Metallic taste in your mouth: common causes

Has a metallic taste ever suddenly developed and lingered in your mouth? If so, you’re not alone—and you’re not imagining it. Whether it’s a faint iron-like aftertaste or a stronger bitter sensation, this condition can be a simple reminder to brush and floss. Other times, it might point to something more serious, like an infection or medication side effect. 

Let’s dive into what might be causing that metallic taste, share tips to manage and prevent it, and help you figure out if it’s time to schedule an appointment with your dentist at Aspen Dental. 

Reasons why your mouth might have a metallic taste

Experiencing a metallic taste in your mouth can happen for many reasons—including minor oral health issues, medications or infections.

Let’s break down the most common causes: 

Poor oral hygiene

If you’re not brushing and flossing regularly, bacteria can take over your mouth pretty quickly. That buildup of plaque on your teeth and gums? It can lead to gum disease or infections, as well as that funky metallic taste you might be noticing. 

Want to avoid it? Stick to the dental basics:

Medications

Taking prescription or over-the-counter medications? They might be the reason for that metallic taste. Some medications release compounds into your saliva that can affect your sense of taste. 

A metallic taste is a common side effect of medications like: 

Infections

A sudden metallic taste in your mouth can sometimes be your body’s way of saying something’s up, like a bacterial or viral infection in your mouth or respiratory system.
 
Here are a few common infection-related issues: 

Gum disease: Bacteria from plaque and tartar can cause inflammation, which can lead to gingivitis or periodontitis.  

Oral thrush: This yeast infection can cause mouth sores and interfere with your taste buds.  

Sinus infections and post-nasal drip: Excess mucus can mix with saliva, leaving behind a weird aftertaste. 

If the metallic taste won’t go away or you’re experiencing pain and swelling, it’s time to see your dentist or doctor. 

Cancer treatment 

If you’re going through cancer treatment, having a metallic or iron-like taste in your mouth is a fairly common side effect of chemotherapy or radiation. These treatments can impact the cells that control taste and saliva, which might also leave you dealing with dry mouth. 

How to prevent a metallic taste in your mouth

While you can’t always control certain causes (like medication or ongoing treatments), there are plenty of simple ways to reduce the risk and manage that metallic taste when it strikes. 

Here are a few tips: 

• Brush and floss: Good oral hygiene is the foundation of good oral health. Don’t forget to clean your tongue too. It’s often the sneaky reason behind bad tastes that linger in your mouth. 

• Stay hydrated: A dry mouth can intensify the taste. Keep sipping water throughout the day to stay fresh and hydrated. 

• Chew sugar-free gum or pop a mint: This helps you produce more saliva and masks that bitter flavor.

• Try a saltwater or baking soda rinse: This quick homemade rinse can neutralize acidity and reduce bacteria. 

• Change your diet: Spicy foods and dairy can make the metallic taste even stronger. Instead, reach for citrus fruits or mint to freshen things up. 

• Check your vitamins: Low levels of Vitamin B12, Vitamin D or minerals like iron or zinc might be part of the problem. Talk to your doctor to see if supplements could help.
  
  

These tips won’t fix everything, but they can definitely make a difference. Give them a try and see what works for you.  

When to see your dentist

Not every metallic taste requires a trip to your dentist, but if it persists for several days or is accompanied by other symptoms, like swelling, bleeding gum or pain, it’s time for a professional opinion. 

Be prepared to discuss: 

1. Any medication you’re taking. 
2. Symptoms like bad breath or dry mouth. 
3. Pre-existing health conditions.  

Your Aspen Dental care team will identify possible issues like gum disease, cavities or oral infections, and we’ll recommend a treatment plan tailored to your needs. 

Metallic taste in mouth FAQs

Should I be worried about having a metallic taste in my mouth? 

Not necessarily. If it happens occasionally, it’s usually nothing serious. Common causes of a metallic taste include dehydration, a small mouth sore or even skipping out on brushing or flossing. But if it sticks around or gets worse, it’s a good idea to schedule an appointment at Aspen Dental, just to be safe.

Does COVID-19 cause a metallic taste in your mouth? 

It can. Some people with COVID-19 have reported having a metallic taste as a symptom. It’s often linked with other signs like changes in taste, loss of smell, fever or dry mouth. If you’re noticing other symptoms too, it might be worth getting tested. 

Get rid of the metallic taste in your mouth 

Whether it’s poor oral hygiene, medication or infection, the good news is that you can manage most causes of a metallic taste in your mouth with simple habits and treatments.  

If the issue persists, don’t wait to address it. Schedule an appointment with your local Aspen Dental care team. We’re here to help identify and treat the problem so you can enjoy a fresher, healthier mouth today.