Metallic Taste in Your Mouth: 10 Causes, From Gum Disease to Medications, and When It’s a Dental Problem
Suddenly tasting metal or blood? Dr. Liza Wakim explains 10 common causes of a metallic taste, how to tell whether it is coming from your mouth or somewhere else, and how to get rid of it.
A metallic taste can be strangely unsettling. It is like sucking on a coin, and it can linger no matter what you eat or drink. Most of the time, the cause is simple and temporary. But because it can come from the mouth or from the rest of the body, it helps to know where to start.
That is exactly the triage a dentist does: first, is this coming from your mouth? In this post I will walk you through the dental causes, the causes outside the mouth, and what actually helps.
The short version
- The most common causes are bleeding gums, a new medication, a cold or sinus infection, and early pregnancy.
- Bleeding gums are often overlooked: blood tastes like iron, so gum disease can show up as a “metal” taste first.
- Brushing, flossing, cleaning your tongue and drinking water often help quickly.
- If it lasts more than a week or two, or comes with gum bleeding or tooth pain, get it checked.
Short answer: what a metallic taste usually means
A metallic taste usually means something is affecting your taste or there is a small amount of blood in your mouth. The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders notes that taste changes can come from infections, medications, dental problems and other health conditions. Most causes are temporary and treatable.
Quick self-check: where is it coming from?
Is it coming from your mouth? Dental causes
1. Bleeding gums from gingivitis or periodontitis
This is one of the most common and most overlooked causes. Blood contains iron, so even a small amount of bleeding from inflamed gums can taste metallic. Many people notice the taste before they notice the bleeding. My post on whether gingivitis can cause swollen lymph nodes covers other signs of gum infection.
2. Tooth infection or abscess
An infection can cause a bad, salty or metallic taste, especially if it drains into the mouth. My post on gum boils explains how these drainage bumps work.
3. Old or damaged fillings and crowns
An old, cracked or leaking filling or crown can trap bacteria and contribute to an odd taste. A new metal restoration can also briefly cause a different taste while you get used to it. A dentist can check the edges of your restorations for breakdown or decay.
4. Poor oral hygiene and tongue coating
Plaque and a coated tongue can change how things taste. My post on white tongue explains how to clean the tongue properly.
5. Dry mouth
Saliva helps keep taste normal. When your mouth is dry, from medications, mouth breathing or not drinking enough, taste can change. My post on dry mouth treatment has practical tips.
Causes outside the mouth
6. Medications and supplements
Many medications can change taste. MedlinePlus lists medicines among the common causes of taste problems. Examples often linked to a metallic taste include some antibiotics, such as metronidazole, some blood pressure medicines, and certain supplements like prenatal vitamins and iron. Do not stop a prescribed medication on your own; talk to your doctor or pharmacist about options.
7. Colds, sinus infections and COVID
Infections of the nose, sinuses and throat can change both smell and taste, sometimes leaving a metallic taste. It usually improves as you recover.
8. Pregnancy
Hormonal changes in early pregnancy can cause a metallic taste, sometimes called dysgeusia. It usually fades as pregnancy progresses. Mention it to your doctor or midwife, especially if it comes with other symptoms.
9. Pine nut syndrome
Some people develop a bitter or metallic taste a day or two after eating certain pine nuts, which can last days to a couple of weeks. A study in the Journal of Medical Toxicology (2012) investigated this “pine nut syndrome.” It is harmless and goes away on its own.
10. Vitamin deficiencies and other medical conditions
Low levels of zinc or vitamin B12 have been linked to taste changes, and some other medical conditions can affect taste too. A physician can test for these. Do not start high-dose supplements without advice.
Metallic taste when you cough
A metallic or blood-like taste when you cough is often due to irritation in the throat or airways during a cold, heavy coughing or strenuous exercise. If you are coughing up blood, have chest pain or shortness of breath, see a doctor promptly.
How to get rid of a metallic taste
When to see a dentist, and when to see your doctor
See a dentist if:
- Your gums bleed, look red or feel swollen
- You have tooth pain, swelling or a bump on the gum
- You have an old, cracked or loose filling or crown
- The taste has lasted more than a week or two without a clear reason
See your doctor if:
- It started after a new medication
- You might be pregnant
- It comes with numbness, weight loss, fatigue, coughing up blood or other new symptoms
A comprehensive dental exam can rule out dental causes quickly, and our periodontal disease treatment page explains how we treat gum disease. My post on what causes bad breath covers related symptoms.
Frequently asked questions
Why do I suddenly have a metallic taste in my mouth?
The most common reasons are bleeding gums, a new medication or supplement, a cold or sinus infection, and early pregnancy. If it lasts more than a week or two, or comes with gum bleeding or tooth pain, have it checked by a dentist or doctor.
Can gum disease cause a metallic taste?
Yes. Inflamed gums bleed easily, and blood contains iron, which tastes metallic. Many people notice the taste before they notice bleeding. Treating gum disease usually makes the taste go away.
Can a filling cause a metallic taste?
An old, cracked or leaking filling or crown can contribute to an odd taste, and a new metal restoration can briefly cause one. A dentist can check your restorations for breakdown or decay and replace them if needed.
What deficiency causes a metallic taste?
Low zinc and low vitamin B12 have both been linked to taste changes. A physician can test for these. Do not start high-dose supplements without advice, because some supplements can cause a metallic taste themselves.
Is a metallic taste a sign of something serious?
Usually not. Most causes are temporary or easy to treat. A persistent change in taste is still worth reporting, especially if it comes with numbness, weight loss, a new medication or other new symptoms.
How do I get rid of a metallic taste fast?
Brush, floss and clean your tongue, drink water, and try sugar-free gum or a mild alcohol-free rinse. If gum disease, an infection or a medication is the cause, the taste usually fades once that is treated or adjusted with your doctor.
Get it checked
If you are in or around Washington, PA, you can request an appointment at Enhanced Wellness or call us at (724) 225-5070.
Sources
- National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. Taste disorders.
- MedlinePlus. Taste: impaired.
- A trial investigating the symptoms related to pine nut syndrome. Journal of Medical Toxicology. 2012.
Metallic taste that will not go away?
Bleeding gums and dental problems are common, overlooked causes. Dr. Liza can rule out dental causes quickly, and tell you when it is time to check with your physician instead.
Dr. Elizabeth Wakim, DDS, is the founder of Enhanced Wellness. She’s a compassionate and highly-regarded dentist with her own practice in Washington, Pennsylvania, known for providing modern, comprehensive dental care, botox and facial aesthetics with a focus on patient comfort and anxiety reduction, serving general, cosmetic, and pediatric dentistry needs.
