They Are Your Mouth’s Best Friend
Breaking news – you don’t need to spend money on mouthwash! Did you know that plain old salt water rinses can fix 99% of the problems you might turn to store-bought mouthwash for?
Here is the salty truth. That old-school treatment from the days of your grandma works for many oral problems you may not be aware of.
There are many ways salt water rinses can save your gums, teeth, and the day!
Mouth Rinse: First, salt water rinses make a great way to swish away food particles in your mouth after eating. This helps keep your mouth in tip-top shape when you don’t have access to brushing and flossing after snacks and meals. Salt water is the teacher in the kindergarten class, calming down those overactive kids (your gums) and helping them get back to a calm state of mind.
Canker Sores and other irritations: Do you ever get canker sores and other cuts or irritations in your mouth? Think of the inside of your mouth as a combat zone. Salt water can be a mini-medic that comes in to heal wounds faster than you can say, “Bacteria be gone!” It’s like having your very own magic potion to keep infections at bay. How does this work? Salt water helps lessen inflammation in your mouth and around your gums by soothing the swollen and irritated areas, promoting healing.
Sore Throat: But wait, there’s more! Do you have a sore throat? Try gargling with salt water. Some people may think this feels like a gentle hug for your throat, lessening the pain and swelling while kicking the bacteria out. While it won’t completely cure the sore throat, it will help your throat feel less like you swallowed a cactus.
Bad Breath: Have you ever started talking to someone whose breath was so bad you had to back up a few feet? Saltwater rinses can help save them from those awkward moments. Why? Saltwater is a bacteria-fighting warrior that helps kick out bad bacteria and gives you fresher breath.
Sore Gums: This is something many dentists will share with you after you have invasive dental procedures or extractions; a salt water rinse is your post-op best friend. If you haven’t figured it out by now from the above comments, salt water acts like a nurse who promotes healing inside your mouth and keeps infection at bay. A few swishes and your mouth is feeling better already. So, if you have sore gums after a dental procedure, use salt water rinses as your soothing blanket, easing gum pain and sensitivity.
Reduce Plaque: Does the plaque build-up on your gums and teeth get you down? Try regular salt water rinses. They help keep that sneaky plaque at bay, reducing its chances of turning it into full-blown tooth decay or gum disease. It’s like having an invisible toothbrush that never misses a spot.
How Can Salt Water Rinses do all this?
Balancing the pH level in your mouth might sound like complicated chemistry, but it’s really pretty simple. Salt water helps create an environment that’s less friendly to bacteria. Think of it as setting up a no-fun zone for the germs—your mouth’s private bouncer that ensures bacteria has nowhere to get wild and crazy. Salt also has mild antiseptic properties. Picture a tiny army of bacteria-fighting soldiers in your mouth. They’re working hard to lessen the harmful bacteria and keep your mouth and gums in optimal shape.
To sum it all up:
- Salt Water Rinses Clean Your Mouth: They can help wash away food particles and bacteria in your mouth, which can help keep your oral environment cleaner.
- They Help Heal Wounds and Calm Inflammation: For canker sores, minor irritations, or bites to your inside cheeks and tongue, salt water rinses can promote faster healing and prevent infection.
- It Soothes Sore Throats: Gargling with salt water can relieve the irritation and pain from a sore throat by reducing swelling and killing bacteria.
- Salt Water Can Fight Your Bad Breath: By reducing bacteria in the mouth, salt water rinses can help alleviate your bad breath.
- Alleviate Gum Pain: These rinses can give you temporary relief from gum pain and sensitivity, especially after dental procedures.
- Salt Water Reduces Plaque Build-Up: Regular use of salt water rinses can help reduce plaque from building up on your teeth and gums, which causes decay and gum disease.
- Supports Post-Procedure Care: After dental surgeries or extractions, salt water rinses are often recommended to aid in the healing process and reduce the risk of infection.
- Balances Oral pH: Salt water can help to balance the pH level in the mouth, creating an environment less conducive to bacterial growth.
- Provides Antiseptic Benefits: Salt has mild antiseptic properties, which can help reduce the growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth.
So there you have it, the salty scoop on why salt water rinses are the unsung heroes of oral health.
But remember, while it may sound like salt water rinses fix everything, they’re not a substitute for regular brushing, flossing, and visits to your dentist. Keep up with your normal good dental hygiene. Put salt water rinses in your memory bank for additional simple remedies that help keep your mouth in great shape! Give us a call to set up your next cleaning appointment to keep everything happy and healthy with your smile.