Why Do I Feel Unwell and Taste Metal in My Mouth? Unraveling the Causes

September 30, 2025 •

5 min read

Dysgeusia, the medical term for a distorted sense of taste, is a common symptom reported by a significant portion of the population. When this metallic taste combines with a general feeling of being unwell, it can be unsettling and prompt the question: 'Why do I feel unwell and taste metal in my mouth?'

Quick Summary

This article explores the various reasons behind the unsettling combination of a metallic taste and feeling unwell. It covers common triggers like infections, medication, and poor oral hygiene, as well as less common but more serious chronic conditions.

Key Points

Infections: Respiratory issues like colds, flu, and sinusitis often cause a temporary metallic taste, accompanied by symptoms like fatigue and fever, due to the connection between taste and smell.
Medication Side Effects: Many drugs, including antibiotics, antidepressants, and chemotherapy agents, can cause dysgeusia as a side effect. High doses of mineral supplements can also be a culprit.
Poor Oral Health: Bacterial buildup from poor dental hygiene, gum disease, or oral infections can directly cause a metallic taste. Improving brushing and flossing habits is key.
Chronic Conditions: Persistent symptoms can signal more serious issues like kidney or liver disease, where waste product buildup affects taste perception.
When to See a Doctor: While often temporary, consult a doctor if the metallic taste is persistent, worsens, or is accompanied by other severe symptoms like swelling or trouble breathing.
Management: Staying hydrated, maintaining good oral hygiene, and adjusting your diet by using plastic utensils or incorporating tart flavors can help alleviate the unpleasant taste.

Infections and Illnesses Affecting Taste

One of the most frequent culprits behind feeling unwell and experiencing a metallic taste is a common infection. The link between these symptoms often relates to the body's inflammatory response and the close connection between your senses of taste and smell.

Respiratory and Sinus Infections

Upper respiratory tract infections, such as colds, the flu, and sinus infections, are a leading cause of altered taste. Congestion and post-nasal drip can coat the taste receptors on your tongue, and the inflammation can directly interfere with your sense of smell, which heavily influences your perception of taste. The "unwell" feeling comes from other infection symptoms like fever, headache, and fatigue. For example, the virus that causes COVID-19 has been widely documented to cause persistent taste and smell alterations.

Oral and Dental Health Issues

Poor oral hygiene can lead to an overgrowth of bacteria on the tongue, teeth, and gums. These bacteria can contribute to bad breath and a metallic taste. If you neglect flossing and brushing, it can progress to gum disease (gingivitis) and more advanced periodontal disease. These infections can cause bleeding gums, and the iron in the blood can create a distinct metallic flavor. A dental abscess or oral thrush, a fungal infection, can also produce a metallic or unpleasant taste.

Digestive and Stomach Problems

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or simple indigestion can cause stomach acid to travel up the esophagus and into the back of your throat and mouth. This can cause irritation and lead to a variety of altered taste sensations, including a metallic or sour flavor. Other symptoms of GERD, such as heartburn and a burning sensation, are often present as well.

Medications and Nutritional Factors

What you put into your body, from prescriptions to supplements, can have a significant impact on your sense of taste.

Side Effects of Drugs

More than 300 different medications have been known to cause dysgeusia. This can happen because the medicine is excreted into the saliva, affecting your taste buds directly. Common medication types associated with this side effect include:

Antibiotics (e.g., metronidazole, tetracyclines)
Certain antidepressants
Lithium-based medications
Blood pressure medications (e.g., ACE inhibitors)
Chemotherapy drugs

Mineral and Vitamin Imbalances

Supplementing with certain minerals can also cause a metallic taste, especially when taking high doses. These include supplements with high levels of iron, zinc, copper, or chromium. Conversely, a deficiency in vital nutrients, such as vitamin B12 or zinc, can also affect nerve function and taste perception.

Other Potential Causes

While less common, more serious underlying health conditions can manifest with a metallic taste and a general feeling of being unwell.

Chronic Kidney and Liver Disease

When the kidneys fail, waste products like urea build up in the blood, a condition called uremia. This buildup can cause a metallic taste, bad breath, and fatigue. Similarly, liver problems can alter your taste perception and cause a bitter or metallic taste.

