EFFECT OF SALT(sodium) TO THE HUMAN TEETH

Many Turlock patients believe that sugar
is the absolute worst for your teeth. We
are all familiar with the fact that
consuming too much sodium can increase
chances of developing high blood pressure,
heart attack and stroke, but you may not
know that salt can be just as aggravating
to your teeth as sugar. Dr. Cesar Acosta
wants his patients to know the facts when
it comes to sodium and dental health.

Salt and Tooth Decay

I’m sure you’re wondering how sodium
comes into play with oral health. The salt
itself does not damage tooth enamel, but
sodium and carbohydrates often go
hand-in-hand, especially when it comes
to processed foods. Oral bacteria feasts
on simple sugars and produces tough
acids whenever you consume any food or
beverage that contains carbohydrates.
The acids are kept in contact with tooth
enamel by plaque that forms in your
mouth throughout the day. The longer it
remains in your mouth, the more time the
tooth enamel becomes damaged.

Bread, pizza, pasta, and salty snacks are
among the top sources of sodium in the
American diet. While most of these foods
are relatively low in sugar, some of their
starches can be broken down into simple
sugars by the enzymes in your mouth. As
your body breaks them down, the starches
generate the same damaging effects to
your teeth as sugar would.
Sodium can also weaken your teeth. A lot
like bones, tissues make up your teeth rely
on calcium to give them structure and
strength. A high sodium intake is shown to
increase the amount of calcium your body
disposes of through urine, which can lead
to osteoporosis and tooth loss.

The Other View of Salt and Your Teeth

The American Heart Association does not
recommend using salt liberally in your
diet. You should not consume more than
1,500 milligrams a day. Rather than
consuming sodium, applying it to your
teeth or using it as a mouthwash can
actually be beneficial. The American
Dental Association believes that sodium
lauryl sulfate and other sodium-based
compounds act as foaming detergents in
toothpaste. A mild salt rinse is also
recommended to sooth painful tooth sores
or bacterial infections.
No matter what your diet may be, it is
very important that you partake in daily
oral hygiene, as well as annual dental
cleanings and checkups. Contact our
office today to schedule an appointment
or for more information.

EFFECTS OF SALT INTAKE

High salt intake has been linked to
increased blood pressure and greater
risk for heart problems . But according to
new research, low salt intake may be just as
harmful .

Published in The Lancet, the study found
that low salt, or sodium, intake may raise
the risk of heart attack, stroke , and death,
compared with an average salt intake.
Lead author Andrew Mente, of the Michael
G. DeGroote School of Medicine at McMaster
University in Canada, and colleagues say
their results indicate only people with high
blood pressure (hypertension) who have a
high salt intake should reduce their salt
consumption.
Furthermore, the researchers suggest
current recommendations for daily salt
consumption may be set too low.
The Dietary Guidelines for Americans
recommend that Americans consume less
than 2,300 milligrams of sodium each day -
the equivalent to 1 teaspoon of salt.
However, a report from the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) earlier
this year revealed that around 90 percent
of Americans consume salt at levels above
the recommended limit.
It is widely accepted that too much salt in
the diet can lead to high blood pressure,
increasing the risk for heart attack, stroke,
and other cardiovascular diseases.
But does reducing salt intake to the levels
recommended in current guidelines really
reduce the risk of such outcomes? This is
what Mente and colleagues set out to
investigate.
Risks of high salt intake only found in
people with hypertension
The team analyzed data of more than
130,000 individuals spanning 49 countries.
They looked at the sodium intake of
participants and how this related to the risk
of heart disease and stroke among those
with and without high blood pressure.
Compared with people who had an average
sodium intake, the rates of heart attack,
stroke, and death were higher among those
who had a low sodium intake, regardless of
whether participants had high blood
pressure.
Interestingly, low salt intake in the study
was defined as an intake of less than 3,000
milligrams a day, which is above current
recommendations in the United States.
Furthermore, the researchers found that
only individuals with high blood pressure
appeared to be subject to the risks
associated with high salt intake - defined as
more than 6,000 milligrams daily.
Mente says the team's findings are
"extremely important" for individuals with
high blood pressure.
#FECAMDSIMSU.

FEDERATION OF CATHOLIC MEDICAL AND DENTAL STUDENTS

Great thanks for a successful RURAL MEDICAL OUTREACH @OBOKWU EZINIHITTE MBAISE LGA....
Great thanks also to the host family Mr and Mrs Austin Enyinna....God bless you