Dysgeusia: What is it? Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, Prevention and Home Remedies

The metallic taste in the mouth is a condition in which there is a change in the taste buds.

Occasionally, the person experiences a strange taste in the mouth, which can be unpleasant and persistent. People with this disorder often complain of having a bitter, sour, disgusting, or iron taste in their mouths.

Dysgeusia is a distortion of the sense of taste. It is also often associated with Ageusia, the total lack of flavor, and Hypogeusia, which decreases taste sensitivity.

Some people with Dysgeusia also have an altered sense of smell. About 75% of the taste sensations come from nerve cells related to smell.

The taste and smell cells work together to produce the sense of taste. Our taste cells can identify four main qualities: acid, bitter, salty, and sweet. Subtle aspects of the flavor come from its sense of smell.

You may have noticed a sour taste, a change in taste, less ability to taste, or perhaps no flavor in food. Although, a complete lack of taste is rare.

The sense of taste communicates with your brain through your taste buds.

 

The taste receptors only identify the acids, bitter, salty and sweet. Those more subtle aspects of taste sensations originate through smell. So, you may think that an odor problem can cause a taste disorder.

Taste disorders go beyond the simple issue of having a problem with it. Taste problems are divided into: Parageusia, Dysgeusia, Ageusia or Hygegeusia.

Parageusia means that you have bad taste in your mouth. Dysgeusia implies that you are going through a change of flavor and that your food can impart a disgusting, salty, rancid, or metallic taste.

This change in taste may persist beyond your meal. Dysgeusia is often accompanied by burning mouth syndrome, glossitis, or other oral conditions.

When you experience less taste, your taste disorder is known as HypogeusiaHypogeusia. Moreover, if it does not detect taste, the taste disorder is called Ageusia. However, regardless of your taste disorder, the food you swallow will not taste right.

Signs and symptoms of Dysgeusia

An alteration in taste or smell can be a secondary process in several disease states or the main symptom. Distortion in taste is the only symptom, and the diagnosis is often complicated since the sense of taste is linked to other sensory systems.

Causes

Common causes of Dysgeusia include chemotherapy, treatment of asthma with albuterol, and zinc deficiency. Different medications may also be responsible for altering the taste and causing Dysgeusia.

Taste disorders, whether described as Parageusia, Dysgeusia, Aguesia, or Hygegeusia, can have numerous causes, such as damage to the taste buds, nervous problems, side effects of medications, infection or other health conditions.

An altered or bitter sense of taste could be due to some diseases. However, daily habits and joint conditions that can cause a metallic taste in the mouth include:

  • Dehydration.
  • Breathe through the mouth.
  • Smoke.
  • Dry mouth.
  • The pregnancy.
  • Bilious problem.

Fortunately, many causes of taste disorders are only temporary, curable, or correctable. Therefore, you can return your feeling to a familiar taste.

Infections are among the most common causes of a temporary bad taste, a change in flavor, a diminished flavor, or a period without taste. Brief taste disorders often accompany these infectious diseases that cause health problems:

  • Sinusitis
  • Influenza.
  • Pharyngitis.
  • Streptococcal pharyngitis.
  • Infection in the ear.
  • Common cold.
  • Nasal infection
  • Oral infection by fungi.
  • Respiratory infection.
  • Condition of the salivary gland.

Some other health-related causes to create taste distortions are:

  • Uremia.
  • Allergies
  • Dry mouth.
  • Depression .
  • TIA, stroke.
  • Bell’s palsy
  • Tumor cerebral.
  • Nasal polyps .
  • Renal insufficiency.
  • Mastoidectomía.
  • Dental extraction
  • Sjogren’s Syndrome .
  • Migraines .
  • Chemical products, insecticides.
  • Hydroelectrolyte imbalance.
  • Aging decreases the taste bud.
  • Smoking cigarettes, smokeless tobacco.
  • Ear, nose, mouth, or throat surgery
  • Cranial trauma, head injury, concussion.
  • Poor oral hygiene, oral bacteria, bad breath.
  • Hormonal changes; pregnancy, menopause.
  • Vitamin, mineral deficiency; Vitamin B12, zinc.
  • Radioactive iodine therapy; Treat thyroid cancer.
  • Cancer treatment; chemotherapy, radiotherapy.
  • Metabolic and endocrine disorders; diabetes, thyroid disease.
  • Dental problems; caries, gingivitis, periodontal disease, dental abscess.

The drugs are notorious for causing taste changes, bad taste, reduced taste, or no flavor. Here is a sample of some medicines that alter the taste and what they mainly treat:

  • Warfarin; blood clots.
  • Some medications for HIV / AIDS.
  • Lithium; stabilize the mood.
  • Venlafaxine; depression
  • Propafenone; arritmias.
  • Alendronato; osteoporosis.
  • Many drugs for the treatment of cancer.
  • Metformin; diabetes, obesity.
  • Attacks of topiramate; obesity.
  • Olopatadine; is allergic to pink eye.
  • Morphine; severe analgesic
  • Antibiotics; bacterial infections.
  • Dihydroergotamine; migraine headaches.
  • Chlorhexidine; Mouthwash for gum disease.
  • ACE inhibitors; hypertension, heart failure.
  • Antihistamines; inflammation, allergic reaction, allergies.
  • Chlordiazepoxide and clidinium bromide; ulcers, IBS.
  • Combination of captopril and hydrochlorothiazide; high blood pressure
  • Variety of dorzolamide and timolol; eye conditions, including glaucoma.

