Mouthwash can be helpful to freshen your breath and cleanse areas your toothbrush can't reach. However, saltwater rinses are generally cheaper and can be equally effective in improving your oral health and hygiene, says Dr. Chris Kammer, DDS, a dental surgeon.
A saltwater rinse can be performed three to four times a week, but it is important that you don't go beyond this because salt contains sodium, and too much sodium can impact your tooth enamel negatively.
Since the risk of swallowing any liquid is great with gargling, salt water is the most safe and effective solution you can use. This is significantly more effective than mouthwash. Ideally gargle salt water (½ tsp salt to 8 oz of water) for 30 seconds.
Mouthwash is meant to be an addition to your dental care routine, not a substitution. DO NOT rinse with water after. If you rinse your mouth with water straight after using a mouthwash you will be washing away all the beneficial ingredients before they have even gotten a chance to work.
Salt water mouthwash rinses are an excellent short term treatment when you have wounds in the mouth, for instance, when you've had teeth removed. The reason they are so good is that the salt is not only a natural disinfectant, but it also removes any swelling from the tissues.
Using a mouthwash that contains fluoride can help prevent tooth decay, but don't use mouthwash (even a fluoride one) straight after brushing your teeth or it'll wash away the concentrated fluoride in the toothpaste left on your teeth. Choose a different time to use mouthwash, such as after lunch.
Can You Overuse Mouthwash? One of the main ingredients in mouthwash is alcohol. Alcohol destroys bacteria, but it can also cause harm to your gums, inner cheeks and tongue if over used. The alcohol itself has a drying property that will absorb the moisture from your mouth and cause the affected areas to dry out.
When you gargle with saltwater, you are submerging the cells and drawing liquids to the surface, along with any virus and bacteria in the throat. When you spit the saltwater out, you'll rid the body of those germs, as well.
When used daily, antibacterial mouthwash can actually help control the amount of bacteria in the mouth by killing the bacteria in the mouth but they are not effective in relieving a sore throat if it is of a viral cause.
Salt water can help to remove the plaque and bacteria from your teeth and gums. Salt has healing properties that can treat and heal inflamed or swollen gums caused by gum disease. Even though salt water is extremely effective in helping to treat gum disease, salt water cannot cure gum disease.
A study published by the Journal of Indian Society of Pedodontics & Preventive Dentistry found that salt water effectively reduced plaque and as an adjunct to routine mechanical plaque control for the prevention of oral disease.
Use a Salt Water Rinse
It has potential benefits as an antibacterial agent and can help soothe inflamed, sore gums. Rinsing with salt water can also keep bacteria that contribute to gum recession under control. You can do this by mixing some warm water with one or two teaspoons of salt.
Salt water can be gargled to relieve scratchy and sore throats. The salt water helps wash away the mucus that lines the throat and helps reduce inflammation. The method for gargling salt water takes only a minute and a few simple supplies. Repeat several times throughout the day or as needed.
If bacterial microcolonies represent early tonsilloliths, then eradication with chlorhexidine mouthwash may prevent tonsillolith formation.
The method is effective and cheaper than mouthwash in improving your oral hygiene. Salt water helps kill harmful bacteria and protects you from infections. You can also use the water to treat other oral health issues, such as toothaches, canker sores, and allergies.
A person should try to gargle the saltwater solution for as long as possible. Although the saltwater solution is generally safe to swallow, it is best to spit it out. For maximum effectiveness, a person should gargle with salt water once or twice a day.
Salt Water Improves Your Skin
Saltwater is rich in minerals like magnesium, zinc, iron and potassium. These can help reduce inflammation, protect our skin and heal any scrapes, cuts or sores.
Gargle for a few seconds (count to five or so) and then spit out the water. It's important to do so consistently; gargle with saltwater several times a day, depending on the severity of your symptoms. You should start to feel better in about 24 hours.
Short answer: It doesn't matter. However, if you are using a fluoride toothpaste, wait at least 30 minutes before you rinse (yes, even a fluoride one) as it'll wash away the fluoride from the toothpaste before it can do its job. If you do use a fluoride mouthwash, wait 30 minutes before you eat or drink.
Use a mouth rinse before bed
For an added boost to oral health, consider using a mouthwash or rinse before bed. A rinse will help to remove bacteria from your mouth and can effectively help prevent cavities.
Mouthwash and Gum Disease
The fact that you keep the mouthwash in your mouth for as long as 60 seconds can cause problems. This process can introduce things to your mouth that can lead to gum disease or cancer. Alcohol-based mouthwash also limits the amount of saliva that the mouth produces.
Mouthwash may actually cause more cavities
First of all, your oral microbiome exists to help support the natural remineralization of your teeth. If you kill all the bacteria in your mouth (both good and bad), you eliminate a critical part of the equation in reversing tooth decay.
Mouthwash can be used every day if instructed by your dentist. However, make sure to also follow the instructions on your specific product, including how often to use it and how much to use.
1. Gargling with Salt Water. While salt water may not provide you with immediate relief, it is still an effective remedy for killing bacteria while loosening mucus and easing pain. Simply mix half a teaspoon of salt into 8 ounces of warm water and gargle away.