Salty Taste in Mouth & Diabetes: Complications and Remedies

Having diabetes can put you at a greater risk for developing taste disorders, also known as Dysgeusia. Taste disorders can cause a bad, sour, or salty taste in your mouth. If you have diabetes and a taste disorder, you are at a higher risk of developing gum disease, dental cavities, and other oral problems.

Additional complications from diabetes affecting the mouth can include:

• Dry mouth – caused by high blood sugar levels
• Neuropathy – affects the nerves in your mouth, causing a burning sensation
• Sweet foods don’t taste sweet – if you have Type 2 Diabetes

High blood sugar levels, diabetes medications, and other medications can cause diabetes to have dry mouth (Xerostomia). Having a dry mouth can affect your sense of taste as well as impact chewing and swallowing. Plus, chronic dry mouth can lead to gum disease and cavities.

If you have a chronic taste disorder, you may discover that dry mouth is the cause of that salty taste in your mouth. That puts you at a greater risk of cavities and gum disease. You need saliva to wash away food particles and keep bacteria, causing tooth decay at bay. Regular checkups with your dental professional are key.

Here are lifestyle improvements and home remedies to help alleviate dry mouth and taste disorder symptoms:

• Don’t smoke
• Avoid breathing through your mouth
• Rinse daily with an alcohol-free mouthwash
• Sip water regularly throughout the day
• Replace sugary and salty foods with fruits and veggies, which are high in water
• Chew sugar-free gum or suck on sugar-free candies to stimulate saliva

Having diabetes can put you at risk for developing a taste disorder, such as having a salty taste in your mouth that won’t go away. You could also have a dry mouth, which can lead to poor oral health. A salty taste in the mouth doesn’t always mean something’s wrong. And there are ways to remedy the problem. However, if you have it often and for a long time or don’t have diabetes and your sense of taste is off, you should follow up with your healthcare provider.

Oral Care Center articles are reviewed by an oral health medical professional. This information is for educational purposes only. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist, physician or other qualified healthcare provider.