Metallic taste
A metallic taste is not usually serious. What you can do to get rid of it will depend on the cause.
Common causes of a metallic taste
There are lots of possible causes of a metallic taste in the mouth.
Common causes include:
- gum disease
- taking medicines, like metronidazole
- cancer treatments, like chemotherapy and radiotherapy
- colds, sinus infections and other airway problems
- indigestion
- being pregnant
Sometimes, a lost or changed sense of smell can cause a metallic taste in your mouth.
How to get rid of a metallic taste
If you have a metallic taste in your mouth, what you can do to get rid of it depends on what’s causing it. It will sometimes go away by itself.
How to get rid of a metallic taste
| Cause | What you can do |
|---|---|
| Gum disease | Regularly brush your teeth, use dental floss, have a dental check-up every 6 months |
| Taking certain medicines | Speak to a pharmacist for advice – do not stop taking prescribed medicine without medical advice |
| Chemotherapy or radiotherapy | Eat stronger tasting food like ginger and spices, and suck on boiled sweets |
| Colds and other problems with your airways | The taste should go away once the problem has cleared up |
| Indigestion | The taste should go away after treating indigestion |
| Being pregnant | The taste is usually temporary and clears up by itself |
See a GP if:
- you have a metallic taste that does not go away
- the metallic taste has no obvious cause