Does Salt Impact Your Smile?

You know that sweet treats aren’t just bad for your waistline. They can also damage your smile, but what about salty snacks? Believe it or not, salt can also be harmful to your dental health, despite having certain benefits for your mouth. If you can’t resist a salty snack, here are a few things you should know to safeguard your pearly whites.

Salt Can Harm Your Smile

High-salt snack foods often have carbohydrates, like chips or crackers. Carbohydrates can be just as harmful as sugar because they feed oral bacteria and create an acidic plaque in the mouth.

Plaque buildup throughout the day can harbor bacteria that adhere to the tooth surfaces, which can erode your enamel. Besides an increased risk of decay, it can also lead to gum disease. The preventable infection can affect your oral and general health negatively.

Salt can also weaken your bones and teeth. High-salt diets increase the amount of calcium loss through urine during the day. Without adequate calcium, your teeth will be more vulnerable to cavities, chips, and fractures. Not to mention, you can have a higher risk of osteoporosis. 

Overall, too much sodium can compromise both your oral and general health. It can raise your risk of cardiovascular disease, heart attacks, and strokes. Salt can also lead to dehydration and affect water retention and bloating. 

It’s best to moderate your salt consumption. If you have a salty snack, be sure to brush your teeth well after you finish it to ensure there aren’t isn’t any lingering in your mouth. If you can’t get to your toothbrush, rinse your mouth with water or chew a piece of sugar-free gum.

Salt Can Help Your Smile

Although having too much salt can mean bad news for your teeth and gums, it can also benefit your smile. A salt water rinse is a great way to kill oral bacteria. It can also reduce pain and inflammation when dealing with certain dental issues, like swollen gums, an oral injury, or a toothache. 

It’s not uncommon for dentists to recommend rinsing with salt water after having certain dental procedures to help keep your mouth clean for a quicker recovery. However, only swish it in your mouth and do not swallow it.

It can be difficult to resist salt cravings, but it’s better to choose fresh fruits and vegetables over-processed snacks. Your mouth and body will thank you for making healthier choices.

About Dr. Jed M. Koops

Dr. Koops earned his dental degree at Case Western Reserve University and has regularly pursued continuing education in many specialties, like dental implants. He combines his qualifications with the latest technologies to help each patient achieve their best smile. Request an appointment through our website or call (216) 284-5468.