Bacteria are single-celled microorganisms that can be found virtually everywhere on Earth. Oral and throat bacteria are the main components of the oral microbiota. Our mouth is home to about 700 species of microbes. Some bacteria like Streptococcus, Prevotella, Staphylococcus, and Granulicatella are among the predominant microorganisms present in the oral cavity.
These bacterial cells grow and live in our oral cavity, some of which cause many respiratory and dental problems. Today, there are many medicated products available in the market for the prevention and treatment of the health problems associated with bacteria, which are present in billions of our mouths.
Let’s find out one of the most famous recipes made simply with water and salt, used around the world for eliminating these microbes for oral hygiene.
Salt water has long been used as a remedy to help treat many oral infections like canker sores, allergies, sore throats, mouth sores, and toothaches because of its wide range of disinfectant properties.
Saltwater is a natural disinfectant that has many properties, including antibacterial properties. This means it can kill harmful bacteria and reduce bacterial growth. It’s also good for the oral pH balance and respiratory health and helps maintain oral health and hygiene.
This age-old traditional remedy used worldwide involves using saltwater rinses for sore throat in winter and cold and flu season. Using it to help relieve mouth pain can be an effective alternative to chemically made medicated mouthwashes for dental health.
1. Salt Concentrations and How to Make the Saltwater Solution?
Salt rinses are nothing but a solution of warm water and common salt or table salt. Table salt is a mineral whose chemical name is Sodium Chloride. Sodium Chloride is an ionic compound with the chemical formula NaCl.
To make salt water rinses, add about half a teaspoon of salt to 250mL of warm water and mix until combined. For saltwater gargles, take a comfortable amount of the solution in your mouth, gargle at the back of your throat, rinse around the gums and teeth for a few seconds, and then spit out the solution.
This saltwater solution can be used for gargling effectively to kill bacteria and as an effective mouth cleaner after meals.
1.1. Side Effects
For younger children, gargling salt water can be difficult sometimes. It is advised to consult a paediatrician before letting younger children gargle and for the correct concentration of salt in saltwater rinses.
Saltwater gargles do not cause skin irritations, but they can potentially irritate gums if used excessively. This irritation can be caused by osmosis of the cells present in our mouth and throat and can cause further pain and discomfort. Therefore, salt concentration and the ratio of salt to water ratio are crucial when preparing saltwater rinses.
2. Does Saltwater Have the Power to Kill Bacteria?
Through some studies, it has been found that gargling with salt water twice daily can significantly help in reducing bacteria present in the mouth. Though salt is known to kill only some types of bacteria and not every one of them, salt concentration plays a vital role in reducing bacterial cells.
The salt pulls out all the water present inside the bacterial cell, leaving only the bacterial proteins. This is done by the process known as osmosis, which balances out the concentration of salt on either side of the cell membrane. This collapses the cell on itself and results in killing bacteria.
The other types of bacterial cells that can’t be killed by salt water are the Halotolerant Bacteria, which are resistant and can tolerate salt. These bacteria can grow and adapt to high salt concentrations.
Many people use salt water to freshen their breath and clean the areas of their mouths where toothbrushes can not reach. Instead of purchasing a medicated mouthwash from a drugstore or any supermarket, it is better to use a remedy like salt water, which is cheap and natural. Saltwater beats modern medicine, which comes with many side effects, whereas gargling with salt water has no such side effects.
The Icy Tales team talked to Peter Hinz, Founder, Chiropractor, and Certified Acupuncturist at Cool Springs Chiropractic, about the fundamental differences between viruses and bacteria. Here is what he said:
“Understanding the fundamental differences between viruses and bacteria is pivotal in healthcare and public health.
Viruses are much smaller than bacteria and cannot survive without a living host, so they require a different approach, primarily focusing on prevention through vaccination and antiviral medications.
Bacteria, being larger and capable of surviving independently, can often be treated with antibiotics. This distinction is crucial for developing effective treatment strategies and implementing appropriate preventive measures to curb the spread of infections.
As a healthcare professional, in most cases, I have found that viruses tend to cause more severe and rapid illnesses compared to bacteria. This firsthand experience has taught me the value of early detection and timely intervention in managing these diseases.”
2.2. What Do Experts Say About Salt Water?
Specialists recommend putting a quarter teaspoon of salt into a cup of warm water as the water has to be hypertonic, meaning salt concentration has to be enough to make it taste saltier. Warm water causes blood pressure to rise in the throat region and increases blood flow.
