“Does salt kill bacteria in your mouth?”
I am a 22 year old female. I want to know does salt kill bacteria in your mouth?
4 Answers
Unfortunately, salt alone does not kill all bacteria all in your mouth. It is helpful when you have a cut or swelling to reduce this. It may also raise blood pressure to an unacceptable level if continuously swallowed.
Salt water rinses do not kill the bacteria outright. They increase the PH balance in the mouth making it an environment that bacteria cannot thrive in and inhibits the growth of the bacteria. Salt water rinses are very helpful to healing and overall oral health but they do not replace brushing and flossing as the primary weapons against tooth decay.
Salt does kill some types of bacteria, but it is not an effective antibacterial rinse for your mouth. Warm salt water rinses of your oral cavity does have some benefit (8 oz glass of warm water and a brief shake of the salt shaker). The solution swisher for 30 seconds will lavage the gum tissues and cut down the bacterial load. Just putting salt in your mouth on a regular basis is not good for the tissues. It may dry out your mouth, reducing salivary flow and potentially leading to more cavities.
Yes
