol drinks and cola. Do not use low-quality and, in particular, aluminum utensils, take care of hygiene and oral health.

The tongue is one of the most important organs of the oral cavity, responsible for taste perception. This is an unpaired muscular organ, which is an outgrowth of the floor of the mouth and contains a large number of blood vessels and nerve endings. Taste buds (or taste buds) are located along the entire surface of the tongue - they are responsible for the formation of taste and aftertaste after consuming food or certain substances, for example, medications.

In total, taste buds distinguish four main tastes: spicy, sweet, bitter and salty. Normally, any taste should remain in the mouth for no more than 10-15 minutes after eating. If this does not happen, and a person experiences a distortion of taste, the cause may be serious pathologies of the internal organs. One of the typical manifestations of this group of diseases is a metallic taste in the mouth. It can occur from time to time and manifest itself under the influence of a specific factor or have a constant course. There are many reasons that can cause such symptoms, and only a specialist can make an accurate diagnosis.

If a person is bothered by a strange metallic taste that appears after eating or regardless of eating food, as well as a white or yellow coating on the surface of the tongue, the cause may be diseases of the digestive tract. Most often, this picture is characteristic of inflammatory processes in various segments of the gastrointestinal tract. The combination of such symptoms with nausea, poor appetite, vomiting, heartburn and abdominal and epigastric pain may indicate the following pathologies:

gastritis (mainly with reduced secretion of hydrochloric acid);
damage to the initial sections of the small intestine, separated from the stomach by the walls of the pylorus (duodenitis);
infectious or nutritional inflammation in the inner layer of the gallbladder (cholecystitis);
chronic pancreatitis.

In some cases, a thin white coating on the tongue combined with a metallic taste may be a symptom of an intestinal or stomach ulcer. These diseases are classified as surgical pathologies and require timely medical care due to the high risk of mortality.

Onset of acute appendicitis

A metallic taste that does not go away for 2-3 days in a row and is combined with severe pain in the right iliac region may indicate the onset of an inflammatory process in the appendix - the vermiform appendage of the cecum. The pathology belongs to the group of emergency surgical conditions and may be accompanied by a slight increase in temperature, intoxication, single vomiting, nausea, and the formation of plaque on the tongue. A distinctive symptom of inflammation is increased pain when lying on the left side: if the patient turns onto the right side, the pain will decrease slightly.

Infection with worms

Important! To prevent helminthiasis, it is necessary to carefully monitor the hygiene of hands and the surrounding area. A stool test for worm eggs, as well as a scraping for enterobiasis, must be taken at least once a year (it is better to do this once every six months). If one of the family members is found to have worms, treatment must be given to everyone who lives in the same area with the patient, including pets.

Metallic taste in the mouth between meals: main causes

This clinical picture is rarely associated with diseases of the internal organs and is the result of the influence of external factors listed below.

Taking certain medications

People suffering from chronic diseases and forced to constantly take certain medications most often encounter such a problem as a metallic taste in the mouth. It occurs due to the peculiarities of metabolism of the active substances that are included in some medications. The main groups of drugs that may cause a metallic taste in a patient during treatment are listed in the table.

Group of drugs	What medications are included?	Image
Proton pump blockers	"Omeprazole" "Pantoprazole"
Histamine receptor blockers	"Loratadine" "Diazolin" "Tavegil" "Suprastin"
Tetracycline antibiotics, as well as some antimicrobial and antiprotozoal drugs	"Doxycycline" "Tetracycline"
Oral contraceptives containing estrogen and progesterone	"Janine" "Diane-35" "Marvelon"
Medicines to lower blood glucose levels	"Siofor" "Metformin"

In some cases, a metallic taste may be a side effect of long-term use of glucocorticosteroid hormones: “ Dexamethasone" And " Prednisolone" Such symptoms develop mainly with oral administration - with local use of drugs in the form of ointments and gels, the absorption of the active substance is not sufficient for the development of systemic adverse reactions.