Treatment for Dysgeusia

Due to the variety of causes of this condition, many possible dental treatments effectively relieve or eliminate the symptoms of Dysgeusia.

Other treatments include artificial saliva, pilocarpine, zinc supplements, alterations in drug therapy, and alpha-lipoic acid.

It depends on the cause; sometimes, the problem disappears once it is eliminated. This can occur if the reason is a gum disease, plaque, a medication you are taking for a short time, or a short-term condition, such as a cold.

If the cause is a yeast infection, the Dysgeusia should disappear after the yeast infection is treated correctly. For example, if nerves have been damaged, Dysgeusia may be permanent in some cases.

Be sure to visit your dentist if the taste changes last two weeks. Dysgeusia will often last only a few days if a cold or other short-term problem causes it.

Prevention

Some causes of Dysgeusia can be prevented, but the vast majority do not.

Quitting smoking will improve your sense of taste and smell. Practicing good oral hygiene and receiving regular dental care can also be helpful.

Consequences of the Dysgeusia

Alteration of taste for Parageusia, Dysgeusia, Ageusia, and Hygegeusia can cause health consequences, such as eating too little, which leads to unhealthy weight loss and malnutrition.

Flavor changes can also be a sign of disease, as is sometimes the case with Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and diabetes mellitus. For bad grand seizures, the change in taste is usually a warning sign that one is on the way.

Metallic taste during pregnancy

Does it look like he has been sucking pennies while he sleeps? This is what you need to know about that metallic taste in your mouth during pregnancy and how to make it go away.

Pregnancy can affect almost any part of the body, and your palate and taste buds are no exception. Many pregnant women report having a bitter or metallic taste in their mouths as one of their pregnancy symptoms.

In medical terms, the change in your sense of taste, known as Dysgeusia, may persist even when you are not eating.

When does that metallic taste begin during pregnancy ?:

That metallic taste in the mouth is a common pregnancy symptom in the first trimester. One study found that an impressive 93 percent of pregnant women reported some change in taste during pregnancy.

How do you feel?

Some mothers have compared it to the taste of spare change or drinking water from a metal cup. Others say it is more of a sour taste even when they do not eat anything to unleash it. While it is difficult to put exactly what experience is like, it is recognized when it happens.

What causes metallic taste during pregnancy?

Dysgeusia is caused by changes in hormone levels during pregnancy. Pregnancy hormones, particularly estrogen, seem to play a role in controlling and moderating the sense of taste.

In addition, the senses of taste and smell are intimately connected, so the changes related to pregnancy in the sensitivity of the nose can also lead to that metallic taste during pregnancy.

All this activity in the mouth means that pregnancy hormones are accelerating (although you never experience this symptom does not mean that your body is not in breastfeeding mode). The metallic taste should dissipate as your pregnancy progresses and your hormones calm down.

What can I do with the metallic taste when I am pregnant?

Dysgeusia is surprisingly common in pregnancy. Here is what you can do to make foods and liquids taste more normal:

Try to banish that metallic taste with acids. Concentrate on bitter flavors like citrus juices, lemonade, and, assuming your belly can handle them, foods marinated in vinegar.

All these foods have the power to break the metallic taste in the mouth during pregnancy and increase the production of saliva, which will help eliminate it.

Talk with your doctor about how to change your prenatal vitamin; some seem to lead to the metal mouth more than others.

Brush your tongue every time you brush your teeth or rinse your mouth with a saline solution (one teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of water) or an explanation of baking soda (1/4 teaspoon of baking soda in eight ounces of water) 2 times a day to neutralize the pH levels in the mouth and keep away that spicy taste.

Can I avoid this metallic taste while I am pregnant?

You can not avoid the metallic taste during pregnancy, but knowing what could happen will help you prepare mentally for this strange but harmless symptom.

How long does the metallic taste last in the mouth?

Like morning sickness, Dysgeusia should improve (or, if you are lucky, disappear altogether) in the second trimester when those hormones begin to calm down a bit. If not, it should disappear after birth.

Home remedies for metallic taste in the mouth

Dysgeusia is often related to Ageusia, a condition in which there is a complete loss of taste, and HypogeusiaHypogeusia, a condition in which there is a significant decrease in taste sensitivity.

Fortunately, this problem can be solved. The home remedies for metallic taste in the mouth listed in this article are effective, natural, and safe.

