Hi, it's Mia Armonde here to talk to you about family dentistry. As my small family grew into a large one, I found myself at the dental office on a regular basis. Every six months, the kids would go into the dentist for a cleaning or repairs to their teeth. During that time, I took an interest in the various ways the dental tools were evolving. Tools used in the dental industry have grown in leaps and bounds in the last few decades. For example, my kids went from hearing the dental drill to wearing headphones that completely canceled out the sound. Each time we go back into the dentist, I take a close look at the improvements that have arisen since the last visit. The results are astounding. I will cover my findings on this site, so you can also enjoy the improvements to dental tools and techniques.
You've probably used a saltwater rinse in the past to ease a sore throat since this mixture can help reduce pain and wash away mucus. However, did you know that saltwater rinses could be beneficial in improving your gum health as well? If you are suffering from gingivitis or gum disease, you may want to talk to your dentist about incorporating saltwater rinses into your care routine. Read on to learn more.
How Does Salt Water Reduce Oral Bacteria?
Saltwater rinses can increase the pH balance in your mouth. Harmful oral bacteria tend to thrive in an acidic environment, so causing a more alkaline environment can help neutralize these bacteria. People with gingivitis or gum disease also have a lot of inflammation and swelling in their oral tissues, but salt can draw water out of tissues through osmosis, causing a drying effect that can reduce this inflammation.
What Research Supports Saltwater Rinses?
When a person has gingivitis or gum disease, he or she may develop periodontal pockets, or gaps around supporting tooth structures, that can fill up with bacteria and plaque. After a cleaning, a dentist may prescribe a disinfecting medication, like chlorhexidine, to reduce this plaque and prevent mouth ulcers. One study found that saltwater rinses were as effective as chlorhexidine in reducing dental plaque and could be a beneficial adjunctive treatment to reduce the progression of oral disease.
Another study looked at the effects of short-term rinsing with saltwater on ulcer healing. This study found that saltwater rinses could promote the migration of proteins and human gingival fibroblasts. Fibroblasts are a type of cell that helps to form connective tissue. Saltwater rinses can help gum tissue heal more effectively.
Do You Need to Ask Your Dentist About Saltwater Rinses?
It's a good idea to speak with your dentist about incorporating saltwater rinses into your oral care routine. In moderation, saltwater rinses can be beneficial, but some patients may be overzealous and use too much salt which could produce the opposite intended effect and actually irritate the gums. For instance, instead of doing multiple rinses per day, your dentist may recommend one rinse a day or one every other day. Some people may swallow saltwater rinses, but it's also best to spit the rinse out after gargling so that the salt isn't dehydrating you too much. Your dentist may recommend that you drink more water or chew sugar-free gum so that your saliva flow isn't impacted by the saltwater rinse or any other mouthwashes you might be using.
Reach out to a family dentist today to learn more.
Share21 September 2022
