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| - Last Updated on September 11, 2024 by Nivedita
Quick Take
A social media post claims that a mixture of honey and salt can make your teeth shiny. We did the fact check to term this claim as False.
The Claim
According to a post on Threads, brushing your teeth with a mixture of honey and salt can make them shiny and super clean.
Fact Check
Can honey and salt clean your teeth effectively?
No, honey and salt do not effectively clean teeth. Salt has been historically used in some cultures as a natural abrasive for teeth cleaning. However, salt is much more abrasive than the fluoride toothpaste recommended by dentists. According to a 2020 study, using abrasives like salt (or sea salt) can wear away the enamel—the protective outer layer of the teeth. Once the enamel erodes, it cannot regenerate which leaves the teeth vulnerable to decay and sensitivity.
Honey, on the other hand, is a form of sugar. Available research suggests honey has antibacterial properties. But, these are not strong enough to protect against tooth decay, especially in case of direct application to the teeth. Sugars feed the bacteria in the mouth, which then produce acids that can erode the enamel and lead to cavities. Thus, mixing honey with salt will not provide an effective cleaning mechanism for your teeth. It could actually harm them in the long term. Similar to this, we also come across social media posts which claim that probiotic toothpaste can make your teeth whiter. But, scientific evidence does not conclusively support this claim.
A fake social media post claims that you can whiten your teeth by applying a mixture of carrot juice, turmeric powder and toothpaste in one day.
Dr Pooja Sharma, BDS, MDS, NIMS University, Jaipur, Rajasthan, says, “Honey does have some natural antimicrobial properties, but it’s important to remember that honey is also high in sugars. When applied to teeth, these sugars can promote bacterial growth and lead to tooth decay. Salt, being an abrasive, can wear down the protective enamel over time. Together, this mixture is more likely to cause damage rather than clean or protect your teeth. For effective cleaning, it’s best to stick to fluoride toothpaste, which can specifically protect and strengthen enamel.”
Does a mixture of salt and honey make your teeth shiny?
No, the honey and salt mixture will not make your teeth shiny. The shiny appearance of teeth depends on the health of the enamel. When enamel is smooth and clean, it reflects light, giving a shiny appearance. However, using salt, which is an abrasive substance, can scratch and wear down enamel over time. This can eventually reduce its ability to reflect light. Furthermore, honey has a sticky nature and can leave residues on the teeth. This increases plaque buildup and can make teeth appear dull. According to a 2015 study, plaque is a primary cause of dull, discoloured teeth. Toothpaste, on the other hand, contains specially formulated ingredients to remove surface stains and protect the enamel. Regular use of fluoride toothpaste, alongside proper brushing and flossing, is scientifically proven to enhance the appearance and health of your teeth. Likewise, there are claims which suggest that oil pulling can make your teeth whiter, but even this isn’t true as per available evidence.
Dr Snigdha, BDS, MDS, Vananchal Dental College and Hospital, Garhwa, Jharkhand, shares her expertise, “The belief that mixing honey and salt can make your teeth shiny is a misconception. While salt acts as an abrasive, over time it can wear down your enamel, leaving your teeth more prone to dullness rather than shine. Honey, being sticky, can promote plaque buildup, which also dulls the appearance of your teeth. For a truly healthy and bright smile, regular brushing with fluoride toothpaste is essential. If you’re seeking whiter teeth, professional cleaning or whitening treatments from your dentist are the safest and most effective options.”
Could honey and salt harm your dental health?
Yes, using honey and salt to brush your teeth can harm your dental health. Using abrasive materials like salt regularly can lead to enamel erosion. This is a problem that cannot be reversed. Enamel loss increases tooth sensitivity and leaves teeth vulnerable to decay. Honey’s high sugar content promotes bacterial activity in the mouth which can lead to an increase in acid production. Over time, this can result in cavities, gum disease, and even tooth loss if not addressed. Dental experts advise against using abrasive DIY methods for cleaning teeth, as they can lead to irreversible damage to the enamel and long-term oral health issues. Instead, they advise fluoride-based products and professional cleaning when necessary. Dental professionals consistently recommend against the use of sugary substances, such as honey, in any oral care routine because of their potential to aggravate bacterial growth and plaque accumulation.
What is the proper way to keep your teeth shiny?
To keep your teeth shiny and healthy, you should follow evidence-based dental care practices. Dentists recommend brushing your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to remove plaque and prevent enamel erosion. Fluoride makes the enamel strong and helps remineralise areas where decay has begun. Flossing once daily is important for removing food particles and plaque from between the teeth, where a toothbrush cannot reach. Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are essential for maintaining the health and shine of teeth. Reducing the intake of sugary foods and drinks also helps protect against tooth decay, which can cause teeth to become dull or stained. For those looking to whiten their teeth, using dentist-approved whitening products or opting for professional treatments is a safe and effective approach.
THIP Media Take
The claim that cleaning your teeth with a mixture of honey and salt will make them shiny is false. Not only does this combination fail to clean teeth effectively, but it can also harm your enamel and oral health. Stick to safe, proven methods, like using fluoride toothpaste, practising good oral hygiene, and visiting your dentist regularly, to maintain a healthy and shiny smile.
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