Saltwater rinses can provide various dental health benefits, from reducing inflammation to promoting tissue growth. Everyone knows the importance of brushing and flossing to keep teeth and gums healthy. Did you know that saltwater rinses can improve the overall health of your mouth?
Using salt to dry out and clean wounds has existed since the 1600s BCE. Nowadays, many people use salt water to treat common oral health issues like gingivitis, bad breath, and toothaches. In this article, we will discuss its benefits for oral health and how to rinse it. Let’s begin.
CONDITIONS A SALTWATER RINSE MAY HELP:
A saltwater rinse added to your daily routine could improve your oral health in various ways. These conditions include:
- Tooth Extraction
- Toothache
- Sore Throat
- Canker Sores
- Gum Pain
- Gum Infections
- Periodontal Disease
- Recovery From Oral Surgery
BENEFITS OF SALTWATER RINSE:
In that regard, saltwater offers multiple health benefits.
1. REDUCES BACTERIA
Bacteria develop inside the mouth because food particles transform into bacteria and then create dental plaque. A simple swish of saltwater can eliminate the bacteria, leave your mouth feeling fresh and clean, and restore your smile.
2. FIGHTING GERMS
Daily flossing, brushing twice a day, and dental cleanings every six months will accurately combat the bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease. A saltwater rinse may aid in this routine. While the evidence is inconsistent, some studies found that a regular rinse with salt water helped decrease the number of bacteria responsible for dental decay and gum diseases.
While it’s not specific to oral health, saltwater rinses could also eliminate germs that grow and increase within the upper respiratory tract, potentially resulting in respiratory ailments. How salt water works to fight off bacteria isn’t entirely clear. The salt creates a less hospitable environment for bacteria to survive and reproduce. Saltwater can also facilitate the transfer of fluids from cells, which could draw out the intracellular fluid of bacteria via plasmolysis.
3. HEALS TOOTHACHE
Toothaches may occur at any time and can be caused by various factors. Bacteria accumulation is one of the most common causes. Weak teeth can cause tooth sensitivity and chronic throbbing. Saltwater, with its natural cleansing properties and antioxidants, can help alleviate toothaches.
4. PROTECT YOUR TEETH
Maintaining a balanced pH is crucial not only to keep harmful bacteria at an absolute minimum but also to protect the enamel layer of your teeth. If your mouth’s pH is low—i.e., too acidic—your enamel is likely to begin deteriorating.
This can lead to various oral and dental issues, including increased sensitivity to cold and hot foods and drinks, staining, discoloration, and cavities. A warm salt water rinse after consuming acidic beverages and foods, such as soda or citrus fruits, can help stabilize the mouth’s pH and protect the enamel.
5. REDUCE BAD BREATH
There are numerous causes of bad breath, but they generally come down to a single explanation: the presence of harmful bacteria. These microscopic organisms not only increase the likelihood of unpleasant breath but can also make social interactions uncomfortable. If you don’t like commercial mouthwash or are allergic to certain ingredients, warm salt water can be a perfect alternative.
Rinse away harmful bacteria with warm salt water and remember to stay hydrated—particularly in the drier, colder months—to help keep bacteria at bay.
Bad breath is a common problem and can be difficult to treat. It can result from pus accumulation in the tooth’s root or excessive bacteria forming in the mouth due to food particles. Saltwater can combat bad breath by removing food particles and eliminating unpleasant odors.
6. STOP THE BLEEDING
If your gums begin bleeding when you floss or visit the dentist, it’s likely due to harmful bacteria. Regularly rinsing your mouth with warm salt water can improve oral hygiene and stop bleeding. Although the phrase “throwing salt on the wound” suggests pain, a bit of salt can bring significant relief.
SALT WATER VS. MOUTHWASH
While saltwater rinses and mouthwashes can both enhance dental health, they reach areas that your toothbrush cannot. Rinses are less expensive than mouthwashes and are equally effective in killing bacteria. You probably already have salt at home. Additionally, some mouthwashes contain high alcohol content, which can irritate your gums, whereas saltwater rinses can cleanse your gums without causing irritation.
HOW DO YOU MAKE SALTWATER RINSES?
Follow these steps to make saltwater rinse:
- Use warm water, as warmth provides more relief for a sore throat than cold or icy water. Warm water helps dissolve the salt more effectively.
- Use any salt you have on hand. For additional benefits, consider adding other ingredients, such as hydrogen peroxide or honey.
- Most saltwater rinse recipes use 8 cups of warm water and one tablespoon of salt. If your mouth is swollen or the rinse causes stinging, reduce the salt to half a teaspoon for the first 1 to 2 days.
- Bring the water to a boil, then remove it from heat. Add the salt and stir. Allow the salt water to cool to a comfortable temperature before using it. Dispose of any leftover solution to prevent contamination.
HOW TO RINSE WITH SALT WATER?
You can rinse before and after brushing when gargling with saltwater. Begin by placing some water in your mouth, then gargle it around your throat. Next, swish it around your mouth. After 15 to 20 seconds, spit the solution out into the sink.
It is recommended to rinse with salt water 2 to 3 times a week. Excessive salt rinses could cause gum bleeding, irritation, and enamel loss. If you’ve had a tooth extraction, wait 24 hours before using the saltwater rinse. After 24 hours, gently swirl the saltwater solution around your mouth to avoid disrupting blood clots, which could lead to a dry socket.
SUMMARY:
Saltwater rinses can help alleviate pain and reduce swelling after dental procedures or when dealing with canker sores or a sore throat. The saline solution can be as simple as mixing one teaspoon of salt into 8 ounces of warm water. Two teaspoons of baking soda can also be added for taste.
Rinse your mouth with saltwater while it is warm but not hot enough to cause burns. Prepare a fresh solution each time you rinse. Follow your doctor’s instructions on how often you should use saltwater rinses.
