Infographic: Types Of Taste Disorders
Factors like poor dental hygiene, infections, disorders, and medications can leave a bad taste in your mouth. Using natural ingredients like lemon, aloe vera, or cinnamon can reduce oral infections and the foul taste in your mouth. However, a bad taste in the mouth may also indicate an underlying condition and affect your sense of taste at various levels. Check out the infographic below to understand the different types of taste disorders.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
Poor oral hygiene is the primary cause of bad taste in the mouth. Infections, overeating garlic, and excess sleep may also trigger bad taste. But certain home remedies help manage this condition. Using apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, lemon, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, oil pulling, aloe vera juice, warm salt water, turmeric, and green tea effectively reduces the bad taste. Additionally, you can prevent this phenomenon by brushing and flossing daily, chewing sugar-free gum, hydrating adequately, quitting smoking, and limiting the intake of alcohol and caffeine.
Acid Reflux And Digestive Issues
Acid reflux is another common cause for an unpleasant taste in your mouth. With acid reflux, small amounts of stomach acids travel up through the oesophagus into the mouth, bringing their characteristic bitter-acidy taste. Notice if the bad taste becomes stronger after eating or burping if it is irregular or, for example, only occurs in the mornings.
Pay more attention to your eating and lifestyle habits to lessen the effects of acid reflux: eat more slowly and more regularly, consume healthier and milder foods that arent too fatty or spicy.
Other digestive issues, such as GERD or other types of inflammation in your digestive system, stomach, liver, and gallbladder issues, may also be at fault. Blood testing can reveal underlying problems with your digestive system.
Similarly, vomiting for any reason will also cause an unpleasant taste but this should disappear in few minutes. Rinse your mouth with water that has a few teaspoons of baking soda in it or with some mouthwash to make it clear faster. Drinking a little cranberry juice can also reduce the bad taste.
Gum Disease And Poor Oral Hygiene
Gum disease such as gingivitis or periodontitis, an abscess or tooth decay can cause an unpleasant taste in the mouth. Poor blood flow, infections and debris in the mouth can affect saliva production and flow, causing a unpleasant taste in the mouth.
Having a good oral hygiene routine that includes brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing and regular check-ups with the dentist is the best way to prevent any changes in taste, as well as maintaining good health teeth and gums.
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Seasonal Allergies Bad Taste In Mouth
Having seasonal allergies can be really frustrating, especially when your symptoms flare up at the worst possible time. This article will tell you about some natural remedies for alleviating seasonal allergies, as well as some preventative measures that you can take to avoid them in the first place.
Is A Metallic Taste A Sign Of An Allergy
A metallic taste in your mouth may be a sign of a food allergy, likely related to the bodys immune response. In some cases, it can even indicate an allergic reaction and anaphylaxis. If you develop any difficulty breathing, swelling, itchy skin, or other concerning symptoms its very important to go to the emergency room.
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Colds And Other Infections
Have you been feeling under the weather? Colds, sinus infections, and upper respiratory infections can change the taste in your mouth. If this is the cause, you’ll also have symptoms like a runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, and cough.
Rest, drink plenty of fluids, and take over-the-counter pain relievers if necessary. The metallic taste should go away once you’re better.
Vitamins Medications And A Bad Taste In Your Mouth
Medications used to treat depression, neurological disorders, high blood pressure, thyroid disorders, osteoporosis, and even glaucoma are all linked to a bad or metallic taste in the mouth.
Sometimes your body absorbs a medication and the lingering bad taste comes out in your saliva. In other cases, the bad taste in your mouth is secondary. A bad taste in the mouth is often a symptom of dry mouth, which is a common side effect to some medications.
Multivitamins, iron and calcium supplements, and over-the-counter cold remedies sometimes contain heavy metals, and these heavy metals cause a metallic taste in your mouth as well. The bad taste should go away after a few hours as your body processes the vitamins. If it doesnt, check the dosage to make sure you arent taking too much.
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Symptoms Of Food Allergies:
Reactions from food allergies can vary from mild to severe. Food allergy symptoms usually develop within a few minutes to a few hours of eating. The most common food allergy symptoms include:
- Tingling or itching in the mouth
- Hives or itchy red skin
- Swelling of the face
- Wheezing or shortness of breath
- Feeling dizzy or light headed
- Nausea and vomiting
You Have A Sinus Infection Allergies Or An Upper Respiratory Infection
The congestion and mucus associated with respiratory infections may cause a foul or metallic taste in the mouth. In this situation, mucus from the nose and throat will be tasted on the tongue, Dr. Lewis says. These sinus problems could include anything from the common cold and sinus infections to middle-ear infections and nasal polyps, according to Medical News Today.
