Causes of bloody taste in mouth
Taste buds, located mainly on the tongue and in the oral cavity, help us identify the chemical components of food and drinks. They help us distinguish flavors and identify nutrients, as well as warn us about things that may be harmful. When taste buds are stimulated, they send signals to the brain through special nerves, helping us perceive different flavors.
Poor taste, especially a metallic or bloody taste, can have many causes, ranging from minor injuries to systemic health problems. Common causes include:
Mouth injury: When you accidentally bite your tongue or cheek or suffer dental damage, it can cause blood in your saliva, causing a metallic taste.
Nosebleeds: Blood from a nosebleed can run down the throat, creating a metallic taste.
Dry mouth: When your body doesn't produce enough saliva (due to dehydration or a side effect of medication), the tissues in your mouth can become irritated, causing you to taste blood.
Conditions that can lead to a bloody or metallic taste in the mouth
Gum disease: Gingivitis and periodontitis can cause bleeding gums and a metallic taste in the mouth. When plaque builds up along the gums, bacteria cause inflammation, making the gums bleed easily when brushing or flossing. If left untreated, the disease can lead to periodontitis, which can loosen teeth and cause bad breath.
Systemic health conditions: Conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, anemia, kidney disease, or liver problems can change the composition of your blood, causing a metallic taste in your mouth. Iron supplements used to treat anemia can also be a cause.
Acid reflux: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) causes stomach acid to back up into the esophagus, which can cause the acid and blood to mix, creating a strange taste in the mouth.
When should you see a doctor?
Although the occasional taste of blood may not be a cause for concern, you should seek medical advice if you experience:
Prolonged symptoms: Bloody stools last longer than a week or recur frequently.
Associated bleeding: Blood in the saliva that is not caused by brushing or flossing.
Other symptoms: Fatigue, swelling, bad breath, or unexplained weight loss.
Changing medications: If the taste appears at the same time as starting a new medication.
Dr. Naik emphasizes that consulting an ENT doctor can help identify and address the cause, ensuring your health.
