What is causing salty taste in mouth?

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I had brain surgery 9 months ago for a large benign tumor. A few weeks ago, a medium-weight lamp fell on my head over the surgery site. I was fine. But now, I've been having a salty taste in my mouth for 3-4 days...If it doesn't go away soon, I'm taking a trip to my ENT. I'm definately calling my doctor tomorrow.

Do you have a salty drainage in the back of your throat? If so, have your ENT test the drainage to determine if it truly sinus drainage or a CSF leak. I'd say if your mouth is salty...that's one thing. But if you are feeling a salty drainage in the BACK of your throat, you need to get it evaluated. CSF leaks are rare, but can cause meningitis. And yes, rare as they are, normal people have gotten them. Again this is very rare. Not trying to worry you in any way. It is just something to be aware of.

However, if your mouth is salty, and the drainage at the back of your throat is not salty, then I'd say not to be concerned about a CSF leak. There are so many different things out there that can cause a salty taste in your mouth.

GhostMonkey · Newbie Joined: 30 Apr 2007 Posts: 1

I've recently moved from vegetarianism to a fully vegan diet. Since then I've been having a salty tase. Initially I thought it could be a vitamin deficiency but I've really upped my protein intake and am thinking that this could be a link. Or something to do with stomach acitity not being controlled by dairy.

Although now I seem to be able to fit my symptoms to all of the other links in this thread so for what its worth, I get recurrent thrush (including oral which doesn't seem present at the mo), recently started on hayfever tablets for the summer but still have really watery eyes, have wisdom teeth coming through intermittantly and I also take vitamin B, C & Zinc suppliments (have done for years).

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how many people still have their wisdom teeth?

Guest · Guest

Hi All! I have had the salty mouth off and on for several weeks. It went away when I was on vacation. And it came back when I returned to my stressful job. I quit coffee last week, and it is much better. I think it is due to a pinched nerve. I find that if I do relaxation exercises and stretching, it helps - and it has disappeared completely at times. I am going to continue on that path and also try some yoga. To the gal who wondered if someone could taste it when they kiss you - my husband says no. So, in my case at least, it appears to be something that is effecting my taste buds - which would validate the pinched nerve theory. I also found some good info at the following website: mayoclinic.com/health/salty-taste-in-mouth/AN01411
Good luck, everyone!

champie · Newbie Joined: 15 Mar 2007 Posts: 6

It is me again. It has now been three and a half months of salty taste and LOTS of doctors: ENT, Neurologist, Dentist, Opthamalogist, Gastroenterologist, Orthodontist and Intern...all who did not have an answer.
After persisitence and determination, I think I have it figured out. A lot of things a lot of us mentioned increase ACID production in the stomach. Many of us did not use or have the same things, but what they have in common is their influence on stomach acidity: coffee, caffeine, cigarettes, minty items, stress, (worry about salty mouth!), some medications, some foods : tomatoes, spices, citrus fruit, vinegar, chocolate, dressings, onions, cucumbers,.....the list goes on. ..they all INCREASE STOMACH ACID!

Almost two years ago, I had an endoscopy that showed an erosion on my lower esophagus. I have taken Aciphex and Omeprazole to combat the acidity. Recently, when all this started, I NOW realize that the heartburn had increased..this sloshing back of acid into the esophagus and throat can also ENTER THE SALIVARY GLANDS and this is a rare symptom of GERD. MOST people do not get the salty stuff, but have heartburn and reflux. SOME....US!.... get the salty taste because it has gotten into the salivary glands. I read something about this and meanwhile had seen my gastroenterologist again and was prescribed a liquid suspension called Carafate that coats the esophagus and duodenum and since I have been using it, the salt has subsided....it was there the other day when I forgot to take the Carafate! That's when it hit me that this might be the answer!
SO!
My thought is that we all have a form of GERD and the excess acid we are producing is causing this.
There IS a possibility that salty taste comes from leaking cerebrospinal fluid, but this is rare. I suggest using an OTC acid fighter like Prilosec or Mylanta, etc. and see if it helps. Also, the relaxation techniques that were mentioned would be helpful. STRESS=ACID.
I hope this helps!

Guest · Guest

I would like to thank everyone for their suggestions. My salty taste started shortly after I had a lens implant to repair a cataract. I thought that it was a drug reaction to an eye drop that I was on. But, that was almost three months ago and I've been off the eye drops. I'm going to go to my doctor.

I haven't had dental work for years. I do use a tooth paste with a whitener and Scope. I eat strawberries for breakfast almost every day. I smoke one cigar a day, drink a couple of cups of coffee and drink about 64 ozs of water a day.

Someone find a solution!

Mjmoro · Newbie Joined: 15 May 2007 Posts: 1

I have had an extremely salty taste in my mouth and on my lips for over a year. It started right around the time I had some dental work and also my dosage of synthroid was increased (I have Hashimoto's disease). My primary physician prescribed Prilosec but that did not eliminate the salty taste. My dentist has no clue what could be causing it although I did mention to him that I had read that fillings can be a source if you have different metals that were used. I have tried changing toothpaste and using one specifically for dry mouth, but that doesn't relieve it either. My daughter-in-law who is a Physician's Assistant says she had a patient who complianed of salty taste and it was a tumor on her pituitary gland (Cushing's Disease). I am going to my Endrocronologist tomorrow to see what he says. In addition to the salty taste, which is not painful, I get small mouth sores from time-to-time, particularly on my tongue. I have read about Burning Mouth Syndrome which is linked to hormonal changes in post-menopausal women, but I don't think this fits that description either. The only relief I get is from chewing gum and that is very temporary. In addition to Synthroid, I take Zoloft, which I know can cause dry mouth. But I've been on Zoloft for years and since this is recent I really doubt it's from the Zoloft. I also take Claritin-D over the counter for cronic sinus problems. From reading everyone's posts I am not too hopeful that I will ever find what is causing this, much less a cure.

behroze telang · Newbie Joined: 24 May 2007 Posts: 1

suddenly i have noticed that i have a salty taste in my mouth and feel that i have bad mouth odour.it is driving me crazy i am brushing atleast 15 times and very depressed.what is the cause.my dentist says my teeth are clean as a whistle.i have had a salivary gland swollen for last 5 yrs.went to so many doctors and ENT AND DENTISTS AND now i am seeing a endicrinologist.am i on right track.there is a lot odf dryness in my mouth too..but i need to get rid of the odour.pl advice it is driving me insane

kfl22 · Newbie Joined: 24 May 2007 Posts: 1

I have had this salty taste for 6 months now!!! I can remember exactly when it began. I was on a trip and had a bad cold, was put on antibiotics and within a week my mouth was very sore. I was treated for yeast infection. Nothing. Then I was treated for acid reflux. I then went through a two month tapering process off my anti depressant...nothing. I have been to my dentist who changed two crowns..nothing..My teeth feel sharp, almost as if the enamel is wearing away. Nothing has shown up in blood tests....My tongue is getting irritated and sore all the time. I have been having my ph tested...I am not sure where else to look..I am amazed so many others have this and there appears t be no answer.

Guest · Guest

have we all run out of ideas? could it be kidney related?

What is causing salty taste in mouth?

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