Constant Salty Taste in the Mouth

Being plagued by a salty taste in the mouth can be quite disconcerting and frustrating. It feels like you are licking a drop of sweat all the time. Moreover, additionally one may also experience nausea or even a feeling of air entering the mouth.

While not a deleterious condition or something to be very worried about, the problem can be irksome and unbearable. In fact, for some people the condition becomes so unbearably severe that it disrupts their sleep as well. It's known to drive people crazy! But, what causes this awful taste in one's mouth. Let's find out!

The condition is solely associated with the mouth and is not linked to any problem pertaining to the nose. The different factors that result in this problem are as follows:

If the intake of fluids is less and a person is chronically dehydrated, the chemical composition of saliva can get altered. It's the chemical composition of saliva that gives it the distinguishing abnormal taste. During dehydration, the saliva tastes saltier.

Moreover, people on diuretics for weight loss or those who drink too much of diuretic beverages such as tea, coffee, coke, alcohol, etc., lose too much water in the form of urine. This results in insufficient water levels in the body, resulting in dehydration and a salty taste in the mouth.

People who ignore proper dental care and do not brush their teeth regularly, allow deposits to settle down on their teeth and gums. These deposits then begin to conduce to salty flavor in the mouth.

When the body's sinuses get infected, mucus production is seen to increase which seeps down into the back of the mouth. The mucus dripping down can be responsible for the saltiness. Sinus infections with post nasal drips can result in salty taste in the mouth and lips.

Sometimes anti-thyroid drugs and chemotherapeutic agents are also seen to have side effects such as imparting a salty taste in the oral cavity. Moreover, people who have undergone root canals and are on particular drugs are also seen to experience this condition.

The salivary glands situated under the jaw produce saliva, which coats the mouth and helps in the first stage of digestion. Any problem to these salivary glands such as an infection or disease can give rise to this saltiness. Mumps, Sjogren's syndrome, etc., are also causative factors.

The other causes of this condition are excess tear production by tear glands, neurological problems, migraine, epilepsy, endocrine problems, or even nutritional deficiency.

The kind of treatment required to get rid of this distasteful condition will depend on the causative factor. Nevertheless, try out the following measures to help alleviate the condition.

To get rid of a dry mouth, drink plenty of water and fresh fruit juices. Drink about one quart of water every hour, which will take your total water intake to 8 quarts in 8 hours. This is sufficient to hydrate your body and maintain the correct chemical composition of saliva.

Avoid soda drinks like coke, etc. Moreover, refrain from taking too much tea or coffee, which will increase urine production, and reduce the amount of water retained by the body.

It is important to brush one's teeth twice a day, once in the morning and once before going to bed. Use a good mouthwash to clean your mouth regularly. This will not only get rid of the salty taste but will also improve overall dental health.

If a particular drug intake is causing the salty taste, one should talk to the doctor or health care provider and get a possible drug replacement.

Salty taste in the oral cavity is not a grave situation, and mostly can be eliminated by making a few changes in one's lifestyle. However, it undoubtedly is an unbearable, annoying condition. If you suffer from it even after making several changes, consult your health care provider.

Disclaimer: This post is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.