Toothache sometimes overtakes us at the most unexpected moment, on a day when it is simply physically impossible to visit the dentist.
What to do if there is no chance of being in the doctor's chair in the next few hours? Of course, resort to traditional methods of reducing gum inflammation and nerve pain. One of the most popular remedies is rinsing with salt solutions. Today we will tell you how to properly use such compositions.
Treatment of gums with salt
Causes of gum inflammation
Why salt helps
How to properly rinse your mouth with saline solution
Salt gum massage
Other methods for treating gums at home
Bleeding gums, increased sensitivity and bad breath indicate that your gums are not healthy. Why do they become inflamed? Is it necessary to see a doctor or can they be strengthened at home? How to use salt to relieve inflammation? Read more in the article.
Recommendations for rinsing the mouth after tooth extraction
If it happened that you had to remove a tooth, then you should know what actions should be taken in the future, namely, rinsing the mouth after tooth extraction .
Never decide on your own which solutions should be used to rinse the mouth after tooth extraction. Consult your doctor first! Find out about the possible start of rinsing, the frequency, medications and strictly follow them.
Remember that after tooth extraction:
- It is forbidden to eat during the first 2-3 hours;
- You cannot create increased physical activity for the body as a whole;
- For 2 days you must give up cigarettes and alcohol;
- Only short-term exposure to the sun is allowed;
- You should avoid taking a hot shower or visiting a sauna.
Causes of gum inflammation
Gum inflammation can occur for various reasons. Heredity, poor environment, bad habits, hormonal imbalance, etc. But most often, the inflammatory process in the gums occurs due to poor oral hygiene. The more plaque and soft deposits on the teeth, the higher the risk of inflammation. To prevent diseases of teeth and gums, professional hygiene is recommended, which must be done every six months (more often if necessary). The procedure removes deposits that the toothbrush did not reach, freshens breath and makes teeth noticeably whiter.
By the way, scientists conducted an interesting experiment. People who maintained good hygiene and had no dental problems stopped brushing their teeth within three weeks. The result showed that this time is quite enough for primary inflammation to appear on the gums.
When is rinsing indicated?
Rinsing with soda and salt will not cause harm even with frequent procedures. The main thing is to follow the recommendations and proportions for preparing solutions based on folk remedies.
Attention! Rinsing the mouth is effective in case of aching toothache. At the same time, the unpleasant sensations intensify towards evening. Remedies that are prepared with salt and soda can be the first aid for eliminating pain. They are able to reduce the process of inflammation in the tooth, reduce the number of pathogenic microorganisms in the oral cavity, washing them out. For severe toothache, rinsing can significantly reduce its intensity, but not eliminate the problem. Therefore, the solution will help you “get through the night,” but you need to make an appointment with the dentist in the morning.
Caries destroys the structure of teeth and causes pain. Rinsing allows you to temporarily relieve pain.
Soda and saline solutions must be taken to cleanse the teeth and oral cavity of accumulated bacteria and food debris. They are excellent harmless means for maintaining a clean mouth and frequent use, while constant use of toothpaste for these purposes can cause damage to the enamel. During the rinsing process, the surface of the teeth is cleaned of plaque and, therefore, whitens. You shouldn't expect quick results. For a visible effect, procedures must be performed regularly.
Why does salt help?
Salt is considered one of the most effective methods for treating periodontal disease. It stimulates the restoration of periodontal tissue and relieves inflammation. The effectiveness of salt is explained by the fact that it has the ability to draw out moisture. Once in the oral cavity, salt “takes” liquid from the inflamed area, thus depriving bacteria and microorganisms of their natural habitat. When treating, it is better to use sea salt, as it is rich in iodine.
Salt rinses
Saline solution is considered one of the most effective methods of treating teeth and gums.
It is often used as a first aid remedy before visiting the dentist. Table 1. Types of salt rinse solutions
| View | Preparation |
| Salt + soda | Suitable for those for whom regular saline solution is not suitable. Mix one teaspoon of baking soda and salt in a glass of water. Can be used after tooth extraction, but carefully so as not to injure the socket. |
| Salt + soda + iodine | 1 tsp salt and soda, 2 - 3 drops of iodine per glass of warm water. |
| Salt + vodka | Add 2 - 3 tbsp to a glass of water. vodka and 1 tsp. salt. Rinse with caution so as not to burn the mucous membrane. |
| Salt + herbal decoctions | Decoction recipes:
|
Gargling with soda
The content of the article:
- What does rinsing do?
