Just wanted to let everyone know that the problem I had with the constant salty taste have diminished. It started at the beginning of Dec. 07 and lasted over 2 months. The first thing that happened was I lost the ability to taste on the back half of my tongue and then the salty taste started and became more and more intense to the point that I lost my appetite and eventually over 30 lbs. in one month. I went to my primary care physician, who sent me to an ear, nose throat doc. He could find nothing wrong and said he recently had another patient with the same issue, and after conferring with a peer, advised that is was most likely a virus.....still not convinced I had my PCP set me up with a GI doc who did an endoscopy and advised I had very mild GERD at worst.....had to wait another 6 weeks before the taste started coming back and the salty taste went away. It was very frustrating and I appreciate everyones feedback on this thread. One of the benefits of this event was that I lost enough weight to be able to quit taking my diabetes meds.....A1C in Feb. was 5.9%. Still checking my sugar and everything is good. Good luck to all and I hope that it eventually gets better for everyone.
Ok:
number one: this is in no way scientifically done
number two: we should all still see a doctor no matter how clueless they are
that said:
I have eliminated the salty tast and I believe I have my culpret but I will advise that we take a wait and see attitude in the mean time you should if you do suffer look at cosmetics handlotions bodylotions body washes suntan products antibiotic creams and be sure they do not contain tea tree oil. this stuff is in a lot of products touted as a wonder drug but in my case I beilieve it has triggered something akin to diabetes reaction creating saltiness; my last bout was pretty bad. I eliminated the tea tree oil products and it went away in two weeks. I did nothing else differently so you may judge by that. or not.
still if I were you I would check stuff shampoo cleansers etc for tea tree oil if you have it get rid of for a while and see if you improve.
I have found nothing yet about any major side effects from using tea tree oil; that does not mean they don't exist. it just means we are in uncharted territory here.
number one: this is in no way scientifically done
number two: we should all still see a doctor no matter how clueless they are
that said:
I have eliminated the salty tast and I believe I have my culpret but I will advise that we take a wait and see attitude in the mean time you should if you do suffer look at cosmetics handlotions bodylotions body washes suntan products antibiotic creams and be sure they do not contain tea tree oil. this stuff is in a lot of products touted as a wonder drug but in my case I beilieve it has triggered something akin to diabetes reaction creating saltiness; my last bout was pretty bad. I eliminated the tea tree oil products and it went away in two weeks. I did nothing else differently so you may judge by that. or not.
still if I were you I would check stuff shampoo cleansers etc for tea tree oil if you have it get rid of for a while and see if you improve.
I have found nothing yet about any major side effects from using tea tree oil; that does not mean they don't exist. it just means we are in uncharted territory here.
Okay, so I have read all of the posts... I too have been tasting salt in food that normaly should not taste salty. I first noticed it 3 days ago at work, people like to put salt, & etc in peoples drinks so I thought they got my water.. Then when I got a new cup and filled it with water from the soda fountain I noticed the same salty taste... the same for water at home.. And as I found out tonight it seems to be getting slightly worse because tea is not strong enough to cover the saltyness now... unlike others that have posted here, I do not taste it all the time.. Only when drinking and sometimes eating.. I normally only drink water so it is very hard to not be able to drink it anymore... as someone else mentioned I too have a white flem that I keep coughing up, im not sick and can't afford a docter visit for a "salty" mouth, so if anyone can please enlighten me with their findings that would be great. o.O
wish i had some advice...but i too have the same salty mouth symptoms and it's making me crazy!! i just recent switched to a vegan diet and i am wondering if that has something to do with it. this happened to me one other time when i started using low sodium salt on my food, along with the vegan diet i have included sea salt...maybe that is the culprit...???
I was able to get rid of a salty taste by discontinuing the antihistamine loratadine (generic of Claritin).
It would be interesting to hear if this is the answer for others as well. In particular, since so many posts mentioned postnasal drip as a cause of salty taste, and since many people will take Claritin to treat postnasal drip from seasonal allergies, it is important to understand that Claritin can make a salty taste problem worse.
hey thanks for that. i too have a salty mouth and as it turns out i am using tea tree oil spray (because i'm recovering from an upper respitarory virus). i'll stop using it and report back what happens.
