Does Brushing With Salt Whiten Teeth?
By
Dr Shivam Jha
This blog post will address the question, “does brushing with salt whiten teeth” and cover topics like salt a key ingredient in toothpaste, differences between salt toothpaste and general toothpaste, incorporating pure salt in oral care routine and options to whiten teeth other than salt.
Does Brushing With Salt Whiten Teeth?
In fact, while it may look effective, it’s really just temporarily removing surface stains. As for salt, the same holds true. Salt acts as a surface abrasive and can definitely make teeth look whiter, but it can really damage your tooth enamel, and unfortunately once your enamel is damaged, it’s damaged for life.
Salt: A key ingredient in your toothpaste
Salt is a key ingredient in your toothpaste in the form of calcium carbonate and sodium chloride.
Salt when combined with fluoride and other ingredients in the toothpaste, acts as a gentle abrasive and removes the extrinsic stain from foods and drinks.
How Is Salt Toothpaste Different from Regular Toothpaste?
Salt toothpaste available in the market has fluoride as well as other ingredients that give it a paste-like consistency.
Salt toothpaste with its paste-like consistency acts as a mild abrasive and removes the stain from teeth giving it a whiter look.
Salt toothpaste made at home by yourself does not contain fluoride and other ingredients, making it a harsh abrasive that erodes the enamel and weakens the teeth in the long run.
The basic difference between salt toothpaste and general fluoridated toothpaste is in its use.
While using a fluoride toothpaste, wet the toothbrush before applying the toothpaste on it whereas wetting the brush before using salt toothpaste will not allow toothpaste to stick on the toothbrush.
How To Incorporate Pure Salt Into Your Oral Care Routine?
As A Mouth Rinse
You can incorporate pure salt in your oral care routine in the form of mouth rinse.
Salt rinse increases the mouth’s pH and therefore helps in fighting infections of the throat and oral cavity.
In a cup of lukewarm water, add one teaspoon of salt and rinse your mouth 2-3 times for 30 seconds each time.
Salt rinses reduce oral pain by decreasing inflammation and with its antibacterial action
Salt Fluoridation
According to a study, salt fluoridation is the cheapest method of caries prevention.
Salt has mild abrasive action that whitens teeth by removing stains while fluoride strengthens the teeth enamel and prevents decay.
5 Natural Remedies To Get Rid Of Yellow Teeth
Homemade Toothpaste Containing Baking Soda And Hydrogen Peroxide
Homemade toothpaste containing 1 tablespoon baking soda mixed with 2 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide, helps to reduce yellowing of the teeth.
A study reported toothpaste containing baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to be effective in reducing tooth staining and improving whiteness.
Vitamin C
Some studies have reported vitamin C to reduce periodontitis and thereby reducing discoloration of teeth. However, further research is required to confirm these reports.
Add Fruit Enzymes To Toothpaste
According to a study, papain enzyme from the papaya fruit and bromelain enzyme from pineapples play a significant role in reducing tooth stains when added to toothpaste.
Whitening Effect Of Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar when used in small quantities may prove to be an effective whitener for your teeth.
However, in large quantities or regular use may harm the tooth by eroding away the enamel.
Coconut Oil Rinse
A study concluded coconut oil pulling or swishing in the mouth to be an effective way to reduce plaque buildup on the teeth resulting in lighter shade on your teeth.
Teeth Whitening Products To Get Whiter Teeth
Whitening Strips
Whitening strips are an over-the-counter, very thin and invisible teeth whitening product containing peroxide-based whitening gel.
The strips are applied following the instructions printed on the label.
It takes a few days for the initial results to appear and almost 4 months for the final results.
Whitening strips can be uncomfortable on your teeth and gums if not properly used.
Whitening Toothpastes
Whitening toothpastes remove surface stains and lighten the tooth color by one shade.
Over-The-Counter Whitening Gels
Whitening gels are peroxide-based gels applied directly to the teeth surface with a small brush.
Whitening Rinses
Whitening rinses are among the newest whitening products available.
Whitening rinses apart from whitening the teeth, also results in fresh breath and prevention of plaque accumulation.
Tray-based teeth whiteners
Tray-based teeth whitening systems can be purchased either over-the-counter or from a dentist,
It is similar to a mouth-guard tray but has peroxide as a bleaching agent.
Tips To Avoid Teeth Staining
Choose An Appropriate Toothbrush
Choosing an appropriate toothbrush is the first and most important step towards toothbrushing. Yet, this is neglected by most of the people.
Toothbrushes with more rounded bristles are soft to your teeth and are considered to be an ideal toothbrush to use.
