Bitter taste implies a sharp or harsh flavor in the mouth. This is sometimes referred to as a metal mouth. Having a chronic bitter taste in your mouth can indicate one of the numerous health conditions. So, can liver problems cause a bitter taste in the mouth? What are the common reasons for bitter taste or altered taste in your mouth? For your information, surgical services like cataract-removal surgery can change your sense of sight and your sense of taste and smell. Keep reading to find out the different causes of metal mouth, including some tips to prevent this symptom.
Liver Problems
Though rare, kidney or liver disease could make a metallic taste occur in the mouth because of a chemical development in the body. When your liver does not function properly, your body starts to collect high amounts of ammonia. This toxic substance is typically transformed into urea by the liver and disposed of in the urine. These expanded degrees of ammonia in the body result in an altered taste, similar to onion or fish.
Other Common Reasons For Metallic Taste
Metallic or bitter tastes can indicate a severe medical condition, such as liver or kidney problems, undiagnosed diabetes, or cancers. Yet, these reasons are rare and usually accompanied by other manifestations.
In any case, here are the common causes why you may experience a bitter taste in your mouth:
Poor Oral Hygiene
Poor dental hygiene practice can increase the danger of tooth decay, gum disease, or oral infection. These oral health problems can only be addressed using a prescription from your dentist. If severe pain persists, go to Beyond Dental Care Burpengary today to get immediate dental care treatment. Typically, metal taste and any foul taste disappear after the dentist treats the infection.
Prescription Drugs
Some prescriptions can create a metallic taste since your body absorbs the medicine. Then, it comes out in the saliva. These medications include:
- Allopurinol, a gout medicine.
- Methazolamide is used to treat glaucoma.
- Blood pressure medications, including captopril.
- Cardiac medications, such as beta-blockers or warfarin
- Antibiotics such as metronidazole, clarithromycin, and tetracycline.
- Lithium, which is used to treat some psychiatric conditions.
- Metformin, a diabetes medication.
In addition, a medication that can result in a dry mouth, such as antidepressants, can likewise be a culprit of metallic taste.
Infections
Some temporary illnesses, such as sinusitis, colds, and upper respiratory infections, can change your sense of taste, which might leave you tasting metal. Usually, the metal taste goes away when the infection does.
Cancer Treatment
Treatment for cancer, such as chemotherapy or radiation, can change your sense of smell and taste. In fact, this is sometimes referred to as chemo mouth. Some studies stated that taking zinc and vitamin supplements may help combat it.
Pregnancy
Altered taste, also known as dysgeusia, is very common among pregnant women. Pregnancy could make some expectant mommies craves ice cream and pickles. However, for others, it could give a strange metallic or sour taste.
As a matter of fact, hormonal changes during pregnancy can increase other issues like oral health problems. A regular visit to your doctor can help treat problems and prevent you from getting unnecessary treatment.
Furthermore, be aware that altered taste buds are usually worst during the first trimester. Hence, as your pregnancy progresses, the metallic taste should disappear.
Allergies
Metallic tastes in your mouth can be a symptom of food allergies, mainly when eating pine nuts or shellfish. In fact, it is an early indication of anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening. So, if you have this allergy, talk with your doctor about what to do if an allergic reaction occurs.
Dry Mouth
Dry mouth, also called xerostomia, happens when there is less salivary production or a change in saliva flow. Certain types of conditions such as autoimmune disease, aging, tobacco smoking, or some medications can cause this issue.
So, if you are prone to dry mouth, you should get dental insurance since this can promote other oral issues. Without appropriate saliva production, the taste can be changed. Things might taste more bitter or less salty. Additionally, lack of saliva can make speaking or swallowing difficult. Individuals with this condition may notice more cavities and gum infections.
Acid Reflux
Otherwise known as GERD, acid reflux happens when the lower esophageal sphincter deteriorates and makes food and stomach acid move from your stomach up once again into the throat and mouth. This event can lead to a bitter taste in your mouth.
Other symptoms of acid reflux include a chronic dry cough, burning or scalding sensation in the chest a few hours after a meal, or issues with swallowing. Moreover, you can lessen your chances of having acid reflux by avoiding spicy or fatty foods, smoking, or losing weight if necessary.
Tips to Prevent Metallic Taste
Doing some preventive ways is the best approach to save money from dental works and other medical treatments.
You can do the following steps to minimize the metal taste in your mouth.
- Maintain good oral hygiene, such as brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and cleaning your tongue regularly to keep your mouth healthy.
- Avoid using metal cutlery and water bottles. Instead, try to use plastic, glass, or ceramic versions.
- Stay hydrated to prevent dry mouth.
- Stop smoking or using any tobacco products, as it may worsen the taste of metal.
- Suck on ice, chips, and unsweetened ice pops.
- Pop a mint or a piece of sugar-free gum
- Eat foods that can cover the metal taste, such as lemon, lime juices, or pickles.
Moreover, whatever you do to prevent this symptom, do not disregard the root of the issue. If you have persistent awful taste buds, it would be better to talk with your doctor. They are the only ones who can determine if you have a severe health condition and help you find ways to treat the underlying cause.
Aside from having having a metal taste, if you need a unique project for your property, you may contact the one of the leading steel fabrication in Melbourne which is Star Sheetmetal.
References:
Chapter 45 – Chronic Kidney Disease and Liver Disease.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780124116023000457
Upper Respiratory Infection (URTI).
https://www.medicinenet.com/upper_respiratory_infection/article.htm
Everything you need to know about GERD.
