<s>[INST] At first I thought that the funny , salted-feeling(not really using salt at all) on the lips was due to the zinc in the denture adhesive I was using until I quit using it and have not used it for the past two weeks - the funny feeling persists...do you have any suggestions? I am 64, good health, except for a bit more stress lately due to personal circumstances; no diet changes - but I don t rule out new allergies to foods... [/INST] Hello, I am Dr. Mukesh Asrani, an Oral Medicine Specialist, and would like to help you regarding your problem. The most common cause of salty taste at this age could be dehydration as this makes the saliva salty. Other causes include diabetes as it can alter the taste sensation, some components of toothpaste and mouthwash, gum diseases, cough, Gastro oesophegal refulx disease and many medications which alter the taste. I would advise you to take plenty of water, lime juice and chew sugar free gums. Also get your diabetes checked. If you have changed your tooth paste or mouthwash, go back to previous one and also rule out other causes. Some stress related diseases like Burning mouth syndrome can also lead to altered taste. If you don't get releif by the above mentioned advise, you should consult your Oral Physician, he will help you regarding this condition. Wish you a good health. Take care. Regards, Dr. Mukesh Asrani </s>