What Causes Metallic Taste On The Side Of The Tongue?

Posted on Thu, 10 Nov 2016

Question: I am experiencing a metallic taste on the front of my tongue - especially when I drink a carbonated beverage and sometimes there's a feeling of numbness in the tongue and the rough of my mouth. By the way of bsckground, my husband has CMT and is handicapped as a result. In addition he fell on Mar. 30 and spent 4 months in rehab where I attended him every day - brought every meal and helped him to try to walk again. He's home but we now experience a new set of challenges as he adjusts to this setting. Have read that some of these symptoms can be related to stress which is why I offer this additional information. Also I've been dealing with some serious dental issues and had an extraction in March but had to postpone the implant because of the situation with my husband - just had the implant last week. My Dentist identified a problem with my tongue scraping over the area prior to implant so I'm not sure if this is also part of the problem. Anyway just trying to provide as much as

Answered by Dr. Bonnie Berger-Durnbaugh (24 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Thoughts on this.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome,

Metallic taste can sometimes be from acid reflux and it can also be the taste of blood in the mouth. It is hard to know for sure. Since it increases after having carbonated drinks, it may more likely be acid reflux. You can try to see if an acid reducer will help.

I suggest trying Zantac (generic is ranitidine) 150 mg twice a day for 5 days and seeing if this helps at all. If it does, then continue taking it for 2 weeks. Ranitidine is an H2 blocker as opposed to the very popular, highly marketed, proton pump inhibitors which are also available without prescription. But the proton pump inhibitors come with more risks of side effects and also the potential for rebound hyperacidity when they are stopped.

I do hope you are able to get some some relief from your stress - perhaps have occasional respite care while you go out with your friends or family?

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar