Metallic taste in the mouth is due to changes in the perception of taste. It can be associated with problems that arise with the respiratory system, digestion, dental diseases. Sometimes its occurrence is facilitated by the intake of certain medications and the ingestion of heavy metals.
Mechanism for the appearance of taste sensations
Metallic taste may appear in the mouth on an empty stomach in the morning. The largest number of taste buds is located on the tongue. In addition, they are present in the epiglottis, pharynx, in the sky, that is, other parts of the mucous membrane of this cavity. They consist of two types of cells: supporting and gustatory, to each of which nerve fibers are connected. Taste information is sent to the brain via the vagus nerve. Its endings can be found in almost any organs. As a result, any paindynamics in any of them contributes to the occurrence of such a symptom.
Dental pathology
Metallic taste in the mouth can be caused by diseases of the oral cavity. It occurs with the following diseases:
- stomatitis - an ailment that occurs due to damage to the mucous membrane into which the infection penetrates;
- periodontitis - a disease in which tooth mobility is noted due to breakage of periodontal bonds;
- gingivitis - pathology associated with inflammation and bleeding;
- gloss - inflammation of the tongue due to the pathogenic effects of microorganisms or injuries.
Also, a metallic taste in the mouth can occur due to installed braces, bridges, crowns. Under the influence of saliva and acidic food, they are oxidized, which indicates poor quality materials. Also, its occurrence is facilitated by the installation of various prostheses in the mouth.
Systemic pathologies
If this taste in the mouth appears periodically, and is accompanied by additional symptoms, this indicates systemic diseases of the body. It can be caused by allergic reactions and malfunctions of internal organs.
Sometimes an iron taste can appear in adolescents with hormonal changes in the body. If other deviations are not detected, do not worry. The work of receptors stabilizes over time.
The occurrence of such a taste is associated with the followingdiseases:
- Anemia.
- Hypovitaminosis - due to lack of B vitamins, as well as ascorbic acid and tocopherol.
- Diabetes mellitus (usually it is a harbinger of the onset of a coma) - after the stabilization of fat and carbohydrate metabolism, the symptom disappears.
- Allergy.
- Inflammation of the mucous membrane, trauma and burns (disappears after the elimination of the cause).
- Nervous pathology due to the existing connection of tongue receptors with the brain, it may also indicate the development of multiple sclerosis or Alzheimer's disease.
- Gastrointestinal ailments: gallbladder - cholecystitis, cholangitis, dyskinesia; liver diseases - cysts, tumors, pancreatitis, hepatitis; ulcer or gastritis; bowel disease.
- ENT diseases: cystic fibrosis, lung abscess, tuberculosis, pulmonary hypertension, pneumonia, fungal respiratory infection, sinusitis, laryngitis, pharyngitis, otitis media, sinusitis;
- Poisoning with s alts of heavy metals: arsenic, copper, vanadium, lead, mercury and others.
- Oncological diseases.
Specific reasons
Such a sign as a metallic taste in the mouth can not only be present in various pathologies, but also be due to the following reasons:
- Being on diets with a long period of fasting while limiting fluid intake, which leads to a violation of metabolic processes.
- Professional activities - in activities associated with constant contact with pollutants, including if they are part of various substances, such as paints.
- Drug therapy - when taking drugs with a pronounced toxic effect that affects the liver (Lansporazole, Tetracycline, Metronidazole) - when the cause of the metallic taste in the mouth is eliminated, such sensations disappear.
- Pregnancy is a process that contributes to the restructuring of the whole organism, including hormones and metabolic processes. Often, a metallic taste in the mouth during pregnancy occurs in its first half, when toxicosis of the body is noted. A woman experiences bouts of vomiting, a lack of vitamin C, a decrease in appetite, which provokes the appearance of a metallic taste.
Causes of a metallic taste in the mouth in women
In the fairer sex, it can be caused, in addition to the course of pregnancy, menopause or menstruation. This is due to changes in hormonal levels during such periods. Symptoms can be eliminated or reduced with the use of appropriate vitamin complexes and iron-rich foods.
Medicines that cause a metallic taste
It may be due to the following medications:
- Food supplements containing iron: Fenyuls, Aktiferrin, M altofer, Ferpatum, Hemoheller.
- Means for the treatment of hypertension: Serpasil, Hexonium, Pyrilene,"Pentamine", "Berlipril"; Capothiazid, Fenigidin, Enalapril.
