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Rinsing With Salt Water Before Bed | Will it Improve Your Oral Health?

Does rinsing with salt water before bed help to improve your oral health?

If you're suffering from a sore throat or gum disease, warm salt water rinses are common remedies for the issues. Unlike other medical options, a warm salt water rinse has no side effects. 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.

If you're looking for the best products to improve your oral and dental health, look no further than Dr. Brite. The brand offers you doctor-made products using the healthiest ingredients. You can trust the brand to provide solutions for your tooth decay, sensitivity, bad breath, and bleeding gums.

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So, should you rinse with salt water before bed,  and does it improve your oral health?

Is Rinsing With Salt Water Good for Oral Health?

While mouthwashes are effective in maintaining dental hygiene, their high alcohol content can irritate your gums and other mouth parts. Saltwater rinses are a safe alternative due to the reduced side effects.

a woman rinsing before bed

Rinsing your mouth with salt water helps reduce plaque and enhances recovery after dental procedures such as tooth extraction.

The following are the benefits of rinsing with salt water.

Hastens Recovery After Dental Procedure

Saltwater rinses kill bacteria and other germs that prevent recovery after a dental procedure. The water also regulates the wound repair cavity.

It doesn't cause pain, discomfort, or irritation to the soft tissues.

Protects Your Teeth

Your teeth need protection from harm if you're to enjoy enhanced oral hygiene.

Besides killing bacteria and other harmful germs that'd cause gum infections, salt water rinse also helps in protecting your teeth. Your teeth require the right pH level to remain healthy.

If the pH level is too low, your mouth has increased acidity, and the tooth enamel may start to erode. The corrosion leads to oral sensitivity and aches. Eating or drinking hot or cold foods and drinks will become increasingly difficult. The acidity can also cause discoloration and staining of the teeth.

closeup of person's teeth

Rinsing with salt water after taking acidic foods such as lemons helps balance the pH level in your mouth, protecting your teeth' enamel.

If you're struggling with teeth sensitivity, try Sensitivity Relief Mouthwash - Coconut Chai. Besides dealing with sensitivity, it also soothes your gums and ensures fresh breath.

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Deals with Bad Breath

A bad breath can dent your self-esteem, making it increasingly hard to enjoy social gatherings.

There are several causes of bad breath, including plaque buildup in your mouth. Most of the reasons boil down to the presence of harmful bacteria in your mouth. The bacteria can also lead to sore throats.

A saltwater rinse is also an option if you're working on a budget or allergic to commercial mouthwashes for dealing with bad breath.

a man rinsing with saltwater

Use warm salt water to remove all the harmful bacteria. It'll also help to stay hydrated to keep them at bay.

Brite & Fresh Spray - Mint comes in handy if you're looking for a solution to your bad breath problem.

Stop Bleeding

Do your gums start bleeding after flossing?

Flossing is an essential oral health practice that helps in removing plaque between your teeth that'd be bleeding spots for bacteria. You should floss regularly to achieve the best results. Sore gums can cause bleeding and pain after the practice.

Rinsing with warm salt water helps eliminate the bad bacteria in your mouth that cause your gums to swell.

Healthy Gums Mouthwash - Wildberry by Dr. Brite also helps you achieve healthy gums. It removes plaque and offers a fresh breath.

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Deals With Respiratory Issues

Are you suffering from sinus infections such as cold, flu, or other respiratory tract issues? While you can visit your doctor for treatment, gargling with salt water is also an effective remedy.

It helps clear the microorganisms that cause the infections, such as sore throats. Salt water does an excellent job of also protecting you from respiratory infections.

Do you have mouth ulcers? The wounds can be painful and even make it impossible to eat. Saltwater kills the germs that cause the wounds, relieves the pain, and fastens the recovery process.

You can also use salt water in dealing with tonsilitis. The inflamed lumps are uncomfortable and can cause pain as you swallow food. Gargling salt water deals with the inflammation, reducing the pain.

a person holding a glass

Should I Rinse With Salt Water Before or After Brushing Teeth?

Rinsing with salt water aims to kill the harmful bacteria that cause oral issues such as tooth decay, sensitivity, and bad breath. Unlike commercial mouthwashes, salt water doesn't have side effects, meaning you can use it as many times.

Therefore, you can rinse with salt water before and after brushing your teeth. After removing the food particles with a toothbrush, salt water helps in killing the bacteria thriving in hard-to-reach areas.

Some tips for using salt water include:

  • When gargling with salt water, take as much of it into your mouth as possible

  • You can rinse with the solution before or after cleaning your teeth

  • Swish the solution around the mouth, gums, and teeth for about 20 seconds, and then spit it out

  • Gargle the solution around the back of your throat to kill the microorganisms that'd cause an infection of the throat and respiratory tract

  • Don't attempt to gargle for an extended period

mother and daughter brushing together

How Do You Make Salt Water Rinses?

Making salt water rinses is an effortless process that'll take a short time. You can use the following steps:

  1. Although you can use cold water in making salt water rinses, warm water is the best. It'll be easier for salt to dissolve in warm water than in cold water. Warm water is also more relieving to your gums and sore throat.

  2. Additionally, using cold water can be uncomfortable for sensitive teeth

  3. You can use any salt depending on availability. Mix a teaspoon of salt with 8 ounces of water to achieve the best results. If you have mouth ulcers or wounds and the salt water irritates, you can reduce the salt to 1/2 a teaspoon for the first days.

  4. You can also enhance the soothing and healing properties by adding other ingredients such as honey and hydrogen peroxide

  5. Boil the water and then remove it from the heat. Add a teaspoon of salt and stir until it dissolves. Allow the water to cool to room temperature before you can use it to rinse your mouth. When you're done, get rid of the leftover solution to prevent contamination

salt and water

Do Salt Water Rinses Have Side Effects?

Using small amounts of the solution at the proper intervals may not have any side effects. If you have mouth sores, you can experience irritation from the salt. Reducing the amount of salt can help minimize the discomfort. Increase it as the irritation reduces.

Overusing salt water for rinsing can lead to gum irritation, causing more bleeding.

Although salt water helps to keep the microorganisms that cause infections at bay, you should avoid using salt water multiple times a day. Ensure you don't swallow too much of the solution, as it can cause dehydration.

a woman rinsing in the bathroom

How Long Should You Wait After Rinsing With Salt Water?

Rinse with salt water for about 20 seconds to achieve the best results. If you've had a dental procedure, you can gargle after three or four hours and then switch to about three times a day.

After gargling, you can wait about ten minutes before rinsing your mouth to remove the taste.

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