<p><strong>2023 World Oral Health Day:&nbsp;</strong>Toss those alcohol-based mouthwashes into the bin because with just two things - water and salt - you can improve your overall oral hygiene. Don't believe us? Listen to the experts yourself and make conscious lifestyle changes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While using alcohol-based mouthwashes can be useful in killing bacteria, they often cause irritation in the mucus membranes and gums since alcohol has a drying effect, which isn't good for your mouth. Experts suggest supplementing your oral hygiene routine with a salt water rinse, which is completely natural and has multiple benefits.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In an exclusive conversation with WION, Dr Gauri Merchant, Director, Department of Oral Health and Advanced Dentistry, Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, shared how salt water gargling can be effective in improving overall gum and dental health.</p>

<p>"In India, gargling has been a habit followed even by our ancestors. Rinsing with water after a meal is instrumental in maintaining oral hygiene on a regular basis," says&nbsp;Dr Merchant.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="salt water gargles" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b95421e2-88ed-446b-bbb4-95cfe867b32d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/teeth-g9e913f221_640.png" /></p>

<p>Salt water gargling is often advised by doctors when we are suffering from a sore throat or bleeding gums.&nbsp;It is an easy, simple, inexpensive and age-old home remedy that works wonders for your oral health. Most importantly, the doctor says it does not have any side effects. Moreover, several&nbsp;research papers suggest that salt water gargles can help treat mild oral health issues.</p>

<p>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-world-oral-health-day-2023-dentist-reveals-chocolates-arent-causing-tooth-decay-573343">Exclusive | World Oral Health Day 2023: Dentist says chocolates aren’t the only culprits</a></p>

<h2><strong>Benefits of salt water gargling, according to the doctor</strong></h2>

<ul>
	<li>Helps neutralize acids in the throat that is produced by bacteria</li>
	<li>Helps maintain a healthy pH balance, which prevents the growth of unwanted bacteria</li>
	<li>Helps remove mucus build-up in your respiratory tract and nasal cavity</li>
	<li>Reduces inflammation and relieves pain in the throat</li>
	<li>Reduce the risk of developing an upper respiratory tract infection</li>
	<li>Gives relief from tonsillitis</li>
	<li>Flushes out oral bacteria, which leads to bad breath</li>
	<li>Gives relief from bleeding and swollen gums</li>
	<li>Reduces risk of developing gingivitis&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Helps cure mouth ulcers</li>
</ul>

<p><img alt="oral health" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f2c6b07b-3a64-42a9-9112-d881ddde196d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/pexels-anna-shvets-3845856.jpg" /></p>

<p>Daily gargling helps prevent cavities and is also known to improve gum health. Cavities usually form when food particles remain on the tooth surface&nbsp;for a long time.&nbsp;But, always remember,&nbsp;gargling can help improve overall&nbsp;oral health, but it cannot replace daily brushing and flossing.</p>

<p>The doctor says, "Thorough brushing of teeth at least twice a day, gargling thoroughly after every meal, eating fibre-rich food, drinking a lot of water and avoiding acidic pH developing in saliva are some other tips you must keep in mind for improved oral health."</p>

<p>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-not-getting-enough-sleep-research-shows-sleeping-less-than-5-hours-doubles-risk-of-clogged-leg-arteries-573548">Not getting enough sleep? Research shows sleeping less than 5 hours doubles risk of clogged leg arteries</a></p>

<h2><strong>Common salt water gargling queries answered by the doctor</strong></h2>

<h3><strong>Is gargling safe for children below 5 years of age?</strong></h3>

<p>Yes, gargling is safe for children below 5 years of age. But, you must ensure that the water is not too warm or too salty. Baby teeth are more susceptible to tooth decay so you should encourage this habit in your toddler.&nbsp;</p>

<h3><strong>Can gargling also be effective in improving dental and gum health?</strong></h3>

<p>Yes, gargling is also effective in improving gum and dental health. Salt water gargling and mouthwash help stop bacterial growth. It also helps reduce plaque and inflammation. They're also effective in fighting bad breath. Dentists often recommend&nbsp;gargling after tooth extraction for faster healing of wounds and maintaining oral hygiene.&nbsp;</p>

