Experiencing a metallic taste in the mouth is a fairly common problem and is usually not serious, however I do recommend that you find the cause of the problem and address it.
A metallic taste in the mouth can be attributed to many factors, but the most common causes of this are:
- Excessive Iron levels in the blood
- Side effect of medications (especially ones used to treat high blood pressure, arthritis and anti-depressants)
- Food allergies (especially to Sulfur dioxide)
- High protein diets causing dietary ketosis
- Halitosis and smoking
- Post nasal drip or recent viral or sinus infection
- Infections of the mouth, gums, teeth, mucous membranes
- Crohn’s Disease
- Trauma (closed head injury)
- Blood loss in the mouth due to dental problems
- Oral problems including infections, periodontal diseases, gingivitis, periodontitis, tooth infections and poor oral hygiene
- Loss of saliva (Xerostomia)
- Chemotherapy or radiation therapy
- Diabetes, blood sugar complaints (chocolate consumption) or gastrointestinal disorders
- Malnutrition, nutritional deficiencies or eating disorders
- Inferrior quality chocolates which have bloomed (discoloured) or become stale
- Side effects of pharmaceutical medications
Please make an appointment with a Healthcare professional and a Dentist who can further investigate the underlying reason causing this complaint for you.
DIET TIPS FOR ORAL HEALTH CARE
- Alkalise your diet by including many of the following foods: rice, water, lemon juice, vegetable juices, grains, sprouts, fish, fruits and vegetables and reduce acid forming foods which cause degradation of the enamel on the teeth such as tea, coffee, alcohol, carbonated drinks, wheat, dairy, sugar, preserved and processed foods
- Ensure adequate hydration
LIFESTYLE FACTORS FOR ORAL HEALTH CARE
- Proper oral hygiene can help, including regularly brushing your teeth and brushing and scraping your tongue
- Avoid smoking
- Check for any tooth decay and visit the dentist regularly for check ups
- Address any reoccurring sinus complaints
- Improve digestion if this is a contributing factor
- Address any mouth infections immediately
NATURAL REMEDIES FOR ORAL HEALTH
- Zinc is an important mineral for oral health, especially if there is a change in taste
- Vitamin C and Bioflavinoids in powder form and swished around the mouth may help to reduce inflammation and infection