Lemon and black gram leaves:

Process:

  1. Get some fresh lemon leaves.
  2. Take some teaspoons of black gram.
  3. Wash the two ingredients correctly with water.
  4. Grind the two with a mixer. Moreover, create a thick paste.
  5. Add a pinch of salt to flavor it.
  6. Consume with food (perhaps, rice) often to reduce the metallic taste in the mouth.
How does it work?

Lemon leaves: natural acidic foods such as lemon help neutralize the metallic taste in the mouth naturally. This is due to the presence of citric acid in them. It eliminates the bad taste in the mouth and keeps it healthy.

Black Gram: Scientifically known as Vigna mungo, black gram or black lentils is one of the best home remedies to eliminate metallic taste in the mouth.

Its antioxidant properties help activate the taste buds, while its antimicrobial properties kill germs and prevent tongue inflammation.

The remedy is not good, if:

  • You have canker sores Citric acid in lemon leaves can worsen the condition.
  • There are no known side effects of consuming black gram. However, some say it causes flatulence.
Leaves of Spondias Pinnata (Wild Mango):

Process:

  1. Take some fresh leaves of Spondias pinnata.
  2. Wash them properly with water.
  3. Masticate them raw or cook them and consume them with food.
  4. Continue for a few days to get rid of the metallic taste in your mouth.
How does it work?

Pinnata Spondias leaves are enriched with an abundance of natural phenolic compounds and flavonoids, exhibiting antioxidant and free radical scavenging properties.

However, these leaves are one of the best home remedies for metallic taste in the mouth due to gallic acid in them.

The remedy is not good, if:

  • You are suffering from heart problems.
Salt and baking soda:

Process:

  1. Mix baking soda and salt.
  2. Sprinkle some of this powder mixture over the toothpaste before brushing.
  3. Repeat this for a few days to eliminate the metallic taste in your mouth.
How does it work?

Baking soda: 100% sodium bicarbonate is found naturally in mineral springs. This compound has a very mild abrasive action, which helps freshen the breath, remove the plaque and deodorize the teeth.

Sal: when it comes to maintaining healthy oral hygiene, salt has always been preferred. A salt water mouth rinse has been practiced for centuries.

The raw salt is made up of sodium chloride, which restricts bacterial growth in the mouth and helps to neutralize the acids, thus allowing to get rid of the taste of the metal.

The remedy is not good, if:

  • You have weak tooth enamel. Sodium bicarbonate is abrasive. Using it repeatedly can make the problem worse.
  • You are using permanent retainers. The mixture can damage the dental glue.
Green tea:

Process:

  1. Buy a green tea bag. If there are fresh leaves available, it is even better.
  2. Boil the contents of the package (or the green tea leaves) in 2 cups of water.
  3. Wait until the amount drops to 1 cup.
  4. Drink when there is heat.
How does it work?

Green tea: herbal tea is full of antioxidants, which help fight bacterial infections and control inflammations. Green tea is well known for its bitterness, natural stimulating effects, and characteristic flavor.

It is the best remedy to decrease iron taste in the mouth due to chemical substances known as catechin polyphenols (or tannins).

These contribute to astringency and bitter taste. In addition to helping a person eliminate the metallic taste in the mouth, green tea prevents cavities, maintains adequate health of the gums, delays oral cancer, and maintains general hygiene of the mouth.

The remedy is not good, if:

  • You have swelling in your mouth.
  • He has diabetes.
  • You have diarrhea
  • You have liver problems.
  • You have weak bones.
  • You have high blood pressure .
  • You are suffering from glaucoma.
Cinnamon powder and organic honey:

Process:

  1. Take one teaspoon of cinnamon powder and one teaspoon of organic and raw honey.
  2. Mix both ingredients properly.
  3. Keep the paste on your tongue for 10 minutes.
  4. Rinse the mouth thoroughly.

Do this twice a day for at least a month or two to eliminate the metallic taste in your mouth.

How does it work?

Cinnamon: This spice stick can do incredible wonders for health. It exhibits antidiabetic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, soothing, antiflatuous, and carminative properties.

This herbal stick is a good source of iron, magnesium, manganese, calcium, and potassium. Its pungent smell plays a vital role in activating the taste buds.

In addition, other compounds that help eliminate metallic taste in the mouth include ethyl cinnamate, cinnamaldehyde, linalool, methyl chavicol, and beta-caryophyllene.

Honey: Raw honey is another ingredient that helps stimulate the taste buds. It has vast amounts of polyphenols and flavonoids that work as active antioxidants. These together help eliminate the sour taste of iron that accompanies Dysgeusia.

The remedy is not good, if:

  • You have severe mouth ulcers.
  • You have sores in your mouth.

Tips to keep in mind:

A clean mouth is a sign of solid teeth, tongue, and healthy gums. Remember the following:

  • Maintain good oral hygiene.
  • Always brush your teeth twice a day. This prevents plaque buildup, cavities, and a metallic taste in the mouth.
  • Drink plenty of water and natural fluids.
  • Stay away from junk and processed food.
  • Eat organic foods
  • Use plastic utensils while eating for a few days until the taste of the metal in your mouth goes away.