Unusual Saliva Taste: Changes and Seeking Solutions

My saliva has had a strange taste in the past few months?

Since around July of this year, I have been experiencing a strange taste in my saliva on the left side.
It seems to have a slightly sour and salty flavor, and the saliva on the left side feels thicker, although there is no pain or other symptoms.
If I intentionally press on the area where my left cheek meets my neck, I can expel a significant amount of saliva, but there are no such symptoms on the right side or below.
I previously consulted an oral and maxillofacial surgeon (who took X-rays), and the doctor indicated that there appeared to be no issues.
However, since the saliva volume on the left side seems to be less, I was advised to see an otolaryngologist to check my salivary glands.
When I visited the otolaryngologist (for a consultation only), they mentioned that saliva naturally has a taste, so they dismissed my concerns.
However, this taste is new and has been quite bothersome for me.
I would like to ask the doctor if you have any thoughts on how to address this issue?

Sean, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/12/15

Dr. Liao Yaopan reply Family Medicine

Hello, saliva is not entirely tasteless.
If you are experiencing persistent discomfort, it is indeed recommended to consult an otolaryngologist to evaluate whether there are any specific issues with the salivary glands.
Additionally, a dental examination is necessary to check for any other lesions in the oral cavity.
Online consultations are not equivalent to in-person medical visits and cannot provide diagnoses or treatment recommendations.
Changhua Hospital cares about you.

Reply Date: 2021/12/15

More Info

The unusual taste in saliva that you are experiencing, particularly on the left side, can be quite perplexing and concerning. It’s important to understand that changes in saliva taste and consistency can be influenced by a variety of factors, including oral health, hydration levels, diet, and underlying medical conditions.

Firstly, the sensation of an unusual taste in saliva, described as slightly sour and salty, could be indicative of several potential issues. One common cause could be a condition known as sialadenitis, which is an inflammation of the salivary glands. This condition can lead to changes in saliva production and may cause the saliva to have a different taste or consistency. Additionally, if there is any blockage or infection in the salivary glands, it could result in altered saliva characteristics.

Another possibility is that the taste change could be related to your diet or hydration status. Certain foods, especially acidic or salty ones, can influence the taste of saliva. Dehydration can also lead to thicker saliva, which might contribute to the sensation you are experiencing. It’s essential to ensure that you are drinking enough fluids throughout the day to maintain proper hydration.

You mentioned that you can express a significant amount of saliva from the left side when applying pressure to the area near your ear and neck. This could suggest that there is an issue with the salivary gland on that side, such as a blockage or a stone (sialolithiasis). Salivary stones can form when minerals in saliva crystallize, leading to blockages that can cause pain, swelling, and changes in saliva production.

Since you have already consulted with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon and an ENT specialist, it’s crucial to follow their recommendations. If they have ruled out significant issues through imaging and examination, you might consider a few additional steps:
1. Hydration: Ensure you are drinking plenty of water to help thin the saliva and promote healthy gland function.

2. Dietary Adjustments: Pay attention to your diet. Reducing the intake of acidic or spicy foods may help alleviate the unusual taste.

3. Oral Hygiene: Maintain excellent oral hygiene. Regular brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash can help prevent infections that might alter saliva taste.

4. Follow-Up: If the problem persists, consider returning to your healthcare provider for further evaluation. They may recommend additional tests, such as imaging studies or saliva flow tests, to assess the function of your salivary glands more thoroughly.

5. Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any additional symptoms that may arise, such as pain, swelling, or changes in taste perception, and report these to your healthcare provider.

In summary, while changes in saliva taste can be benign, they can also indicate underlying issues that may require further investigation. Given your symptoms and the fact that they have persisted, it is advisable to continue seeking medical advice until you find a satisfactory explanation and resolution for your concerns.

Similar Q&A

Understanding the Causes of Sweet-Tasting Saliva: A Medical Insight

The recent sweet taste in your saliva may be related to several factors. It could be a sign of elevated blood sugar levels, which is often associated with diabetes. Other potential causes include certain medications, dietary changes, or even a condition known as ketoacidosis. It ...

Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Hello: In response to your question. 1. Generally speaking, taste disorders are relatively rare, and their pathogenic mechanisms are less understood. 2. Taste is primarily categorized into sweet, salty, sour, and bitter, with different distributions of taste buds on the tongue. 3...

Unexplained Throat Taste: Saliva Swallowing with Mucus and Medicine Flavor

When swallowing saliva, there is an unusual taste in the throat that resembles phlegm or has a medicinal flavor. However, there are no symptoms of a cold, no phlegm, and no sensation of something stuck in the throat. Occasionally, swallowing saliva results in this taste, and the ...

Dr. Ji Zhaoyun reply Otolaryngology
Hello, based on your description, it could be gastroesophageal reflux, post-nasal drip, tonsil stones, periodontal disease, bronchopulmonary issues, or other causes. If the condition is still progressing, it is advisable to consult an otolaryngologist for an initial examination. ...

Understanding Your Child's Unusual Symptoms: Taste, Hunger, and Weight Changes

Hello doctor, my daughter has been experiencing a strange taste in her mouth, and I'm not sure if it's due to dryness or some other issue. She feels hungry in the morning after waking up and also feels hungry four hours after lunch (which wasn't the case before). S...

Dr. Chen Taicheng reply Family Medicine
Hello, the issues mentioned above are similar to those in these three articles: https://goo.gl/wb3Ssj, https://goo.gl/Mr0a2n, https://goo.gl/9mwJ3C. Regarding the content: "Sometimes feeling hungry may be related to gastrointestinal discomfort, including gastritis or pepti...

Loss of Taste: Understanding Tongue Disorders and Their Causes

Dr. Li: Hello, I would like to greet you first. I have developed a peculiar condition where I cannot taste the flavor of food. I initially thought it was due to the common cold, so I decided to wait it out. However, after more than half a month, it has not improved, and I now bel...

Dr. Li Jiaxuan reply Otolaryngology
Good morning, Mr. Gongyue. Individuals who lack taste often also experience a decrease in their sense of smell. Given your age, it could be due to simple neurodegeneration or endocrine deficiency. However, if you are concerned about other possibilities, Dr. Hsu from the Departmen...