A person may also injure their gums while flossing or brushing their teeth. A salty taste after brushing or flossing can be an early symptom of gingivitis.
This can be diagnosed and treated by a dentist. When gingivitis remains untreated, it may lead to an oral infection, such as periodontitis. If this is left untreated, it can have lasting effects on teeth and bones. Other infections may also lead to a salty taste, including oral thrush. This yeast infection causes white blotches to appear in the mouth, and an unusual sensitivity or a burning sensation in the mouth.
They may have difficulty tasting or experience a bitter, metallic, or salty taste. Infection with human papillomavirus HPV can also cause an odd taste in the mouth.
If symptoms are not managed, HPV can cause a person to cough up blood, resulting in a metallic or salty taste. A salty taste can result from missing or low levels of nutrients. If a doctor suspects that this is the case, they will test the blood to determine which nutrients are lacking. Treatment usually involves some form of supplementation. Some conditions that affect the brain or nerves can also affect the tongue, leading to an odd or salty taste.
A person with a head or neck injury may also experience symptoms of nerve damage. It may be responsible for a lasting salty taste, as well as joint pain, fatigue, and organ dysfunction. Hormonal imbalances, such as those experienced during menopause or pregnancy, can cause changes in taste buds, leading to strange tastes. Some medicines can dry out the mouth or seep into the saliva, leading to an odd taste.
A doctor can help to identify whether the taste is a side effect of a medication. Some cancer treatments can affect the taste buds, leading to odd tastes.
People receiving these treatments may also experience dry mouth, another common cause of a lasting salty taste. The correct treatment for a salty taste in the mouth will depend on the cause. For many people, drinking a few extra glasses of water throughout the day will be enough to eliminate the symptom. Others may need to visit a doctor or dentist for a diagnosis. To determine the cause of the salty taste, a doctor will often examine the mouth, then ask about diet, lifestyle, and medications.
The doctor may also order tests or blood work to rule out possible causes. When the doctor identifies the cause of the salty taste, they will recommend treatment. Recent Blog Articles. Why is topical vitamin C important for skin health?
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You could also have a dry mouth, which can lead to poor oral health. And there are ways to remedy the problem. This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.
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