Does it seem like you’re chewing on tin foil all the time?
Though it’s no consolation, that metallic taste is a common complaint and in fact there are numerous possible causes for it.

A number of medications are known to cause a metallic taste as a side effect.  Some common ones include the antibiotics metronidazole and tetracycline, the diabetes medications glipizide, glyburide, and metformin, and the blood pressure medications captopril and lisinopril.  Dr. Andrew Weil, on his website www.drweil.com, further points out that lithium, used in bipolar disorder, is well-known as a drug that can cause this metallic taste.  Additionally, some of the cancer chemotherapeutic drugs can cause a metallic taste, as can penicillamine, used for rheumatoid arthritis, kidney stones, and conditions in which there is too much copper in the body.  When consulting a physician to identify the cause of this metallic taste, be sure to mention all the medications you are taking, as the above medications are only a few of the many that have metallic taste as a side effect.

If it’s not due to medication, the metallic taste could be a symptom of gum disease, and certainly warrants a visit to your dentist.  Additionally, dental work done in the past can break down and alter taste, and a dentist can address this issue as well.  Poor oral hygiene can also affect taste, so be sure to brush your teeth and tongue twice a day to remove bacteria and debris that can cause this odd taste.

Another possibility is that you are not drinking enough water.  Being dehydrated can alter your taste. Try to increase your water intake and see if that helps.  Drink a tall glass of water with each meal plus at least three more glasses throughout the day.  Drink more water than you think you need.  If you’re thirsty, you’re already dehydrated!

Take home message: It is unlikely that the metallic taste you sense is a symptom of a serious or life-threatening condition. See your physician and/or dentist to find out the source of this problem. The solution may be as simple and cheap as brushing your teeth more frequently.  Whatever the case, consult a doctor and your tin-man days will be numbered!

Thank you reader for your question: “What can cause a constant metal taste in the mouth??”