Does your mouth have the taste of old pennies? The condition is more common than you might think.

If you are otherwise healthy, the cause for that metallic tang typically is benign.

A metallic taste can indicate serious illness, such as kidney or liver problems, undiagnosed diabetes or certain cancers. But these reasons are not common and usually are accompanied by other symptoms.

If you are otherwise healthy, the cause for that metallic tang typically is benign, says family medicine physician Michael Rabovsky, MD. Dr. Rabovsky is Chairman of the Department of Family Medicine and the Vice Chairman of the Medicine Institute at the Cleveland Clinic.

If a metallic taste in your mouth is your only complaint, the cause might be one of several, including prescription drugs or a medical condition. Here, according to Dr. Rabovsky, are eight causes of a metallic taste in your mouth.

1. Poor oral hygiene can make your saliva taste like metal  

If you don’t brush and floss regularly, the result can be teeth and gum problems such as gingivitis, periodontitis and tooth infection. When bacteria accumulate in the mouth, they can produce a metallic flavor due to the breakdown of oral tissues.

These infections can be cleared up with a prescription from your dentist. The metal taste typically goes away after the infection is gone.

2. Dry mouth can be the reason for testing pennis

Saliva plays a crucial role in washing away food particles and neutralizing acids in the mouth. When saliva production decreases, often due to dehydration or certain medical conditions, it can result in a metallic taste. Stay hydrated and consider using saliva-stimulating products if you frequently experience dry mouth.

3. Prescription drugs could cause that tin taste 

These medicines include:

  • Antibiotics such as tetracycline;
  • The gout medicine allopurinol;
  • Lithium, which is used to treat certain psychiatric conditions;
  • Some cardiac medications.

Your body absorbs the medicine and it comes out in the saliva. Also, certain medications can lead to dysgeusia, an altered sense of taste characterized by a metallic or bitter taste.

Also, medicines that can cause a dry mouth, such as antidepressants, can be a culprit. These can affect your taste because they close your taste buds.

If you’ve recently started taking a new medication and noticed this taste, consult your healthcare provider.

4. Over-the-counter vitamins or medicines may cause an aluminum taste

Multivitamins with heavy metals (such as copper, zinc, or chromium) or cold remedies (such as zinc lozenges) can cause a metallic taste. So can prenatal vitamins, and iron or calcium supplements.

Usually, the taste will go away as your body processes the vitamins or medicine. If not, check your dosage and make sure you are not taking too much.

Please note that inadequate intake of essential nutrients like zinc, vitamin B12, and copper can also lead to taste disturbances, including a metallic taste. Ensure you’re consuming a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains to prevent nutritional deficiencies.

5. Infections may lead to a bad metal taste

Upper respiratory infections, colds, and sinusitis change your sense of taste. This is temporary and usually ends when the infection does.

6. Acid reflux

Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, leading to heartburn and a sour or metallic taste in the mouth. Avoid trigger foods and beverages, elevate your head while sleeping, and consider over-the-counter antacids to manage acid reflux symptoms.

7. Cancer treatment often leads to a metallic taste 

Patients being treated for cancer with chemotherapy or radiation may experience a metallic taste.

8. Dementia may lead to your taste buds malfunctioning

People with dementia often have taste abnormalities. The taste buds are connected by nerves to the brain. Taste abnormalities can occur when the portion of the brain related to taste is not working properly.

9. Early pregnancy stages might cause a tangy taste in women’s mouths

During the early stages of pregnancy, some women find that their sense of taste changes. One of those changes may be a metallic taste. This symptom is usually temporary and resolves on its own.

10. Chemical exposures may lead to you actually tasting metal in your mouth

If you are exposed to mercury or lead, inhaling high levels of these substances often can produce a metallic taste.

Dr. Rabovsky says that if you experience a metallic taste, it’s best to talk with your doctor, who can then determine if you have a serious illness or condition.