Strong oral hygiene doesn’t just involve brushing and flossing your teeth every day. There are many other steps you should perform to keep your teeth and gums clean and strong. One of those steps is saltwater rinses, which is a fairly underrated step. If you’re not aware of it, you certainly are now.
A saltwater rinse has its own unique benefits to promote better oral health. It is recommended that after eating, whether it be a meal or a snack, clear the food debris inside the mouth by simply mixing 1/2 teaspoon of salt into some lukewarm water. Wait until the salt dissolves, rinse and gargle it inside the mouth for at least 10 seconds before spitting it out. Repeat this until the glass is empty. Do not swallow the contents at any time.
The Benefits
So, what benefits can you expect to your oral health with saltwater rinses?
Reduces Harmful Bacteria
When bacteria thrive inside the mouth, its bad news for your oral health, and bacteria forms from the food you consume. Saltwater rinse makes it harder for the bacteria to penetrate and keeps your mouth clean.
Reduces Bad Breath
Performing saltwater rinses regularly are a common remedy for reducing bad breath. The bad odour forms from bacterial growth that is usually found from the back of your tongue. Saltwater provides a fresher breath when food debris is completely removed inside your mouth.
Reduces Inflammation and Swollen Gums
The gums become inflamed due to improper brushing and flossing. Inflamed gums can then cause gums to recede, developing pockets of space for bacteria to penetrate. When saltwater reaches the gum pockets, it helps to reduce inflammation and reduces the chances of catching gingivitis.
Aftercare For Healing Wounds
If you’ve recently had a cosmetic treatment such as tooth extraction or a dental implant, saltwater can help speed up healing. Dentists will also recommend saltwater rinses as part of your aftercare routine at home.
Neutralizes Acids
Every time you eat, the bacteria inside the mouth feed starch and sugars from the food you eat. These two properties combine together to cause cavities, enamel erosion and are one of the key signs of tooth decay. Saltwater first neutralizes any acids present because saltwater is high in alkaline.
If you haven’t considered saltwater rinse as part of your oral routine, it is a good option to reduce bacteria activity in your mouth. Neutralizing bacteria will protect your mouth from any form of erosion, whether it be your teeth and gums. You must be aware that saltwater rinses aren’t a substitute for brushing and flossing. It is recommended that shortly after eating you perform a saltwater rinse to neutralize any acids. This will keep your oral health strong.
Are you showing signs of tooth decay? Contact our Lotus Dental team immediately to avoid it becoming worse. Check-in here and book an appointment with us now.