Uncover the benefits of salt water for oral health & bull; hello healthy

Salt water has been used by several cultures for countless generations to clean wounds as well as rinse the mouth. Good oral hygiene in everyday life is very important for overall health. Many types of bacteria live in the mouth and cause cavities, gingivitis and periodontal disease when there is an overgrowth of bacteria. Therefore, many people suggest that gargling with salt water can maintain good oral hygiene. However, has that been proven to be true?

Is salt water effective for cleaning the mouth?

Historically, gargling with salt water has been practiced for hundreds of years, from ancient China to Rome. Numerous references are made to rinsing and cleaning the mouth using documents of traditional Chinese medicine and Indian Ayurveda. Ayurvedic medicine is similar to traditional Chinese herbal medicine, but the use of salt water for brushing and rinsing the mouth was relatively common in the Greek and Roman periods. Hippocrates is said to have recommended a mixture of well water, sea salt, and vinegar for cleaning the mouth.

Even today, dentists often recommend gargling with salt water to relieve pain and swelling after tooth extraction. A study conducted in 2010 showed that salt water is an effective way to kill oral bacteria. A saturated salt solution kills bacteria by making the oral environment less conducive to bacterial growth.

Can salt water be used to rinse your mouth regularly?

Many believe that using a regular salt water oral rinse can be a cheaper and more effective way to achieve good oral health. Some dentists believe that salt water is good for reducing inflammation after tooth extraction and mouth sores, but it can also damage tooth enamel if used for a long time. Salt water is a natural base that can damage teeth. Conversely, gargling with salt water can also mask bad breath which can be caused by a number of other undiagnosed problems.

Can salt water replace mouthwash?

There is no scientific study that states that salt water is better than mouthwash on the market. In fact, mouthwash has been carefully crafted to be pH neutral to preserve tooth enamel. However, the high levels of alcohol found in many mouthwashes can lead to an increased risk of oral cancer. Mouthwash containing a compound called chlorhexidine is recommended for use only 2 weeks. Mouthwash containing fluoride is generally recommended for daily use.

Benefits of salt water

Natural salt, namely sodium chloride, can limit the amount of growth of bacteria and in many foods while keeping it, because salt absorbs water molecules. Bacteria need moisture to thrive, so without enough water they cannot thrive. Salt water is not considered an antibiotic, because it provides the bacteria with water and does not kill bacteria by making direct contact. However, according to a 2003 article, published in the British Dental Journal, salt water rinses are beneficial, because salt can alkalize and increase the pH in the mouth which hinders the development of bacteria, since almost all bacteria prefer an acidic environment to live in. Furthermore, salt water is isotonic and does not irritate mucous membranes, and that is why many dentists use warm salt water after performing dental procedures.

More details, salt water has the following benefits:

Cheaper than the market mouthwash.
It is more environmentally friendly than the chemicals contained in market mouthwashes.
Easy to use as salt is widely available and mixtures can be made anywhere.
Alcohol free so it won't cause a burning sensation for those who are sensitive to mouthwash.
Will not cause allergies.
Does not irritate sensitive mouth tissue.
It acts as an antibacterial, as it kills bacteria by increasing the pH of the mouth to an environment unsuitable for bacterial growth.

Salt water gargling may also benefit the following oral conditions:

Bad breath (halitosis). While poor oral hygiene is the culprit, washing your mouth several times will not get rid of halitosis. Gargling with salt water can kill the bacteria that cause bad breath and infections that often lead to bad breath.
Gum disease (gingivitis). It is characterized by inflamed and bleeding gums caused by an overgrowth of bacteria in the mouth.
Tooth ache. These are usually characterized by cavities caused by bacteria.
Inflammation. Oral tissue healing after treatment for tooth extraction or salt infection reduces inflammation because it causes the swollen tissue to shrink. It can also prevent infection from any exposed tissue.
Sore throat. Salt water kills bacteria and soothes inflamed throat tissue.