Salt is one of our main ingredients in our tooth powder and while our tooth powder ingredients are nicely balanced, there will be some people who taste salt much more extremely than others. Even for those people, we do encourage you to keep using the product as salt is one of the healthiest, NATURAL ways to heal gums and kill bacteria and provide remineralization for teeth.
Let’s dive into the reasons WHY salt taste so different to people. SALTY taste in the mouth?
Salty Taste Reason #1 -Dehydration
One of the biggest factors is that MOST people are actually chronically dehydrated. Yup, it’s that simple. When your body is dehydrated, you will taste salt much more extremely than those who are fully hydrated. If it’s really bad, you will have a brine taste in your mouth constantly. A typical average person usually gets the recommendation of 2 liters per day, but if you’re active or live in a climate that is pretty hot and hostile, you’re going to have to drink a lot more. It’s safe to assume closer to 3 liters a day for more people, seeing that most people are over 100 lbs and climates can vary.
Salty Taste Reason # 2 -Electrolyte imbalance
This is a real issue as well because again, many people have it. It’s also the reason why when you are in the ER, the first thing they give you is an electrolyte IV. This IV alone can cure all kinds of issues quickly. Common signs of an electrolyte imbalance are: low to high blood pressure, fatigue, disease, circulation problems and illness. If you taste SALT strongly, there is also a good chance you have an electrolyte imbalance.
Here are some other signs that you have an electrolyte imbalance-
• Suffer from stress-related disorders;
• Suffer from heat-related illnesses;
• Sweat excessively or don’t sweat easily;
• Have circulation problems (cold hands and feet);
• Have low or high blood pressure;
• Take medications which affect blood pressure;
• Eat poorly or have poor drinking habits;
• Are susceptible to infections and colds;
• Exercise regularly;
• or have an existing illness or disease.
How Do You Get Electrolytes?
Various food and fluids contain electrolyte sources. While getting electrolytes through diet is an essential component for good health, it’s nearly impossible to get all of the essential electrolytes in the proper ratios. Historically, people replaced electrolytes with bone broths and soups. Today’s diet furnishes too little or too much of individual electrolytes. With an electrolyte imbalance causing so many health ailments, the replacement of electrolytes should be a priority for everyone.
Taking Salt Does Not Cure An Electrolyte Imbalance
Elevated levels of sodium create electrolyte imbalances which have been linked to high blood pressure and heart problems. The impact of low sodium receives almost no attention. Low levels of sodium can lead to low blood pressure and create susceptibility to bacteria such as staph and E. coli.
Electrolytes are positive ions of potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, and negative ions of chloride, bicarbonate and phosphate.
Electrolytes Cannot Be Replaced With Water or Sports Drinks
The biggest misconception about electrolyte imbalances and treating dehydration is that you can drink lots of water or a sports drink. Plain water will dilute electrolytes, creating a greater electrolyte imbalance. “Sports” drinks are missing several essential electrolytes and none of these drinks are isotonic, which means the same concentration as blood. The sugar in sports drinks also kills the natural electrical charge from a real electrolyte solution. This charge is important for absorption into the cells.
Salty Taste Reason # 3 -Medication Changes Taste Perceptions
If you are taking any medications at all, remember that your taste buds can change quickly based on the medications you are taking. Noticing a strong salt taste could be due to a medication you’re taking.
Salty Taste Reason # 4 -Allergies and Sinus Problem
One of the best things you can do for sinus and allergy problems is just use a neti pot with salt water! But having any of these issues will increase your sensitivity to the taste of salt.
Salty Taste Reason #5 -Vitamin Deficiency (Very COMMON)
If you are eating lots of salty food, it may change the way you taste our tooth powder. Alternatively, the vitamins you are NOT getting from your food, like B12 and other minerals, can alter the way you perceive salt. Without enough zinc in your body, you will perceive salt as “burning” your mouth. So you can easily see how body chemistry effects taste of foods in general.
Salty Taste Reason #6 -Present Infection in the Mouth or Salivary Glands
If you have a present infection, you will respond to salt with disgust. Probably because salt is needed and can actively work against infection naturally.
Our tooth powder was developed by a “SUPER TASTER,” without any of the above conditions. It should and can have a slightly salty taste, but should be very balanced for individuals with NONE of the above conditions (perhaps even devoid of any salty taste). If you do feel the tooth powder is overwhelmingly salty, please make sure to explore the above issues and rule them out.
Dr. Kresser’s article on WHY we need salt is pretty enlightening-read it here.