Forget Toothpaste: Doctor Says Salt Leaves Mouth Fresher Than Commercial Paste

• Salt is a natural tooth-cleaning agent that has been shown to be effective in removing plaque and bacteria
• While the idea of brushing with salt may seem unconventional, it is a safe and effective alternative to commercial toothpaste
• If you are looking for a natural and effective way to improve your oral health, consider brushing with salt

Nairobi - A surprising alternative to traditional toothpaste is gaining attention in oral hygiene. Salt.

Yes, that humble kitchen staple might hold the key to a fresher mouth, according to a doctor who advocates this unconventional approach.

Benefits of using salt to cleanse your tooth

Driven by the quest for a cleaner, healthier mouth, individuals are exploring the benefits of using salt as a natural tooth-cleansing agent, and the results might leave you rethinking your morning routine.

Have you ever noticed that brushing your teeth with salt leaves you with a remarkably clean and revitalized sensation?

Doctor Lewis Muchile explained that when salt is employed as a tooth-cleaning agent, it exhibits remarkable effects on oral health.

"You will not wake up with a filthy mouth, and the biofilm disappears," Muchile said.

This unique characteristic of salt brushing has been observed to provide a distinct freshness that commercial toothpaste often needs to replicate.

Salt is not a replacement for fluoride

For many individuals still wedded to commercial toothpaste, the idea of salt as a dental cleaning agent might seem unconventional and unfamiliar.

The allure of minty-fresh flavours and glossy packaging has led to a longstanding reliance on store-bought toothpaste, leaving many sceptical about the efficacy of a seemingly simple alternative.

However, Muchile insists that this natural approach could be a game-changer for individuals who experience discomfort or self-consciousness due to morning mouth odour.

"This could be a tip for those who want to kiss in the morning but are shy because they have a foul mouth when they wake up," he explained.

By adopting the practice of brushing with salt, activated charcoal, or diluted bicarbonate soda, individuals may find themselves confidently embracing those early-morning moments without the worry of unpleasant breath.

Commercial toothpaste

He suggests that delving into the ingredients of commercial toothpaste might shed light on why salt offers such a refreshing alternative.

"Check out the companies that manufacture toothpaste, and you will understand," he advised.

Commercial toothpaste brands contain a myriad of chemical additives and artificial flavours that, while designed to provide a pleasant brushing experience, might not necessarily contribute to optimal oral health.

Dr Muchile's advice echoes the findings by Mani A, Mani S, Anarthe R. A Clinical Pilot Study to Evaluate the Efficacy of Sea Salt Based Oral Rinse in Gingivitis Patients. Int J Experiment Dent Sci 2015;4(2):116-118.

The report concluded that long-term regular use of sea salt rinse was advantageous since it was alcohol-free, nonirritating, had no taste alteration, and was a good relief for people with gingivitis and periodontitis.

Surprisingly, toothpaste manufacturer Colgate has also thrown its weight behind the use of salt to brush teeth and salty water to rinse the mouth.

The manufacturer recommends saltwater rinses to manage oral thrush and canker sores after tooth extractions.

It, however, warned that salt is not a replacement for fluoride which helps prevent cavities in adults and children by making the teeths' outer surface more resistant to acid attacks.