CAN copper coins be tasted in the mouth?
There are many reasons your insides can taste like steel. Some of these are easily treated.
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Dr Sophie Newton, a West Yorkshire GP, explains the five reasons you may have a metallic taste and how to treat them.
1. Gum disease
“Gum disease (commonly known as gingivitis) can lead to pus leaking from the gums which may also lead to bad breath,” Dr Sophie explained.
It is a painful and often fatal disease.British adults account for 90%to some degree.
By visiting the dentist regularly and maintaining good oral hygiene, you can prevent this condition from developing.
Yep – it’s the same old message: Brush your teeth twice a day, floss, and clean your tongue!
Certain factors, such as hormonal changes, certain medications, and certain diseases, can increase the likelihood of someone getting gum disease.
But some risk factors are changeable, including smoking, drug use, vaping, and obesity.
If your oral hygiene is not effective and your gums are very sore and swollen, and teeth start to fall out, it’s worth calling an emergency dentist.
2. Drugs
Dr Sophie says that certain drugs can make your mouth taste like blood.
“The antibiotic metronidazole can often leave a metallic taste,”She said.
Metronidazole is often given on the NHS as a treatment for skin infections, rosacea and mouth infections, including infected gums and dental abscesses.
In one study, the researchers looked at The medications can alter the taste of your foodExperts suggested that those who suffer from this condition should gargle salt and baking soda.
Mixing a quarter teaspoon of salt and half a teaspoon baking soda in a cup of warm water will make it easy to rinse the mouth (but not swallow), said the patients.
You might also consider speaking with a pharmacist to get advice. Do not stop taking your medication.
3. Infections
“Upper respiratory tract infections, such as tonsillitis, can leave an awful taste in your mouth,”The GP stated.
This is because upper-respiratory infections often come with a lot more coughing.
A metallic taste can be caused by repeatedly coughing up phlegm.
You can get rid of the bloody taste by using cough medicine or decongestants to treat your cough.
Common infections can often resolve in just a few days.
But if you develop a fever above 39.4°C, have breathing trouble or cough up visible blood you should go to the doctor or hospital immediately.
4. Heartburn
“Acid reflux (otherwise known as heartburn or indigestion) can leave a bitter taste that some people describe as metallic,”Explained by the GP.
This metallic taste in your mouth is caused by your stomach acid escaping into your throat and isn’t easy to shake.
After you have treated the indigestion, the taste should disappear.
Gaviscon, a product that can reduce heartburn, is available.
The NHS recommends you consult a GP if you have had heartburn for at least three weeks.
5. Psychological disturbance
“Anxiety and depression can cause taste disturbance in taste which usually settles over time,”The expert elaborated.
Researchers don’t yet know exactly why the metallic taste appears.
This could be due to anxiety, which can lead to your mouth drying out. The reduced flow of saliva can leave you with bitter or metallic taste.
One2017 Studyshowed that people with higher levels of anxiety often have a dry mouth condition called xerostomia.
It may be that anxiety-related taste changes happen because of chemicals released by your body’s fight-or-flight response.
For example, norepinephrine is one of the neurotransmitters released by the body when it’s stressed.
It’s worth visiting a doctor if you feel stressed, anxious, or depressed.
Doctor Sophie is her own doctor YouTube channelThese videos offer advice on common problems in health.