4. Foul Taste in the Mouth: More Than Just Bad Breath
Imagine starting your day with a glass of fresh orange juice, only to be assaulted by an inexplicably foul taste in your mouth. Most would blame it on morning breath, but when that taste lingers or recurs frequently, it’s time to dig deeper. This could be a symptom of a salivary gland issue, such as an infection that’s affecting the quality of your saliva.
In a normal state, your saliva plays a vital role in breaking down food and maintaining oral hygiene. It helps to wash away food particles and fight bacteria, ensuring that your mouth remains clean. When there’s an issue with your salivary glands, however, the taste of your saliva can change dramatically, often becoming noticeably unpleasant.
It’s not just about taste, though. An altered sense of taste can affect your appetite and, consequently, your nutrition. Food items that you once enjoyed might become unbearable, making mealtime a daunting experience. In severe cases, this can even lead to weight loss and malnutrition, making it a much bigger issue than simply ‘bad taste’. (4)
