Dysgeusia refers to a change in taste, like suddenly having a metallic taste in your mouth. This might happen for various reasons, such as taking certain medications, undergoing ear surgery, having infections like COVID-19, taking iron supplements for anemia, or being pregnant.
It’s also quite common to taste blood when you’re running, which could be due to the breakdown of red blood cells. Generally, tasting something odd or metallic in your mouth isn’t a major cause for concern, but sometimes it could point to an issue that needs checking by a healthcare provider.
Neglecting dental hygiene can lead to problems like bad breath, cavities, and even a bloody taste in your mouth. Conditions like gingivitis or periodontitis, which affect your gums, might also trigger a metallic taste.
Good oral hygiene is crucial. The American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth for two minutes twice a day using a toothbrush with soft bristles.
Exercise might make you taste blood in your mouth without it actually being there. This can be linked to the breakdown of red blood cells releasing iron into the lungs. Irritated areas in the mouth, nose, or throat can also cause a metallic taste, especially if you’re breathing heavily during a workout. If you spot blood or the taste persists, it’s wise to consult a healthcare provider.
Loss of taste is a known symptom of COVID, but it can also make things taste metallic. For example, during COVID, a 59-year-old woman noticed her food tasted bland and metallic. This symptom usually clears up on its own in a few weeks. Beyond COVID, other infections like colds and the flu can lead to a metallic taste too, usually improving once treated.
New medications could be to blame if you start tasting metal. Supplements containing heavy metals like iron, copper, or zinc might also cause this sensation. Mild mouth injuries, like biting your cheek or eating something crunchy, can cause slight bleeding, leading to a blood-like taste.
Sometimes, a metallic taste could hint at something more serious, like disorders affecting the central nervous system, such as Bell’s palsy or dementia. In some cases, altered taste might accompany other neurological symptoms, but don’t jump to conclusions if you notice this taste.
Dysgeusia can also result from middle ear or ear tube surgery due to damage to the cranial nerve controlling taste. Gastrointestinal conditions like acid reflux, GERD, or gastroparesis might also bring a metallic taste. Pregnancy often leads to this change because of hormonal shifts, usually resolving itself.
Chemical exposure to substances like inorganic arsenic or organic mercury can disturb taste. People undergoing cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation might also report a metallic taste due to cellular damage in the mouth.
To tackle a metallic taste, addressing the underlying cause often helps. However, in cases like pregnancy or chemotherapy, you might need to find ways to mask it since stopping it may be tricky.
If you’re experiencing a metallic taste, it’s essential not to dismiss it, especially if it lingers or comes with other symptoms. Consulting a healthcare provider will help you identify the cause and get appropriate treatment.