<h3><strong>How many times a day one can gargle for effective results?&nbsp;</strong></h3>

<p>One should gargle with plain water or salt water after every meal. In the case of tooth extraction, it is recommended to gargle twice a day.&nbsp;</p>

<h3><strong>Can other elements be added to it?</strong></h3>

<p>Yes, with salt, you can also add mouthwash to&nbsp;water.</p>

<h3><strong>Other than oral health problems, can&nbsp;gargling help cure any other disease?</strong></h3>

<p>Yes, salt water gargling also helps ease pain and inflammation from a sore throat. It also helps with mucus buildup in the respiratory tract and nasal cavity.</p>

<h2><strong>How to properly gargle with salt water</strong></h2>

<ol>
	<li>Take half a teaspoon of table salt and add it to a cup of warm water. Stir until it dissolves completely.</li>
	<li>If you’d like to improve the taste, try adding honey, lemon or herbs</li>
	<li>Take a big sip of the salt water and hold it in your mouth.</li>
	<li>Tilt your head back, gargle for about 30 seconds, and then spit it out.</li>
	<li>Repeat the same process until you finish the whole cup.</li>
</ol>

<p>Can you swallow the salt water mix? The doctor says that you can swallow the solution but it is recommended that you spit it out since&nbsp;consuming too much salt water can also have health risks, such as calcium deficiency and high blood pressure.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a professional healthcare provider if you have any specific questions about any medical matter.</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


2023 World Oral Health Day: Toss those alcohol-based mouthwashes into the bin because with just two things - water and salt - you can improve your overall oral hygiene.

2023 World Oral Health Day: Toss those alcohol-based mouthwashes into the bin because with just two things - water and salt - you can improve your overall oral hygiene. Don't believe us? Listen to the experts yourself and make conscious lifestyle changes. While using alcohol-based mouthwashes can be useful in killing bacteria, they often cause irritation in the mucus membranes and gums since alcohol has a drying effect, which isn't good for your mouth. Experts suggest supplementing your oral hygiene routine with a salt water rinse, which is completely natural and has multiple benefits. In an exclusive conversation with WION, Dr Gauri Merchant, Director, Department of Oral Health and Advanced Dentistry, Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital, shared how salt water gargling can be effective in improving overall gum and dental health. "In India, gargling has been a habit followed even by our ancestors. Rinsing with water after a meal is instrumental in maintaining oral hygiene on a regular basis," says Dr Merchant. Salt water gargling is often advised by doctors when we are suffering from a sore throat or bleeding gums. It is an easy, simple, inexpensive and age-old home remedy that works wonders for your oral health. Most importantly, the doctor says it does not have any side effects. Moreover, several research papers suggest that salt water gargles can help treat mild oral health issues. Also read: Exclusive | World Oral Health Day 2023: Dentist says chocolates aren’t the only culprits Benefits of salt water gargling, according to the doctor Helps neutralize acids in the throat that is produced by bacteria Helps maintain a healthy pH balance, which prevents the growth of unwanted bacteria Helps remove mucus build-up in your respiratory tract and nasal cavity Reduces inflammation and relieves pain in the throat Reduce the risk of developing an upper respiratory tract infection Gives relief from tonsillitis Flushes out oral bacteria, which leads to bad breath Gives relief from bleeding and swollen gums Reduces risk of developing gingivitis Helps cure mouth ulcers Daily gargling helps prevent cavities and is also known to improve gum health. Cavities usually form when food particles remain on the tooth surface for a long time. But, always remember, gargling can help improve overall oral health, but it cannot replace daily brushing and flossing. The doctor says, "Thorough brushing of teeth at least twice a day, gargling thoroughly after every meal, eating fibre-rich food, drinking a lot of water and avoiding acidic pH developing in saliva are some other tips you must keep in mind for improved oral health." Also read: Not getting enough sleep? Research shows sleeping less than 5 hours doubles risk of clogged leg arteries Common salt water gargling queries answered by the doctor Is gargling safe for children below 5 years of age? Yes, gargling is safe for children below 5 years of age. But, you must ensure that the water is not too warm or too salty. Baby teeth are more susceptible to tooth decay so you should encourage this habit in your toddler. Can gargling also be effective in improving dental and gum health? Yes, gargling is also effective in improving gum and dental health. Salt water gargling and mouthwash help stop bacterial growth. It also helps reduce plaque and inflammation. They're also effective in fighting bad breath. Dentists often recommend gargling after tooth extraction for faster healing of wounds and maintaining oral hygiene. How many times a day one can gargle for effective results? One should gargle with plain water or salt water after every meal. In the case of tooth extraction, it is recommended to gargle twice a day. Can other elements be added to it? Yes, with salt, you can also add mouthwash to water. Other than oral health problems, can gargling help cure any other disease? Yes, salt water gargling also helps ease pain and inflammation from a sore throat. It also helps with mucus buildup in the respiratory tract and nasal cavity. How to properly gargle with salt water Take half a teaspoon of table salt and add it to a cup of warm water. Stir until it dissolves completely. If you’d like to improve the taste, try adding honey, lemon or herbs Take a big sip of the salt water and hold it in your mouth. Tilt your head back, gargle for about 30 seconds, and then spit it out. Repeat the same process until you finish the whole cup. Can you swallow the salt water mix? The doctor says that you can swallow the solution but it is recommended that you spit it out since consuming too much salt water can also have health risks, such as calcium deficiency and high blood pressure. Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a professional healthcare provider if you have any specific questions about any medical matter. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

