Recent years have seen a rise in the popularity of natural alternatives to dental products, including salt. Salt offers many advantages, from adding flavor to food to providing important benefits for your health to improving your dental hygiene.
If you are considering adding salt to your oral care regimen, these three points will help to ensure safety and allow for a natural lifestyle.
Saltwater Rinses
A majority of the time, saltwater rinses your mouth well.
- After tooth extractions: Evidence-Based Dentistry conducted a study and found that using warm saline toothpaste at least twice daily reduced the likelihood of dry socket. Dry socket is the persistent, throbbing discomfort that occurs after a tooth has been extracted. It usually occurs between 48-72hrs.
- Oral Tharsis: Most dentists recommend a warm saltwater rinse to treat an oral thrush infection.
- Salt rinses are a great way to reduce canker sore pain by reducing inflammation and removing some bacteria.
Salt is used to brush teeth
Salt toothpaste has been more popular but is it really effective? And does it improve your dental health? An Oral Health, Preventive Dentistry study found that sea salt can cause severe abrasive wear in the dentin. This is without any dental benefits. Natural toothpaste can still be used by you if you consult your dentist.
Do-it-yourselfing and applying salt directly to your teeth to remove staining is not a good idea. Salt’s abrasive nature could lead to permanent damage.
Fluoride is not replaced by salt
Fluoride must be included in any toothpaste that contains salt. This naturally occurring mineral protects children and adults from cavities by strengthening the tooth’s outer surface against acid attacks. You can ask your dentist for help!
Salt is a versatile and beneficial ingredient. Don’t be afraid to consult your dentist as you explore natural solutions for your smile. Together, you can create a plan to keep your teeth healthy for many years to come.