Salty taste is not a very serious problem, but is very annoying and gives a lot of discomfort. In this article, we have explained the causes behind this abnormal taste in the mouth.
There was a misconception that salty taste in mouth has got some relation with the nose. Though later on, research studies found out that the origin of this problem actually lies within the mouth only. It can be a short-term problem that lasts for a few days or a week. Sometimes, it may continue to trouble you even for a few months. It becomes bothersome as you cannot relish the taste of your favorite food while eating.
Causes
The saliva released by the salivary glands present inside the mouth helps us to feel the taste of the food that we eat. Saliva has a number of different compositions and the taste of each composition varies from the other. In certain conditions, the saliva secreted by the salivary glands is salty in nature and you get a sour taste in the mouth all the time. Besides, it is also a symptom of a number of other health disorders. The conditions that can change the taste in mouth are as follows:
Dehydration: This is one of the key factors that can be held responsible for secretion of salty saliva into the mouth. Dehydration occurs due to insufficient intake of fluids or if a large amount of fluid is lost from the body. When a person is undergoing chemotherapy or is under high dose of certain medications, the body tends to become chronically dehydrated. Drinking of excess amount of alcohol or caffeine beverages like tea, coffee or soft drinks can also lead to dehydration.
Infection in the Salivary Glands: Sjogren’s syndrome is a disease that affects the salivary glands which in turn start releasing saliva. Similarly, some bacterial infections in the salivary glands often referred to as sialadenitis can also trigger the release of salty saliva.
Postnasal Drainage: When there is a sinus infection or bacterial sinusitis, you may develop a sour taste in mouth. It happens because the excess mucus formed inside the nostrils due to the infection is accumulated at the back of the throat.
Tears: The tears produced by the tear glands in the eyes have a salty taste. The tears enter the nasal cavity through the tear ducts which then flow into the back of the mouth and makes the mouth salty. Some people tend to overproduce tears (even when they are not crying!) and they get a saline taste in their mouth constantly.
Other Causes: Nutritional deficiency, endocrine glands disorder or neurological disorders are some of the other possible causes of salt taste in mouth. Those who are suffering from migraine, epilepsy or brain tumor complain that their mouth tastes salty. The brain helps us to get the sense of taste. When its functioning is affected for some reasons, the actual taste in mouth cannot be perceived.
Cure
If you are getting a constant salty taste in mouth for a long period of time or you tend to get it quite often after frequent intervals, then you should consult the doctor. It is very difficult to diagnose this problem. In many cases, doctor fail to identify the exact cause. Such a condition is often referred to as “phantom taste”. In other cases, doctors treat the underlying cause. Once the disease is cured, you will be able to get rid of the symptom associated with it. For the treatment of a bacterial infection in mouth, you have to visit your dentist.
To prevent the recurrence of salty taste in mouth, you have to take suitable measures at home. Always try to keep the mouth in moist condition. This will reduce the chances of any infection, dental caries, or injury to the mouth and tongue. Drink plenty of water and keep your body hydrated. Proper cleaning of the mouth with plain water will also be helpful in this regard.