Now that IS interesting. About three months ago, I bought a new scent of shampoo (my usual brand, just different scent) and it contains "berry tea extract". I started with the salty mouth (very strong at wake-up time) about 2 months ago.
It's easy enough to switch shampoo, give it some time, and then see if things change.
Thanks for the possible tip!
It's easy enough to switch shampoo, give it some time, and then see if things change.
Thanks for the possible tip!
I have this horrible salty mouth taste too. But I think mine is from using Listerine whitening mouthwash. I only used it once a week or so, but that seemed to be when I got the salty taste (on my lips & the front of my tongue - the bits mouthwash goes on when swishing). A few days I used that in combination with macleans extreme toothpaste and since then it is REALLY BAD - my tongue feels burnt and the salty taste is unbearable. I have stopped using both and am trying normal toothpaste again, but it is not getting better yet. I've heard other people saying they think it's to do with whitening products. How long did it last for after you stopped using them?
I also have this salty taste in my mouth for about 2 months now. I have read all of the postings and feel better knowing others have the same problem. Mine started when I changed toothpaste, had a crown, and my Dad passed away (he lived with me). I have changed toothpaste again, but that has not helped. I had a crown before so I do not think that is it. Stress makes it worse from what I read. I drink a lot of water so I am not dehydrated. I'm 56 years old, had breast cancer 8 years ago. Other than the cancer, I have not been sick much, occasional bronchitis, pneumonia last year. Did stopping the whitening mouth wash help? I have not been to the Dr. (will probably tell me not to worry about it). Not sure what to do. Has anyone discovered what was causing the salty mouth? Any suggestions?
Hi everyone,
I can't believe how long this thread has been running. I've had this problem for going on 18 months now and...well, you know how it's been. So far, I've seen: a dentist, a dental specialist, an ENT, my GP several times, and am now scheduled to see a dermatologist. I'll tell you 1) how mine started, then 2) what's worked for me, then 3) what stands out for me after reading all these posts in this forum and the earlier one.
1. I'd been taking Flonase for hay fever, same as I'd done for years. I began to notice a strongly metallic taste in my mouth and a sort of dry, sticking, sensation. I quit taking the Flonase, but things got worse. Several months later, I was diagnosed with Oral Allergy Syndrome (an allergy to certain uncooked fruits and vegetables). That solved some of my discomfort, but the salty taste began to be much more noticeable when the allergy symptoms abated. (Pain trumps taste, imho). At first, I had trouble identifying the taste. I couldn't decide if it was metallic, or salty, or blood, or what.
Around that same time, I began to experience huge pain in a salivary gland, or duct. (I'm still not sure which is which.) I thought I had mumps (I've never had it) but that was ruled out. On two occasions, both times when I was eating, I experienced such a rush of fierce, debilitating pain, that all I could do was clamp a hand to the side of my face and wait it out. I couldn't even speak, because I couldn't move my jaw. That pain has never returned, but I've developed TMJ from (I believe) trying to keep my jaw still so I don't play with my tongue so much. (That was confirmed by the dental specialist.) At that time, the gland, or duct, in my cheek became swollen up like a little volcano. It has remained that way for over a year.
Just before Christmas 2007 I spent a couple of days in a hotel in a city known for its bad water. The hotel softens its water, and I drank bottled water for two days. (Check the salt content, if you don't already. It may surprise you...) Anyway, I had such a severe reaction to something, that I wasn't sure I could get through the day, and I was teaching a class, so that would have been a problem. My eyes were burning and bloodshot, my lips were on fire, my skin felt hot and sore... It was then that I began to suspect salt, because I became obsessive about checking ingredients in products and food, and noticed how often the word "sodium" appeared. (Check your shampoo, conditioner, whatever products you use on your face...) I told this story to my hairdresser, who said, "sodium, sodium, sodium! You're bathing in brine, girl!" She was right, the sensation I'd had in the hotel was exactly like the one I used to experience as a kid, when we lived in Jamaica and I spent too long swimming in the ocean.
In all this time, this mystery condition has only ever affected one side of my mouth/face. The other side is completely uninvolved.
