Old Bay Seasoning: Is It Good for Teeth?
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Seafood is widely enjoyed during summer, and what better way to cook seafood than by adding a wide range of spices to enhance the flavor? One of the most popular seasonings used for seafood is Old Bay seasoning manufactured by the food company McCormick. From a dental point of view, is this seasoning something to be worried about?
What effect does it have on teeth?
What is Old Bay Seasoning?
Old Bay seasoning is a signature blend of herbs and spices named from the a line of ships in the early 1900s. It originated in Chesapeake Bay where these ships often docked and also where the best seafoods in the East Coast can be found. This special seasoning was developed in 1939 by the Old Bay Company held by its German founder Gustav Brunn until 1990, when McCormick bought the company.
Today, despite the change in ownership, the legacy of the Old Bay seasoning remains as the best seafood seasoning in Maryland. It’s also a household staple in most cities near the Bay. East Coasters love to use this seasoning in their dishes, even those without seafood.
When is Old Bay Seasoning Used?
For East Coasters, Old Bay seasoning is the best and only seasoning to use for any kind of seafood dish. It can be used to spice up salads, add flavor to appetizers, and make main courses heavenly. It can also be used for chowders, burgers, and fried chicken. For creative cooks, it can be used for any kind of dish, even on steaks and gourmet recipes.
Is Old Bay Seasoning Good for Teeth?
If you consider the nutritional value of Old Bay seasoning, it doesn’t contribute significantly to oral health, whether in a good or bad way. It doesn’t have any vitamins or minerals, and it also has no reported health benefits despite it being a blend of spices. The only thing you can get from it, apart from the delicious savory flavor, is tons of sodium. For every one tablespoon of this seasoning, you get 640 milligrams of sodium which is equivalent to almost 30% of the recommended daily allowance for a healthy individual, 40% if you’re 51 or older and/or have a medical condition.
In terms of esthetics, the seasoning can cause some tooth staining since some of the spices in the blend have a bright red color, like paprika. Eating a lot of foods with Old Bay seasoning can cause tooth discoloration. To prevent this, drink plenty of water every after meals to wash away the pigments from the spices
Year-Round Tooth Care from Stellar Dental Clinic
After indulging in seafoods and tasty picnic lunches this summer season, your teeth might need some whitening. We at Stellar Dental provide the best tooth whitening service in Silver Spring and Hyattsville. You can request an online appointment through our contact form or you can give us a call at the following numbers:
Silver Spring: (301) 754-1900
Hyattsville:(301)-853-1567
Summer is fun and exciting, but it won’t be as enjoyable if you have unsightly dental problems. Don’t forget to visit Stellar Dental every six months to get regular cleaning and dental assessment. Your teeth will always be your best asset no matter what the season!
Stellar Dental is a leading dental service provider based in Maryland with offices at White Oak and Hyattsville. We strive to provide the best dental care solutions and a state-of-the-art facility to our patients. Our major services include – dental implants, Invisalign, braces, 6 Month Smiles and other general dentistry procedures. We have a team of warm, friendly and compassionate dental professionals.
