Anyone who's ever experienced a metallic taste in the mouth knows how unpleasant it can be. The tinny, sharp taste can be caused by such things as smoking; an injury to the head, nose or mouth; a nutritional deficiency or even pregnancy. According to the National Institutes of Health, it may also be a sign of a more serious medical condition.
Poor Oral Hygiene, Dental Work and Gum Disease
Inadequate oral care can often be the reason for a foul, metallic taste in the mouth. Not drinking enough water or recent dental work can also be causes. However, experiencing this symptom often or despite increasing water intake and exercising better oral hygiene can be a sign of gum disease or other dental problems.
Allergies, Colds and Flu, Infections
A metallic taste in the mouth can be caused by food allergies. Generally, allergy symptoms will occur within two hours of eating.
Many minor ailments such as colds and flu, as well as infections of the sinuses, throat and salivary glands, can be factors.
Medications
Many medications can cause a metallic taste in the mouth. Some of the more well known types are antibiotics, antihistamines, lithium, captopril, griseofulvin, penicillamine, antithyroid drugs and some medications used in cancer treatment.
Taste Disorders and Other Non-Serious Conditions
Disorders of the chemical senses can also cause a metallic taste in the mouth. The taste disorders dysgeusia and glossodynia--also called stomatodynia, burning mouth syndrome, burning tongue syndrome and scalded mouth syndrome--are known causes more frequently seen in middle-aged and older women, reports the American Dental Association and National Institutes of Health.
Other medical conditions outside of the mouth can also be the cause. The autoimmune disorder Sjogren's syndrome affects the production of saliva, which is necessary in sensing and distinguishing taste and can thus confuse taste sensations or create a metallic taste in the mouth. Bell's palsy can also be a factor.
Serious Illnesses
Prolonged or regular experiences of a metallic taste in the mouth can be a sign of a more serious medical condition. Among these are kidney disease, acute kidney failure and dengue fever.
Due to the number of possible causes, it's recommended for people who experience recurring episodes of a metallic taste in the mouth to see a doctor or dentist to rule out potential medical conditions.
