Acidic saliva can be caused by various factors such as certain foods, medications, vitamin deficiencies, dental problems, and an increase in bacteria in the mouth. Heartburn can also lead to a sour taste due to undigested food returning to the mouth. The problem is usually short-lived and resolves once the cause is no longer present.
Acidic saliva can be the result of a number of common problems, some of which are short-lived and some are long-term. Eating certain foods, taking certain types of medications, and vitamin deficiencies can lead to acidic, foul-tasting saliva. Gum disease, infected teeth, and other dental problems may be to blame. Many times the culprit is a buildup of anaerobic bacteria on the back of the tongue, a situation that can be exacerbated by post-nasal drip, chronic dry mouth, or simply a decrease in saliva production during sleep. People with heartburn may also notice a sour taste due to acidic, undigested food returning to the mouth.
In many cases, acidic saliva is a short-lived problem that resolves itself once the cause is no longer present. Eating certain acidic or strong-tasting foods can leave a sour taste for a short time. It could be a side effect of some medications, but should resolve once the medications are stopped. Deficiencies in some vitamins such as B12 can cause acidic saliva, but this can be corrected by adding a supplement to your diet.
Dental problems are another frequent cause of acidic saliva. People with gum disease, in which gum tissue becomes swollen, inflamed, and infected, may find their saliva is acidic and unpleasant. An infected, abscessed tooth can also create a sour taste due to excess bacteria in the mouth.
For most people, behind the acidic saliva is an increase in bacteria in the mouth. This often occurs simply because less saliva is produced during sleep to break it down, leading to a sour taste and bad breath in the morning. People with sinus infections may be more prone to acidic saliva as the mucus on the back of the tongue provides extra protein for bacteria to grow. Those with chronic dry mouth may also have problems with excess bacteria in their mouths; the condition can also interfere with the function of one’s taste buds, which can exacerbate the impression of a sour taste.
Heartburn can also underlie a case of acidic saliva. The condition causes a reflux of stomach acid and sometimes undigested food particles into the throat and mouth, where they can mix with saliva and make it sour and sometimes bitter. This can be a one-time or one-time problem, or it can be ongoing for someone with a chronic case.
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