- Antiallergic drugs: Cetrin, Kvamatel, Diazolin, Claritin.
- Drugs to lower sugar levels: Metformin, Siofor, Maninil, Glibencamide.
- Cholesterol-lowering drugs: Simvastatin, Atorvastatin.
- Drugs to reduce the production of hydrochloric acid: Omeprazole, Lansoprazole.
- Glucocorticoids: Dexamethasone, Prednisol.
- Contraceptives: Marvelon, Janina, Femoden, Yarina.
- Antibiotics: Doxycycline, Metronidazole, Augmentin, Levomycetin, Ampicillin, Tetracycline.
In addition, various dietary supplements and weight loss products can cause a metallic taste in the mouth.
External factors as causes
If the taste of metal appears in the mouth irregularly, then most likely it is caused by the following factors:
- Prolonged wearing of heavy objects made of iron. Most often, this kind of metallic taste in the mouth occurs in men.
- Work in hazardous production, which includes not only chemical laboratories, but also printing houses, enterprises for the extraction and processing of metals.
- Prolonged dehydration.
- Lip or tongue piercing.
- Eating low-quality seafood (this reason can lead to severe toxicosis of the body, therefore, if there is a suspicion that the described symptom appeared precisely for this reason, you should immediately consult a doctor).
- Cookingfood with a pH below 7 in aluminum or cast iron cookware - heating the food promotes the transition of metals into them.
- Using tap water containing heavy metals, or its mineral variety with silver ions.
Causes of metallic taste in the mouth in men
Basically, those of people of different sexes are the same. The representatives of the stronger sex have even fewer of them compared to those of women. There is no single classification according to which the described symptoms could be subdivided. Most occupational poisonings occur in men. Agronomists, welders, car mechanics, workers of printing houses fall into the risk zone.
The occurrence of certain diseases is also more typical for the stronger sex. For example, periodontitis is most often triggered by smoking, namely tobacco smoke, which forms plaque on the teeth, creating optimal conditions for the reproduction of pathogenic microorganisms.
Addiction to alcoholic beverages is also more typical for men. This can cause glossitis, resulting in a burning sensation in the mouth.
For men, the appearance of the described symptom is also characteristic in the case of long-term wearing of various bracelets or watches. Metal ions are able to enter the body through the pores on the skin.
Proper nutrition
If the appearance of such a taste in the mouth is not associated with any pathology, then you needstick to certain dietary rules:
- you need to include foods containing vitamin B in the diet12, folic acid, iron;
- give up bad habits;
- drink filtered water;
- exclude spicy, smoked and fried foods;
- prefer not to cook or eat aluminum cookware;
- do not cook sour food in cast iron cookware, especially sour fruit dishes.
Pregnant women can add ginger, karmadon, cinnamon to drinks. The rest is recommended to add avocados, tomatoes, lemon juice or garlic to dishes as ingredients. The daily menu needs to be diversified by adding bran bread, liver, apples, greens.
Other ways to get rid of
Also, in the absence of a metallic taste connection with various pathologies, deliverance can be achieved in the following ways:
- sucking mints;
- replacement of dental prostheses from metal to ceramic;
- careful monitoring of oral hygiene, for which it is necessary to use various rinses, clean the tongue, use floss when brushing teeth or a brush;
- rinse your mouth with sour water.
Appeal to doctors
As mentioned earlier, if the described symptom is due to external causes, then it quickly disappears after the elimination of the factor that causes it. It may be followed by:
- bloody discharge;
- pus when coughing;
- drowsy;
- confusion;
- dizziness and vomiting;
- nauseous;
- short of breath.
In such cases, seek medical attention. Thus, a visit to a specialist should be carried out with a metallic taste in women and men, accompanied by other symptoms.
In closing
Thus, the answer to the question of why a metallic taste in the mouth cannot be unambiguous. It can occur due to causes that are not related to diseases, in which case the symptom disappears after the elimination of the provoking factor, or it occurs due to a developing pathology. If there are no external causes that can cause its appearance, you need to contact a therapist who can refer you for a consultation with an ENT doctor, dentist, periodontist, endocrinologist, gastroenterologist and other specialists. For men, the appearance of this symptom is most typical with prolonged wearing of metal objects and the abuse of bad habits, and for women, the onset of menstruation, pregnancy, or menopause can become a trigger. Basically, both of them have the same reasons.
