A Case Series: Zinc Deficiency as a Potential
Contributor to Oral Dysgeusia
Volume 2 - Issue 5
Guangzhao (Simon) Guan1* and Li (Peter) Mei2
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- 1Department of Oral Diagnostic and Surgical Sciences, University of Otago, New Zealand
- 2Department of Oral Sciences, University of Otago, New Zealand
*Corresponding author:
Guangzhao Guan, Department of Oral Diagnostic and Surgical Sciences, University of Otago, School of Dentistry,
310 Great King Street, Dunedin, New Zealand, Postal address: PO Box 647, Dunedin 9054
Received: June 12, 2018; Published: June 18, 2018
DOI: 10.32474/MADOHC.2018.02.000146
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Abstract
Oral dysgeusia is relatively common, and may be caused by a number of factors. Zinc is a trace element that is critical for
many enzymatic activities inside the body. Zinc deficiency is one of the causes of oral dysgeusia. The purpose of this study was to
report three cases of oral dysgeusia. Haematological investigation revealed reduction in serum zinc level in all patients. They were
prescribed with zinc supplement. Symptoms improved after a month of oral zinc supplementation. Zinc supplement appears to
restore oral disturbance due to zinc deficiency and idiopathic taste disorders. However, we still cannot rule the placebo effect.
Keywords: Oral Dysgeusia; Taste Disorders; Zinc Deficiency; Zinc Supplement
Abbreviations: GP: General Practitioner; BMS: Burning Mouth Syndrome
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