Why do sugary foods hurt cavities in your teeth, but not salty foods? Salt in other wounds cause pain, so why not teeth?

Question

Why do sugary foods hurt cavities in your teeth, but not salty foods? Salt in other wounds cause pain, so why not teeth?

In: 11

Answer 1

Bacteria metabolize sugars into acid which erode teeth and cause pain. Salt works as a disinfectant removing the bacteria, reducing inflammation, and neutralizing the acid which is why it’s recommended to rinse with salt water after oral surgery.

The reason it doesn’t hurt mucosal membranes and tissue is because it’s an isotonic solution with concentrations similar to what’s found in the body. The same reason why saline is safe to give in an IV bag.