Poor oral hygiene

If a person does not take care of his teeth and gums, brushes his teeth poorly or irregularly, or does not use additional hygiene products between brushing, an unpleasant odor and a bitter taste of metal may appear in the mouth. It occurs due to the active reproduction of pathogenic flora and the accumulation of waste products of bacteria and toxins. To avoid this, it is necessary to regularly clean the gums and surfaces of the teeth with suitable toothpaste and brush, and use rinses, balms, dental floss and other hygiene products to provide the necessary care.

Advice! If the metallic taste in your mouth is the result of poor hygiene, you can use mouthwash solutions. Experts consider the herbal preparation to be the most effective and safest “ Rotokan" It destroys foreign odors, kills pathogenic microorganisms and restores fresh breath. You need to rinse your mouth 3-4 times a day for 10 days.

Excessive intake of minerals into the body

This situation is most often observed with the uncontrolled use of mineral supplements without consulting a specialist and passing the necessary tests. An excess of mineral salts in some cases can cause more harm than their deficiency, so any preparations that contain mineral elements (especially iron, magnesium, sodium and phosphorus) must be taken strictly as prescribed by a doctor or if there are obvious symptoms of deficiency.

Other reasons for excessive mineralization of the body may be:

daily wearing of metal accessories (watches, bracelets);
increased consumption of mineral water (the norm for an adult is 250-300 ml per day);
use of cookware made of cast iron or aluminum alloys for cooking;
piercing on the tongue, lip or inner cheeks.

In some cases, a metallic taste may be caused by drinking tap water with high levels of fluoride or iron. Excess iron can be deposited in water if the pipes through which it flows are covered with rust. To solve the problem, residents need to contact the management company or the chairman of the HOA. To control the chemical indicators of consumed water, it is recommended to do laboratory tests once a year.

Metallic taste appeared after installing braces or dentures

An unpleasant taste of metal after orthodontic treatment is a fairly common problem that has nothing to do with the quality of the materials used. Taste perception can change if there is insufficient hygienic care of dentures or implants. Some patients who have removable dentures find that it is enough to rinse the denture with water from time to time to ensure the necessary oral hygiene. This is a very wrong opinion. You should clean your dentures in the same way as you would your molars, using suitable toothpaste and a brush.

It is better to choose a brush with soft bristles for removing food debris and bacterial plaque from the surface of the prosthesis, so as not to injure the coating of the product or deform it. For hygienic care of implants, you can also use special dental wipes or tablets. One tablet must be dissolved in a glass of water and the prosthesis placed in it for 20-30 minutes (if the procedure is carried out in the evening, you can leave the prosthesis in the container overnight).

Important! The interaction of metals with acids always results in a strong metallic taste, so patients who have had dentures or dental implants installed are advised to limit their consumption of foods with high acid content. After eating sour fruits or berries, you should immediately rinse your mouth with boiled water: this will not only help prevent the appearance of an unpleasant taste, but also ensure the prevention of possible deformations and damage to orthopedic structures.

Reasons for women

In women, a metallic taste in the mouth may be normal during periods of sudden hormonal fluctuations. Most often this is the period of menopause, as well as the monthly cyclic flow of menstrual fluid - menstruation. The increased production of female sex hormones distorts the functioning of taste buds - this is why many women during their periods want to try something unusual, for example, honey or dry whitewash.

A pronounced taste of metal may also indicate the development of iron deficiency anemia, which appears against the background of heavy and regular blood loss. This clinical picture is typical for women suffering from menorrhagia. These are atypical menstruation, the duration of which exceeds 7 days, and the amount of blood released reaches 80 ml or more.

Iron deficiency also manifests itself with other symptoms, which may include:

weakness and constant drowsiness that does not go away during the day, even if the woman slept for at least 1-1.5 hours during the day;
pale skin and dry mucous membranes;
headaches that can turn into dizziness;
lack of appetite due to constant nausea;
noise and congestion in the ears;
circles under the eyes.

Similar symptoms can also occur with gynecological diseases, which are characterized by intermenstrual bleeding of varying intensity. These may be endometrial pathologies (endometritis and endometriosis), benign uterine tumors (fibroids, polyposis), cervical erosions. Bleeding in combination with a metallic taste can occur with inflammation of the fallopian tubes and ovaries, as well as cysts and endometrial hyperplasia.

