Have you ever experienced a metallic taste in your mouth that just won’t go away? While there can be various reasons for this unpleasant taste, one common cause could be gum disease. Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is a serious infection of the gums that can lead to tooth loss if left untreated.
Symptoms of Gum Disease
A metallic taste can also be the first sign of anaphylaxis, a serious allergic reaction. Periodontitis, or gum disease, is an infection of the gums that can damage the bone and soft tissue that supports the teeth. Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that is rich in iron. Once you’re off the medications, your taste buds should go back to normal. In the meantime, you can reduce the effects of dry mouth and unpleasant saliva by drinking plenty of water and chewing sugarless gum.
It’s important to have regular dental check-ups so any problems with your teeth and gums can be detected and treated early. If you have severe gum disease, you’ll usually need to have further medical and dental treatment and, in some cases, surgery may need to be carried out. This will usually be performed by a specialist in gum problems (periodontics). A metallic taste can be an early symptom of anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction. A number of neurological conditions, including head and neck trauma, multiple sclerosis, and depression, can also affect a person’s sense of taste. When a person notices a metallic taste in the mouth, it can be due to several factors, including changes in health, diet, or medication.
Parageusia (also referred to as dysgeusia) is the medical definition of a metallic taste in the mouth. You might attribute the taste to metal fillings, but that’s not usually the case. You should definitely visit your dentist to find out if your metal fillings are the culprit. We want you to be aware that many things having nothing to do with your mouth have a link to a metallic taste. If you develop gingivitis and don’t have the plaque or tartar (hardened plaque) removed from your teeth, the condition may get worse and lead to periodontitis. Poor oral hygiene, such as not brushing your teeth properly or regularly, can cause plaque to build up on your teeth.
Gum disease can manifest itself in many ways, including swollen or bleeding gums, bad breath, and yes, even a metallic taste in the mouth. This metallic taste is often due to the bacteria present in the infected gums, which can produce a foul-smelling gas that gives off the metallic taste.
If a medication is causing the metallic taste, ask a doctor about alternatives. Lastly, using certain types of cookware can affect the way your food tastes, leading to a metallic taste. Reactive cookware is composed of metals such as aluminum and cast iron. However, cooking foods in reactive cookware can cause the metals to leach. Treating dysgeusia means treating the underlying condition causing it. With that being said, staying hydrated and preventing dry mouth can help manage dysgeusia in most cases.
How Gum Disease Causes a Metallic Taste
Your prenatal vitamins, iron, or calcium supplements could be the cause. Multivitamins with copper, zinc, or chromium can leave a metallic flavor. If you have these symptoms, see your dentist for a professional cleaning and ask if you need a prescription to treat any infections. BMS often makes you feel like your mouth is burnt by coffee.
Always consult a medical provider for diagnosis and treatment. Doctors have long known that a loss of taste and smell are a possible side effect of COVID-19 — but some people have also reported a metallic taste. If you’re otherwise healthy, the cause for that metallic tang typically is benign. “If a metallic taste in your mouth is your only complaint, the cause might be one of several,” Dr. Ford says. This temporary sensation, which is not an allergic reaction, is sometimes called pine nut syndrome or pine mouth.
When the gums are infected, they become inflamed and bleed easily. This allows bacteria to enter the bloodstream and travel to other parts of the body, including the mouth. The presence of these bacteria in the mouth can result in the metallic taste that some people experience.
If you are experiencing a persistent metallic taste in your mouth, it is important to see a dentist as soon as possible. They can evaluate the health of your gums and recommend a treatment plan to address any underlying gum disease. In some cases, simple steps such as improving oral hygiene habits can help alleviate the metallic taste. However, more severe cases may require professional intervention to prevent further complications.
Overall, while a metallic taste in the mouth can be caused by various factors, it is essential not to ignore this symptom as it could be a sign of gum disease. By seeking prompt dental care, you can address the underlying issue and prevent further damage to your oral health.
