A metallic tasting aftertaste in the mouth can have various causes. There may be completely harmless reasons or there may be a serious illness. Diseases are usually accompanied by other symptoms.
The metallic taste is not a disease, but only a symptom. It is caused by chemical reactions in the body.
Possible causes of metallic taste in the mouth
Periodontal disease, dental inflammation and gingivitis are typical causes of a metallic taste in the mouth. Oral infections can be treated by the dentist. First, the infection must subside before you know if the metallic taste will disappear. If it is still present, there is another cause.
Several over-the-counter medicines can cause a metallic taste. These include iron- and calcium-containing medicines and vitamins. The taste usually disappears an hour after taking them, when the substances have been broken down by the body. If it does not, it may be because you are taking too many of these medicines. Antihistamines dry out the mouth and nasal cavities and can thus cause a metallic taste in the mouth.
Many alcoholics have a metallic aftertaste in their mouth, which is a symptom of diseases that occur due to alcoholism.
The metallic taste may indicate the presence of kidney stones, cancer, diabetes or a weak heart. In this case, other symptoms occur at the same time, such as sugar fluctuations, extreme thirst, palpitations and high blood pressure.
After an anaesthetic, a metallic taste often remains in the mouth for one to two days until the active substances have been completely broken down by the body. It can also be a side effect of antidepressants or antibiotics.
Another trigger is drastic weight loss.
To get rid of the taste, you should first brush your teeth thoroughly and also your tongue. If the taste disappears for a while but comes back again, it is probably due to medication. If you cannot get rid of it even temporarily by brushing your teeth, it may be a more serious condition.
