Why Do I Have a Salty Taste in My Mouth?

It’s expected that a serving of french fries or a Caesar salad might leave a salty taste in your mouth that lingers for a little while after you eat it. But if that sensation persists for hours or days or isn’t linked to a food or drink you had recently, it may be a signal that something else is going on with your health.

“Check with your doctor, pharmacist, or even a dentist to see if there could be any dental issues or medication that could be the culprit,” says Lena Bakovic, RD, of Top Nutrition Coaching, based in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.

It can be frustrating to have a salty taste in your mouth that won’t to away. Your mouth just tastes off, even when you didn’t recently eat anything salty. Your mouth may also feel cottony, Bakovic says. The feeling is similar to when you’re at the dentist and they stuff cotton balls in your mouth.

In general, experiencing a salty taste in your mouth — if it’s not related to a recent salty meal or not drinking enough fluids — is a symptom of another potential health issue. You may experience other symptoms alongside the salty taste, depending on the underlying cause (more on that below).

There are a variety of things that can cause a salty taste in the mouth, and many of the causes are preventable or treatable. The most common culprits include:

1. Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)

2. Dehydration

3. Periodontal Disease or Untreated Cavities

Dental issues can also alter the taste in your mouth, says Erinne Kennedy, DMD, MPH, assistant dean of curriculum and integrated learning and a spokesperson for the American Dental Association.

“Sometimes, the fluid that forms as a result of the body fighting the infection can taste salty to a patient,” Dr. Kennedy says.

4. Nutrient Deficiencies

The salty taste in your mouth could also be the result of lacking key nutrients in your diet, most likely vitamin B12, folate, or vitamin C, Bakovic says.

You may also develop nutrient deficiencies because of that salty taste in your mouth. After all, you may not get enough nutrients from food sources or drink adequate fluids if everything tastes like salt, Bakovic says.

5. Medications

Some medications can cause a dry mouth or dehydration, which, as noted above, may lead to taste alterations such as a salty taste, says Kennedy. It’s similar to when sweat dries on your skin, she says.

• Antidepressants, particularly tricyclic antidepressants, which have anticholinergic properties and interfere with the neural pathways and reduce saliva production

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• Antihistamines, which also decrease saliva secretion

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• Chemotherapy, as the salivary glands may be damaged and create less saliva

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• Diuretics, which promote frequent urination and can lead to dehydration if you’re not replacing the lost fluids

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6. Upper Respiratory Infections

7. Sjögren’s Syndrome

• Increasing your daily fluid intake by sipping water throughout the day
• Switching to caffeine-free drinks, since caffeine can make your mouth drier
• Chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on sugar-free candy
• Using a mouthwash that contains xylitol and avoiding those that contain alcohol
• Taking an over-the-counter saliva substitute that contains xylitol
• Breathing through your nose rather than your mouth
• Using a humidifier in your bedroom

In general, if your salty mouth persists for more than a few days, it’s time to seek care. Kennedy suggests visiting a primary care physician or a dentist. “The dentist can refer you to your primary doctor if needed,” she says,

Speak with your doctor if you suspect that the medication you’re taking is leading to the salty taste in your mouth. They may be able to prescribe an alternative medicine that does not cause that side effect, Bakovic says.

• Dry mouth, dehydration, medication side effects, an untreated cavity, and other things are all potential causes of an unpleasant salty taste in the mouth.
• It’s generally nothing to worry about, and hydrating or a home remedy such as chewing sugar-free gum or using a saliva substitute with xylitol should help.
• If the salty taste persists or you’re experiencing other concerning symptoms, it’s a good idea to seek medical help to identify the cause and get appropriate treatment.