Metallic Taste in Mouth: Common Causes and Treatment

Certain Syndromes

Syndromes often come with a mixed bag of symptoms. Those signs may include a metallic taste in the mouth, especially in the case of Sjogren’s syndrome and Guillain-Barre syndrome, according to Medical News Today.

It notes that Sjogren’s syndrome can cause excessive dryness in the mouth and sinuses, and those with it sometimes experience the metallic flavoring. Guillain-Barre syndrome affects the peripheral nervous system and can cause temporary paralysis and ” dysgeusia” (the medical term for a taste disorder) in the early stages.

Some Other Possible Remedies

Aside from the treatments mentioned already, there are some other strategies to manage the uninvited taste in your mouth, explains WebMD. That includes brushing your teeth twice a day (and flossing), as well as drinking water, and chewing sugar-free gum to hinder infections.

The source also suggests rinsing your mouth with a 1/2-teaspoon of salt and baking soda in 1-cup of warm water before eating. And yes, it even suggests using plastic utensils (and cookware) so you don’t actually pick up flavor from that peanut butter-filled spoon you’re licking. Meanwhile, eating citrus fruits may also help mask the metallic taste.

When to See a Doctor

Medical News Today explains that a metallic taste in your mouth is usually more of an annoyance than a serious problem. However, since it can be a sign of an underlying condition, you should make an appointment if the metal taste doesn’t have an obvious trigger and doesn’t go away.

If it’s a medication issue, then a doctor can possibly switch your prescription to something more taste bud-friendly but don’t adjust the dosage or drug type on your own. They can also assess you for any other symptoms that can go along with the strange taste, which could be clues of the root cause.