Does salt water help with cavities?

Cavities are a pain in the tooth – literally. They happen when bacterial acids eat through your enamel and form tiny holes in your teeth. This can cause sensitivity, pain, bad breath and even tooth loss. While brushing twice a day, flossing and using mouthwash is essential to maintaining proper oral hygiene, there has been some buzz about salt water being beneficial for preventing and treating cavities. But before you start chugging salt water like tequila shots at spring break, let’s dive into whether or not it actually works.

The Science Behind It

Salt water contains two elements that could potentially help combat cavities: sodium (salt) and chlorine (in the form of sodium chloride). Sodium ions buffer acid levels in saliva that can contribute to decay while chlorine interacts with antibacterial compounds which kills harmful bacteria.

According to Healthline, “A saline solution can be used as a rinse or mouthwash, effectively breaking up biofilm formations on teeth.” Biofilm refers to an accumulation of microorganisms that adhere together forming a slimy layer over surfaces such as teeth resulting in dental plaque.

However, while swishing around some salty liquid might make perfect sense intuitively if you think about how this creates an inhospitable environment for bacteria growth instead read on before trying this anti-cavity technique out yourself because there is much more debate around salt water rinses’ efficacy.

Does It Work?

The benefit we stand by regarding gargling/brushing with saltwater may have caused the emergence of the belief systems stating proven outcomes for swelling reduction after surgery thanks due properties found within… but does it really provide value for those pesky cavity problems? Let’s delve into the opinions presented below:

One study published all the way back 1985 … (shrugs shoulders) showed that less plaque formed on people who use sodium fluoride-infused salt water as a mouthwash compared to just water. Plaque is the accumulation of harmful microorganisms that contribute to dental decay and cavities.

On the flip side, there are other researchers who consider saltwater rinses to be an ineffective option. According to Dental Health Society, “There isn’t enough evidence available currently to suggest you should use saltwater in place of toothpaste or regular daily brushing.” They believe that while gargling with salt can help relieve pain temporarily, it does not have any long-term protective benefits against cavities.

So even though it hasn’t been disproved altogether – the proof is simply not conclusive at this point.

The Bottom Line

We’re sorry if we got your hopes up about salt water being some kind of magical cure-all for preventing and combating cavities (seriously!). There’s still much more research needed before we can make those kinds of claims! In fact, using medically-recognized oral hygiene methods such as brushing teeth at least twice a day still sees greater success when defended from odor, disease or esthetic appearance whereas simple home remedies may only provide minimal relief for minor symptoms.

While rinsing and/or swirling with SaltWater doesn’t replace your usual oral hygienic routine or substitute going over the instruction manual, applying certain substances is advised from time-to-time keeping up recommended health maintenance routines while minimizing risk factors that deem detrimental effects later on.

DOs AND DON’Ts FOR EFFECTIVE CAVITY PREVENTION

Do:

-Wait 30 minutes after eating/drinking acidic food/beverage/liquids prior Brushing Teeth.
-Try new products containing Xylitol due its active ingredient helps reduce decay causing bacterias acid levels production pH levels.
-Coughdrops & Chewing gum contain xylitol as well; therefore they are an easy fix when brushing isn’t possible!
-Receiving Fluoride treatments
-Investigate clinic location assuring USPH Safety Standards (this will ensure they follow sterilization procedures to lower bacteria back into mouth after treatment).

Don’t:

-Rush Rush Rush– take the full 2 minutes
-Let gingivitis lapse 

Saltwater Vs. Other Mouth Rinses

Many people may not be aware that salt water isn’t the only ‘natural’ product that can help with dental hygiene. Here are some popular and effective types of rinse alternatives capable of providing optimal results aside from sodium chloride.

Oil Pulling

Oil pulling involves swishing oil around in your mouth for twenty minutes before spitting it out — similar to a mouthwash – but even better because no harsh chemicals! It could draw toxins out, whitening teeth, give stronger gums and remove harmful bacteria count causing decay promotion.

Hydrogen Peroxide Rinse

Hydrogen peroxide has consistently proven its effectiveness as an antibacterial agent on micro-organisms by producing decomposition products based off molecular oxygen toxic effects which eventuates in organisms’ demise.
A simple hydrogen peroxide and water mixture serves as ideal method reducing bacterial growth rate emitting less toxicity. Using concentrated solutions infrequently as gargling or performed thorough restorations both having been found containing beneficial advantages.

Conclusion? While salt water definitely won’t hurt you when used properly along with approved recommended best practices; it’s probably not going to magically cure cavities either with conclusive evidence lacking at this point.

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