A metallic taste in your water usually means your pH level is off. When the pH level is lower than normal it is considered soft water, and can cause that metallic taste. Depending on the pH level, this can present health risks, so you should have your water tested.
If your water source is well water, then your culprit is more than likely iron caused by seepage or corrosion. Another reason your water may have a metallic taste is because of low pH (potential Hydrogen) levels. These levels measure the acidity or alkaline qualities of a substance.
Chlorine can react with some plastics and rubbers in your plumbing or your kitchen appliances and can sometimes make your water taste bitter, metallic, like medicine, disinfectant or TCP. This taste isn't harmful but we agree it doesn't taste very nice.
Common causes of a metallic taste
gum disease. taking certain medicines, like metronidazole or zopiclone. cancer treatments, like chemotherapy and radiotherapy. colds, sinus infections and other airway problems.
Poor oral health
People who do not brush their teeth or floss regularly may experience changes in taste, including a metallic taste. Reasons for this include: bacterial infections, such as gingivitis or periodontitis. fungal infections.
Most diabetic patients are found to have oral manifestations, e.g., periodontal disease, xerostomia, burning mouth, salivary gland dysfunction, geographic tongue, candidiasis, etc. Buccal alterations could also be easily observed in patients with DM, especially coated tongue.
Neurological disorders commonly cause dysgeusia and a metallic taste by disrupting the normal transmission of nerve signals to the gustatory complex. This can occur when certain neurological diseases cause plaques or tumors in the brain that directly block nerve signals.
People experience different types of odd tastes in their mouths while dealing with lung cancer. Metallic tastes are common. One member of MyLungCancerTeam reported, “When I was on chemo, everything tasted like pennies.”
Water may pick up traces of substances from your plumbing and water fittings or appliances and this situation is the most common cause of unusual or strange tastes.
Install a reverse osmosis (RO) water filter.
A good RO water filter will eliminate the metallic taste from your water by removing trace metals and other impurities.
Eat foods that mask the taste of metal, like citrus fruits, sour foods like pickles and food with vinegar. Avoid spicy food, food made with lots of preservatives or very sweet food. Drink up. Drinking lots of water or noncaffeinated drinks prevents dry mouth, which can lead to dysgeusia.
A metallic taste in your water usually means your pH level is off. When the pH level is lower than normal it is considered soft water, and can cause that metallic taste.
Iron in water does not usually present a health risk. Your body needs iron to transport oxygen in the blood. Most iron comes from food, since the body cannot easily absorb iron from water. Iron may present some concern if harmful bacteria have entered a well.
These symptoms are present in a wide variety of medical conditions, including dehydration or a side effect to a medication. Please keep track of your symptoms. It is recommended that you contact your doctor before stopping any prescription medications.
Although rare, liver or kidney disease could cause a metallic taste in your mouth, too. According to Dr. Lewis, that's because these conditions create a buildup of chemicals in the body. “These chemicals are released into the saliva, causing a metallic taste,” she says.
Sjögren's Syndrome
This condition can cause symptoms like dry eyes and a dry mouth. Having a dry mouth means you have less saliva to wash away and dilute food, which can cause you to notice a weird metallic or bitter taste in your food.
Occasionally, experiencing a bad taste in your mouth is entirely normal. However, if you've had a strange taste in your mouth for days, it could be a sign of an underlying dental or medical problem.
Why does my mouth taste like metal? A metallic taste can indicate a serious illness, such as kidney or liver problems, undiagnosed diabetes or certain cancers. But these reasons are uncommon and typically accompanied by other symptoms. If you're otherwise healthy, the cause for that metallic tang typically is benign.
Symptoms of acute kidney failure may include any of the following: Bloody stools. Breath odor and metallic taste in the mouth. Bruising easily.
Additionally, stress can cause a metallic taste in the mouth, along with many other vague taste abnormalities, says Dr Umakanth. "This occurs because stress can alter the way our body processes certain chemicals, including those chemicals that create the perception of taste.
In the case of celiac disease, the tongue can react to gluten consumption with larger red bumps, a bright or shiny coating, or persistent swelling of the tongue. A 2016 study noted in glutenfreeliving.com found that approximately 15% of patients with a swollen tongue were later diagnosed with celiac disease.
Symptoms. If you have diabetes, be sure to take time to check your mouth regularly for any problems. Sometimes people notice that their gums appear swollen and bleed when they brush and floss. Others notice dryness, soreness, white patches, or a bad taste in the mouth.