Metallic taste in the mouth

Overview

A metallic taste is not usually serious and can be a symptom of many different things. Treatment will depend on the cause.

Common causes of metallic taste

Cause and what you can do:

  • Gum disease - regularly brush your teeth, use dental floss, have a dental check-up every 6 months
  • Taking medicine, like metronidazole - speak to a pharmacist for advice but do not stop taking prescribed medicine without medical advice
  • Cancer treatment, like chemotherapy or radiotherapy – eat stronger tasting food like ginger, spices and boiled sweets
  • Colds, sinus infections and other airway problems - 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

Sometimes, a metallic taste can be linked to a problem with your sense of smell.

See a GP if:

  • the metallic taste does not go away
  • the metallic taste has no obvious cause


The information on this page has been adapted by NHS Wales from original content supplied by NHS UK NHS website nhs.uk
Last Updated: 19/03/2024 11:44:04