Note! The appearance of any pathological symptoms from the female reproductive system requires a comprehensive examination and timely seeking medical help. Uterine cancer ranks second among all malignant pathologies in women, so the importance of preventive examinations, which should be carried out at least 2 times a year, cannot be underestimated.

Changes in taste during pregnancy: should you worry?

The appearance of a metallic taste in the mouth during pregnancy can be either a normal phenomenon, provoked by increased production of progesterone (the hormone responsible for the attachment of the fertilized egg to the uterine walls and the further development of pregnancy), or a sign of pathologies, the most common of which is iron deficiency anemia.

To eliminate iron deficiency during pregnancy, you must:

often and a lot of walks in the fresh air (iron is better absorbed when the blood is enriched with oxygen);
perform exercises appropriate for age, health status and gestational age;
include foods rich in iron in your diet (buckwheat, green apples, cod liver, pomegranate juice, veal);
take medications prescribed by your doctor.

If a pregnant woman is diagnosed with iron deficiency, the doctor will prescribe iron-containing medications. The drug of choice for most women is “ Sorbifer Durules"- a medicine in the form of tablets for internal use containing ferrous sulfate and ascorbic acid. It is necessary to take the drug for a long time: at least 2 months, until the level of hemoglobin in the blood normalizes (for pregnant women it is 110-140 g/l). The dosage is 2 tablets, which should be taken in the morning and 1 in the evening. To prevent iron deficiency conditions, the drug can also be prescribed in the postpartum period, especially if a woman experiences heavy postpartum bleeding.

Note! A metallic taste in pregnant women can also occur due to insufficient intake of folic acid, an essential vitamin that is necessary not only for the healthy growth and development of the fetus, but also for the prevention of miscarriages and pregnancy pathologies. It is recommended to take folic acid at the stage of pregnancy planning, and continue taking it until 12 weeks of gestation. Further use is according to indications. The daily requirement of folic acid for pregnant women is 800-1000 mcg.

Video - What can cause a metallic taste in the mouth

How to deal with metallic taste?

To eliminate the problem, you need to consult a doctor, since there are many reasons that can provoke a change in taste perception. Below are useful tips that can be supportive measures, but should not replace specialist consultation and necessary treatment.

For cooking acidic foods, it is better not to use pots and pans made of aluminum and cast iron.
For drinking, it is recommended to buy water from natural sources.
You need to brush your teeth 2 times a day, and in between brushing your teeth you should use additional hygiene products.
The diet should contain enough foods rich in iron.

Video - 3 warning signs in your mouth

If, despite all measures, the metallic taste in the mouth does not go away, you need to consult a doctor and check the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular and nervous systems.

After eating, a person may retain the taste of the food eaten in his mouth for some time, which is normal. The appearance of foreign tastes is alarming and makes you worry, for example, a metallic taste in the mouth is a reason to visit the doctor’s office, since a similar symptom occurs in various pathologies.

Causes of a metallic taste in the mouth

A metallic taste in the mouth in women and men can occur for various reasons and be caused by:

diseases of internal organs;
taking certain medications;
poisoning.

Causes not related to diseases

In some cases, a metallic taste in the mouth occurs after drinking certain foods or water, such as mineral water or water with a high chlorine content. This often happens when a person drinks tap water without boiling it first. The metallic taste after drinking such water is caused by the fact that the liquid passes through old and often rusty pipes, so it is likely that microscopic particles of iron will get into the water.

In people who wear tongue or lip earrings, the appearance of a metallic taste in the mouth is caused by a reaction of the mucous membranes of the oral cavity with the piercing material. Failure to comply with hygiene rules and infrequent brushing of teeth leads to the formation of plaque on the tongue, which can cause an unpleasant metallic taste in the mouth.

In women, before the onset of menstruation or during menopause, hormonal levels change, which can also cause a metallic taste in the mouth. As a rule, this phenomenon is temporary and quickly goes away on its own without drug intervention.

Metallic taste in mouth after taking medications

The appearance of a metallic taste in the mouth is promoted by taking certain medications, namely:

Tetracyclines;
Oral hormonal contraceptives;
Metronidazole;
Doxycycline;
Antihistamines;
Cholesterol-lowering drugs;
Antidiabetic drugs;
Iron supplements (especially in case of overdose of these drugs).

