CAN you taste copper coins in your mouth?
There are lots of reasons why the inside of your mouth can taste like metal – some which are very treatable.
West Yorkshire based NHS GP, Dr Sophie Newton explains five reasons why you might have a metallic taste in your mouth, and how to treat each one.
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.
The often painful disease is experienced by 90 per cent of British adults to some degree.
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You can help prevent the condition by seeing the dentist regularly and keeping good oral hygiene.
Yep – it’s the same old message: Brush your teeth twice a day, floss, and clean your tongue!
There are some factors that raise the odds of a person getting gum disease, including hormonal changes, genetics, medications and certain diseases.
But some risk factors are changeable, including smoking, drug use, vaping, and obesity.
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If good oral hygiene alone doesn't help and your gums become very sore and swollen and teeth begin to fall out, then it's worth booking an emergency dentist appointment.
2. Drugs
According to Dr Sophie, certain drugs can make your mouth taste a lot 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, which looked at tastes left my medications, experts suggested that people who experience this should consider gargling salt and baking soda.
Patients can mix a half teaspoon of salt and a half teaspoon of baking soda in one cup of warm water and rinse (but not swallow), they said.
It might also be worth speaking to a pharmacist for advice – do not stop taking the medication.
3. Infections
"Upper respiratory tract infections, such as tonsillitis, can leave an awful taste in your mouth," the GP said.
This is because upper respiratory infections are often paired with lots of coughing.
Repeatedly coughing up phlegm often brings small amounts of blood into the mouth and onto the taste buds, leading to a distinct metallic taste.
To get rid of the blood-like taste, try treating the cough with cough medicine or decongestants.
A common infection will often run its course in a few days or weeks.
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," the GP explained.
This metallic taste in your mouth is caused by your stomach acid escaping into your throat and isn't easy to shake.
The taste should go away after you treat the indigestion.
Products like Gaviscon can help reduce the amount of heartburn.
If you've had heartburn most days for three weeks or more, the NHS suggests you visit a GP.
5. Psychological upset
"Anxiety and depression can cause taste disturbance in taste which usually settles over time," the expert explained.
Researchers don’t yet know exactly why the metallic taste appears.
It may be because anxiety can cause your mouth to dry out, and the reduced flow of saliva leaves a bitter or metallic tastes.
One 2017 study showed 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.
Norepinephrine, one of the neurotransmitters your body releases when stressed, is known to temporarily change the taste receptors in your mouth, for example.
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If you're feeling stressed, anxious or depressed it's worth seeing a medical professional to get some help, whether that be therapy or medication.
Doctor Sophie has her own youtube channel which offers short videos giving advice on common health problems.
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