**Yes—a temporary increase in perceived saltiness can happen after Sichuan pepper.** Researchers have found that it can make salty foods taste saltier, and other people have [reported a similar lingering “salty tongue” effect](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskCulinary/comments/13v8vsx/). Those anecdotes match your description, although studies of saltiness enhancement don’t fully explain why *everything* afterward would taste salty. [Sensory study](https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10942912.2018.1425704)

A different batch or a larger amount is a plausible explanation. Sichuan pepper’s sanshools produce the familiar buzzing by stimulating sensory nerves; their concentration and composition vary between products. That could change the intensity of your experience, but it doesn’t identify the cause in your particular packet. Also check whether the ingredients include added salt or other seasonings. [Sanshool mechanism](https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3072296/), [product variability study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40106916/)

**A brief effect that wears off completely does not, by itself, suggest permanent taste-bud damage.** However, the sensory studies aren’t proof that this particular batch is safe, and taste alone cannot establish or rule out contamination.

Since this is new for you, I’d pause this packet until your taste returns to normal. Check its ingredients, packaging, and any unusual odor or visible spoilage. If everything looks normal and you have no other symptoms, using a smaller culinary amount from a trusted source is a reasonable next step.

If the salty taste persists into the next day, occurs without eating the pepper, or comes with mouth pain or sores, stop using it and consult a doctor or dentist. Persistent salty taste can have other causes. Tongue or throat swelling, trouble swallowing, or breathing difficulty needs urgent medical care. [NIDCD taste-disorder guidance](https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/taste-disorders), [NHS allergy guidance](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/food-allergy/)