When water tastes salty, this altered sensation, known medically as dysgeusia, signals a change in your body’s chemistry or immediate environment. This perception can range from faint to distinctly unpleasant. The source usually involves factors localized to the mouth and sinuses, issues affecting the body’s fluid balance, or external characteristics of the water itself.
Localized Explanations in the Mouth and Sinuses
The most immediate causes for a salty taste originate in the oral or nasal cavities, often involving naturally saline fluids. Post-nasal drip is a frequent culprit. Excess mucus produced in the sinuses runs down the throat, mixing with saliva. Since this mucus is inherently salty, it creates a noticeable flavor when drinking water. This condition is often triggered by allergies, a common cold, or a sinus infection.
Minor bleeding within the mouth is another source, introducing the metallic, salty taste of blood. This can result from aggressive toothbrushing, flossing, or irritation from sharp foods. Bleeding gums, often a sign of gingivitis or gum disease, is a frequent cause of this persistent taste. Even a small amount of blood alters taste perception when drinking a neutral liquid like water.
Infections within the mouth or teeth can also contribute to this sensation. These may cause localized inflammation or discharge that mixes with saliva. The resulting fluid has an altered flavor most apparent when drinking plain water.
Systemic Causes Related to Body Chemistry
Conditions affecting fluid balance and saliva production are powerful systemic drivers of a salty taste. Dehydration is a primary cause, as saliva naturally contains salt. When the body lacks sufficient water, the remaining saliva becomes more concentrated, meaning the salt is less diluted and tastes significantly saltier.
Dry mouth, or xerostomia, occurs when salivary glands do not produce enough saliva. Reduced flow means less fluid is available to cleanse the mouth and dilute natural salts, leading to a lingering, concentrated salty taste. Dry mouth is a common side effect of various prescription and over-the-counter medications, including antidepressants, antihistamines, and diuretics.
Certain medications can cause dysgeusia directly by altering the function of the taste buds. Chemotherapy and radiation treatments are known to change taste perception, often resulting in a metallic or salty taste. Sjögren’s syndrome, an autoimmune condition damaging salivary and tear glands, also causes dry mouth and an altered taste. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can also cause a salty or sour taste when stomach acid leaks back into the esophagus and throat.
External Factors Related to Water Source
While most causes are internal, the water itself can sometimes be the source of the salty flavor. The taste is primarily due to elevated concentrations of sodium and chloride ions in the water supply. This is common in coastal areas where seawater intrusion can mix with freshwater aquifers.
Runoff from road salt used during winter storms can also temporarily increase sodium and chloride levels in municipal water sources. In homes with water softeners, a malfunction or incorrect setting can release excess salt into the drinking water. A broken or poorly maintained softener may not properly flush the brine solution, leaving a salty residue.
Even without environmental or system issues, some water sources naturally contain higher levels of dissolved minerals, including sodium and sulfates, which can impart a noticeably salty flavor. The concentration is typically below levels considered harmful to healthy adults. Water quality testing can confirm if the mineral content is the source of the taste.
When to Seek Medical Guidance
While a temporary salty taste is often easily resolved by drinking more water or treating a common cold, professional medical guidance is sometimes appropriate. Consult a healthcare provider if the salty taste persists for more than a week or two without an obvious explanation, such as a recent sinus infection or dehydration. A dentist should be consulted if the taste is accompanied by bleeding gums, tooth pain, or other symptoms of oral infection.
Seek immediate medical attention if the salty taste is accompanied by other concerning symptoms. These “red flags” include:
- Swelling of the salivary glands
- Trouble chewing or swallowing
- A change in your voice
- Dizziness or confusion
- Severe thirst or general unwellness
These may indicate significant dehydration or an underlying systemic condition. If you suspect a medication is causing the taste change, discuss alternatives with your prescribing doctor.