Metallic taste in the mouth, as one of the symptoms of diseases of the internal organs

Long before the appearance of pronounced clinical manifestations of a particular disease, a person can guess that something is wrong in the body. A metallic taste in the mouth is one of the early symptoms of the following diseases:

1. Diseases of the oral cavity (glossitis, stomatitis, periodontal disease, candidiasis) - when the gums and mucous membrane of the oral cavity are damaged, increased bleeding is observed, which leads to the appearance of a persistent metallic taste in the mouth. This feeling intensifies after brushing your teeth, eating, or any manipulations in the oral cavity.

2. Iron deficiency anemia - with a deficiency of iron, vitamin B12 and folic acid, a slight metallic aftertaste is observed after eating. Patients describe it as “like licking a doorknob or keys.” As the deficiency of vitamins and iron progresses, the taste of metal will intensify, and accompanying symptoms such as weakness, dizziness, lethargy, fatigue and pale skin will be added.

3. Diseases of the liver and biliary tract - the appearance of a metallic taste in the mouth along with heaviness and aching pain in the right hypochondrium is a signal to immediately contact a gastroenterologist and undergo an examination. Often, such a symptom signals the development of cysts in the liver tissue or malignant neoplasms. When the gallbladder and its ducts are affected, associated clinical symptoms are nausea, vomiting, constipation, bloating and increased salivation.

4. Gastritis and gastric ulcer – along with a metallic taste in the mouth, the patient is bothered by belching, heartburn, nausea, bloating, and bowel dysfunction. When examining the patient's tongue, a gray or white coating is noticeable.

5. Diabetes mellitus – metallic taste in the mouth, thirst, sweating and dry mouth are characteristic symptoms of this disease. The taste of metal signals the accumulation of ketone bodies in the blood, which can contribute to the development of diabetic coma. That is why any change in the patient’s well-being and a disturbance in the taste in the mouth requires immediate consultation with a doctor.

6. Diseases of the sinuses and middle ear - in some cases, with the progression of inflammatory processes in the organs of the nasopharynx and middle ear, as well as with the addition of a bacterial infection, the patient develops an unpleasant metallic taste in the mouth.

7. Diseases of the nervous system - neurological disorders, previous strokes, disruption of the brain can cause a decrease in the sensitivity of the papillae of the tongue and the appearance of a metallic taste. In such a situation, the patient should contact a neurologist.

Diseases of the bronchopulmonary system and oncological pathologies can also cause a change in the patient’s taste and the appearance of a metallic taste in the mouth.

Metallic taste as a sign of poisoning

The sudden appearance of a metallic taste in the mouth, along with nausea, weakness, tremors of the limbs and rapid heartbeat, can signal poisoning of the body with mercury vapor, copper salts and arsenic. Most often, poisoning occurs in industrial production, when a person has prolonged contact with harmful substances and inhales fumes of chemicals.

Mercury is also found in thermometers, but breaking it is unlikely to cause poisoning. Despite this, parents should not leave children whose body temperature needs to be measured unattended.

Treatment for metallic taste in the mouth

Accurate determination of the cause of the development of a metallic taste in the mouth in women and men is the key to successful treatment. Based on the identified causes and factors, individual treatment is selected for the patient.

You can prevent the appearance of a metallic taste by following the following recommendations and rules:

It is not advisable to cook food in aluminum pans, and if it is cooked, then immediately transfer it to another container (glass or enamel);
never drink tap water without first boiling it - this way you can not only avoid the appearance of a metallic taste in your mouth, but also protect yourself from life-threatening infectious diseases;
take medications only as prescribed by a doctor in a strictly defined dosage;
do not work with harmful chemicals without following safety rules (overall clothing, mask, frequent ventilation of the room).

If symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness and increasing weakness appear simultaneously with a metallic taste, the patient should immediately call an ambulance and provide access to fresh air until the doctor arrives.

