Various strange and unusual tastes that appear in the mouth are alarming and make you wonder if everything is okay with the body. For example, what does the taste of salt in your mouth indicate? Doctors note that the feeling of excess salt cannot be considered normal.
Cardiologist, therapist, endocrinologist Tatyana Romanenko told AiF.ru about what diseases such a taste in the mouth indicates and what needs to be done .
When we talk about the taste of salt in the mouth, we must first of all exclude the most important, serious and dangerous causes of this pathological phenomenon.
Blood in the mouth
One of the most important and yet common causes of this phenomenon is bleeding. Naturally, since we are talking about the mouth, then most often it arises from the gums. But increased gum bleeding can be caused by a number of factors.
Question answer
What causes the bitter taste in the mouth? One of the most common problems is inflammatory infectious diseases of the oral cavity. The reason may be either untreated, not fully sanitized teeth, or inflammatory diseases of the gums and tonsils themselves. These could also be neoplasms. That is, the problem lies in all local processes.
Another fairly global problem that we should always remember is bleeding gums due to changes in blood clotting. These are various types of thrombophilia, for example. Of course, there will be not only a salty taste in the mouth, but also other symptoms of hemorrhagic syndrome.
Another rather serious reason is blood disease, in particular those that are accompanied by bleeding. This could be thrombocytopenia, anemia, etc. That is, in this case, salty in the mouth is the taste of blood, and such a condition always requires prompt differential diagnosis and initiation of treatment.
Diagnostics
Diagnostic methods are selected depending on the person’s concomitant health complaints. The symptoms listed above will help you understand which specialist to seek help.
To begin with, you should contact a therapist , who will suggest the further path of examination.
Important! If, during regular hygiene measures, an unpleasant odor persists in the mouth, and even more so if blood is found in the oral cavity, this is a good reason to visit the dentist.
It is necessary to exclude or confirm and treat gingivitis, periodontitis or other oral diseases.
You should also go to the dentist if your salivary glands are swollen to check whether the problem is inflammation.
Thrush that appears in the oral cavity is also diagnosed and treated by this specialist.
If you have a runny nose, cough and a constant desire to improve your throat, you should go to an ENT specialist . People turn to him for constant nasal congestion, which often indicates rhinitis.
Abdominal pain and other tastes in the mouth are a reason to consult a gastroenterologist. Most likely, gastroscopy and/or ultrasound of the abdominal organs will be prescribed.
If you have weakness, constant pallor, noise in the ears, or spots before your eyes, you need to check your blood and rule out anemia.
The doctor prescribes a general blood test and, depending on its results, additional tests to clarify the type of anemia.
Need to know! Constant headaches, vomiting, and lack of coordination accompany the occurrence of tumors and other diseases of the brain and nerves.
Therefore, in such a situation, it is better to consult a therapist, neurologist or oncologist.
The doctor will conduct tests of coordination and reflexes, and may prescribe an MRI or SCT.
Saltiness of the lips when taking medications can be prescribed in the instructions for the drug.
You can also ask the doctor who prescribed the medicine about this.
Oral hygiene
A common cause of a salty taste in the mouth is poor oral hygiene. If a person does not brush his teeth well enough, if plaque forms, all this contributes to the development of pathological microflora, the waste products of which will give this unpleasant salty taste.
Also, the appearance of taste is influenced by the presence of an infectious process in the oral cavity - the formation of tartar, fistulas, chronic tonsillitis.
Taste of illness. How to determine your diagnosis by the taste in your mouth Read more
Treatment
If nothing bothers you other than the taste of salt on your lips, you should try the following:
- brush your teeth regularly,
- use dental floss,
- use mouth rinses ,
- drink more water (from eight glasses a day if there are no contraindications),
- change your diet
- exclude or reduce fast food, snacks, fried, fatty, salty, spicy.
Remember! If this does not help or there are other symptoms that make you worry, you should see a doctor.
Excess salt on the menu
A similar symptom may appear when we eat excessively salty foods. For a long time now, scientists, doctors, as well as adherents of a healthy lifestyle have noted that salt in large quantities is dangerous for the human body. And its main danger is the load on the cardiovascular system, urinary system, and kidneys. It also increases blood pressure. Therefore, to some extent, modification of diets can lead to the fact that taste perception is restored and excess salt begins to be felt.
What should healthy lips look like?
Those who know how to moisturize their lips can boast of their naturally beautiful appearance. The natural red hue is due to the location of blood vessels near the surface.
Signs of healthy lips:
- smooth skin;
- smooth texture;
- pleasant natural shade;
- no peeling or cracking.
