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Reason for Salty Taste in Mouth

A salty taste in the mouth can result from a number of causes. It may be merely slightly annoying or it may prevent you from enjoying the taste of your food. In most cases it lasts from a week to several months. It's often easy to determine its cause and relieve it, but in rare instances, salty taste is a serious symptom. In any event, prolonged salty taste calls for a visit to the doctor.

  1. Salivary Gland Infection

    • When an infection attacks your salivary glands, a salty taste can result. According to the Dental Problems website, Sjogren's syndrome, an autoimmune disease that attacks moisture-producing glands, can deprive your body, including your mouth, of normal fluids. Mumps and bacterial infections can also be possible culprits.

    Lack of Hydration

    • Not drinking enough fluids can lead to a salty oral taste. According the Health and Nutrition Tips website, a dry mouth accompanied by thirst is your body's way of telling you that you need to drink more liquids, especially water. Drink eight or more glasses a day, and avoid drinking too much alcohol or caffeinated beverages, which cause dehydration and can increase salty taste.

    Poor Dental Hygiene

    • Poor hygiene can be a cause of a salty taste in your mouth. According to the Pub Med Health website, if you don't brush your teeth at least twice a day, plaque deposits can develop, leading to a salty taste in your mouth. This can begin to happen as early as 20 minutes after you've eaten your last meal. Brush your tongue when you brush your teeth and floss every day.

    Sinus Infection

    • During a sinus infection, mucus travels from your nose down to your mouth. Besides causing bad breath, this can also lead to a salty taste, according to the Health Nutrition Tips website. If you suspect a sinus infection, see your doctor. He can prescribe antibiotics to treat the sinus infection if it is caused by bacteria.

    Crying

    • A temporary salty taste in the mouth can develop when you cry, although it's rare. During intense, prolonged weeping, however, tears, which are salty, drain into your throat and can create a salty taste.

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