World Oral Health Day 2023: Doctor says salt water gargles significantly improves your oral health | Exclusive

<p><strong>World Oral Health Day 2023:&nbsp;</strong>Oral diseases affect more than 3.5 billion people worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. Poor oral hygiene, increased intake of foods with high sugar content, poor access to oral health care services, poor lifestyle, smoking and alcohol are just some of the factors that affect our oral health. The most common dental problems are gingivitis, dental caries, and periodontitis. Cavities, also called dental caries and tooth decay, can cause pain, infection, and sometimes even tooth loss. It occurs when plaque forms on the tooth's surface and bacteria in the mouth make acids that attack the enamel.</p>

<p>Sugary food items like chocolates and candies have long been blamed for tooth decay, but a 2021 research paper titled&nbsp;<em>The Impact of Carbohydrate Quality on Dental Plaque pH: Does the Glycemic Index of Starchy Foods Matter for Dental Health?</em>&nbsp;suggests that complex carbohydrates are the real culprit. The study has found that diets high in complex carbohydrates can increase the risk of tooth decay, while diets low in complex carbohydrates and high in proteins and fats can help prevent tooth decay. This is mainly because proteins and fats are broken down differently in the body and do not provide the same food source for the bacteria that cause tooth decay.</p>

<p>Overall, the research suggests that complex carbohydrates, rather than sugary food items like chocolates, may be the primary cause of tooth decay. On World Oral Health Day, which is celebrated on March 20 every year, let's learn more about oral hygiene and health!&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-fitness-coach-shares-tips-to-combat-obesity-and-aid-weight-loss-571827">Fitness coach shares tips to combat obesity and aid weight loss</a></p>

<p>Speaking exclusively to WION,&nbsp;Dr Pratibha Mahajan,&nbsp;Oral &amp; Maxillo-Facial Surgeon at Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital and Research Centre, shared the following:</p>

<ol>
	<li>All types of food affect dental health.&nbsp;Unlike complex carbohydrates, proteins and fats are low-risk foods for dental health due to their non-acidic and non-sticky nature. Apart from the amino acids, animal proteins contain phosphorus which is vital in improving the strength of teeth and jaws.</li>
	<li>Sugary food items like chocolates have long been associated with tooth decay in the past due to their high sugar content and sticky nature. But they are not the only culprit. They're actually not all that bad for your teeth, provided that you eat them&nbsp;in moderation and follow a regular oral hygiene routine. Dark chocolates can even help you avoid cavities due to their&nbsp;antioxidant-rich nature.</li>
	<li>"How we eat" plays a bigger role than "what we eat", in terms of our oral health. Frequent snacking must be avoided to prevent tooth decay.&nbsp;Nibbling over sweets and sipping sugary or acidic beverages, especially in between meals, should be completely avoided.</li>
</ol>