Now, I am very much improved but, here's the kicker, I don't really know why! And in terms of severity, it comes and goes, though has never actually gone away. I'm busy Googling tonight because its pretty noticeable. One side of my mouth tastes distinctly briney.
2. I said I'd tell you what's worked. Actually, I'll tell you what I've been doing. Your mileage may vary...
I was relentless about avoiding sodium and sodium compounds in my food, and the various potions and lotions I used on my face, hair and body. THat's hard, but doable. CHeck the health food stores.
Someone mentioned distilled water. YES! That helped a lot, the few times I tried it. I figured I was onto something when it didn't taste bad. Usually it would. It tasted so incredibly refreshing. I'd keep buying it if it wasnt' a hassle to haul home. I probably will again, now, after reading about someone else's experience.
Someone else mentioned sodium, potassium, magnesium imbalance. This has been my own pet theory. Be cautious, because potassium is toxic in the wrong doses, but bear in mind that you need potassium to balance sodium. ie it helps regulate fluid balance. I have been experimenting with potassium and my symptoms seem (I stress seem) to improve when I take supplements. (Because of the oral allergy thing, I can't eat bananas unless I cook them, and I'm not into cooking much.)
I also take B-supplements, and omega-3s but have done for ages. My iron levels are stupidly low, and I'm being treated for that. My GP has not ruled out low iron as a cause, but neither are we considering it much of a suspect as yet.
I have, and have had for a long time, GERD. (aka reflux.) I hadn't thought it was a problem anymore until one of these night time Googling sessions turned up the fact that GERD often isn't noticeable during the day. It's at night that it does the damage. That was a clue, there, because the side of my mouth that's in trouble is the side I sleep on. There is some good research showing that acid can and often does creep up high enough that it could affect the mouth and throat.
So, I've been taking Pepcid AC extra strength, and yes, I think it's making a difference. Do NOT take Zantac. (They're slightly different drugs.) Zantac can cause an allergic reaction in the salivary (whatevers) in sensitive types, and wouldn't you know it, I am one of them. If this condition is related to salivary whatevers, I recommend you don't take the chance.
Just lately, in sheer desperation, I've been swishing my mouth with Listerine, the medicinal brownish one, not the green and blue minty ones. I'd been avoiding it, but I was out of options. I think it's helping, because the little volcano has finally begun to subside. The salty taste has not.
3. That, basically, was where I was at when I started reading tonight. Now, it's one a.m. and I want to go to bed... but I want to say that after reading everyone's posts, the one thing I hadn't considered was tear ducts. I wear contact lenses. I put saline in my eyes in the morning, saline in my eyes in the evening, and since I often take them out to refresh them and rewet them, saline in my eyes at odd hours throughout almost every day. If my eyes are troubled by hay fever symptoms, I take my contacts out and use allergy eye drops. At night, I lie on my side and... I do NOT put saline in my eyes ;-) I'm ALWAYS better in the mornings, and the salty taste ALWAYS gets worse as the day goes on.
I'm going to go back to my GP and ask for a referral to an opthalmologist instead. Thank you all. If this thread is still active when I've seen one (that could be a long time, I'm in Canada) I'll come back and let you know.
Good luck, everyone,
K
I can't believe how long this thread has been running. I've had this problem for going on 18 months now and...well, you know how it's been. So far, I've seen: a dentist, a dental specialist, an ENT, my GP several times, and am now scheduled to see a dermatologist. I'll tell you 1) how mine started, then 2) what's worked for me, then 3) what stands out for me after reading all these posts in this forum and the earlier one.
1. I'd been taking Flonase for hay fever, same as I'd done for years. I began to notice a strongly metallic taste in my mouth and a sort of dry, sticking, sensation. I quit taking the Flonase, but things got worse. Several months later, I was diagnosed with Oral Allergy Syndrome (an allergy to certain uncooked fruits and vegetables). That solved some of my discomfort, but the salty taste began to be much more noticeable when the allergy symptoms abated. (Pain trumps taste, imho). At first, I had trouble identifying the taste. I couldn't decide if it was metallic, or salty, or blood, or what.