Healthy lips have even, uniform pigmentation without light or dark areas. Healthy skin looks elastic, it is not prone to irritation, peeling and allergies.
If a whitened area is detected, it means that the delicate skin does not receive enough hydration or there are not enough vitamins in the body:
- A,
- E,
- WITH.
First you need to learn how to use the right cosmetics. This applies to all people, because even if there are no problems with the lips, a careful attitude will not be superfluous.
You need to be able to choose the right cosmetics. And the first thing people pay attention to is the composition. Oil-based products should contain only natural ingredients:
- jojoba oil,
- cocoa,
- shi,
- nut oils.
It is best to buy products at a pharmacy or labeled “pharmacy product”. This means that cosmetics:
- passed dermatological tests,
- approved by experts
- considered safe.
In addition to moisturizers, there are small life hacks to improve the color and contour of your lips.
Shock freezing is often used: using ice to massage the lips. With prolonged exposure to cold, the appearance of the lips deteriorates, but short periods of exposure to shock cold cause the capillaries to expand sharply. Blood flows closer to the skin and provides:
- more active saturation with oxygen and nutrients,
- more saturated lip color.
The most common advice for lip care is the use of special lipstick. But there are several ways to moisturize your lips without chapstick.
The reason is tears
Another interesting reason may be related to the pathology of the tear ducts. It would seem, how are the eyes and the salty taste in the mouth connected? In fact, if there is a disruption in the functioning of the tear ducts, increased secretion of tears may occur; on the other hand, the normal passage of this tear content is also disrupted. As a result, the tear enters the nose, then it flows down the back wall of the throat, and a feeling of saltiness occurs in the mouth. Pathology of the lacrimal glands (ducts) can provoke a salty taste in the mouth.
Why does a metallic taste appear in the mouth? More details
Types of the disease, their symptoms
There are a large number of types of disease, each of which has its own symptoms. Cheilitis happens:
- catarrhal, resulting from injury. Its characteristic symptoms are redness, peeling, swelling and soreness of the lips.
- eczematous, developing due to the occurrence of eczematous processes. The reason is an allergy to a certain type of food, cosmetics (lipstick, cream).
- glandular, associated with an abnormality of the salivary glands. It happens that cheilitis on the lips accompanies periodontal disease, lupus, etc. The lower lip often suffers and begins to peel.
- meteorological. It is caused, as the name suggests, by weather conditions (high air humidity, strong wind, decreased or increased temperature, exposure to ultraviolet radiation, etc.).
- exfoliative, characterized by a chronic course. It is divided into two forms - dry (the blood supply to the lips is disrupted and, as a result, dry scales are formed, which can be easily removed, but after a few days they appear again) and exudative (the border swells and becomes inflamed, crusts appear).
- angular, called jam. Due to streptococci, inflammation begins in the corners of the lips. Vitamin deficiency and frequent licking of lips can also provoke it.
- atopic, accompanying atopic dermatitis. The red border of the lips flakes and itches, the lips crack.
- hypovitaminosis, which occurs due to a lack of B vitamins. Dryness and a pronounced burning sensation affect not only the lip area, but also the entire mucous membrane of the mouth, including the tongue. In this case, the mucous membrane turns red, and vertical cracks form in the area of the red border.
Regardless of the type of cheilitis, common symptoms will be:
- peeling of the lips, observed both only near the border and over the entire surface;
- swelling and swelling, burning and itching in the lips, the appearance of cracks and crusts on them.
Rare reason
Quite rarely, but it still happens, the reason lies in the pathology of the nervous system, when a change in taste perception is noted. In particular, such sensations can occur after suffering traumatic brain injuries, acute cerebrovascular accidents, chronic cerebral circulatory disorders and, of course, infectious diseases. Any viral infections can provoke a perversion of taste disturbance, and this can contribute to the appearance of such a salty taste in the mouth.
Why does my tongue sting?
Physiological reasons
In healthy people, a short-term tingling of the tongue is observed after eating certain foods: tomatoes, onions, garlic, herbs, spices, hot seasonings, pickles, marinades.
Often provoked by berries, sour fruits (lemon, kiwi, pineapple). Drinks that can cause the development of symptoms include kefir, some juices, strong tea, coffee, alcohol, primarily wine. Sometimes hot drinks or food cause superficial burns of the mucous membrane. In this case, the tingling is intense, complemented by tingling and burning. The sensation is also typical for heavy smokers and is associated with constant irritation of the tongue from tobacco smoke. Sometimes the disorder occurs while taking antidepressants, antibiotics, antiemetics, sedatives and hormonal drugs.
