Definition
The perception of a metallic taste in the mouth is a symptom that can be found for several reasons. In some cases, this aftertaste depends on mild and transient conditions, other times it may be the indicator of some more serious pathologies.
Possible causes include dietary factors (such as the consumption of certain cheeses or adherence to a high-protein and low-fat regime), the reaction to certain drugs (including antibiotics, antidepressants and medicines against hypertension) and the intake of food supplements of vitamins and mineral salts, containing, for example, zinc. This manifestation also represents a rather common side effect of chemo and radiotherapy.
In several cases, the metallic taste in the mouth can be the consequence of bad oral hygiene. This sensation may depend, for example, on old prosthetics and fillings, especially if they are made of amalgam (a composite material made up mostly of mercury, silver and other metals); this means that it is probably time to replace them.
A metallic taste in the mouth can also occur in the presence of burning mouth syndrome and Bell's palsy. The alteration of taste can also be associated with dry mouth, Sjögren's syndrome and respiratory tract infections.
In those suffering from epilepsy, the onset of a metallic taste can be prodromal of an attack. This symptom can be found in kidney failure, due to the accumulation of waste substances in the blood (uremia) which alters the perception of food taste.
Possible Causes * of Mouth Metal Flavor
- Migraine
- Pregnancy
- Kidney failure
- Menopause
- Gastroesophageal reflux
- Mouth Urente syndrome
- Sjögren syndrome
