Getting up with a salty taste in your mouth is one of the signs indicating changes happening in the body. Or, it may be something you had eaten. Do not worry, the salty mouth issue is more common than you think. Continue reading this blog and know 11 reasons why your mouth tastes salty.
Oral Cavity Infection
Inflammation in the gums is common because of bacterial buildup, which progresses into a periodontal disease. Infection is easily treatable when treated in the early stages. Severe damage only occurs when it is completely left untreated. You may experience the following symptoms too:
- Loose hanging teeth
- Bad mouth odor
- Pus formation
- Abscessed gum
Oral bleeding invites other infections, one of such is oral thrush. Thrush is a yeast infection which takes place in the mouth. It looks like white patch works on the tongue giving a dehydration effect.
Dry Mouth
Dry mouth – also referred to as xerostomia; is a condition in which you have a salty metallic taste in mouth because of lack of saliva. There are many reasons for a dry mouth, from age factor to medication side effects, you may have the following symptoms:
- Thick saliva secretion
- A sticky mouth
- Bad mouth odor with a sore throat
- Hoarse voice
A dry mouth goes away on its own. You should consume lots of water and stay away from acidic foods or eatables high in spice or salty contents. Get OTC oral rinse for saliva secretion.
Dehydration
If your tongue has gone white, the reason may be dehydration. It is a common reason for the salty taste in the mouth. Dehydration is not because of less water intake but also because of loss of fluids.
A good amount of fluid intake is necessary for maintenance of electrolytic balance in the body because most of the bodily functions depend on it.
Drinking 5 to 8 glasses of water is a daily recommendation for a normal human being. Dehydration with taste changes causes:
- Seizures
- Exhaustion because of heat
- Kidney problems
- Hypovolemic shock
Oral Cavity Bleeding
If none of the reasons above fit, bleeding in mouth might just. Usually, eating crunchy chips having sharp edges, or brushing hard might cause blood release in the oral cavity leaving a salty taste on the tongue.
Follow appropriate floss and brushing methods for getting rid of the bleeding and resultant taste changes. If you do nothing about it, the issue may progress to an infection.
Post-nasal Drip
Post-nasal drip occurs commonly because of a regular cold, sinus infections or allergies making your mouth taste salty. Mucus overproduction takes place and starts dripping at the back of the throat, the two mix up resulting in taste change.
Anti-allergies are prescribed for hypersensitivity while colds resolve themselves. Taking rest and staying hydrated is essential for smooth and fast recovery. Saline nasal sprays and blowing out snot from the nose are 2 types of techniques that easily clear the nasal passages.
However, it is not right if you have the following symptoms too
- Symptoms not getting better within 10 days
- High grade fever
- Green or white nasal discharge
- Blood oozing with nasal discharge
- Clear looking fluid leaking from the nose after a head trauma.
Medicinal Side Effects
If your diagnosed condition requires taking medicines regularly, then the salty taste on the tongue may be a side effect of that drug. Usually, dry mouth with a salty taste is common.
Notify your healthcare provider and inform about this recent development.
Hormone Changes
In women hormonal changes are ongoing and dynamic. Menopause and gestation are 2 phases of life in which a woman becomes highly sensitive, that is the reason why symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, headache, or salty taste in the mouth emerge.
Symptoms ease off with the trimesters and diminish after the baby’s birth. On the other hand, HRT – hormone replacement therapy is available for menopause.
Neurological Issues
Sometimes a break in the membranes make CSF – the cerebrospinal fluid leak out, dripping in the nasal cavity and mouth, changing taste.
Sjögren Syndrome
The body’s immune system attacks its moisture-producing glands like the tear ducts and salivary glands, turning the mouth extremely dry and salty. Other symptoms you may face are:
- Vaginal dryness
- Joint pain
- Skin rashes
- Dry cough
- Fatigue
Nutrition Deficiency
Your body may develop a salty taste because of vitamin deficiency. With that, other signs like confusion, fatigue, numbness of hands and feet are seen.
You can combat nutritional deficiencies with supplements. For example, vitamin B-12 deficiency is treated using nasal sprays and supplements.
Acid Reflux
In acid reflux the stomach pushes acids inside it up towards the mouth. Signs with reflux include:
- Pain in the abdomen area
- Heartburn
- Nausea and vomiting
- Cough
- Weight loss
Acid reflux, can progress into GERD, or even a cancerous condition which is Barrett’s esophagus. Lifestyle changes with medications help in the treatment of this issue.
Conclusion
Various home remedies help in getting rid of the salty mouth. Some of them are:
- Adequate brushing and floss
- Mouthwash
- Sugar-free chewing gum
- Decrease in tobacco use
- Less alcohol consumption
- Increased water and fluid intakes
- Dietary modification
Contact Us
If you live in Temecula or in the vicinity, head to Nimmi Shine Dental for treatment of this problem. Contact the dentist in San Diego 858 999 8550 to schedule an appointment.