A metallic taste in the mouth is a fairly common and seemingly harmless symptom. But you should not ignore it, because your body may thus signal the presence of a serious problem. A metallic taste can indicate illness, with serious consequences. Let's look at why this symptom appears and how you can get rid of it.

Why does the aftertaste appear?

A specific taste is usually associated with the presence of copper or iron ions in the oral cavity (“as if there was a penny under the tongue” or “as if you were kissing a doorknob,” they said earlier). But these are deceptive impressions, because the nature of the taste is completely different. It happens that the taste of metal in the mouth is mixed with a bitter taste. Such symptoms may be accompanied by dry mouth.

Let's look at the causes of this symptom.

Diseases accompanied by iron deficiency anemia. This could be liver disease, thyroid dysfunction, or. This is the most common reason why a metallic taste appears in the mouth. In addition to this taste, the patient sometimes experiences a sour taste. Iron deficiency anemia can also be detected by another sign - cracks in the tongue. However, in order to make a final diagnosis, you still need to take a blood test. If the analysis confirms the diagnosis, the next step is to start looking for the causes of anemia.

Very often, this disease is caused not only by iron deficiency, which is often found during pregnancy and in vegetarians. Anemia can also be caused by a lack of vitamin B12 and folic acid.

Gastrointestinal diseases. With certain problems with the liver, bile ducts and low acidity, the patient may also experience an unpleasant taste of blood. In this case, we also recommend that you consult a specialist, undergo an examination and take appropriate measures to eliminate the symptom.

Treatment with medications. A metallic taste in the mouth often appears when taking certain antibiotics. Check with the doctor who prescribed these medications for you. Perhaps he will replace them with others.

Poisoning substances such as vanadium, cadmium, hydrogen peroxide, hydrogen sulfide, zinc, arsenic, lead, mercury. Heavy metal poisoning is often suffered by people whose work involves dyes based on metal salts. In this case, you should immediately consult a toxicologist.

Sometimes patients experience a metallic taste when coughing. Many people complain of a cough with a taste of blood after a cold. This may be a sign of the appearance. To eliminate this unpleasant symptom, we advise you to contact. Also, a dry cough and hoarseness can cause a fungal infection in the mouth. If there is redness in the mouth and cough, you should contact.

Using low quality dentures or crowns made from various types of metal. They catalyze the galvanization process, which in turn releases ions from the material. You need to think about changing crowns to better ones.

A metallic taste may be caused if you use it for cooking. cast iron or aluminum cookware. The iron taste may be stronger if you cook acidic foods in these containers. Since acids react with metal, food is equipped with a specific taste, which you subsequently feel.

Frequent consumption of mineral water with a high content of saccharin and iron.

Taste and pregnancy

Many of us know about the first signs of pregnancy - delayed menstruation, dizziness, morning sickness, weakness, etc. These are common symptoms of pregnancy. However, there are a number of strange and little-known signs. These include the taste of iron, which is considered one of the early symptoms of pregnancy.

This is explained by hormonal changes in a woman’s body. This taste may appear at the end of the first and second trimester of pregnancy. Doctors explain this by a lack of iron in the body. You should not self-medicate and eat a kilogram of apples a day. Unfortunately, this won't help. Contact a specialist who monitors you during pregnancy, he will prescribe the appropriate medications.

What to do if there is an iron taste?

It is worth noting that there are no specific medications to treat just this symptom. Direct your efforts to identifying and eliminating the very reason that caused the metallic taste in the mouth. So, how to get rid of the above-described taste?

As we have already said, you need to contact specialists, after which you will be referred for a comprehensive examination. If the examination reveals diabetes, gastritis, problems with the gallbladder or thyroid gland, the doctor will prescribe appropriate treatment.

Careful oral hygiene will help you temporarily get rid of unpleasant sensations. Rinse your mouth regularly with a solution of baking soda or slightly acidified water. Lemon will also help get rid of this aftertaste. If a metallic taste in the mouth indicates anemia, then you should try to increase hemoglobin in the blood.

As can be seen from the above, the reasons for the appearance of an iron taste in the mouth can be very different. Listen to your body, respond to its signals in a timely manner, and then identifying and treating diseases will be much faster and easier. Stay healthy!