Grandma Myths: Salt as a Tooth Whitener - Using salt to get Whiter Teeth

Question: In my family many people brush with salt to whiten their teeth?  Is this a good practice to get white teeth?


Granny’s Myth Debunked

Salt does not make the Teeth Whiter

Hogwash! The bacteria create an acidic environment in the mouth for their own growth. Salt alkalinizes the mouth and hence decreases the bacteria count. So, salt makes your mouth, gums, and teeth cleaner and healthier; not whiter. But be careful, using salt daily will make your gums swell up, so once or twice a week is enough for antibacterial action. Having less bacteria in the mouth would mean less of discolouration anyway!

Inputs received from Men's Health