This sets our immune system into action and can also cause the healing process to be faster. An alternative to salt water can be made by adding 1 teaspoon of baking soda to the saltwater solution.
If someone has undergone any dental procedures such as tooth extraction, it makes the mouth more prone to infections. Solutions of saltwater are suggested by dental practitioners as a safety measure to keep oral and dental hygiene in optimal condition. Saltwater helps improve the health of teeth and gums and is beneficial in the reduction of dental plaque, cavities, and gum diseases like gingivitis, or swollen gums.
Saltwater gargles are generally safe for both children and adults and can be done twice or thrice a day as needed. There are typically no side effects, so anyone can gargle efficiently without any worries.
However, people with high blood pressure should skip the saltwater gargles. When we gargle, there is a chance of accidentally swallowing salt water, and high sodium intake is known to increase the overall pressure of blood in our arteries if consumed.
3. Uses of Salt Water Rinse
Is it a valuable remedy for oral health and hygiene? Let’s have a look.
3.1. Respiratory Tract Infections
Typical upper respiratory infections include the common cold and flu, and others like infection of the sinus. Studies show that gargling effectively can help minimize the symptoms and alleviate pain, and it’s beneficial in preventing upper respiratory tract infections.
3.2. How Salt Water Kill Bacteria Present in Our Tooth and Gums and the Dental Procedures
People who have undergone dental procedures, like tooth extractions, or have dental issues like gum infection are advised to gargle effectively by dentists 2-3 times a day to fight infection and alleviate pain and swelling. Regular salt rinsing prevents the buildup of plaque and tartar. Harmful bacteria prefer an acidic environment, and salt helps neutralize this condition and kill bacteria.
We interviewed Dr. Sameh Aknouk, Owner of Dr. Sameh Aknouk Dental Services PC, on this. Here is what he had to say:
“Understanding the differences between viruses and bacteria is crucial from a dental health perspective, especially considering the impact of oral health on overall well-being.
Through my years of practice, I’ve observed that bacterial infections in the mouth can lead to common dental issues like gum disease and tooth decay.
These conditions are typically treated with antibiotics, thorough cleaning, and sometimes more invasive procedures like root canals if they progress significantly.
Viruses, on the other hand, present a different challenge. For instance, the human papillomavirus (HPV) can be linked to oral cancers, underlining the importance of preventive measures, including vaccines.
The COVID-19 pandemic also highlighted the need for stringent infection control practices within dental settings to prevent the spread of viral infections.
This situation emphasized the role of dental professionals in advising patients on maintaining good oral hygiene to mitigate the risk of viral transmissions.
In light of these experiences, it’s evident that the variance between bacterial and viral infections significantly influences treatment strategies and preventive measures.
Antibiotics and dental procedures can often address bacterial issues, whereas vaccines and strict hygiene practices are critical for managing and preventing viral infections.
This distinction underlines the importance of comprehensive patient education on oral hygiene and preventive care, which has always been a cornerstone of my practice.
Engaging with patients about these differences helps in managing expectations and reinforces the importance of regular dental check-ups in maintaining overall health.”
3.3. Sore Throat
Saltwater rinses are an effective way to get relief from discomfort and throat pain. Saltwater rinses can help keep the mouth clean, prevent further infections, and help with soreness.
3.4. Canker Sores
Saltwater solution soothes pain in case of Canker sores, which are painful ulcers that develop in the mouth. Saltwater promotes healing, treats wounds by wound repair, and prevents the growth of bacteria.
3.5. Allergies
Some allergies cause a nasal passage blockage and swelling of the throat, which causes extreme discomfort. Gargling with salt water can ease the nasal passage and improve breathing. Warm water molecules, along with salt, reduce swelling and kill bacteria present in the upper respiratory tract.
Conclusive Insights into the Antibacterial Efficacy of Saltwater
Saltwater gargles can help keep the mouth clean. It may alleviate many discomforting conditions arising from cold and flu, mouth sores or ulcers, and dental procedures. The rinses are quick and easy to make and are economically cheaper than medicated products. Anyone can easily try out this remedy and can notice benefits with 24 hours of gargling. Younger children and people with high blood pressure should consult the practitioners before trying out this remedy.
Guest Author: Saket Kumar
Last Updated on by Jahnvi Bhateja
