Metalic taste?
Many patients come to LSDC Clinic saying the same thing:
“Food just does not taste right anymore.”
For some, everything tastes bitter or metallic. Others notice a constant sour or foul taste, even after brushing their teeth. Meals become less enjoyable. Appetite drops. Anxiety often follows.
At first, most people assume it is temporary. A recent cold. Stress. Something they ate. But when the taste change persists for weeks or months, it can be a sign that something deeper is going on, often involving the digestive system.
What does a change in taste feel like?
We rely on taste to enjoy food and maintain good nutrition. Humans recognise five core tastes: sweet, sour, bitter, salty, and umami. Digestive conditions can interfere with how these signals are processed.
Patients commonly describe:
Metallic taste
Bitter taste
Sour or acidic taste
Foul or unpleasant taste
Reduced taste or complete loss of taste (ageusia)
These sensations may be intermittent or constant and often persist even after eating or brushing teeth.
A persistent change in taste should not be ignored. It may be an early clue to an underlying condition.
Symptoms that may point to a digestive cause
Taste changes often occur alongside other gastrointestinal or throat symptoms, such as:
Acid reflux (heartburn) and indigestion
Swallowing difficulties (dysphagia)
Chronic cough or throat clearing
Chest discomfort
Upper abdominal pain
Hoarseness of voice
Nausea or vomiting
Bloating
Bad breath
Dry mouth
When these symptoms cluster together, digestive conditions are frequently involved.
When to seek urgent medical attention
Most taste changes do not require emergency care. However, immediate medical assessment is important if a change in taste occurs with:
Difficulty breathing or swallowing
Sudden loss of taste after a head injury
New neurological symptoms
In these situations, urgent evaluation is essential.
Digestive causes of a change in taste
Lifestyle factors such as smoking, dental problems, medications, and supplements can affect taste. However, several digestive conditions are known to cause persistent dysgeusia, including:
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD)
Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR or silent reflux)
Gastritis
Functional dyspepsia
Functional heartburn
Gastrointestinal infections
Nutrient deficiencies
Burning mouth syndrome (BMS)
GORD and silent reflux
GORD is one of the most common causes of a long-lasting unpleasant taste. Acid reflux can lead to a bitter or sour taste, bad breath, bloating, and throat irritation.
LPR, often called silent reflux, may cause taste changes, hoarseness, and throat symptoms without obvious heartburn, making it easy to miss.
Burning mouth syndrome
Burning mouth syndrome is less common but often causes a metallic or bitter taste. Patients describe a burning sensation affecting the tongue, lips, or mouth. Symptoms typically worsen as the day progresses, which helps distinguish it from reflux-related problems.
Medications that may affect taste
Several medications are known to alter taste perception, including:
Antibiotics, such as metronidazole
Antihistamines
Antidepressants
Blood pressure medications
Diuretics
Beta blockers
Multivitamins containing iron, zinc, or copper
Identifying medication-related causes is an important part of assessment.
How we investigate taste changes at LSDC
During your consultation, we take time to understand:
When the taste change started
Whether it varies during the day or after meals
Associated digestive or throat symptoms
Medication and supplement use
Medical and family history
Based on this, we may recommend targeted tests. A gastroscopy (upper endoscopy) is commonly used to assess conditions such as GORD, LPR, gastritis, and functional disorders.
If burning mouth syndrome is suspected, we may arrange blood tests to check for nutritional deficiencies and perform a mouth swab to exclude fungal infection.
Treatment options
Treatment depends on the underlying cause. At LSDC, plans are always individualised.
Options may include:
Lifestyle and dietary changes
Adjusting current medications or supplements
Acid suppression therapy where appropriate
Nutritional support
Referral to dental or other specialists if needed
Surgery is considered only in selected cases where symptoms are severe and do not respond to medical treatment.
Practical lifestyle steps that may help
Simple changes can reduce symptoms while investigations are underway:
Stop smoking
Drink adequate fluids
Chew sugar-free gum
Choose cooler foods if hot foods worsen symptoms
Avoid reflux triggers such as alcohol, coffee, and late meals
Limit very spicy or overly sweet foods
Add flavour using herbs, lemon, or mild sauces
Maintain good oral hygiene, including tongue cleaning
Switch from metal cutlery to plastic or glass if metallic taste is prominent
If symptoms persist, it is important not to simply tolerate them. A structured assessment often leads to clear answers and effective treatment.