Health Clinic Article

Do you experience an annoying salty taste in the mouth? Common causes and solutions

If you frequently or periodically notice a persistent salty taste in your mouth, you may feel it is an odd complaint indeed. However, it's common enough that physicians often refer to this condition as 'phantom taste'. There are many and varied causes for this condition, ranging from simple dehydration to something as serious as a brain tumor. Although such a diagnosis is rare, it doesn't pay to fool around with your health. If you experience this salty taste in mouth syndrome for more than a few days, you're well advised to make an appointment with your physician to determine the cause. Let's look at some of the most common culprits associated with a salty taste in the mouth.

In the heat of summer, it's easy to become dehydrated. At any time of year, excessive consumption of caffeine or alcohol can also lead to a dehydrated condition and subsequent salty taste. Dehydration will produce this salty taste in the mouth, so try drinking plenty of water. The popular 'sports' drinks, which replenish and balance your electrolytes, are often a quick and effective solution.

Oftentimes, people with seasonal allergies experience this salty taste in the mouth. The excess mucus, produced by your body's production of histamines, drains into tear ducts, the nasal cavities and throat, causing the salty taste. In the same manner, a sinus infection can produce the same result.

If you've had recent dental work, or a bacterial infection in the mouth, check with your dentist, as bacterial infections can produce the salty taste in mouth phenomena. Once the infection is cleared up, the salty taste will disappear.

Sometimes, but not commonly, nutritional deficiencies are responsible. Especially in cases where the salty taste persists, check with your doctor for this possibility.

Certain prescription medications, such as thyroid drugs can cause dehydration, resulting in this annoying condition. Consult your pharmacist to see if this might be the cause. Do not discontinue medications before consulting your physician.

Chemotherapy can also cause the salty taste. Your doctor can advise you on the proper course of action.

Other less common causes of salty taste in the mouth include endocrine system disorders, as well as neurological conditions. Rarely, this syndrome is caused by epilepsy and brain tumors. Migraines may also be the contributing cause.

If the salty taste in your mouth persists, it's best to get checked out. It's uncommon that you'll find the diagnosis indicates a serious condition. Try correcting the condition with hydrating therapies first. If your condition self corrects with a good dose of water, so much the better. If not, visit your doctor for a more in-depth look.