Taste changes may serve as an indicator of something going wrong in the body. Our tongue is the organ that is susceptible to change; therefore, if your mouth taste salty, it may be because of an underlying condition. Here’s what your tongue is trying to tell.
Mouth Infection
The bacterial buildup is the main reason for inflammation in the gums which turns into periodontal disease. You can quickly treat the infection if it is diagnosed in the early stages. Severe complications only occur when the issue is left completely ignored. Other than the salty taste, some of the other lingering symptoms are:
- Loose teeth
- Foul breath
- Pus growth
- Gum abscess
Xerostomia
Dry mouth is one of the trending causes of a salty metallic taste in the mouth due to less secretion of saliva. There are many causes behind dry mouth ranging from age to medical side effects; with it, other signs seen are:
- Dense saliva
- Sticky mouth feels
- Bad odor from the mouth
- Sore throat
- Hoarse voice
Lack of Hydration
Lack of hydration turns the tongue white. It is not the whole organ that changes color but the upper surface which does. It is the most prevalent reason for salty taste development in the mouth. Dehydration is not only because of less water intake but also due to fluid loss.
Post-nasal Drip
Post-nasal drip is a common phenomenon because of regular colds, sinus infections, or allergies, leaving your mouth taste salty. Mucus overproduces and drips at the back of your throat; the 2 components mix up, resulting in taste change.
Anti-allergies work well for hypersensitivity, whereas colds ease on their own. Taking adequate rest and staying hydrated are necessary for a fast and smooth recovery. Nasal saline sprays and blowing snot out are 2 ways that easily clear the nasal passages.
However, you should not have the following symptoms too
- Symptoms not ease off within 10 days
- High temperature – fever
- White or green nasal discharge
- Blood oozing out with the nasal discharge
- Clear fluid leaking out from the nose after a head injury.
Medicine Side Effects
If your recent diagnosis requires regular use of medicines, the salty or metal type taste on your tongue may be a side effect of that medicinal drug. Mainly, a dry mouth accompanies a salty taste. Notify your healthcare provider and inform them about this recent development.
Hormonal Disturbances
In both men and women, hormonal changes are regular, but they are ongoing and dynamic in women. Menopause and pregnancy are the phases of life that make women highly sensitive; that is the reason why symptoms like nausea and vomiting or a salty taste in the mouth with constant headaches occur.
The good news is that symptoms ease off as the trimester progresses and stops after the baby is born. On the other hand, treatments such as HRT – hormone replacement therapy is available for menopause.
Neurological Problems
Sometimes membranes break off, making CSF – the cerebrospinal fluid drip out, falling into the nasal cavity and mouth, changing its taste.
Nutritional Setbacks
Your body may have a salty taste because of any nutritional deficiency. With that, few other symptoms such as confusion, fatigue, and numbness of hands are seen.
You can treat these nutritional deficiencies with external supplements. Such as, vitamin B-12 insufficiency is treated via nasal sprays and supplements.
Acid Reflux
Acid reflux in the stomach pushes the acid present inside the stomach up towards the mouth. Other signs seen are:
- Abdominal pain
- Heartburn after meals
- Nausea and vomiting
- Cough
- Weight loss
Conclusion
Many easy home based remedies can help in getting rid of your salty mouth. A few 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
Final Look Out
If you live in Irvine, CA – Orange County, head to Irvine Family & Implant Dentistry for treatment of this problem. Contact one of our dentists at 949 552 1380 to schedule an appointment.