Why should not rinse with salt water after implant placement?

Taking care of oral hygiene after undergoing dental implant surgery is crucial, especially when it comes to keeping the oral cavity clean. There are certain dental hygiene habits that need to be noted, such as avoiding rinsing with salt water. So why is it not recommended to rinse with salt water after dental implant surgery?

Benefits of gargling with salt water

The main component of salt is Sodium Chloride (NaCl), which has the ability to limit the growth of bacteria in various types of food. The reason is that bacteria need moisture to grow, but salt absorbs water molecules, making it impossible for bacteria to thrive due to lack of moisture. Therefore, using salt water to rinse the mouth does not bring many benefits for oral health care.

Protect your oral health

Thanks to its alkaline properties, saltwater increases the pH level in the mouth, which helps prevent the growth of bacteria. Rinsing the mouth with salt water can prevent bacterial attacks and prevent dental diseases such as tooth decay, gum inflammation, and swollen gums.

Reduce mouth heat, soothe sore sores

Mouth sores and open wounds often cause discomfort for people while eating and carrying out daily activities. Rinsing the mouth with salt water daily can increase blood flow to the mouth, which may help heal mouth sores or ulcers faster and minimize discomfort.

Eliminate unpleasant bad breath

According to some folk remedies, saltwater mixed with natural ingredients such as betel leaves, guava, baking soda, etc., can help reduce bad breath and gum inflammation.

The antibacterial properties of salt can help remove plaque on teeth and between teeth. Thanks to its alkaline properties, saltwater increases the pH level in the mouth, which helps prevent the growth of bacteria. Rinsing the mouth with salt water can prevent bacterial attacks and prevent dental diseases such as tooth decay, gum inflammation, and swollen gums.

Reduce sore throat

Dentists often recommend that individuals rinse their mouth with salt water regularly, 2-3 times per day, to reduce the risk of acute or chronic throat inflammation or tonsillitis. Using salt water can effectively treat the early symptoms of these conditions. However, rinsing with salt water should not be applied after tooth extraction or implant placement.

Why should you not rinse with salt water after Implant?

Before understanding why you should not rinse with salt water after dental implant surgery, it is important to understand the concept of dental implant placement. Dental implant placement involves placing a small titanium post into the jawbone at the location of a missing tooth. This implant post acts as an artificial tooth root and is tightly integrated with the jawbone. Once the implant and jawbone are stable, a porcelain tooth crown is attached to the post to restore normal chewing function.

As mentioned above, salt water is very effective in caring for and protecting oral health. Saltwater has strong antibacterial properties, removes bacteria and plaque, and helps keep teeth clean to prevent inflammation, infection, and enamel damage. Additionally, salt water can improve blood circulation and increase the concentration of white blood cells, boosting the body’s immune response and supporting the healing process.

However, after dental implant surgery, dentists recommend against using salt water or any other chemical solutions for oral hygiene (during the first 1-2 weeks) for the following two main reasons:

The first 1-2 weeks after dental implant surgery is a critical period that determines the success of the healing process. Rinsing with salt water too early is not good for the wound. Saltwater has strong antibacterial properties, and this can kill or wash away new cells that are forming.

Saltwater can also make blood clotting difficult after dental implant surgery, causing pain, and stiffness, and prolonging the healing process at the implant site.

How long does it take to rinse the mouth with a saltwater implant?

After getting dental implants, it is important to note that rinsing with salt water is not the most crucial factor. What you must pay attention to is the time period for using the rinse. Dental experts recommend that Bạn should absolutely not rinse their mouth with salt water during the first 1-2 weeks following the surgery.

It is best for you to wait for about 1-2 weeks after the implant is placed before starting to clean your mouth with salt water. By then, the blood vessels will have sealed and rinsing will not cause any prolonged bleeding.

After the dental implant procedure, if there are food particles stuck in the mouth, Bạn can use physiological saline, mouthwash containing Chlorhexidine, or boiled water that has cooled down to rinse their mouth gently, in order to prevent infection after the implant is placed.

Important note when rinsing with salt water after Implant

Many people have a habit of rinsing their mouth with salt water after dental implant surgery to improve oral hygiene. Although salt water is considered safe and beneficial for oral health, if the concentration is too high or the method is incorrect, it can affect the wound after implant surgery.

Here are some notes to keep in mind when rinsing with salt water after dental implant surgery (after 1-2 weeks of implant placement):

• Do not use homemade salt water that is too salty
• Do not use cold water to mix with salt
• Pay attention to the time of rinsing with salt water
• Do not drink salt water after rinsing your mouth
• Do not arbitrarily use salt water that is too salty

Water that is too salty or too weak is not effective in killing bacteria and can also have negative effects on oral health. In particular, overly salty water can cause damage to the throat and mouth mucosa and can irritate the wound at the site of the implanted implant.

