A salty taste in the mouth can be unpleasant. Often the reasons for this are harmless. In some cases, you should still see a doctor.
The most important things at a glance
- Salt taste on the palate and tongue: That can be behind it
- What helps against the salty taste?
- When is a doctor’s visit necessary?
Very bitter, sour, or salty: Sometimes you have an unpleasant taste in your mouth without having eaten certain foods first. If this persists for a long time, it may need to be checked out by a doctor. An overview of the possible causes and therapies.
Salt taste on the palate and tongue: What can be behind it?
If you notice an increased taste of salt in your mouth without having eaten something salty beforehand, your sense of taste is disturbed. There can be many reasons for this. One obvious one is not drinking enough fluids.
Because if you drink too little, it can lead to a salty taste in your mouth. Poor oral and dental hygiene can also trigger Dysgeusia. There are also the following reasons:
Diseases
A possible explanation for the unnatural salty taste can be diseases of the upper respiratory tract, such as a cold or a sinus infection. However, once the illness is over, the salty taste also disappears.
However, if the salty taste persists for several days, it could also indicate more serious health problems. These include diabetes mellitus, liver and kidney diseases, as well as reflux or heartburn .
Medication
Medications are also a trigger for a salty taste in the mouth. For example, antibiotics, medicines for high blood pressure, antifungal pills and antidepressants can be responsible.
Hormonal changes and mineral deficiencies
Hormonal changes or thyroid disease also sometimes cause a salty taste. A lack of minerals in terms of iodine, iron or zinc is also a common cause.
- Metallic taste in the mouth: what does it mean?
What helps against the salty taste?
In order for the salty taste to disappear quickly, you should first increase your daily fluid intake. Water and unsweetened teas are particularly suitable for this. You should avoid alcoholic and caffeinated beverages.
Brush your teeth: The taste buds are only optimally protected against pathogens if the mouth is free of germs. (Source: CentralITalliance/getty-images-pictures)
Brush your teeth: The taste buds are only optimally protected against pathogens if the mouth is free of germs. (Source: CentralITalliance/getty-images-pictures)Good oral hygiene and dental care are also important for problem solving. Brush your teeth regularly and, if necessary, visit a dentist for professional teeth cleaning.
If there is a disease behind the symptoms, the treatment depends on the respective cause. If you suspect something like this, contact your family doctor and have yourself examined thoroughly.
When is a doctor’s visit necessary?
If the salty taste persists or occurs in combination with other symptoms, a doctor should also be consulted. An examination can clarify the form and cause of the taste disorder. Depending on the diagnosis, the doctor treating you will then suggest a suitable treatment.