Pregnancy

During the first trimester of pregnancy, hormonal fluctuations, particularly in estrogen levels, can cause a metallic taste, often accompanied by fatigue and other early pregnancy symptoms. This is a normal, temporary side effect known as dysgeusia during pregnancy.

Neurological and Systemic Conditions

Since nerves are responsible for transmitting taste signals to the brain, neurological conditions like stroke or dementia can affect taste. Rare systemic issues, such as heavy metal poisoning (e.g., lead or mercury) or a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), may also cause a metallic taste.

Comparison of Common Causes


Cause	Accompanying Symptoms	Management/Outlook
Respiratory Infections	Fever, fatigue, congestion, headache	Temporary; resolves once the infection clears. Stay hydrated and use saline rinses.
Medication Side Effects	Dry mouth, nausea (depends on drug)	Usually resolves when medication is stopped or adjusted by a doctor. Can be managed with diet changes.
Poor Oral Hygiene	Bleeding gums, bad breath, dental pain	Corrected with improved dental care (brushing, flossing, dental visits).
Pregnancy	Morning sickness, mood swings, fatigue	Temporary, often fades after the first trimester. Use home remedies.
Chronic Kidney/Liver Disease	Fatigue, itching, swelling, nausea	Requires medical diagnosis and management of the underlying condition.

Management Strategies and When to See a Doctor

For most common causes like infections or minor dental issues, the metallic taste is temporary and resolves with proper management. You can take some immediate steps to alleviate the discomfort:

Enhance Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth and tongue thoroughly at least twice daily. Regular flossing is also critical.
Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help dilute the taste and flush out bacteria.
Neutralize Taste: Rinsing your mouth with a saltwater or baking soda solution before meals can help.
Use Other Flavors: Chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on mints can help mask the taste. Adding tart flavors like citrus or vinegar to food can also help.
Adjust Diet: Avoid metal utensils by switching to plastic or bamboo to reduce the taste sensation. Some people find that red meat intensifies the metallic taste, and opting for other protein sources like fish or eggs can help.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While often harmless, the combination of a metallic taste and feeling unwell warrants a doctor's visit, especially if the symptoms persist or are accompanied by other worrying signs. Consult a healthcare professional if:

The metallic taste is persistent or worsens over time.
You experience severe symptoms like shortness of breath, significant swelling, or confusion.
You suspect your medication is the cause, but never stop a prescription without a doctor's guidance.
You have an underlying chronic illness, such as kidney disease or diabetes.

Conclusion

Feeling unwell and experiencing a metallic taste in your mouth is a multifaceted symptom with a wide range of potential causes, from simple infections and dietary factors to more complex chronic illnesses. Addressing the underlying issue, whether it's improving oral hygiene, adjusting medication, or treating an infection, is the key to resolution. For peace of mind and proper care, it is always recommended to consult a medical professional if the symptom is persistent or if you have any other concerns. A correct diagnosis ensures that you receive the appropriate treatment and can return to feeling your best.

Cleveland Clinic: Common Causes for a metallic taste in your mouth

Frequently Asked Questions

The medical term for a distorted or altered sense of taste, including a metallic taste, is dysgeusia.

Yes, common infections like colds, the flu, or sinus infections can cause a metallic taste. Congestion and inflammation can disrupt your sense of smell, which is closely linked to taste.

Yes, many medications, including certain antibiotics, antidepressants, and blood pressure drugs, can cause a metallic taste. It often occurs because the drug is excreted through the saliva.

A metallic taste is a relatively common symptom during the first trimester of pregnancy due to hormonal changes. It is usually temporary and resolves as the pregnancy progresses.

Poor oral hygiene allows bacteria to build up on the teeth and tongue, which can cause a metallic taste. Infections like gum disease, where bleeding can occur, can also introduce a metallic flavor.

You should see a doctor if the metallic taste is persistent, worsens, or is accompanied by other severe symptoms, as it could indicate a more serious underlying condition.

Yes. Using plastic utensils instead of metal and incorporating more acidic or tart foods and drinks like citrus can help mask the metallic flavor.