Salt is a mineral composed primarily of sodium chloride, a chemical compound belonging to the larger class of salts; salt in the form of a natural crystalline mineral is known as rock salt or halite. Salt is present in huge quantities in seawater. Most people already know how sweets and acidic drinks can lead to tooth decay, but they are far from the only types of food that can affect oral health. Salt has been shown to affect teeth; the question is, is it a good or bad effect? Your dentist will tell you that when it comes to oral health, there are pros and cons to salt, and you should be aware of them when deciding whether to limit sodium in your diet.
How salt can benefit your teeth
If you have recently had oral surgery or if you are currently suffering from some type of dental infection, your dentist may suggest a salt water rinse. Salt is a natural disinfectant. It can increase the pH balance in the mouth and create an environment where it is more difficult for harmful bacteria to survive. It also helps reduce unpleasant swelling in the mouth.
Salt can also indirectly help your smile when used as an ingredient in toothpaste. In addition to fighting bacteria, it also gives the toothpaste a foamy consistency. This is done to keep the toothpaste in the mouth where it can do the most good. In addition, salt is slightly abrasive; if mixed with other ingredients, so it doesn't damage the teeth too much, it can be quite effective at removing plaque from your enamel.
How salt can damage teeth
Unfortunately, while salt-based oral care products are good for your smile, the same cannot be said for salt-rich foods. This is because sodium-rich foods are often carbohydrates, such as bread, pasta, and cookies. Carbohydrates can slowly break down into simple sugars and starches that oral bacteria can feed on and turn into acid that erodes enamel. In other words, eating too many foods rich in salt can increase the risk of tooth decay.
Salt can also affect calcium levels. Excess salt can cause the body to excrete more calcium than usual. This can lead to osteoporosis, a disease that thins and weakens your bones. If osteoporosis develops in your jaw, it can eventually cause your teeth to loosen and even fall out completely.
Benefits of lower salt intake
In general, reducing the amount of salt in your diet will make it easier to protect your smile and avoid osteoporosis. It can also benefit your overall health by reducing the risk of high blood pressure, heart attack and stroke; it also helps prevent dehydration and water retention problems. Of course, you can still use salt water rinses and salt-based toothpastes to protect your teeth. Just make sure you spit them out when you're done.
If you think that too much salty food may be affecting your oral health, talk to your dentist. Once they've completed the checkup and cleaning, they can help you review your regular diet to see what foods may be putting you at risk and suggest healthier alternatives.
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