- Benefits of soda
- Gargling
- How to gargle
- Precautions when using baking soda
- When to see a doctor
- Conclusion
What does rinsing do?
Gargling is an old and proven method of relieving swelling of the oral mucosa. Swelling can be caused not only by infection, but also by a number of other diseases.
Rinsing will be effective for diseases such as:
- inflammation of the tonsils;
- laryngitis;
- sinusitis;
- allergy;
- vocal strain;
- cough.
You can prepare a rinse solution yourself without a prescription or visiting a doctor. But do not forget about contraindications and precautions when using soda.
Benefits of soda
Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) is a salt formed by combining sodium hydroxide and carbonic acid. It helps maintain acid-base balance in the body. The chemical formula used for sodium bicarbonate is NaHCO3. This is a whitish powder that first alkalizes water and then completely dissolves in it.
Baking soda is easy to find in any supermarket. One of its advantages is that it is non-toxic when taken orally. Excellent for oral hygiene as it is a practical ingredient for natural teeth whitening and also for making homemade toothpaste. Thanks to its components, soda provides fresh breath, prevents and eliminates tartar, and prevents the occurrence of caries. Is it possible to gargle with a soda solution? Let’s consider further.
Gargling
Yes, baking soda and water are an ideal remedy for a sore throat.
What does gargling do:
- disinfection of the throat and mouth;
- healing of small wounds;
- reduction of swelling;
- elimination of soreness and pain.
By rinsing with a soda solution, an alkaline environment is created in the larynx, which is unfavorable for bacteria. They cannot reproduce, which means inflammation will decrease. Also, rinsing helps to mechanically wash away bacterial plaque and mucus. Finally, soda perfectly softens irritated mucous membranes, as a result, the sore throat goes away.
How to gargle
Gargling is easy. This procedure can be carried out even several times a day, but the safe therapeutic amount during the day is 3-4 rinses, depending on the composition of the rinse.
The finished product (solution or powder) should be dissolved in 1 glass of water. The resulting mixture must be boiled and cooled to avoid future throat irritation. Gargle with the solution for 2-3 minutes. It cannot be swallowed, therefore such manipulation is contraindicated for small children.
Proportions for gargling with soda:
- 1 glass of warm water.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda.
If the solution is intended for a child, then the volume of soda should be reduced by 2 times. You can add 1-2 drops of iodine to these ingredients.
Another option is to add lemon juice to the baking soda solution. Lemon is a fruit with antibacterial properties. Its juice helps clear and disinfect the throat and relieves pain from other conditions such as tonsillitis.
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice;
- Half a glass of water;
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda.
Add baking soda and lemon juice to a glass of water and mix thoroughly. Place the mixture in your mouth, gargle for about thirty seconds and spit it out. Repeat this procedure three to five times a day. A mixture of baking soda and lemon relieves throat discomfort and freshens breath.
Many people are interested in whether it is possible to gargle with soda for tonsillitis, when it is accompanied by pus and a feeling of pain. Yes, in this case it will be possible to quickly remove the formed purulent rally fluid and speed up the regeneration of mucus.
Soda solution does not replace antimicrobial drugs and is not a drug in itself. But its advantage is its versatility. Soda is a good antiseptic, and it is hypoallergenic, and therefore suitable for everyone, regardless of age and complexity of the disease. If you have any doubts about this gargling method, consult your doctor.
Precautions when using baking soda
When gargling, keep in mind that baking soda can also cause side effects, especially if a person swallows it.
Side effects of baking soda are unlikely, but it doesn't hurt to be aware of them:
- nausea;
- heartburn;
- flatulence;
- muscle weakness;
- anxiety;
- difficulty breathing.
Therefore, before using the product, it is recommended to consult a doctor who will tell you how to rinse correctly, in what proportions and what precautions should be taken.
Always consider contraindications. For people with heart disease, gargling with soda can be harmful. You should use baking soda rinses with caution for peptic ulcers. Carbon dioxide formed in the stomach causes increased secretion of digestive juices and irritates the receptors of the mucous membranes. And this soon leads to a deterioration in the patient’s condition.
Absolute contraindications to this procedure are as follows:
- individual intolerance to sodium bicarbonate;
- burn of the mucous membrane of the mouth or throat;
- malignant neoplasms in the mouth or throat;
- acute diseases of the stomach and esophagus.
