Alternative dental products containing natural ingredients like salt have been a trend in recent years, and it’s not surprising why.Salt has many benefits, from adding flavor to food to providing significant health benefits, including improving your dental health.
So if you’re considering adding salt to your oral care routine, keep these three factors in mind to do it safely and enjoy a more natural lifestyle!
Salt Water Rinses
Rinsing your mouth with salt water is beneficial in many conditions, including:
After tooth extraction: A study in Evidence-Based Dentistry found that using a warm saline mouthwash at least twice daily significantly reduced dry socket formation, which is persistent, throbbing pain and exposure of bare alveolar bone that usually occurs within 48-48-10 minutes. . 72 hours of tooth extraction.
Oral thrush: Dentists recommend rinsing with warm salt water during an outbreak of oral thrush.
Canker sores: By destroying some bacteria and reducing inflammation, salt rinses can help relieve canker sores.
Brushing Teeth with Salt
Salty toothpaste has become more popular, but how effective is it? And does it improve your dental health? A study in Oral Health and Preventive Dentistry found that adding sea salt to conventional abrasives in toothpaste can cause highly abrasive dentin wear without providing any additional dental benefits. If you still want to use natural toothpaste, consult a dentist.
Using salt directly on your teeth to do it yourself and remove stains is also highly discouraged, as the abrasive nature of salt can cause permanent damage to the teeth.
Salt Cannot Replace Fluoride
If you want to add salt as an ingredient to your toothpaste, make sure fluoride is still in the mix, according to the Turkish Dental Association’s recommendation. This naturally occurring mineral helps prevent cavities in adults and children by making the outer surface of the teeth more resistant to acid attacks. Your dentist can guide you here too!
Salt is a versatile ingredient with many benefits, so don’t hesitate to consult your dentist when exploring natural solutions for your teeth. You can brainstorm together to keep them healthy and shiny for years!