Around that same time, I began to experience huge pain in a salivary gland, or duct. (I'm still not sure which is which.) I thought I had mumps (I've never had it) but that was ruled out. On two occasions, both times when I was eating, I experienced such a rush of fierce, debilitating pain, that all I could do was clamp a hand to the side of my face and wait it out. I couldn't even speak, because I couldn't move my jaw. That pain has never returned, but I've developed TMJ from (I believe) trying to keep my jaw still so I don't play with my tongue so much. (That was confirmed by the dental specialist.) At that time, the gland, or duct, in my cheek became swollen up like a little volcano. It has remained that way for over a year.
Just before Christmas 2007 I spent a couple of days in a hotel in a city known for its bad water. The hotel softens its water, and I drank bottled water for two days. (Check the salt content, if you don't already. It may surprise you...) Anyway, I had such a severe reaction to something, that I wasn't sure I could get through the day, and I was teaching a class, so that would have been a problem. My eyes were burning and bloodshot, my lips were on fire, my skin felt hot and sore... It was then that I began to suspect salt, because I became obsessive about checking ingredients in products and food, and noticed how often the word "sodium" appeared. (Check your shampoo, conditioner, whatever products you use on your face...) I told this story to my hairdresser, who said, "sodium, sodium, sodium! You're bathing in brine, girl!" She was right, the sensation I'd had in the hotel was exactly like the one I used to experience as a kid, when we lived in Jamaica and I spent too long swimming in the ocean.
In all this time, this mystery condition has only ever affected one side of my mouth/face. The other side is completely uninvolved.
Now, I am very much improved but, here's the kicker, I don't really know why! And in terms of severity, it comes and goes, though has never actually gone away. I'm busy Googling tonight because its pretty noticeable. One side of my mouth tastes distinctly briney.
2. I said I'd tell you what's worked. Actually, I'll tell you what I've been doing. Your mileage may vary...
I was relentless about avoiding sodium and sodium compounds in my food, and the various potions and lotions I used on my face, hair and body. THat's hard, but doable. CHeck the health food stores.
Someone mentioned distilled water. YES! That helped a lot, the few times I tried it. I figured I was onto something when it didn't taste bad. Usually it would. It tasted so incredibly refreshing. I'd keep buying it if it wasnt' a hassle to haul home. I probably will again, now, after reading about someone else's experience.
Someone else mentioned sodium, potassium, magnesium imbalance. This has been my own pet theory. Be cautious, because potassium is toxic in the wrong doses, but bear in mind that you need potassium to balance sodium. ie it helps regulate fluid balance. I have been experimenting with potassium and my symptoms seem (I stress seem) to improve when I take supplements. (Because of the oral allergy thing, I can't eat bananas unless I cook them, and I'm not into cooking much.)
I also take B-supplements, and omega-3s but have done for ages. My iron levels are stupidly low, and I'm being treated for that. My GP has not ruled out low iron as a cause, but neither are we considering it much of a suspect as yet.
I have, and have had for a long time, GERD. (aka reflux.) I hadn't thought it was a problem anymore until one of these night time Googling sessions turned up the fact that GERD often isn't noticeable during the day. It's at night that it does the damage. That was a clue, there, because the side of my mouth that's in trouble is the side I sleep on. There is some good research showing that acid can and often does creep up high enough that it could affect the mouth and throat.
So, I've been taking Pepcid AC extra strength, and yes, I think it's making a difference. Do NOT take Zantac. (They're slightly different drugs.) Zantac can cause an allergic reaction in the salivary (whatevers) in sensitive types, and wouldn't you know it, I am one of them. If this condition is related to salivary whatevers, I recommend you don't take the chance.
Just lately, in sheer desperation, I've been swishing my mouth with Listerine, the medicinal brownish one, not the green and blue minty ones. I'd been avoiding it, but I was out of options. I think it's helping, because the little volcano has finally begun to subside. The salty taste has not.
