Evidence supporting the use of: Salt (sea)
For the health condition: Oral Surgery

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Salt, particularly in the form of saline (salt water) rinses, is commonly recommended after oral surgery. The rationale for its use is primarily scientific. Saline solutions have mild antiseptic properties, can help reduce oral microbial load, and promote gentle cleaning of the surgical site without disrupting healing tissues. Several clinical studies and dental guidelines support the use of saline rinses for managing post-surgical wounds in the oral cavity. For example, saline is less cytotoxic than many commercial mouthwashes (such as chlorhexidine or those containing alcohol), making it safe for sensitive post-surgical tissues. It helps clear debris and prevent infection, and its isotonic nature reduces tissue irritation compared to hypertonic or hypotonic solutions.

Although many dental professionals recommend "sea salt" due to its mineral content, scientific evidence does not indicate a significant difference between sea salt and regular table salt in this application—the key factor is the sodium chloride content. The recommendation to use salt water rinses can be traced back for many decades in dental practice, but modern clinical studies, reviews, and dental association guidelines endorse its use for wound care and infection prevention following oral surgery. Thus, the use of salt (sea or otherwise) for oral surgery aftercare is justified by scientific validation, though the evidence is moderate rather than strong, and further research is ongoing to optimize post-surgical care protocols.

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