What does it mean to have a metallic taste in your mouth?

Metallic taste in the mouth – occurs especially in patients who have multiple amalgam fillings or metal prosthetics. Nowadays, biocompatible, aesthetic materials are recommended that have fewer side effects. 

These old works were great for times past when there were no options. Today, the dental materials market offers a number of healthy alternatives for the body.

The recommendation is that the metalwork be replaced with new, properly adapted ones.

What causes a metallic taste in our mouth?

Often under amalgam fillings they find secondary cavities that need to be treated or the fillings are no longer correctly adapted. The amalgam filling is removed with the help of burs (the laser energy is reflected by metal surfaces and therefore is not effective in removing the metal) and underneath it, it is treated with the help of a laser . When the cavity is cleaned, the composite material is applied that will restore the tooth functionally and aesthetically.

Metal-based or all-metal prosthetics need to be replaced with biocompatible and aesthetic materials. Often they are no longer properly adapted to the bite or gum and require replacement. The new works will extend the life of the teeth underneath the work.

Unfortunately, a restoration falls out with the tooth underneath it, in which case another treatment plan must be considered. To prevent this from happening, prosthetic restorations must be replaced every few years, when problems arise either clinically or radiologically .

What is the cause of the various unpleasant tastes we have in our mouths?

Patients experience all kinds of tastes throughout their lives depending on a number of factors:

• whatever he eats
• or other diseases not related to the oral cavity
• either periodontal problems

These tastes, if they appear from time to time and do not last long, are most often unnoticed by patients, but when they return daily or the patient has that taste in their mouth no matter what they eat or drink, it is necessary to contact the dentist. 

The smell of periodontal disease is specific, often persists even after the patient leaves the office. The taste is also specific, fetid, and does not disappear even after brushing at home for a maximum of a few minutes.

Often these patients have difficulty maintaining strict dental hygiene and do not regularly visit the dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings. As large amounts of plaque and tartar accumulate, which are deposits of bacteria that emit unpleasant odors, inflame the gums, and have a specific taste, the patient begins to notice gingival bleeding , which is the most common symptom (except for patients who smoke or use toothpastes recommended in advertisements for treating periodontitis).

In the absence of specific measures: scaling, brushing and air-flow , these bacteria will continue to affect the gums and then reach the bone that supports the teeth. At this stage, periodontal pockets and bone retraction appear, which over time lead to increased tooth mobility with tooth loss.

Prevention consists of cleanings performed every 6 months or more frequently if the doctor indicates this. I usually recommend cleanings every 3 months for patients:

• SMOKING
• with periodontal problems
• with orthodontic appliances
• with multiple prosthetic works, possibly also implants

However, if periodontal disease has set in, then it is necessary to have periodontal laser treatment done as soon as possible.

By replacing the metal work, that metallic taste in the mouth will disappear and the patient will feel a pleasant, comfortable state and his self-confidence will increase. In addition, the smell will be improved if the work is correctly adapted and does not retain bacterial plaque.