Natural oral health care products
have been rising in popularity.
Some people prefer the ease
of reaching into their pantry
for a cheap dental cleaner.
Others may get excited about the
prospect of using salt after watching
a social media video that claims
it whitens better than other products.
Salt does have some benefits for your
oral health.
We’ll occasionally suggest using a mild
saltwater solution to ease the pain
of canker sores or other oral wounds.
Other than that, it is better to use
a dentist-approved toothpaste for
your every day oral hygiene routine.
Knowing why salt can damage your
teeth makes it easier to choose
a better option for getting them clean.
Watch Out
for Enamel
Abrasion
Salt can help to whiten your teeth.
The tiny crystals have naturally
abrasive qualities.
As you rub the salt across your teeth
with your brush, it scrapes away
surface stains and tartar.
Enamel abrasion sets you up
for future dental problems.
Removing the top surface of your
teeth exposes the underlying dentin.
The dentin lacks the strength
of the outer enamel.
This means that you’ll experience
greater tooth sensitivity, which may
make it hard to enjoy hot or cold food
or drinks.
The dentin is also yellower
than the enamel.
If you have enamel abrasion,
then your teeth will always look yellow
unless they get covered up with
a restoration such as crowns or veneers.
Consider
the Lack
of Fluoride
Fluoride is a natural mineral that
is found in the soil, water and air.
For years, it has been added
to the public water supply to help
support dental health.
If you use salt for toothpaste,
then you might not be getting
enough fluoride on your teeth.
We generally recommend brushing
your teeth at least twice a day with
a toothpaste that contains fluoride.
In some cases, we may also
prescribe prescription toothpaste
and mouth rinses that have
extra fluoride.
These special dental products
go much further than salt
for preventing serious tooth decay.
Choose Safer
Whitening
Treatments
If you’ve already used salt,
then try not to worry.
Most likely, you didn’t do major
damage if it was only one
or two times.
If there is some enamel abrasion,
we can help you choose the best
restoration to stop tooth sensitivity.
Your dentist also has safe options
to make your teeth whiter.
Professional whitening treatments
are designed to lift stains without
damaging your teeth.
You’ll also see a noticeable
improvement in the color of your
teeth after your first treatment.
With salt, you could brush for weeks
before seeing deep stains lift.
You can even choose from in-office
or at-home treatments that come
with your dentist’s approval.
The fact that you are thinking about
using salt to clean your teeth
is a good sign that you are interested
in improving your oral health.
Making a commitment to brush
and floss regularly with a safe
and gentle toothpaste helps you to
achieve the goal of a prettier smile.
If you still have concerns about
how white your teeth are,
schedule an appointment.
Getting a professional cleaning
or teeth whitening service will
improve your smile while protecting
your oral health.
Noble Dental Care is a family-oriented
dental care clinic. Dr. Scott and his staff
care about you and your health.
Give us the opportunity to give you
the smile of your dreams.
Call us for an appointment
at (480) 820-3515.