I keep seeing advice on taking salt water rinses both before and after getting braces. What is the purpose of the rinses? I can see rinsing after braces to get food particles out, but why rinse before?
thanks!
Alice
salt water rinses
Moderator: bbsadmin
from this site
http://www.saveyoursmile.com/dzcankersores7.html#ref3
Salt-Water Rinses
"The effectiveness of salt-water rinses is variable. In a British study, subjects rated salt water rinses the least effective of several avaliable treatment options (for mouth sores). Some people, however, do benefit from salt water rinses. Because this treatment option is so inexpensive it is worth trying. Simply mix a teaspoon of salt into a cup of warm water. Wash with the salt water for about a minute before spitting the salt-water back out."
The British study mentioned can be found here
Edres, M.A.G., Scully, C., and M. Gelbier Use of proprietary agents to relieve recurrent aphthous stomatitis British Dental Journal 1997, 182;144-146. Sadly my ATHENS password only gives me access back to 2000, so I can't check it out.
Anyway, back to your question. Most of the references I've managed to find say that a fairly weak salt solution is a soothing home remedy for mouth sores. It's harmless and if you feel it helpful then it's easy and convenient to use. I've certainly found it soothing when I've had wires poking me or brackets rubbing, and I use it when I feel the need. The warmth of the water used can also be soothing if your teeth ache after an adjustment.
As Meryaten has said, there are members here who swear by its efficacy as a preventative. If you want to use it, it certainly won't do you any harm, and it might help.
http://www.saveyoursmile.com/dzcankersores7.html#ref3
Salt-Water Rinses
"The effectiveness of salt-water rinses is variable. In a British study, subjects rated salt water rinses the least effective of several avaliable treatment options (for mouth sores). Some people, however, do benefit from salt water rinses. Because this treatment option is so inexpensive it is worth trying. Simply mix a teaspoon of salt into a cup of warm water. Wash with the salt water for about a minute before spitting the salt-water back out."
The British study mentioned can be found here
Edres, M.A.G., Scully, C., and M. Gelbier Use of proprietary agents to relieve recurrent aphthous stomatitis British Dental Journal 1997, 182;144-146. Sadly my ATHENS password only gives me access back to 2000, so I can't check it out.
Anyway, back to your question. Most of the references I've managed to find say that a fairly weak salt solution is a soothing home remedy for mouth sores. It's harmless and if you feel it helpful then it's easy and convenient to use. I've certainly found it soothing when I've had wires poking me or brackets rubbing, and I use it when I feel the need. The warmth of the water used can also be soothing if your teeth ache after an adjustment.
As Meryaten has said, there are members here who swear by its efficacy as a preventative. If you want to use it, it certainly won't do you any harm, and it might help.
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insanemommy03
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