Are Your Gums Giving You a Metallic Taste in Your Mouth?
If you have had a metallic taste in your mouth for a few days or even weeks, then you'll have tried to work out where the taste is coming from. If you've had this for a while, then it isn't likely to be caused by stuff you're eating or drinking. You may also have ruled out medications or illnesses as a cause of the taste.
If you're at a loss to work out what is going on with your taste buds, then it may be time to consider whether you have a dental problem. For example, some gum problems give you a metallic taste in your mouth. How can you tell if your gums are doing this?
Gum Disease and Taste
Sometimes, you get a metallic taste in your mouth when it is exposed to substances or materials that aren't usually there. If your gums are infected or bleed regularly, then you may be tasting the infection or trace amounts of blood as it passes into your saliva.
You may not see any signs of infection or any blood, but your mouth is tasting it as it leaks out of your gums. If you think this could be a possible cause of the bad taste in your mouth, then look for other signs of gum problems.
Other Gum Disease Symptoms
While gum disease can affect all of your gums, it can also be restricted to small areas. Look at your gums in a mirror. They should be a healthy pink colour.
If you see any signs of redness or swelling, then you may have the start of gum disease or an issue with a tooth that has spread to the gum. This may or may not give you pain as well as a bad taste in your mouth.
One of the first real signs of gum problems is bleeding after you brush. Next time you clean your teeth, check when you spit out for any traces of blood. Check your toothbrush too. If parts of your gum hurt when you brush them, then this is also a sign that you have a problem.
If you think your gums are playing up, make an appointment to see your dentist. A metallic taste doesn't mean you have full-blown gum disease, but it can be a sign that you need treatment. Your dentist can take a look and tell you if the taste you have in your mouth is due to a gum problem.
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