Metallic Taste (Dysgeusia): 8 Causes & When to Investigate

Common Causes

1. Xerostomia – dehydration, meds (anticholinergics), Sjögren's.
2. Poor oral hygiene – gingivitis, periodontitis.
3. Dietary – high-iron supplements, metal cookware, certain fish.
4. Medications – antibiotics (metronidazole), ACE inhibitors, chemo, lithium.
5. Dental work – galvanic currents from dissimilar metals.
6. Systemic disease – diabetes, CKD, liver failure, neuro disorders.
7. Pregnancy – hormonal dysgeusia (1st trimester).
8. Environmental – lead, mercury, copper exposure.

Action

Persistent >2 weeks → primary care → targeted workup per history.