It is not advisable to rinse your throat during early pregnancy, as this can cause a gag reflex. Contraindicated in case of toxicosis, but in later stages of pregnancy this method of treatment can be used. There will be no harm to the health of the baby or the expectant mother, and the benefits will be felt immediately. This is important for pregnant women, since many pharmaceuticals are prohibited during pregnancy.
In overdose, baking soda is also toxic. This is due to the high sodium content of the powder. When someone takes too much sodium bicarbonate, the body tries to correct the salt balance. This causes diarrhea and vomiting.
When to see a doctor
If the pain does not disappear after 3-4 days or other symptoms appear (fever, cough, difficulty breathing, etc.), you should consult a doctor. He will examine the patient, take the necessary tests and select the correct, effective treatment technique.
Rinsing with baking soda may not be enough for recovery. The doctor will prescribe pharmaceutical medications to relieve sore throat and reduce inflammation. These can be antibacterial, antiseptic agents, drugs that relieve pain, swelling, and inflammation.
Conclusion
Gargling with soda is one of the methods of treating it. Often a soda solution is used for this, as it has a high anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effect. This method is accessible and inexpensive and can be used at home without a doctor’s prescription. It has virtually no contraindications; the main thing is to adhere to precautions when handling soda. In the early stages of the disease, the method is effective, but it is a symptomatic method of treatment, so gargling with soda for a sore throat cannot replace full treatment. If after a few days the symptoms of the disease do not disappear, but intensify, it is recommended to consult a doctor for advice.
How to properly rinse your mouth with saline solution
To prepare the solution you need 1 – 2 teaspoons of salt and a glass of boiled water. However, there are a number of subtleties that need to be taken into account.
- Before rinsing, you should brush your teeth.
- The solution should be warm. Hot can burn the mucous membrane, and cold can increase the pain.
- It is recommended to rinse your mouth after every meal.
- After using the saline solution, you do not need to rinse your mouth with water. If there is a need, you should wait at least 5 minutes.
Despite its effectiveness, the salt solution is not an alternative to professional treatment. If you have any problems with your gums, we recommend that you consult a doctor.
Remember that the health of your teeth depends on the condition of your gums, so try not to delay your visit for too long. You can make an appointment with our doctors right now: 220-86-30
Contraindications to rinsing with soda-saline solution
A soda-salt solution for mouth rinsing, made in the correct proportions, is not capable of having a significant harmful effect. However, for some diseases and individual characteristics, a healing folk remedy can cause considerable harm to the patient’s health.
Young children should not rinse their mouths with soda-based products, even with severe toothache. Children under 3–4 years old do not yet understand the essence and technique of the procedure and can swallow a significant amount of liquid, which is why it is better to dip a cotton or gauze swab into the medicinal composition and help the baby treat the mucous membranes of the oral cavity by simply wiping.
The drug may cause harm if you have a traumatic brain injury, brain disease, or a predisposition to stroke. In addition, you can significantly worsen your health if you take it orally.
If a person is diagnosed with thyroid dysfunction, nephritis or tuberculosis, he should not add iodine to salt water. The same rule applies to pregnant and lactating women. You should not overuse mouth rinsing with soda, salt or iodine based mouthwash for nausea and vomiting.
Other methods for treating gums at home
- Oral baths with decoctions and tinctures, which include Kalanchoe, chamomile, St. John's wort, calendula and other anti-inflammatory herbs and extracts.
- Special diet - just increase the number of foods that contain a large amount of calcium (cheese cheese, cottage cheese, beans, almonds, etc.) and vitamin C (orange, kiwi, strawberries, black currants, etc.).
- To give up smoking. Cigarettes worsen the condition of teeth and gums and provoke the development of inflammation.
Home methods for treating gums bring good results, but they can never replace full-fledged dental treatment.
Indications for rinsing with a solution of soda and salt
As a preventive procedure, it is recommended to rinse with sodium bicarbonate, as this has the necessary antimicrobial effect. The main indications for rinsing with soda and salt in the required proportions:
- Dental diseases. Gingivitis, stomatitis, periodontal disease and other pathologies in which the gum canal is damaged.
- Hygienic. Aimed at removing food debris and plaque from hard-to-reach areas.
- Therapeutic and prophylactic. Rinsing your mouth with soda can also be done as a preventative measure.
All therapeutic rinses must be performed only after consultation with a doctor. Only a dentist can determine whether in your case it is possible to rinse your mouth with soda, salt and iodine. This procedure has certain contraindications, so improper use can lead to deterioration of health and significant harmful effects.
