Saltwater Rinse
One of the earliest and most reliable ways to maintain good dental health is saltwater rinse. Saltwater rinse for gums maintains the neutralized pH balance needed for the health of your gums. Bacteria cannot grow in a neutral environment and can easily be washed off in a balanced pH. This will also protect tooth enamel from demineralization and future tooth decay.
A healthy person can perform saltwater mouth rinse two to three times daily but not more than that because a high intake of sodium can lead to heart problems and impact tooth enamel.
Benefits of Saltwater Rinse
Saltwater rinses for toothache can soothe symptoms and relieve pain for a short time. apart from that, there are several benefits of saltwater rinse for the mouth, such as:
- Reduce bad breath
- Heal extraction socket
- Reduce dental plaque
- Reduce microbial growth
- Reduce gum inflammation
- Soothe oral or mouth ulcers
How to Make Saltwater Rinse
It is easy to make a saltwater rinse at your home with just two ingredients salt and water. Several instructions for saltwater rinses suggest mixing 8 ounces of warm water with 1 teaspoon of salt. However, if the saltwater rinse irritates your oral mucosa or your body is sensitive to high potassium intake then cut down on the salt to ½ teaspoon for the initial few days. Spit out the solution after swishing it in the mouth gently for ten to fifteen seconds.
Saltwater Rinse vs. Mouthwash
Mouthwash and saltwater both have the same purpose which is to keep the mouth clean and healthy. Saltwater is a cheap remedy to control germs in the oral cavity and is as effective in killing bacteria as mouthwash. Some mouthwashes contain a high amount of alcohol that can damage soft tissue linings.
When to Use Each
There is no specific time to use mouthwash or saltwater. It is equally effective before or after brushing. It is advised to gargle with saltwater after every meal so that no food particles stick on teeth surfaces.
Saltwater Rinse for Sore Throat
Saltwater rinse is an effective and easy home remedy to relieve sore throat. Gargling with saltwater for a few seconds several times daily can help to get rid of a sore throat quickly.
1. Relief of Symptoms
Luke-warm water can relieve the discomfort of a sore throat. While saltwater rinses can kill bacteria and loose mucus to relieve symptoms of sore throat.
2. Frequency and Duration
The frequency and duration of saltwater rinse depends on the condition of your throat. Generally, it is recommended to do a saltwater rinse three to four times per day. However, it is recommended to drink lots of water to lower the chances of dehydration.
Safety Precautions
Saltwater rinse is considered safe but cannot substitute for routine dental care. Saltwater rinse might not be the best solution for everyone because of potential risks.
Potential Risks
Potential risk of saltwater rinse includes dehydration, disintegration of tooth enamel, and risk of heart diseases due to high intake of sodium.
Who Should Avoid Saltwater Rinse
It is recommended to avoid saltwater rinse for those who have high blood pressure, heart diseases, kidney, or digestive issues. Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers are also advised to not use saltwater rinse.
