Metallic Taste in the Mouth

Taste problems may develop after an injury or illness. Listed causes include upper respiratory or middle-ear infections, poor oral hygiene and dental problems, oral pain, denture problems, chemical exposure, some antibiotics or antihistamines, head injury, some surgery, and head-and-neck radiation therapy.

Brushing or scraping the tongue and professional cleaning that removes calculus from teeth and gums have been shown to improve taste. For food, aromatic herbs and hot spices can add flavour without adding extra sugar or salt.

Taste disorders are assessed with taste testing that measures the lowest concentration of a taste you can detect and recognise. Assessment can include sipping and describing a substance, tongue-applied chemicals, comparison tests, and examination of the ears, nose, throat, oral hygiene, and medical history.

Treatment targets the cause. When a medicine affects taste, it may be stopped or changed to one that has less effect on taste. When respiratory infection or allergies cause taste loss, taste may return after those conditions resolve.

Taste helps detect spoiled food and contributes to dietary choices. When taste is impaired, adding too much sugar or salt in an effort to improve flavour can change eating habits, so use colour, texture, and herbs or spices instead.

Altered taste can occur with burning mouth syndrome, which may feel like burning, scalding, tingling, or numbness in the mouth. Dry mouth can also accompany it, and the tongue is often affected.

A metallic taste is usually temporary and can clear by itself. A metallic taste that does not go away or has no obvious cause needs assessment.