A Natural Salt Substitute, Courtesy of Your Teeth

Scientists at the University of Nottingham have discovered compounds called dextrans that actually trick the human brain into thinking food is actually saltier than its actual salt content. Dextrans are a starch-based molecule that is produced by the bacteria that reside in plaque. This compound, when isolated, will be used as a healthy, safe food ingredient to help decrease the salt content of foods, helping us to reduce blood pressure and the risk of heart disease and strokes while keeping that salty taste we Americans love and crave!

Essentially, this could lead to a natural salt substitute. Researchers have known for quite some time that by thickening a food, the perception that its saltiness is increased. Dextrans could be the ideal thickening agent to achieve this purpose. How many of us have noticed that if we don’t brush for a little while and we’ve eaten carbohydrate-laden foods notice a salty, sticky taste in the mouth? This could be the same mechanism in action.

I can certainly say for myself that I’m looking forward to seeing compounds from chocolate in my toothpaste but as a dentist, I hesitate at biting into a potato chip that I know was “enhanced” by one of my patients. I guess the upside is that I’ll be able to enjoy a salty food without having to worry about my blood pressure!

Most Americans consume more salt than they require. The current allowable level of consumption is less than 2400 miligrams of sodium every day. That is equal to about one teaspoon of salt! This small amount includes all salt and sodium consumed, including all that is used in cooking and what you add with the salt shaker.

For someone who has high blood pressure, a doctor may recommend even less, perhaps even 1500 mg of sodium to help lower blood pressure. So perhaps the salt substitute from dental plaque will help all of us with affinity for salty foods - this certainly can be a huge help in allowing us to enjoy salty foods yet not suffer the cardiovascular consequences. Let’s just hope that the marketers for this product don’t ruin it by giving it a name that reveals its origin!

Mark Burhenne DDS