Metallic tastes in people’s mouths are more common than you can think. It is not strange to hear a person saying they taste metals or coins in their mouths.
This could be caused by a number of reasons, both life-threatening and non-threatening. For some, this could be a sign of an illness like cancer, diabetes. liver and kidney problems which are yet to be diagnosed.
If you have been checked and you know you are healthy, here are the other possible reasons you have that ‘chuma’ taste in your mouth.
1. Pregnancy
Many pregnant women experience the taste of metals and coins in their mouths. This usually happens during the early stages of pregnancy and is quite common.
2. Poor Oral hygiene
Believe it or not but lack of proper oral hygiene is bound to make your mouth taste like metals. This is due to a build-up of an infection or gum problems. To avoid this you have to ensure you brush your teeth every day.
3. Infections
Many infections that affect the upper respiratory system usually cause a change in the sense of taste. These include colds and sinuses. Therefore, it is not uncommon to have a metallic tasting mouth.
4. Medical Drugs
Many medical drugs contain some metals such as zinc and iron which leave a metallic aftertaste in your mouth. These include over the counter drugs, vitamins and prescription drugs.
Your body absorbs the medicine and it comes out in the saliva. Medicines that can cause a dry mouth, such as antidepressants, can make your mouth taste like metals.
5. Chemotherapy
Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and treatment also taste metals in their mouths a lot.
6. Exposure to chemicals
If you are exposed to chemicals such as lead and mercury, they are likely to make your mouth taste metallic.