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You Have A Zinc Deficiency Or An Excess Of Zinc
Dysgeusia, which is an abnormal or impaired sense of taste, could be caused by a lack or an excess of zinc, says Kristin Koskinen, RDN. Malnutrition, which might include a zinc deficiency, may slow cell renewal, resulting in taste changes, according to Koskinen. On the other hand, people who take too much zinc through supplements could experience nausea, abdominal distress, or dysgeusiain the form of that pesky metallic taste, Koskinen says. Check out these 6 foods that can trick your taste buds.
You Have A Neurological Disorder
Neurological disorders affect your nervous system, which helps relay sights, smells, tastes, and sounds to your brain. These diseases can disrupt your sense of flavor, making your mouth seem metallic due to changes in taste, according to Shanta Retelny.
Research also supports this.
In a case study of a man with a rare disease called facial onset sensory and motor neuronopathy , a change in taste was one of the patients first symptoms, according to a report in the journal BMC Neurology.
Vladimir Vladimirov/Getty Images
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Exposure To Mercury Or Lead
Exposure to certain chemical elements such as mercury or lead can cause a metallic taste in the mouth. You can encounter lead in old building materials such as chipped or flaking paint. It can also be present in contaminated water.
Mercury may be found in contaminated water or in some of the foods you eat, such as fish.
If you think you or your child might have been exposed to mercury or lead, contact your healthcare provider.
When To See A Healthcare Provider
A brief flash of a metallic taste in your mouth is usually nothing to worry about. In fact, if you’ve recently started taking a new medication, there’s a good chance it’s the cause. It should go away as your body adjusts to the medicine.
See your healthcare provider if the sensation persists or you develop other worrisome symptoms, like a fever.
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What Is Parageusia
Parageusia, or a chronic metallic taste in your mouth, effects any people of every walk of life and degree of health. The onset may be sudden or develop over time, can last for a few minutes, or linger indefinitely. This condition can be merely an annoyance, or even interfere with eating and drinking. There are a number of things that can cause a metallic taste, and it is helpful to understand the way your sense of taste works before examining things that can effect it.
The human sense of taste is moderated by two areas: the olfactory nerves in the nasal cavity, and the taste buds in the mouth. The scent and taste of things are recorded by these nerves, which then send signals to the brain, where the tastes and scents are identified. When this process is effected by certain circumstances, it can cause a metallic taste in the mouth.
Depending on the cause and severity, your doctor might be able to ease or eliminate parageusia. There are many things that can cause metallic taste, which your medical professional will need to know to help diagnose you.
How To Use Metaqil
For best results, use approximately 5 ml of MetaQil®, rinse for 30 seconds, and spit out. MetaQil can be used on an as-needed basis. Use alone or after each time you brush your teeth
Important: If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please consult your physician before using MetaQil. Do not use MetaQil if you are taking any medications that are contraindicated with the product. Please consult with your physician if you have any concerns regarding the use of this product. Keep out of reach of children.
For more information about MetaQil, .
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When Should You See A Professional
Most times, the Distortion will appear on its own. However, you should speak to your doctor if it persists. You may be referred to an otolaryngologist- this is an ear, throat, and nose doctor. We at delaRoca Dentistry understand the confusion taste distortion may cause, and we are here to help through our general dentistry services. Are you looking for a dentist near you in East Hemet? Call us today and book an appointment.
Bad Taste In Mouth: Causes And Treatment
We all have moments when we think: I brushed my teeth thoroughly. Wheres this weird taste in my mouth coming from? A lingering bad taste in your mouth after brushing is a common problem. Whether you describe the taste as sour, bitter, metallic, or just plain funky, everyone experiences it from time-to-time.
There are many causes for weird tastes in your mouth, and its not just about what you eat. Here are the most common causes and treatments to help you get rid of that bad taste in your mouth.
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What To Eat To Get Rid Of Bad Taste In The Mouth
Those who have a bad taste in their mouth usually have a low sense of taste and may be intolerant to certain foods. Some foods that can be tolerated by affected individuals are:
- Fresh fruit juices
- Eggs, fish, peanut butter, beans, and dairy products like yogurt and ice cream
The affected individuals must stay away from spicy, sugary, and oily foods.
To prevent the recurrence of a bad taste in your mouth, follow the tips mentioned below.
Should I Worry About A Metallic Taste In My Mouth
Most of the time, a metallic taste in your mouth is temporary and harmless. But it can be a symptom of a more serious health condition, so its a good idea to talk with your healthcare provider if the metallic taste persists or is associated with other symptoms such as allergy symptoms, pain, or any signs of infection.
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Acid Reflux Or Digestive Issues
When stomach acid seeps into your throat due to acid reflux or other digestive issues, this often results in a bitter taste in your mouth. Brushing your teeth more frequently helps, as does sucking on sugar-free gum and mints. But contact your doctor if your acid reflux persists. The presence of stomach acids eventually damages your esophagus and erodes your teeth.
