Have you ever heard someone say, “That left a bad taste in my mouth”? Now, imagine having a lingering metallic taste that changes the way you experience food and drinks, making it hard to enjoy the foods you love. This metallic taste overpowers every bite and sip you take. As a result, eating becomes disappointing because the foods you used to find delicious now taste strange and unappetizing.

Changes in how you taste things can affect your well-being. One MyLupusTeam member asked, “Does anyone here have a metallic taste in their mouth?” Another replied, “That happens to me … I lost weight due to this.”

In this article, we will explore the reasons behind this strange sensation. We’ll focus on factors that are specific to lupus as well as other possible causes that can contribute to a persistent metallic taste. We’ll also discuss strategies you can try to cope with the long-lasting bad taste in your mouth.

1. Side Effects of Lupus Medications and Treatments

It may seem strange, but changes in taste and smell are common side effects caused by medications. In fact, researchers estimate that about 50 of the top 100 drugs in the United States cause these side effects. Therefore, it’s no surprise that some treatments for lupus may cause changes in your sense of taste.

Methotrexate, azathioprine (Imuran), and cyclosporine can all cause changes in your sense of taste. Some supplements used to help with lupus symptoms, such as fish oil, can also cause a bad taste in your mouth.

Other Medications That May Cause a Metallic Taste

A few of the medications unrelated to lupus that can affect your taste include certain:

• Antibiotics
• Blood pressure medications
• Diabetes treatments
• Chemotherapy drugs
• Antidepressants

If you think your medications may be causing changes in the way you taste things, talk with your rheumatology provider. They may be able to adjust your dose or change your meds to help you manage these side effects.

2. Dental and Oral Health Conditions

Having good oral health is important, especially for those with lupus. Xerostomia (dry mouth), a common issue for people living with lupus, can increase your risk of dental problems such as tooth decay and gum disease.

When your mouth doesn’t have enough saliva to wash away bacteria and neutralize acids, it can lead to cavities and inflammation of your gums. That’s why people with lupus need to take good care of their mouths. Regular brushing, flossing, and using mouth rinses can help prevent these problems.

It’s also essential to see a dentist regularly, as they can provide professional cleanings and check for any signs of tooth or gum issues.

If you have lupus, be sure to discuss your condition with your dentist, as they can tailor your oral care routine to address the specific challenges associated with the disease.

General Oral Hygiene

Separate from lupus, poor dental hygiene alone can lead to a metallic taste in your mouth. When you don’t brush your teeth often enough or clean your mouth properly, bacteria can build up and can make things taste metallic. Not taking care of your mouth can also lead to gum diseases like gingivitis or periodontitis, which can make your gums swell and bleed. This lack of oral care can add to the metallic taste sensation.

Oral Thrush

Oral thrush, a common fungal infection caused by an overgrowth of yeast in the oral cavity (mouth), can lead to unpleasant tastes. When you have oral thrush, the yeast can change the way things taste in your mouth, resulting in a bad or sometimes metallic taste that lingers.

Some of the medications you take for lupus, like the corticosteroid prednisone, can disrupt the natural balance of microorganisms in your mouth and increase your chances of developing oral thrush.

The presence of oral thrush can also further disrupt the natural balance of bacteria and yeast in your mouth, which can also affect your sense of taste. Although oral thrush is uncomfortable, it’s not likely to cause serious issues unless your immune system is really weak.

3. Nutritional Deficiencies

Sometimes, having a metallic taste in your mouth can happen because your body is not getting all the necessary nutrients it needs. If you have a metallic taste in your mouth, your body may need more zinc, vitamin B3, or vitamin B12.

To help manage these deficiencies and reduce the metallic taste, you’ll need to eat a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats.

Sometimes, your health care provider may recommend supplements to make sure you’re getting enough nutrients. They can also monitor your nutrient levels and help you address any deficiencies to manage symptoms like the metallic taste in your mouth.

4. Sjögren’s Syndrome

An autoimmune disease is a condition that happens when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own healthy cells and tissues. Sjögren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disease related to lupus in which your immune system mistakenly attacks the glands in your body that produce moisture, like the ones in your mouth (salivary glands). This condition can cause symptoms like dry eyes and a dry mouth.

Having a dry mouth means you have less saliva to wash away and dilute food, which can cause you to notice a weird metallic or bitter taste in your food. If you’re experiencing this symptom, talk to your doctor so they can help figure out what’s causing it and how to treat it.

5. Kidney Disease

Kidney disease develops when your kidneys can’t do their job of filtering waste from your blood. One symptom of late-stage kidney disease is a metallic taste in your mouth. This symptom happens because waste products and toxins build up in your bloodstream, which can affect your taste buds and make things taste metallic or bitter.

Kidney disease is a common complication of lupus nephritis, which is kidney inflammation caused by lupus. In people with lupus, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues, including the kidneys, leading to kidney dysfunction. Be sure to seek medical advice if you have lupus nephritis and experience a lingering taste of metal in your mouth.

6. Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus is an ongoing metabolic disorder that affects about 1 in 11 adults worldwide. In diabetes, the body cannot properly control the blood levels of glucose, which leads to many short-term and long-term complications.

Some studies have implied that people with lupus have a slightly higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Diabetes can cause dysgeusia, a distorted sense of taste. Some people with dysgeusia may have a strange taste in their mouth even when they aren’t eating or drinking anything.

If you have diabetes, it’s normal to experience a metallic taste and you should discuss it with your doctor.

7. Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a dysfunction of the thyroid gland, which is seen frequently in people with lupus. One complication of hypothyroidism is having an altered sense of taste. This complication seems to be reversible with medication once the thyroid gland function is back to normal.

8. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) — also known as acid reflux — is a condition in which stomach acid flows back into your esophagus (the tube connecting your throat and stomach). One symptom of GERD is a sour or metallic taste in your mouth. Along with the metallic taste, you might experience other gastrointestinal symptoms like heartburn, a feeling of food coming back up, mouth ulcers, and difficulty with swallowing.

Making lifestyle changes such as avoiding certain foods, maintaining a healthy weight, and taking certain medications may help reduce GERD symptoms. Speak with your doctor about treatment options if you think you have GERD.

9. Pregnancy

Pregnancy can bring about various changes in the body, including how things taste. This symptom results from hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy. Foods that used to taste good may now have a weird flavor. Some describe it as a metallic or bitter taste. This metallic taste is usually temporary and goes away after pregnancy.

10. Food Allergies

A metallic taste in your mouth can be an early sign of anaphylaxis, a dangerous allergic reaction. This reaction can happen if you eat something you are extremely allergic to, such as shellfish or tree nuts. Seek medical help immediately if the metallic taste in your mouth is accompanied by other symptoms of anaphylaxis, such as swelling in your face, neck, or tongue.

Your Doctor Is Your Best Resource

If the metallic taste doesn’t go away or if you have other concerning symptoms, it’s always a good idea to see a doctor. They can help figure out what might be causing the problem and give you options to treat or cope with this symptom.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MyLupusTeam is the social network for people with lupus and their loved ones. On MyLupusTeam, more than 223,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with lupus.

Have you ever had a metallic taste in your mouth? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.