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What Causes Salty Taste In Mouth?

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Posted on Sat, 26 Jul 2014
Question: Hi - for the past week I've had a salty taste in my mouth - pretty constant but when I eat or drink notice it a lot more

No other symptoms apart from about 5 very small white dots on tongue and cheeks. They are tiny white dots really but have tried to upload a photo

Have checked blood sugar (no diabetes in family but had access to monitor so wanted to check) and it was perfectly normal, no other symptoms such as fever and the only thing that is out of the norm is this salt taste in mouth.

I've tried a mouthwash over last couple days which is when I've noticed the white specks.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
As below:

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for your query.

1. This seems to be a glossitis.

2. Inflammation or mild infection of the taste buds on the lateral border of the tongue (white spots) will result in the salty/sour taste in the mouth.

3. Some of the possible causes for the glossitis are:
a. Overuse of mouthwashes,
b. Infections, including fungal (Thrush) especially with poor control of diabetes,
c. Dehydration, decreased Salivary flow,
d. Nutritional and mineral deficiencies (including B Complex and Folic Acid),
e. Low hemoglobin (Anemia),
f. Acid reflux,
g. Dental problems,
h. Food allergy or Intolerance,
i. Many rare causes which will require direct examination and tests.

4. Treatment is based on the most likely cause. Topical pain relief may be obtained by the use of Mucaine Gel or an anesthetic gel/mouthwash.

I hope that I have answered your queries. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.

Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Sumit Bhatti (2 minutes later)
Hi thank you for your answer

Would biting the inside of my cheek do this? Its a habit i have. Also smoking?

The little white bumps are on tongue and 1 on cheek. No pain
doctor
Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (18 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Yes. As listed above.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for writing back.

1. Yes, this is included as one of the possible causes in "g. Dental problems" as listed above (Repeated dental trauma).

2. Smoking would cause more than a localized reaction.

3. You may have this habit due to stress.

I hope that I have answered your queries. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.

Regards.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Sumit Bhatti

Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist

Practicing since :1991

Answered : 2686 Questions

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What Causes Salty Taste In Mouth?

Brief Answer: As below: Detailed Answer: Hi, Thank you for your query. 1. This seems to be a glossitis. 2. Inflammation or mild infection of the taste buds on the lateral border of the tongue (white spots) will result in the salty/sour taste in the mouth. 3. Some of the possible causes for the glossitis are: a. Overuse of mouthwashes, b. Infections, including fungal (Thrush) especially with poor control of diabetes, c. Dehydration, decreased Salivary flow, d. Nutritional and mineral deficiencies (including B Complex and Folic Acid), e. Low hemoglobin (Anemia), f. Acid reflux, g. Dental problems, h. Food allergy or Intolerance, i. Many rare causes which will require direct examination and tests. 4. Treatment is based on the most likely cause. Topical pain relief may be obtained by the use of Mucaine Gel or an anesthetic gel/mouthwash. I hope that I have answered your queries. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them. Regards.