Preventing The Metallic Taste
You can do little to prevent taste distortion. If the cause is a sinus issue, things will go back to normal when the problem goes away. If your medication is to blame, talk to your doctor to see if there are alternatives.
In the case of taste distortion caused by long-term conditions like pregnancy and chemotherapy, the taste should be masked until the condition goes away.Here are tips to temporarily eliminate the taste distortion:
- After meals, ensure you brush the teeth
- Experiment with a variety of foods, seasonings, and spices
- Use nonmetallic utensils, dishes, and cookware
- Chew gum and mints that are sugar-free
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You Have Mercury Poisoning
One side effect of mercury poisoning is a metallic taste in your mouth, according to Dr. Okeke-Igbokwe. That said, more severe symptoms, such as neurological issues, are more concerning. Exposure to mercury could stem from working in an industrial job or from eating methylmercury-contaminated fish, she adds. The bottom line is that there are various modes in which one may become exposed to mercury, and this exposure may have some deleterious effects on the body, Dr. Okeke-Igbokwe says. Its definitely important to recognize some of the symptoms of mercury toxicity so that you know when it is necessary to seek out medical help.
Youre Taking Certain Medications
The most common cause of a metallic taste in the mouth is medications. Antibiotics, antihistamines, over-the-counter supplements, and blood pressure medications are all known for causing this taste side effect, according to Medical News Today. Lisa Lewis, MD, a pediatrician in Fort Worth, Texas, says that when bodies ingest and absorb medication, the substances are released and excreted in the saliva. The end result is often a metallic taste in the mouth. Commonly, vitamin supplements that contain iron, chromium, calcium, and zinc cause a metallic taste in the mouth, she says. This side effect may also be with antibiotics, neurologic and cardiac medications. Dr. Lewis adds that a common medication side effect is dry mouth, which could also cause a foul or metallic taste. Read about these 9 weird things that can also mess with your taste buds.
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Can Allergies Cause Loss Of Taste
We know that loss of taste and smell are hallmark COVID symptoms. But can allergies cause loss of taste and smell, too? If your allergies are particularly bad, then these senses might be affected. This is because a congested nose can sometimes alter your taste and smell. However, these symptoms will only happen with other allergy symptoms like congestion. This loss of taste and smell is also more mild than what COVID patients experience. In COVID patients, the loss of these senses is completely unrelated to nasal congestion.
How To Get Rid Of Bad Taste In Mouth
Treatment depends on the exact cause behind it. After understanding its real cause, you can then take some steps to eliminate it. Here are some tips for you.
1. Clean the mouth
Cleaning the mouth is key to removing a bad taste that has developed in the mouth.
- Brush teeth thoroughly to help remove debris and bacteria which are contributing to the bad taste in your mouth.
- You will also want to brush the tongue to help remove the mucosal covering that may have collected bacteria, yeast or food that can cause a poor taste over time.
- Make sure you brush your tongue gently, or purchase a tool such as a tongue scraper that is specifically intended to help clean the tongue to avoid any damage.
- Scratching the tongue can make a bad taste in the mouth worse or cause additional injury.
2. Remove particles between teeth
In addition to brushing the teeth, you need to make sure that all particles lingering between the teeth are removed to help eliminate a lingering bad taste.
- Floss your teeth carefully to help remove particles that your toothbrush cannot reach.
- If the bad taste in your mouth is particularly foul or has been lingering for some time, use a sponge floss that has been soaked in mouth wash or baking soda diluted in water to increase the efficiency of the floss.
- You may also want to follow up this treatment by rinsing with mouth wash or a baking soda rinse. Combine one teaspoon of baking soda with 8 ounces of water and gently swish the solution around your mouth.
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Anaphylaxis & Metallic Taste
If you are experiencing metallic taste after eating, this may be a sign of a larger issue. Anaphylaxis, a more severe reaction to food, happens when the body systematically tries to ward off the allergens, and closes off the airways and throat, often causing blood pressure to dramatically decrease and the heart rate to increase. This kind of allergic reaction is usually sudden and needs to be taken care of by professionals immediately.
You Could Have Metal Fume Fever
A metallic taste in your mouth can be a side effect of breathing in metal fumes, according to the National Organization for Rare Disorders.
This can occur in welding centers or metal manufacturing facilities with poor ventilation. Fortunately, symptoms like chills, fever, and a metallic taste often dissipate within hours of escaping to a well-ventilated area.
If you believe youve been exposed to heavy metal or any metal fumes for a prolonged period of time, seek medical attention to determine any long-term impact on health.
Maskot/Getty Images
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How Do You Get Rid Of The Taste Of Metal In Your Mouth
Often the metallic taste will get better on its own once the cause has been identified and addressed. The best treatment will depend on the cause. If its ongoing or worsening, its a good idea to talk with your healthcare provider. They may refer you for imaging studies or to an ear, nose, and throat specialist. Depending on the cause, there may be other treatments or medications that can help.