3. That, basically, was where I was at when I started reading tonight. Now, it's one a.m. and I want to go to bed... but I want to say that after reading everyone's posts, the one thing I hadn't considered was tear ducts. I wear contact lenses. I put saline in my eyes in the morning, saline in my eyes in the evening, and since I often take them out to refresh them and rewet them, saline in my eyes at odd hours throughout almost every day. If my eyes are troubled by hay fever symptoms, I take my contacts out and use allergy eye drops. At night, I lie on my side and... I do NOT put saline in my eyes ;-) I'm ALWAYS better in the mornings, and the salty taste ALWAYS gets worse as the day goes on.
I'm going to go back to my GP and ask for a referral to an opthalmologist instead. Thank you all. If this thread is still active when I've seen one (that could be a long time, I'm in Canada) I'll come back and let you know.
Good luck, everyone,
K
I have been using a whitening mouth pre brush rinse and didn't connect this to the salty taste in my mouth until I read one of the posts here . Now I am convinced that this is the only change that I have made in the last week leading up to the salty taste . Now I am going to discontinue using this product . Come to think of it the taste is the same as poroxcide in very low amounts maybe we have stumbled on to something
Just want to reassure you all that salty mouth syndrome is alive and well! I am about 10 days into the typical symptoms reported here. I must say it is quite a relief to see that others are dealing with the same thing (and that it doesn't appear to herald a medical crisis). The mnigranes which I I have had for 4 of the past 5 days continue to give me a bit of concern, but I am attributing them to caffine and alchohol withdrawal. That said, it would be nice to know that there was a well trod path to resolution (or even that resolution was common within a certain time frame). In searching for possible causes and aproaches, I know that I first suffered blistered / chapped lips for some weeks prior -- likely as a result of too much alchohol intake. I will try B vitamin supplements to boost my likely deficient levels. Also intrigued by the gird issue and may try pepsid or the like as well. Finally, just prior to onset, I was aroudna couple of odd infections and may discuss the usefulness of anti biotic / antivral treatments with physician.
I'll keep you up to date and would appreaciate all accounts of the problem resolving! Luck to all.
-M
I'll keep you up to date and would appreaciate all accounts of the problem resolving! Luck to all.
-M
Hi all - have been experiencing the same thing, and thought I would share my view. I have recently had invisalign braces put on, and as such have been brushing and rinsing with Alcohol mouthwash far more often than I used to. Then one week ago I started tasting this salt c**p, and it has been incessant ever since. The only thing that has changed in my routine is the excess brushing and mouthwash. I am going to switch to non-whitening and non-alcohol and see what happens. I feel for you all - this is an awful affliction!!
I just freshly aquired the salty taste. In my case It was obvious where it came from. I have never had it. I went to dentist to put a couple of crowns. As soon as he put temporary (metal) crowns I got the taste. I told him about it when he replaced them with porcelain ones. He replied that it must've been the medicine. Well, it has been over a month now and I still have it. I suspect that eigher the crowns do not have all the right metals in them or they are not fit right and there is a contact of saliva with the dental cement.
Well,
I've been salt free (meaning no bad salty taste) for five months . This is after cutting the use of products with tea tree oil.
But as a side bar here:
I went to the dentist again, this time he did xrays and found three new cavities. One was so bad he asked if I was sure I didn't feel pain because its right in the nerve area.
He was surprised because I always have very clean teeth with zero or almost zero plaque with my two visits per year for cleaning. I have no other apparent problems, yet in recent years I have had three crowns two of which required root canals.
These cavities were not evident other than by xray - which I gather can be a bad thing. so we are not out of the woods yet.
even if the tea tree oil has something to do with the salt problem there seems to be some common thread going through this with dental problems.
I've been salt free (meaning no bad salty taste) for five months . This is after cutting the use of products with tea tree oil.
But as a side bar here:
I went to the dentist again, this time he did xrays and found three new cavities. One was so bad he asked if I was sure I didn't feel pain because its right in the nerve area.
He was surprised because I always have very clean teeth with zero or almost zero plaque with my two visits per year for cleaning. I have no other apparent problems, yet in recent years I have had three crowns two of which required root canals.
These cavities were not evident other than by xray - which I gather can be a bad thing. so we are not out of the woods yet.
even if the tea tree oil has something to do with the salt problem there seems to be some common thread going through this with dental problems.