Glossalgia
It is a functional disorder, often develops against the background of gastrointestinal diseases, endocrine and neurological pathologies. Pinching, burning and rawness of the tongue during glossalgia can be periodic or constant, causing rapid fatigue when speaking, and is accompanied by dry mouth. Mostly it occurs in the area of the tip and side surfaces. The symptom intensifies against the background of excitement, disappears or weakens when eating. External changes, as a rule, are absent.
Glossodynia
Along with tingling and tingling, patients may complain of a hairy sensation or “crawling sensation.” The symptom is more pronounced in the tip area and can spread throughout the entire tongue. The root rarely suffers. Characteristic is the spread of the affected area and an increase in the duration of discomfort as glossodynia progresses. Manifestations increase in the evening, sometimes bother you all night, and disappear during meals. The disorder is observed in the following diseases:
- Lesions of the digestive system:
gastritis, gastric ulcer, cholecystitis, pancreatitis, colitis. - Endocrine pathologies:
diabetes mellitus, thyroid dysfunction. - Cardiovascular problems:
hypertension, atherosclerosis, ischemic heart disease. - Neurological dysfunction:
vegetative-vascular dystonia, functional disorders due to stress, neuroses, psycho-emotional exhaustion.
Tongue tingling
Desquamative glossitis
In most cases, the pathology is asymptomatic, however, some patients complain of changes in taste sensations, tingling, and pinching of the tongue. Diction problems are possible. Upon examination, multiple whitish areas are revealed, which, after peeling off the epidermis, turn into red spots. Desquamative glossitis can accompany the following conditions:
- Gastroenterological problems:
gastritis, enterocolitis, cholecystitis, hepatitis. - Autoimmune diseases:
rheumatism, systemic scleroderma, SLE. - Chronic dermatoses:
psoriasis, exudative diathesis. - Hypovitaminosis:
deficiency of vitamins B1, B2, B5, B6, B12.
Sometimes it develops during pregnancy and worries patients with pathologies of the hematopoietic system and autonomic disorders. Some patients have a hereditary predisposition.
Dental diseases
A common cause of tingling, pain and burning are dental diseases: caries, tartar deposits. The symptom occurs when the edge of the tongue is damaged by a tooth fragment, prosthesis or crown; the damage is local in nature. Sometimes the cause of development is an individual reaction to the prosthetic material. In such cases, itching, irritation and redness of the mucous membranes are observed.
Xerostomia
Due to an insufficient amount of saliva, the tongue dries out, and a feeling of tingling, tightness, and tingling occurs. The disorder is aggravated by eating hard, dry foods or talking for a long time. Over time, the changes progress, and the discomfort becomes permanent. To reduce the severity of symptoms, patients often drink water or rinse their mouth. Taste sensations are reduced or distorted. Xerostomia can be diagnosed in the following cases:
- Endocrine pathologies:
hyperthyroidism, diabetes mellitus. - Diseases of the salivary glands:
tumors, mumps, calculi. - Dehydration:
fever, increased sweating, repeated vomiting or diarrhea. - Infectious diseases:
HIV, some other viral infections. - Other reasons:
condition after radiation therapy, frequent or prolonged stress.
Oral candidiasis
Pinching, discomfort, tingling are detected in the chronic form of the disease. Acute candidiasis is often manifested by pain and burning. The unpleasant sensations are widespread, covering the tongue and oral mucosa. The affected areas are covered with a dense gray coating, which, when removed, reveals a bright red inflamed epithelium. With hyperplastic candidiasis, the mucous membranes become painful and rough. Atrophic candidiasis is localized, the lesions are located next to the dentures and are areas of erythema with clear boundaries.
Allergic reactions
The most common etiological factor for tingling is food allergy. The symptom can also be observed in a reaction to pollen, house dust, animal dander and other allergens. Severe itching predominates, which forces the patient to “scratch” the affected area with his teeth, may be supplemented by tingling of the tongue, and is accompanied by sneezing and lacrimation.
Gastrointestinal tract and dehydration
A salty taste in the mouth often occurs with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Such a common pathology as gastroesophageal reflux disease causes a similar problem. First of all, of course, this is the appearance of a feeling of acidity, but some people may also complain of saltiness in the mouth.
Often, the taste of salt can be felt when the body is dehydrated, for example after some kind of infection. The effect is especially enhanced if, against the background of a lack of moisture, there is an excess of alcohol and caffeine-containing drinks. A characteristic aftertaste may arise here. Fluid imbalance causes more sodium chloride to appear in saliva. Hence the taste of salt in the mouth. Any loss of fluid and blood thickening are accompanied by this symptom.
