What To Do About Metal Taste In Mouth

Getting Rid Of Metal Mouth

Taste buds acting up? Try brushing more often.

Question I have a weird metallic taste in my mouth that won't go away. Should I be worried?

Question Probably not. Some antibiotics and drugs, such as those for high blood pressure, rheumatoid arthritis, kidney stones, or depression, can cause odd tastes. If you're not taking medications for conditions like these and if you haven't had a thorough general checkup recently, see your doctor to rule out any undiagnosed health problems. Sometimes the flu, heartburn, or very rarely, lead poisoning, can cause the odd taste.

If your doc finds nothing amiss, try your dentist. She'll look for gum disease and will probably check out any existing dental work; as fillings age, they can sometimes break down and alter taste. If those causes aren't to blame, pay extra attention to your oral hygiene. Be sure to brush your teeth carefully at least twice a day and use a tongue scraper to remove the bacteria and debris that can collect on your tongue, which could create off tastes in your mouth. In addition, not drinking enough water can contribute to problems with taste. Up your intake and see if that helps. You don't have to drink the recommended eight 8-ounce glasses of water a day; my rule of thumb is to drink as much of that amount as you comfortably can—and more than you think you need. 

If you rule out all of these possible causes and still have the taste, it might be worth consulting a practitioner of traditional Chinese medicine. He would view the metallic taste as a sign of an imbalance in your system, such as too much stress, too little sleep or exercise, or a bad diet, which he might treat with a combination of acupuncture, Chinese herbs, dietary changes, and other traditional therapies. Find a qualified practitioner through the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture.

Published December 2011, Prevention
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