Metallic breath smells can be experienced by everyone. This condition can be caused by mild things and can go away on its own, but it can also be caused by a disease that requires medical treatment.
Have you ever felt your mouth or breath smell metallic? Metallic breath can indicate you have gum disease or an upper respiratory infection. However, apart from these two diseases, metallic smelly breath can also be caused by a number of other conditions.
Causes of Metallic Smelly Breath
Metallic breath smells can be caused by a variety of things. Here is a brief explanation of some of the causes:
1. Gum disease
Metallic breath can be caused by periodontitis, gingivitis, and dental infections. These three disorders can occur if you do not maintain hygiene and dental health. In addition to metallic breath, gum disease can also cause swollen and bleeding gums, as well as bad breath.
To prevent metallic breath due to gum disease, it is recommended to brush your teeth regularly and have your teeth checked by a dentist every 6 months.
2. Consumption of certain drugs
Certain medications can also trigger a metallic odor in the mouth and breath, such as antibiotics, antihistamines, antivirals, antidepressants, antifungals, blood pressure medications, chemotherapy drugs, diabetes medications, steroids, and multivitamin and mineral supplements.
3. Cancer treatment
Patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy for cancer treatment, particularly neck cancer and head cancer, may experience metallic breath odor. Usually this condition will go away after cancer treatment is completed.
4. Infection
Colds, sinusitis, upper respiratory tract infections, to middle ear infections can cause abnormalities in the sense of smell and taste.
In addition to metallic breath, sufferers of this disorder will also experience nasal congestion, sore throat, and coughing. After the infection clears, usually the metallic breath will go away.
5. Pregnancy
Hormonal changes during pregnancy can trigger a variety of unusual conditions, such as metallic breath, especially in the first trimester. Fortunately, this condition is only temporary and will go away on its own.
6. Exposure to chemicals
Inhaling high levels of chemicals, such as insecticides, lead, and mercury, can cause the mouth and breath to smell metallic. Not only that, exposure to various chemicals can also cause serious complications for health.
7. Disorders of the brain and nervous system
Metallic breath and bad breath can also be experienced by patients with brain and nervous system disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, Bell’s palsy, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, brain injury, or brain tumors.
These various disorders can cause the brain to misinterpret signals that come from the sense of taste.
Disguise Metallic Breath
Handling metallic odor breath must be adjusted to the condition causing it. However, there are several ways that are believed to relieve or disguise metallic breath, namely:
- Chewing sugar free gum
- Eat with a wooden or plastic spoon
- Eating foods that contain spices
- Sufficient body fluids
- Quit smoking
- Brushing and flossing after eating
If you experience metallic smelling breath, don’t hesitate to consult a doctor. Your doctor can determine the cause and suggest appropriate treatment steps to treat your condition.