Prevention of cheilitis
The main prevention of cheilitis is maintaining a healthy lifestyle and timely treatment of any infectious and allergic diseases. Basic list of measures:
- Eat right - a balanced menu should contain an abundance of fruits, vegetables, herbs, nuts, fish, and high-quality dairy products.
- Reduce the use of cosmetics - try to choose hypoallergenic formulations and constantly monitor the skin's reaction.
- Dose your exposure to open wind or direct sunlight.
- Protect your lip skin from physical and chemical damage.
- Take vitamin and mineral complexes periodically in courses (after consultation with your doctor).
- Give up bad habits.
- Seek medical advice promptly if you have characteristic symptoms.
Remember: your health is the greatest value, and constant monitoring of its condition is very important to maintain the body’s performance, especially in old age.
Reason #7: dysfunction of the salivary glands
A specific taste of salt appears in the mouth as a result of the development of various diseases that damage the functionality of the salivary glands:
- Sjögren's syndrome: is an autoimmune systemic disorder of connective tissue. The disease mainly affects the lacrimal and salivary glands. The pathology can develop against the background of rheumatoid arthritis or lupus erythematosus,
- xerostomia: a condition characterized by dry mouth, which explains the presence of a salty taste in the mouth. This pathology can develop in those who take antihistamines or antidepressants, suffer from hypertension and diabetes. The disease also occurs in people who have undergone radiation therapy in the head and neck area. However, according to some studies, xerostomia most often occurs in older people. Between 10 and 60% of older people worldwide suffer from dry mouth. Moreover, the disease most often affects women1.
The culprit may be salivary stone disease, which is caused by blockage of the salivary glands. You can read about it in more detail in a separate article on the website, specially prepared by journalists from the portal’s editorial office.
Dry mouth causes a specific taste
The salty taste that occurs against the background of xerostomia is not dangerous in itself. But the diseases that caused it are dangerous, as well as the unpleasant consequences of dry mucous membranes. The fact is that saliva is a protector of the oral cavity from bacterial attack. Saliva also washes away food particles and helps us soften food. But if there is not enough of it, then difficulties with swallowing food and stomach problems inevitably arise, as well as dental problems. A person with xerostomia has a high risk of rapid development of oral dysbiosis, caries, pulpitis, periodontitis, gingivitis, and stomatitis. Also, when the mucous membrane is dry, a persistent bad breath occurs.
Eliminating other causes of unpleasant odor
It is more difficult to get rid of bad breath that is not related to dentistry. If the cause is metabolic disorders, treatment may take a long time. With diabetes, it is important to achieve stable blood glucose levels. Then the ammonia aroma will not bother you. To do this, patients with type 1 disease carefully select the dosage of insulin, and for type 2 diabetes mellitus, they are prescribed a balanced diet and medications to lower blood glucose.
For those with severe kidney problems, the only way to eliminate the smell of urea is to undergo hemodialysis. This is a method of artificial purification of blood plasma, which helps get rid of metabolic products.
Treatment of tonsillitis and respiratory pathologies is carried out with antibiotics. But with the chronic course of the pathology, this is a long process.
The most common cause of bad breath is improper oral care. By visiting the dentist at least once a year and choosing the right brush, paste and floss, you can avoid the onset of halitosis or treat it at an early stage.
Development of dehydration
Chronically dehydrated people experience a salty taste in their mouth. The salt is felt on the lips, they also become dry, and the person experiences constant thirst. Why does this happen to people? In this situation, such a feeling does not indicate the development of the disease. Such symptoms occur in those people who regularly abuse caffeine-containing drinks, for example, strong tea, coffee, and soft energy drinks.
Also included in the group of drinks that can cause dehydration is sweet soda. In this case, dry hands are additionally observed, the causes of which also lie in dehydration (the little finger may not only be dry, but also peel). In case of such a problem, it is recommended to exclude from life foods that negatively affect the body. This also includes alcoholic drinks, which absorb fluid in the body and retain salt.
What can you say about children?
If a child feels the taste of salt in his mouth and lips, then the reasons can be completely different. This may be due to poor oral hygiene, dehydration, or internal diseases of the body. Here, to identify the problem, you need to observe the baby. If the phenomenon is permanent, then it is necessary to contact a pediatrician and show the child to a dentist. Doctors will examine the little patient, conduct a series of studies, and issue a referral for tests. If you have a constant taste of salt in your mouth, adults should also be examined by a therapist and dentist.
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prevention
- I.M. Makeeva, V.Yu. Doroshina, M.G. Arakelyan. Xerostomia and remedies that alleviate its manifestations. Dentistry. 2013;92(5): 12-13
