Dentist's 1p mouthwash that's 'better' than shop-bought helps prevent colds
Dentist's 1p mouthwash that's 'better' than shop-bought helps prevent colds
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Whilst most people opt for mouthwash as part of their daily routine, experts have claimed that there's no need to spend money on expensive products. It turns out that you could have a cheap and natural solution sitting in your kitchen cupboard. Saltwater has been proven to work as a good antiseptic solution, drawing out infection and reducing inflammation in the mouth. The rinse costs pennies to make and uses two basic ingredients - table salt and warm water.
It can help clean your mouth, soothe mouth sores, relieve pain and promote healing. Some also report that it helps to fend off viruses like the flu, sore throat and common colds. A 1.5kg bag of Tesco Cooking Salt costs £1.90, and as each rinse requires just half a teaspoon, it costs less than a penny per use. This makes it a far cheaper option than spending several pounds on branded mouthwash.
Oral surgeon Dr Andrej Bozic, of Dentum, said: “Oral health is closely linked to systemic health. Poor gum health can increase your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic conditions. A salt water rinse is an easy way to maintain both oral and overall health. With a pinch of salt and some warm water, you can protect your gums, fend off infections, and even keep seasonal illnesses at bay.".
But, these solutions won't be suitable for everyone. Overuse of salt rinses could irritate gums leading to further bleeding, according to Dr Jeffrey Sulitzer. For people on a low-sodium diet, the primary risk of using a saltwater mouthwash is the potential for excessive sodium intake, which could negatively impact their health, especially if they use it frequently or swallow the solution. It's crucial to consult a doctor before using it and to be mindful of the amount of salt you use.