Do Not Immediately Brush after Eating Acidic Foods
You must wait for 30 minutes to one hour after consumption of acidic foods and drinks. The acid in the food or drink otherwise may erode the enamel layer and regular habit may cause exposed dentin leading to pain and sensitivity and increased risk of developing cavities.
Use Gentle and Short Strokes When Brushing Your Teeth
Use gentle, short strokes to brush your front teeth and thoroughly clean your mouth without abrading the enamel.
Brush the outside surfaces as well as the back molars and upper areas of your chewing surfaces. Brush the inside surfaces of both top and bottom front teeth by flipping your toothbrush upside down.
Brush your tongue to get rid of any bacteria or plaque.
Use A Fluoride Toothpaste
Fluoride can greatly help achieve oral and dental health by strengthening the tooth enamel, making it more resistant to tooth decay.
Fluoride reduces the amount of acid produced by the bacteria on your mouth.
Floss Daily To Get Maximum Benefits Out Of Tooth Brushing
Many people, despite knowing the benefits of flossing daily, just neglect it.
According to a study, flossing is highly effective in reducing the interproximal caries risk.
Daily floss can help stimulate your gums and reduce plaque leading to lesser inflammation risk.
Consider Mouthwash
Therapeutic mouthwashes as the name suggests have therapeutic action and control dental conditions like gingivitis, tooth decay and periodontal diseases. They also help remove halitosis.
Therapeutic Mouthwashes contain ADA listed active ingredients such as fluoride, peroxide, essential oils, cetylpyridinium chloride, and chlorhexidine, all regulated by the FDA.
See Your Dentist At Least Twice A Year
It is important to get your oral health checked twice every year with an interval of 6 months between two visits.
Your dentist can help remove calculus and locate cavities and will also be able to spot potential oral health issues, if any, and offer treatment solutions.
Conclusion
This blog post addressed the topic, “does brushing with salt whiten teeth”. We understood that salt when used alone can be harmful for the teeth. The article also outlined the difference between salt toothpastes and general toothpaste, how pure salt can be incorporated in our oral hygiene routine and tooth whitening options other than salt.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs): Does Brushing With Salt Whiten Teeth
Is It Ok To Brush Your Teeth With Salt?
Without other ingredients, salt is too abrasive on teeth. Just dipping your toothbrush into your table salt would do your teeth more harm than good, and could actually damage your enamel.
How Do You Make Your Teeth Whiter?
- Visit Your Dentist In Every 6 Months For Full Mouth Checkup And Dental Cleaning
- Avoid foods and drinks that causes stains
- Say no to tobacco and tobacco products
- Brush at least twice daily for two minutes each with a fluoridated toothpaste
- Use tooth whitening toothpastes and other at-home tooth whitening products with a seal of acceptance from ADA.
- Floss daily and use whitening mouth rinses.
Are Any Benefits Associated With Brushing Your Teeth With Salt?
There is actually no scientific evidence present to say that brushing your teeth with pure salt has benefits.
Some claim that brushing with salt whiten your teeth but actually it has more disadvantages in the long run.
Salt is highly abrasive and therefore brushing regularly with salt for a longer period can damage your teeth by eroding away the enamel and thinning the teeth.
How Often Should You Brush Your Teeth With Salt?
Brushing your teeth with salt once in a while is ok as salt has antibacterial properties and also is an abrasive that temporarily gives your teeth a whiter look.
Regular brushing with salt alone in pure form is not recommended and can abrade your enamel leading to tooth decay and darkening of teeth due to exposed dentin.
Can I gargle with salt water everyday?
No. You should not use salt water gargle everyday as it may soften your teeth and gums.
However, if you are suffering from a sore throat or any other throat infection or it is advised by your dentist, then in that case you will find daily salt water gargling very much beneficial.
Once the above mentioned conditions resolve, you must stop the salt water gargle.
Other FAQs about Teeth brushing that you may be interested in.
If I Brush My Teeth 3 Times A Day Will They Get Whiter?
Benefits of brushing teeth 3 times a day
References:
Brushing With Salt. (2020)
Marthaler TM. Salt fluoridation and oral health. Acta Med Acad. 2013;42(2):140-155. doi:10.5644/ama2006-124.82
Should You Gargle With Saltwater Daily? (2020)
Teeth Whitening. (2019)
Natural Remedies. (2018)
11 Ways to Keep Your Teeth Healthy. (2019)
Conclusion
This blog post addressed the question, “does brushing with salt whiten teeth”. We understood that brushing three times daily is more effective in getting whiter and stain free teeth. The article outlined the various causes associated with tooth discoloration, ways to prevent teeth from becoming yellow and some in-office and at-home whitening techniques.