Description and Possible Medical Problems
If you’ve ever been able to receive radio waves through the fillings ot orthodontute in your mouth, you probably found that the broadcast is usually accompanied by a metallic taste in your mouth.
Whether or not you fall into this category, if a metallic, slightly bitter taste stays around for a period of time, something besides the radio is causing your symptoms. Indeed, changes in the sensation of taste are usually caused by a recent or progressive change in your physical health. A metallic taste disorder may be due to a vitamin deficiency—most often the B vitamins or the mineral zinc—or to a cold or flu, during which the pus resulting from an upper respiratory infection can taste bitter. A benign or malignant tumor on the tongue can also cause a metallic taste.
Certain medications such as antihypertensives and any antibiotic can also cause a metallic taste. In some cases, the altered taste will disappear after your body adjusts to the medication; in others, it will remain as long as you’re taking the medication.
If the metallic taste in your mouth doesn’t go away on its own, it’s a good idea to see your doctor.
Treatment
Your doctor will diagnose the cause of the metallic taste in your mouth by analyzing any changes in your diet and looking for the presence of a chronic respiratory infection. He will also examine your tongue for signs of a tumor. I had one patient who had a metallic taste that was caused by a tumor of the lung lining; the metallic taste preceded the cancer diagnosis by several months.
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