Science behind saltwater rinses

Most of Doctors love to recommend saltwater rinse and now a days companies too have started cashing in on the positive effects of salt.

So how does actually saltwater works?  And how often can we use it? 

A salt water mouth rinse is useful for a number of different reasons. It's a great option for anyone who has a sore throat, gum sores or recently underwent dental procedures. It doesn't take the place of modern dental hygiene, but is used as a supportive measure for adults and children alike

The following oral conditions can benefit from salt water mouth rinses:

·        Bad breath (halitosis)-salt water kills the bacteria that cause bad breath and infection.

·        Gum disease (gingivitis) is characterized by inflamed and bleeding gums caused by overgrowth of a bacteria found naturally in the mouth. Rinsing the mouth with the saline solution will reduce the incidence of gingivitis.

·        Toothache due to cavities that are caused by bacteria can be minimized.

·        Healing of oral tissue after tooth extraction or infection-salt treatment is successful at reducing inflammation because it is an astringent and causes swollen tissue to shrink, promoting rapid healing. It also prevents infection of any exposed tissue.

·        Relieves a sore throat by killing the bacteria and soothing the inflamed throat tissues

Historically, salt water rinses have been used for hundreds of years, from ancient China to the Romans. Ancient Indian Ayurvedic documents have been found to contain references to oral hygiene with salt water. Even today, dentists often recommend salt water mouth rinses to ease pain and swelling after a tooth extraction.

A study conducted in 2010 showed that salt water is an effective way to kill oral bacteria. The saturated saline solution kills the bacteria by changing the oral environment into one not conducive to bacterial growth.

How Salt Inhibits Dental Bacteria

So, how does a salt water mouth rinse work to reduce dental bacteria? According to Eric Shapira, D.D.S., it temporarily increases the pH balance of your mouth, creating an alkaline environment in which bacteria struggle to survive. Because they – along with most other natural species – generally prefer an acidic environment, using the rinse often enough can make it difficult for bacteria to breed.

Healing Properties of Salt Water

The use of salt also promotes healing, so it's ideal to use it 24 hours after minor dental surgery to help your mouth recover. It's an isotonic solution, which means it contains the same salts and minerals our bodies do in equal concentrations. For this reason, it doesn't irritate the mucous membranes as a medicinal mouthwash might, which is why many dentists recommend it as a gentle healing aid after a procedure.

Benefits of Salt Water as Mouth Rinse

·        Cheaper than commercial mouthwashes

·        More environmental-friendly than the chemicals contained in commercial mouthwashes

·        Alcohol-free, so will not cause the burning sensation that some mouthwashes cause in sensitive people

·        Will cause no allergies

·        Acts an antibacterial because it kills bacteria by increasing the pH of the mouth to an environment not suitable for bacterial growth

Making a Salt Water Mouth Rinse

It's actually easy to make a personal salt water-based mouth rinse. Add ½ a teaspoon of salt to a cup of warm water. Rinse your mouth every two to three hours for the first few days after surgery, then use it three to four times a day thereafter. 

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