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Metallic taste

A metallic taste is not usually serious. What you can do to get rid of it will depend on the cause.

Common causes of a metallic taste

There are lots of possible causes of a metallic taste in the mouth.

Common causes include:

  • gum disease
  • taking certain medicines, like metronidazole or zopiclone
  • cancer treatments, like chemotherapy and radiotherapy
  • colds, sinus infections and other airway problems
  • indigestion
  • being pregnant

Sometimes, a lost or changed sense of smell can cause a metallic taste in your mouth.

How to get rid of a metallic taste

If you have a metallic taste in your mouth, what you can do to get rid of it depends on what's causing it. It will sometimes go away by itself.

Common causes of metallic taste and what to do
Cause What you can do
Cause

Gum disease

What you can do

Regularly brush your teeth, use dental floss, have a dental check-up every 6 months

Cause

Taking certain medicines

What you can do

Speak to a pharmacist for advice – do not stop taking prescribed medicine without medical advice

Cause

Chemotherapy or radiotherapy

What you can do

Eat stronger tasting food like ginger and spices, and suck on boiled sweets

Cause

Colds and other problems with your airways

What you can do

The taste should go away once the problem has cleared up

Cause

Indigestion

What you can do

The taste should go away after treating indigestion

Cause

Being pregnant

What you can do

The taste is usually temporary and clears up by itself

Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:

  • you have a metallic taste that does not go away
  • the metallic taste has no obvious cause

Page last reviewed: 04 August 2023
Next review due: 04 August 2026