Oral Health Benefits of Using Saltwater Rinse: A Natural Mouthwash Alternative

As part of your oral cleaning routine, mouthwash can protect your oral health and keep your breath fresh. And it cleans areas your toothbrush can't reach.

Saltwater mouth rinses another equally effective home remedy, are usually less expensive. And it can positively affect more than just killing germs in the mouth, from canker sores to allergies and toothaches.

Let's talk about how using saltwater at home can help improve your dental health. Saltwater rinses have some special benefits that can keep your mouth healthy. Here's what you need to know:

How saltwater rinse improve your Oral Health

Why is a saltwater rinse good for your mouth? Before answering this question, we need to learn something about salt.

Salt is a substance mainly composed of sodium chloride (NaCl). This mineral creates an alkaline environment in your mouth and temporarily increases the pH balance. Because bacteria, like most other natural species, generally prefer acidic environments. And an alkaline environment can prevent bacteria from surviving and growing.

Thus, regular saline rinse will make it harder for bacteria to multiply and take oral health to a higher level.

Health benefits of saltwater rinses

What are the advantages of gargling with salt water? They are:

• Reduces bacteria: As we mentioned before, saltwater makes it hard for bacteria to survive by creating a bad environment for them. This means that bacteria can't grow and cause problems in your mouth. Besides, when there is a lot of salt, it can hurt the outer layer of bacteria called the cell membrane. So it can make it hard for them to do their usual tasks and stay alive. That's why salt often works as a natural preservative and disinfectant in food and other products.
• Fights bad breath: Bad breath stems from root effusion or bacteria formed inside the mouth due to food debris. Saltwater rinses can fight off bad breath by removing food debris and unpleasant smell from the mouth.
• Aids in the healing process after dental procedures: Using saltwater rinses after dental procedures can aid in the healing process. Salt has natural properties that can decrease inflammation. And swelling after dental treatments. In addition, saltwater is gentle and won't make any discomfort in the soft tissues worse. Unlike some strong mouthwashes that can burn and irritate your gums, salt water is soothing and safe to use. So if you want to feel better faster, use a saltwater gargle as your dental team recommends.
• Helps Respiratory health: Salt water gargles and nasal rinses may be able to prevent the common cold. Warm water and salt can help break down mucus in the back of the throat. It reduces the chance of secretions entering the lungs and protects you from the flu and the common cold.

Besides the health benefits, salt water has advantages that other medical mouthwashes do not.

• Acts as a natural cleanser: A simple mixture of salt and water can be the perfect addition to your oral care. But, do not use saline irrigation as a substitute for regular brushing and flossing. It plays an auxiliary role only and should not be used alone.
• A Cost-Effective Saline Solution: Salt is one of the cheapest ingredients in the store. And the saltwater rinse is easy to make. All makes it easy for you to use alcohol-free mouthwashes.

How to make salt water rinse

To make your own saltwater rinse, you are supposed to follow these 3 steps.

1. Prepare ingredients: 8 ounces of warm water and one teaspoon salt.
2. Add salt and stir. It helps the salt completely dissolve into the water.
3. Rinse your mouth and spit it out.

   Tips:

• If you want to take things to the next level, add two teaspoons of baking soda.
• Bring the water to a boil and cool it to a warm water temperature.
• If your mouth is tender and sensitive, decrease the salt to a 1/2 teaspoon.
• Refrain from gargling with salt too often. Too much sodium can negatively affect your tooth enamel, such as corrosion.
• Discard the remaining solution after rinsing to avoid contamination.

When to use the saline solution as a mouth rinse

Saltwater rinses have multiple benefits for oral conditions. Here are a few:

• Toothache
• Sore throat
• Canker sores
• Gum infections or irritations
• Allergies
• After tooth extraction
• Periodontal disease

Conclusion

Saltwater has many benefits as an alternative to alcohol-based mouthwashes. It does improve your overall dental health. However, never let it replace your daily oral cleaning. Always brush twice daily and floss regularly.

It's always a good idea to consult your dentist. Before using a salt water rinse, especially if you have any dental or health problems. Your dentist can help you decide if a saline rinse is the best option and can provide practical guidance.

Do you have experiences or tips to share about using saltwater rinses? Leave a comment below. For more insightful articles on oral health, make sure to check out our blog.