It is common knowledge that sugar is bad for teeth, but what about the other major flavor enhancer, salt? Whether you like to sprinkle a bit of extra salt on your nightly dinner, or you tend to gravitate toward packaged foods that are high in sodium, you might wonder if this popular mineral could be impacting your smile. How does salt affect oral health? This blog post provides useful information.
How Salt Can Benefit Oral Health
There are a few ways in which salt can be good for your oral health:
- Pain relief and inflammation reduction. Dentists often recommend that patients swish with warm salt water after a major dental procedure or when they have a toothache. The salt can help to calm inflammation and reduce discomfort.
- Oral hygiene. A lot of toothpaste formulas contain a bit of salt as a foaming agent. This can help the toothpaste stay in your mouth and prevent dribbling.
- Fight bacteria. Salt may alter the pH level of your mouth, making it more difficult for harmful bacteria to thrive.
How Salt Can Harm Your Oral Health
Unfortunately, salt is not all good. Consumed in excessive amounts, it could harm your smile in a few different ways:
- Salt can contribute to dehydration. Too much salt could cause your mouth to become dry, creating an environment where disease-causing bacteria can easily multiply.
- Salt can contribute to calcium excretion. A high-sodium diet is associated with faster rates of calcium excretion. It could even cause your teeth to lose some of this precious mineral and become weaker.
- Salt and simple carbohydrates often go together. Salty foods may not be high in sugar, but they are often full of simple carbohydrates. Things like salty crackers, chips, and bread break down in the mouth and can contribute to tooth decay almost as easily as sugary foods.
How Much Salt Is Okay?
You should include some sodium in your daily diet; it is an essential micronutrient. However, you should be careful not to overdo it. The American Heart Association urges adults to consume no more than 2,300 milligrams of sodium each day. That equates to about one teaspoon of table salt. Food labels contain information about a product’s sodium content. Keep an eye on those numbers so you can make well-informed decisions about what to eat.
Salt can be both good and bad for your smile. Use it in moderation so your oral health can thrive!
Meet the Practice
The general dentists and specialists at Abington Family Dental Care are proud to offer a range of oral health services in our modern, welcoming office. If you have questions about how to care well for your teeth and gums, we are ready to speak with you. Get in touch with our friendly team at 781-780-2658.