You’ve likely already heard that when it comes to your smile, eating a diet that’s low in sugar helps lower your risk of developing problems like cavities. But what about if you’re more of a fan of savory snacks? Is a high sodium diet any better for your teeth and gums than a sweet one? Here’s what you need to know about salt and your oral health!
Which is Better: Salty or Sweet
When it comes to your smile, you may be wondering if salty snacks are better than sweet ones. The good news is that with proper hygiene, neither needs to be bad for your oral health. In fact, by brushing and flossing regularly, you can reduce your risk of cavities and gum disease no matter which type of treat you prefer!
Carb Culprits
Though salt can be beneficial to your teeth (warm saltwater rinses can kill bacteria and soothe dental pain from things like extractions and chipped teeth), when it comes to snacks it’s not the salt itself that can put your smile at risk, but another sneaky suspect. You see, most savory treats like chips, pretzels, and other breads are packed with carbohydrates. Unfortunately, the bacteria in your mouth thrive on such mouth-watering menu options, converting them into sugar. So, while you may not have had a sweet snack to begin with, the reaction in your mouth causes the same effect as if you did!
How to Handle Salty Snacks
Protecting your teeth from high carbohydrate, salty snacks is just as important as safeguarding them from sweets, but thankfully doing it is pretty easy. For best results, be sure to:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day.
- Floss once a day.
- Drink plenty of water, especially after meals to wash away residue and food particles.
- Visit your dentist twice a year for your regular, biannual dental check-up and cleaning.
Remember, there is no such thing as an inherently bad snack, as long as you take excellent care of your smile after eating it. Thus, to protect your teeth and gums from cavities after eating anything sweet, salty, or packed with carbohydrates, be sure to maintain a thorough, consistent oral hygiene routine.
About Dr. Rowley
Dr. Nicholas Rowley graduated cum laude at Florida State University in 2005 before earning his Doctor of Dental Medicine at Nova Southeastern University in 2010. Since then, he has taken hundreds of hours of continuing education. He is a current, active member of the American Dental Association, Florida Dental Association, Central Florida District Dental Association, and the Brevard County Dental Society. To schedule an exam and cleaning at Rowley Family Dentistry, please visit our website or call us today at 321-723-1772.