Experiencing a strange metallic taste in the mouth is generally termed as Dysgeusia. The metallic taste can be bitter, bad, iron or foul taste in the mouth which causes a poor sense of taste and vomiting.
One can experience both persistent and unpleasant experience which not only generates a bitter taste even from your favorite dish but also results in loss of appetite and depression.
Acid reflux, breathing through the mouth, sinus problems, dehydration, diabetes, dry mouth, respiratory problems, poor oral hygiene, pregnancy, smoking, middle ear surgery, dementia, hyperparathyroidism, certain medications, etc. are some causes for this dysgeusia.
Metallic taste can be easily treated at home with simple natural remedies and some lifestyle changes. But be sure to consult your doctor, if this problem becomes chronic.
Home Remedies to Deal with Metallic Taste in the Mouth:
Here are the best remedies that help you a lot in treating dysgeusia. Follow these natural remedies along with some oral hygiene to get rid of the problem.
Let’s get started.
Remedy – 1: (Apple Cider Vinegar)
Apple cider vinegar (ACV) helps to balance the pH levels in the mouth by alkalizing the acidic environment in the mouth. It also flushes away the metallic taste by stimulating the saliva with its sour taste.
- Mix 1 – 2 tablespoons of raw and unfiltered ACV in 1 glass of water.
- Stir well and drink it once or twice daily by using a straw to prevent the teeth damage.
- Or you can also add a little of honey to this water before drinking.
Note: Or use ACV in salad dressings or to marinate pickles.
Remedy – 2: (Salt Water Rinse)
Salt water rinse will play a major role in maintaining oral hygiene, as it restricts the germs or microbes in the mouth and neutralizes acids to get rid of the metal taste.
- Mix 1 teaspoon of salt in 1 cup of lukewarm water.
- Stir well till the salt dissolves completely.
- Use it to rinse your mouth for 2 – 3 times daily (once in morning after brushing and once at night before bedtime).
Remedy – 3: (Baking Soda)
Baking soda regulates the pH of your mouth by balancing the acid – alkaline in the body. It helps to eliminate the harmful bacteria and the buildup of plaque in the mouth.
- Mix 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in 1 glass of warm water.
- Stir well and use this mix as your mouth rinse.
- Do it once daily to get rid of metallic taste in the mouth.
Note: Or sprinkle a pinch of baking soda (include salt) on your toothbrush and use it to brush your teeth for twice daily to reduce the acidic levels in the mouth.
Remedy – 4: (Oil Pulling)
Toxins and improper oral care are the main reasons behind this metal taste in the mouth. Oil pulling is the best Ayurvedic way to solve this problem, as it removes toxins and odor causing germs in the mouth.
It effectively stimulates the key meridians in the tongue (where taste buds meet organs). Here is the detailed explanation on how to do oil pulling properly.
- Place 1 tablespoon of virgin coconut oil in your mouth.
- Swish it around the mouth and through your teeth for 15 – 20 minutes.
- Spit out the oil when it turns milky and rinse your mouth thoroughly with water.
- Continue this oil pulling for once daily till you get rid of the metallic taste and then do it once or twice a month for proper oral care.
Note: Never ever gargle or swallow this oil after oil pulling.
Remedy – 5: (Cinnamon)
Cinnamon spice is very effective in treating oral problems including metallic taste in the mouth. It has antioxidants, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that help you to get rid of this metallic taste in the mouth.
The pungent smell of cinnamon will help to activate the taste buds. Here are few ways of using cinnamon for treating metal taste in the mouth.
- Mix 1 teaspoon each of cinnamon powder and raw honey to make a fine paste. Apply it on the tongue and keep it for 10 minutes. Rinse off with water and repeat twice daily.
- Mix 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon powder to 1 cup of water. Stir well and boil it for few minutes. Let it steep for a couple of minutes and drink this cinnamon tea for 2 – 3 times daily.
- Make a habit of chewing a small piece of a cinnamon stick after eating the meals to get rid of cavities, bad breath and build up of plaque or tartar.
Remedy – 6: (Lemon)
Lemon has citric acid and rich content of vitamin C that helps to break this metal taste in the mouth. It also fights against the bacteria or other germs causing this foul taste.
Regular intake will stimulate saliva which in turn helps to counter the metallic taste in the mouth.
- Mix the freshly extracted juice of 1/2 a lemon in 1 glass of lukewarm water.
- Stir well and use it to rinse the mouth to prevent this problem.
- Continue doing this lemon water rinse for 2 – 3 times daily.
Note:
- Or sprinkle some salt on a piece of lemon and rub it on the tongue, which helps to enhance the taste buds.
- Also, chew some tender leaves of lemon (or) add it to the salads or soup recipes to get rid of metallic taste in the mouth.
Tips and Precautions:
- If you suffer from dysgeusia related to gut problems then green tea is the best solution with its antibacterial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that combat the metal taste. Drink 2 – 3 cups of green tea daily (or) take its supplements.
- Peppermint treats dysgeusia and bad breath that caused due to sinus and respiratory problems by restricting the growth of bacteria in the mouth. Chew few fresh peppermint leaves (or) drink 1 – 2 cups of peppermint tea or use it rinse your mouth.
- Drink plenty of water daily to flush out the toxins present in the mouth. Also, include watery rich fruits or vegetables, herbal teas, clear broths, etc. in your diet.
- Follow some good oral hygiene practices like brushing the teeth twice daily, floss for once daily, rinse your mouth every time after each meal, change toothbrush for every 3 months, consult dentist once or twice in a year and clean your tongue daily.
- Avoid chewing tobacco and smoking, as it hampers the saliva production and causes halitosis and dysgeusia.
- Avoid using metallic utensils for eating till you get rid of this problem.
- Limit the intake of caffeine, alcohol and other sugary beverages to get relief from this metal taste in the mouth.
- Suck on some sugar – free candies or gums, which helps to promote the production of saliva that in turn clears bad breath, dysgeusia and enhance proper digestion.
- Include more of citrus fruits and fresh yogurt in your diet to produce saliva and prevent this problem.
- Spicy food will stimulate the saliva, clear the taste buds to get rid of metallic taste in the mouth. But be sure that not to take more of these spicy or fried foods, as they trigger acid reflux.
- Include protein rich foods like eggs, peanut butter, beans, dairy products, beans, fish, etc. as an alternative to meat and poultry while suffering from the metal taste.
- Consult your doctor if you’re suffering from this chronic dysgeusia for proper diagnose and treatment.
Try these natural remedies for dysgeusia and share your queries or experiences with us in the below comments box.
Leave a Reply