How is salt water rinse beneficial to oral health?

Salt is a precious resource that nature bestows on man. Surely we are all familiar with the uses of salt in food as well as in medicine. Especially salt water rinse is also a good way to protect oral health. So what exactly are the benefits of gargling with salt water? Let’s find out together through the article below. 

Health benefits of salt

Salt is a mineral whose main component is sodium chloride (NaCl). It was not until later that people studied the use of salt in medicine, but since 1600 BC, salt has been used to treat diseases. Among them, the most common use of salt is sterilization. Besides, salt also has other good health benefits. Before learning about the uses of salt water rinse, let’s take a look at the benefits of sea salt.

Preventing cardiovascular diseases

Sea salt is effective against cardiovascular diseases. You need to note the difference between sea salt and table salt. Sea salt has a higher amount of minerals. So, if we use a lot of salt, it will not be beneficial for heart health.

Balance electrolytes and prevent cramps

Sea salt contains sodium, magnesium, potassium, and calcium. It is also an excellent source of electrolytes. It has many effects in preventing muscle cramps during exercise. If the body does not have enough electrolytes, you may experience irregular heartbeat, fatigue, and nausea.

Supports a healthy nervous system

The sodium in salt is responsible for regulating water flow throughout the body. This is great for the health of the nervous system. However, sea salt is still more beneficial because the brain needs a balance between sodium and other electrolytes. And sea salt is lower in sodium than table salt.

Improve sleep

Many doctors advise us not to eat salty foods before going to bed. But this advice covers table salt and processed foods. Sea salt is said to improve sleep because it contains a lot of electrolytes that are useful for regulating hormones. It will help you sleep better and deeper.

The benefits of gargling with salt water

According to an article in PLOS ONE Journal, dentists often recommend that we rinse our mouths with mouthwash regularly, along with brushing our teeth every day. This is how we maintain our oral health at its best. The following are the effects that gargling with salt water brings to you.

Prevents the growth of bacteria in the mouth

Regular gargling with salt water will prevent the growth of bacteria in our mouths. Saltwater mouthwash works by increasing the pH balance inside the mouth, creating a more alkaline environment.

While harmful bacteria prefer acidic environments. So they are no longer able to grow in a neutralized environment. From there, our mouth can prevent inflammation and be healthier.

Support dental recovery after dental procedures

Salt water helps aid in the healing process after dental procedures such as tooth extraction. Because it promotes the migration of gingival fibroblasts and increases the number of components of the extracellular matrix, which helps to regulate wound healing.

Besides, the salt water does not irritate the soft tissues in the mouth. And it will not cause burns or mouth pain if there is a wound in our mouth.

Gargling with salt water can also prevent dry socket inflammation (also known as alveolar osteomyelitis). This is a condition that occurs after the extraction of a permanent tooth.

Improve respiratory health

Many studies have shown that people who regularly gargle with salt water have resistance to common colds as well as prevent upper respiratory tract infections. During the time when the epidemic is complicated, you should regularly gargle with salt water. This helps increase resistance as well as soothe sore throats.

Improve bad breath

If your mouth is sensitive to alcohol-based mouthwashes, salt water is a great alternative. Saltwater will give you a fresh breath with natural ingredients at and cheap price.

In addition, gargling with salt water also helps remove food particles stuck between your teeth. Food particles that get trapped for a long time are the cause of irritation and inflammation of the gums. So, salt water not only improves bad breath but also helps you prevent gingivitis.

However, if bad breath persists for a long time or doesn’t go away, it could be a sign of a medical condition. You need to see a doctor as soon as this happens.

When to gargle with salt water?

The following times, you can gargle with salt water to support oral health:

• After a tooth extraction.
• Having a sore throat.
• You have canker sores
• People who are suffering from periodontal diseases, and toothache.

Side effects of using salt water mouthwash?

Gargling with salt water, in general, brings many benefits both in terms of health and the economy. However, if we abuse salt water in mouthwash, we can also experience the following side effects.

Overuse of salt water mouthwash can irritate gums leading to more bleeding. Saline solutions are generally safe to swallow, but it’s best to spit them out.

We also should not gargle several times a day and swallow too much salt water, as this can also cause the body to fall into a state of dehydration. Salt can also damage tooth enamel if we overuse it.

You can gargle with physiological saline or homemade saline. However, it is necessary to choose to buy / or mix salt water with a concentration of 0.9 % -9g salt per 1000 ml of water. Avoid using salt water that is too salty or too pale.

In addition to sterilization properties; Salt water used to gargle can also be used to treat other oral problems: bad breath, gingivitis, sore throat, etc. However, you also need to consult a specialist when you want to gargle. mouth with salt water daily as well as use salt water to treat dental diseases.