To safely rinse your mouth with salt water, it is best to buy a physiologic saline solution with a concentration of 0.9% at a pharmacy.

Do not use cold water to mix with salt

Using cold water to mix with salt and then rinsing your mouth can cause the wound to contract, affecting the aesthetic of the healed wound. The taste and temperature of the saltwater solution should be suitable for your mouth.

It is recommended to prepare the saltwater solution in advance and store it in a bottle for later use. When using, add some hot water to ensure the appropriate temperature and moisture for your mouth.

Note the time to gargle with salt water

When using salt water for rinsing or gargling, it is recommended that you only keep it in your mouth for 30-60 seconds before spitting it out. Gargling with salt water for too long can cause damage to the throat and oral mucosa, as well as burn the tongue and affect the taste, and irritate the surgical site of the implanted implant.

Do not drink salt water after rinsing your mouth

After rinsing or gargling with salt water, the mouth contains a lot of harmful bacteria and impurities. Therefore, it’s best to spit out the salt water and avoid swallowing it. In addition, drinking salt water that is too salty can have negative effects on your health, causing an excess buildup of salt in the body, increasing the risk of high blood pressure, and limiting the absorption of calcium.

Rinse your mouth with salt water properly after the Implant

Properly gargling with salt water after an Implant surgery is an effective oral hygiene practice that can help speed up the healing process. In addition, this method can also soothe ulcers, reduce swelling and pain after tooth extraction, and freshen breath.

To prepare the salt water, you will need:

• 250ml of warm water, around 40 degrees Celsius
• 1 teaspoon of salt

Mix the salt in the water until it dissolves completely.

To gargle effectively with salt water after an Implant surgery:

• First, take a sip of salt water into your mouth. Avoid taking too much water as it can make gargling difficult.
• Next, gargle for at least 30 seconds. To ensure effective gargling, make sure the solution reaches all hard-to-reach areas in your mouth, especially between teeth and the Implant area.
• Then, spit the water out and take another sip of salt water. This time, try to gargle for at least 60 seconds to give the solution more time to reach all areas in your mouth.
• Finally, rinse your mouth with clean water a few times to remove any remaining salt in your mouth.

Proper dental care after Implant

In addition to cleaning your mouth with saltwater and specialized cleaning solutions, it’s important to pay attention to your diet, rest, and exercise routine to promote faster healing and avoid unwanted infections after implant surgery.

Notes on diet after Implant implant

Diet directly affects the overall oral health and the condition of the Implant post-surgery. Improper eating habits can lead to prolonged bleeding, delayed healing, and a higher risk of infection. Here are some recommended dietary guidelines after getting an Implant:

• Avoid foods that are too hot or too cold, hard and crunchy, and highly spiced.
• Consume soft, lukewarm foods with minimal seasoning to promote faster healing of the wound.
• Especially after an Implant, refrain from consuming alcohol and tobacco for at least 2-3 months.
• Drink plenty of water to prevent plaque formation and reduce the risk of bad breath after the surgery.
• Do not chew directly on the gum area where the Implant has been placed until the wound has fully healed.

Note how to clean teeth after the Implant

The gum tissue surrounding the Implant post is susceptible to infection due to the accumulation of food particles. Poor and improper oral hygiene practices over time can lead to a loose and unstable Implant post, resulting in implant failure. Guidelines for proper oral hygiene after Implant placement include:

Avoid pushing your tongue, brushing directly on the gum tissue around the Implant post, or frequently touching the Implant post to minimize the direct impact on the Implant site.

Rinse your mouth with physiological saline solution or Chlorhexidine mouthwash at least twice a day after meals to prevent plaque buildup and infection around the implant post.

After completing the restoration with the porcelain crown on the Implant post, you can use a soft-bristled brush such as an interdental brush or a brush with special feather bristles to clean the Implant post and the mucous membrane surrounding it.

Use dental floss in combination with interdental brushes to remove food debris between teeth instead of using wooden picks.

Note about rest and exercise regime after Implant

During the first 3-5 days after Implant placement, the Implant post is not yet fully stable in the jawbone. Therefore, strong impacts from activities such as running or strenuous sports can loosen and destabilize the Implant post.

In addition, vigorous exercise can increase blood circulation and cause prolonged bleeding from the wound. At the same time, gum tissue may swell and become inflamed for several days.

For this reason, after getting an Implant, it is recommended to rest and avoid strenuous exercise for the first 3-5 days to allow the Implant to fully stabilize and the wound to heal more quickly.

Contact information Home Dental – Implant Clinic

To learn more about the Implant method for restoring lost teeth, please contact Home Dental, the first dental clinic in Vietnam specializing in Implants for middle-aged people.

• 30, Trieu Viet Vuong, Hanoi
• Phone: +84 914665656
• Email: marketing@nhakhoahome.com