<p>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-debunked-eye-doctor-talks-about-5-common-glaucoma-myths-570858">Debunked! Eye doctor blows the whistle on five common glaucoma myths</a></p>

<p>"Thorough brushing of teeth at least twice a day, gargling thoroughly after every meal, eating fibre-rich food, drinking a lot of water and avoiding acidic pH developing in saliva are some other tips you must keep in mind for improved oral health," concluded Dr Mahajan.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


World Oral Health Day 2023: Oral diseases affect more than 3.5 billion people worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. Poor oral hygiene, increased intake of foods with high sugar content, poor access to oral health care services, poor lifestyle, smoking and alcohol are just some of the factors that affect our oral health.

World Oral Health Day 2023: Oral diseases affect more than 3.5 billion people worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. Poor oral hygiene, increased intake of foods with high sugar content, poor access to oral health care services, poor lifestyle, smoking and alcohol are just some of the factors that affect our oral health. The most common dental problems are gingivitis, dental caries, and periodontitis. Cavities, also called dental caries and tooth decay, can cause pain, infection, and sometimes even tooth loss. It occurs when plaque forms on the tooth's surface and bacteria in the mouth make acids that attack the enamel. Sugary food items like chocolates and candies have long been blamed for tooth decay, but a 2021 research paper titled The Impact of Carbohydrate Quality on Dental Plaque pH: Does the Glycemic Index of Starchy Foods Matter for Dental Health? suggests that complex carbohydrates are the real culprit. The study has found that diets high in complex carbohydrates can increase the risk of tooth decay, while diets low in complex carbohydrates and high in proteins and fats can help prevent tooth decay. This is mainly because proteins and fats are broken down differently in the body and do not provide the same food source for the bacteria that cause tooth decay. Overall, the research suggests that complex carbohydrates, rather than sugary food items like chocolates, may be the primary cause of tooth decay. On World Oral Health Day, which is celebrated on March 20 every year, let's learn more about oral hygiene and health! Also read: Fitness coach shares tips to combat obesity and aid weight loss Speaking exclusively to WION, Dr Pratibha Mahajan, Oral & Maxillo-Facial Surgeon at Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital and Research Centre, shared the following: All types of food affect dental health. Unlike complex carbohydrates, proteins and fats are low-risk foods for dental health due to their non-acidic and non-sticky nature. Apart from the amino acids, animal proteins contain phosphorus which is vital in improving the strength of teeth and jaws. Sugary food items like chocolates have long been associated with tooth decay in the past due to their high sugar content and sticky nature. But they are not the only culprit. They're actually not all that bad for your teeth, provided that you eat them in moderation and follow a regular oral hygiene routine. Dark chocolates can even help you avoid cavities due to their antioxidant-rich nature. "How we eat" plays a bigger role than "what we eat", in terms of our oral health. Frequent snacking must be avoided to prevent tooth decay. Nibbling over sweets and sipping sugary or acidic beverages, especially in between meals, should be completely avoided. Also read: Debunked! Eye doctor blows the whistle on five common glaucoma myths "Thorough brushing of teeth at least twice a day, gargling thoroughly after every meal, eating fibre-rich food, drinking a lot of water and avoiding acidic pH developing in saliva are some other tips you must keep in mind for improved oral health," concluded Dr Mahajan. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Exclusive | World Oral Health Day 2023: Dentist says chocolates aren’t the only culprits

world-oral-health-day-2023

World Oral Health Day 2023, News on World Oral Health Day 2023, stories on World Oral Health Day 2023, articles on World Oral Health Day 2023, World Oral Health Day 2023 stories at Wion, World Oral Health Day 2023 news, World Oral Health Day 2023 latest news

world oral-health-day-2023

World Oral Health Day 2023: Doctor says salt water gargles significantly improves your oral health | Exclusive

Exclusive | World Oral Health Day 2023: Dentist says chocolates aren’t the only culprits