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Health & Wellness · January 27, 2022 edition

Three Natural Remedies for Dry Mouth and Bad Breath

From the Genius House Hacks archive.

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Ever wake up with a mouth so dry it's hard to talk? Low saliva production, sometimes called dry mouth, can lead to bad breath, cavities, and gum disease. Fight it naturally with these home remedies.

Hydrate With Salt

Boost your body's ability to hydrate by adding a pinch of Himalayan salt to your water. It contains potassium and calcium, electrolytes that are proven to increase absorption and keep your mouth hydrated longer.

Rinse With Coconut Oil

Many mouthwashes contain alcohol, which can destroy the bad and good bacteria in your mouth. Instead, try oil-pulling: swish 2 tablespoons of coconut or camelina oil in your mouth, sucking and pulling it between your teeth, then spit it out, rinse with warm water, and brush as usual. The practice hydrates gums, reduces plaque and gingivitis, and increases saliva production.

Chew Gum After Meals

Chewing gum increases saliva production at up to ten times the normal rate. Look for gum sweetened with xylitol, a natural sweetener that helps produce saliva and keeps the mouth's pH at a healthy level that won't encourage odor-causing bacteria. Try chewing for 10 to 20 minutes after eating or drinking.

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