Hi, I recently had the crown of my two teeth changed and was advised by the dentist to gargle with warm saline water 2 times a day. But i've read on google that excessive sodium present in salt can erode your tooth enamel. The dentist said that I can gargle with warm saline water my entire life. Is this true? What are the benefits and disadvantages of it? Fo how long should I continue with this procedure?

Dr. Garima MalhotraDentist12yrs exp

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Warm saline rinses is good for the health of your gums. You are supposed to add 2 pinches of salt in one glass of warm water. This much less quantity is not going to harm tooth enamel. Your dentist has told you correct that you can do this for life time. You can do it twice or thrice daily. It is very good for the health of gums, it has no side effects or disadvantages.  

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Dr. Arunima ChandraDentist5yrs exp

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Hello, first of all would like to explain that the dentist have advised warm water and saline rinses because during the crown cutting we go deep into gums and in your case as mentioned you have got the crown changed so there would be some gum inflammation which will subside in few days after using it. Rest you do not have to use it life long keep using it on and off while you feel some swelling in gums. For now use it for 7-10 days. Thanks.  

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Dr. Apoorv MittalDentist25yrs exp

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Salt water mouth wash not more than 3 to 4 times a week. Adv-1 eliminates bad breath. 2 sore throat 3.bleeding and swollen gums 4 treats dental plaque and prevents gingivitis 5.sores 6.relieves toothache dis-1 gargling with salt water that has too much salt in it can dehydrate the lining of your throat and make it hurt even more. 2.engaging in salt water gargling every day for a long period can soften the enamel of your teeth and gums due to its acidic content. So, make sure you limit it to just 2 or 3 times a week if you don?t have a sore throat. 3.make sure you spit out the salt water after gargling. Swallowing too much salt water can be harmful as consuming excessive sodium can increase your risk of developing cardiovascular disease.  

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SaumyaDentist2yrs exp

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Hi Lybrate-user, The doctor has advised salt water rinses, since you are replacing your old crowns, which may have predisposed you mild to moderate gingival inflammation ,which can be relieved with use of salt water rinses. Regular usage can never be problematic as, it depends on amount of salt added ,n moreover, it's diluted, so eroding enamel is very minimal. In a longer run, it has more of advantages. Thanks.  

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Dr. Suneet KhandelwalDentist18yrs exp

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A pinch of salt will never be excessive in a full glass of water. In a day if you do 5 times rinse with this then the amount of salt used is less then the amount you eat in a day. Yes your dentist is correct, there will be no harm with warm saline rinse if you do through out your life.  

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