Lithium

Oral health effects

• Xerostomia (dry mouth)

  Dry mouth and increased thirst are common; metallic taste reported.

  Clinical management: Hydration, sugar-free gum/xylitol, salivary substitutes, high-fluoride products; reinforce caries prevention.

• Stomatitis / mucosal effects

  Occasional stomatitis and gingival inflammation.

  Clinical management: Symptomatic care; be aware of narrow therapeutic index and avoid interactions (e.g., NSAIDs raise lithium levels).

• Metallic or salty taste (dysgeusia)

  The label lists dysgeusia/taste distortion (e.g. metallic or salty taste). Currently mentioned only within the site's dry-mouth description.

  Clinical management: Ask about altered or metallic taste, which can reduce appetite and oral comfort; reassure that it is drug-related and often fades. Rule out oral candidiasis or poor hygiene as contributors and encourage sugar-free options rather than sweet foods/drinks used to mask the taste. New or worsening taste change with tremor, nausea or confusion can signal lithium toxicity and warrants contact with the prescriber.