The factors that affect the smell of saliva generally have to do with diet, health, and oral hygiene. Though the smell of one’s breath generally comes from the lungs, these scents can leach into the saliva over time, enhancing the smell. This may be a pleasant side-effect for those with fresh-smelling breath, but those with halitosis can develop a chronic bad taste in their mouths. Fortunately, the factors that affect how saliva smells can often be steered toward the pleasant side of the spectrum, either through lifestyle changes or through medication.
Diet is one of the primary factors that affect the smell of saliva. Those that eat large amounts of strongly scented foods may develop saliva that reflects the odors in those foods. Garlic, onions, cabbage, turmeric, and hot peppers may give saliva a slightly savory scent. This may not be unpleasant if it is only subtle, but those that eat these ingredients frequently may want to end their meals with a sprig of parsley or a cup of black or green tea. Parsley and tea often have neutralizing effects on odors.
Eating a lot of fats and refined foods may also give saliva an unpleasant scent. Gasses from the stomach can permeate the mouth, leaching into the moisture there. Those with digestive issues should gradually incorporate more fiber into their diets, lower fat intake, and snack on fruits and vegetables instead of foods filled with empty calories. This often helps the body expel waste that may be giving the mouth an unpleasant odor.
Oral hygiene is a big factor when it comes to the smell of saliva. Food caught in the teeth and gums may begin to decay, releasing unpleasant odors into the rest of the mouth. Bacteria growing on the tongue can also be a culprit. Alleviating these problems is usually as simple as flossing and gently brushing the tongue with a tongue scraper or a toothbrush. When using a toothbrush, brush gently from the back of the tongue to the tip several times.
Those that try all of the above remedies and can’t seem to freshen their breath may want to consult a health care provider. Oral diseases, like gingivitis, cavities, and diabetes, can also cause smelly saliva. Those seeking medical help should be able to describe any other unusual symptoms in the body and give their doctors a general timeline for how long the symptoms have been happening. When the disease is managed, the smell of saliva should return to normal.