Title: The Power of Salt Mouth Rinse: Safeguarding Your Heart Health

[Paulbounce]

Hi, fellow forum members,

I hope you're all doing well with your journey to manage your afib. Today, I wanted to share a simple yet impactful suggestion that could potentially benefit our overall heart health. It revolves around incorporating a salt mouth rinse into our daily routines. While this might sound unusual at first, please allow me to explain why it could be beneficial.

Also please forgive me if I have already put a similar post like this before. I've got a memory like a sieve me!

Gum infections and inflammation have long been known to pose risks to our cardiovascular health. They have the potential to contribute to heart problems, exacerbate existing conditions, and even impact the effectiveness of our treatments. Considering the interconnections between oral health and the cardiovascular system, it's crucial for us to pay attention to any potential sources of inflammation.

A salt mouth rinse, also known as saline mouthwash, offers a straightforward and affordable solution to combat gum infections and inflammation. By regularly using a salt mouth rinse, we can effectively reduce the bacterial load in our mouths, promote oral hygiene, and potentially lower the risk of gum-related complications that may impact our heart health.

Here's how it works: The saline solution, made by dissolving salt in warm water, acts as a natural antiseptic. When swished around the mouth and gums, it helps cleanse the oral cavity, flushing out harmful bacteria and reducing inflammation. This process can potentially reduce the risk of gum disease and alleviate the burden of chronic inflammation on our cardiovascular system.

While there is limited research specifically linking salt mouth rinses to heart health (that's a moot point!) it is widely acknowledged that maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for overall well-being. As gum infections and inflammation can contribute to systemic inflammation, adopting a proactive approach to oral health could potentially reduce the overall inflammatory burden on our bodies.

Of course, it's important to note that incorporating a salt mouth rinse should not replace any prescribed medications or treatments recommended by your medic. It should be considered as a complementary addition to your existing oral hygiene routine.

To prepare a salt mouth rinse, simply dissolve about half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water. Swish this solution in your mouth for around 30 seconds to a minute, ensuring it reaches all areas of your gums and teeth. Then, spit it out and rinse your mouth with plain water.

As always, I urge you to consult with your healthcare professional before making any changes to your routine, especially if you have any pre-existing conditions or concerns about the salt content affecting your health.

Remember, our goal is to take the right approach to manage afib, and that includes addressing potential sources of inflammation and maintaining optimal oral health. Incorporating a salt mouth rinse into our daily routine may be a simple yet impactful step toward supporting our heart health.

Disclaimer: The information provided above should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance and recommendations.

Have a great day.

Paul

[mjames1]

Thanks Paul, but NOT A GOOD IDEA FOR ANYONE WITH HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE unless you're monitoring daily.

Jim

[Paulbounce in reply to mjames1]

Thanks, Jim for your input. Your comment is very welcome and a very valid point which is a good reminder for those with high blood pressure.

Once again thanks for pointing this out - have a lovely Sunday and enjoy the day.

Paul

[stoneyrosed in reply to Paulbounce]

Your disclaimer was good enough for me 😁

[Autumn_Leaves in reply to mjames1]

Just use plain water. It will neutralise the acids and flush out any stray food residue.

[Paulbounce in reply to Autumn_Leaves]

True Autumn - always do this before you brush your teeth though. It's recommended by dentists to leave rinsing your teeth after brushing.

Paul

[Autumn_Leaves in reply to Paulbounce]

Yes, very good points. It’s a good idea to rinse after eating too, if you can. No rinsing after brushing, absolutely. And no lemon water! It will erode the enamel on the teeth and once it’s gone, it’s gone. My dentist says they’ve seen so many problems with this lemon water trend.

[jaffacake8]

Thanks for this info. I have A. Flutter and also have oral lichen planus and when I have flare ups my mouth gets very inflamed and sore. I've found that swishing with coconut oil and rubbing it onto the sore bits in my mouth really helps to calm the inflammation down.

[Paulbounce in reply to jaffacake8]

Thanks for that Jaffa. Coconut oil sounds like it could be another weapon in our armoury.

Paul

[Autumn_Leaves in reply to Paulbounce]

I tried coconut oil but couldn’t stand the after effects in the mouth, it does have anti fungal properties and antibacterial properties. Extra virgin olive oil can also be used as it has anti inflammatory properties.

[Autumn_Leaves]

I’m totally in favour of looking after our teeth and gums. It’s well worth paying for regular appointments with a dental hygienist to get rid of plaque build up.

[Paulbounce in reply to Autumn_Leaves]

100% true Autumn about seeing a hygienist on a regular basis. It's not cheap for a scale and polish but worth it to maintain our health.

Paul

[fairgo45]

I always use a water flosser after brushing my teeth but after a tooth extraction recently I used salt water twice a day held in the mouth fof 30 seconds it certainly helped healing and didn't affect myblood pressure

[Paulbounce in reply to fairgo45]

Interesting point Fair. I discussed the water flosser about a month ago with my dentist. She said that it helps remove food debris but not plaque. She said the small brushes you use in between your gums are much more effective. That of course is just one dentist's take on the matter and others may have a different view point about it.

Paul

[fairgo45 in reply to Paulbounce]

Yes my dentist told me the same thing i like flossing with water but I also use the little flossing piks

[SuziElley in reply to Paulbounce]

My dentist swears by interdental brushes. Use the largest one that fits the gap, that way you can be sure you’re gaining most help in cleaning those gaps

[waveylines in reply to SuziElley]

Exactly what my dentist says! I bought a couple of multi sized packs. From these you can work out which sized brush pic to use. Then buy the packs Size needs reviewing regularly as your gums will change.

[SuziElley in reply to waveylines]

Beacause of a history of gum disease, I have a deep clean by my dentist twice a year and he always uses them and tells me if I need a change in size.

[waveylines in reply to SuziElley]

Me too. Sound like we both have good dentists. 😊😊

[Autumn_Leaves in reply to waveylines]

Very interesting that you are advised to change the size of the brush periodically. That’s something I can raise with my dentist next time.

[waveylines in reply to Autumn_Leaves]

She said to keep checking. And yes it has changed. I have three different sizes on the go at once for differrent sized gaps. And one teepee plastic brush because I struggle even with the pink one to get it in one place. Bit fiddly but got used to it now.

[secondtry]

Good point Paul.

I would add use a quality pure salt not the well known brands that pour very easily as I have read here or elsewhere, if memory serves, that those are adulterated with stuff that may not be good for the heart.

[Desanthony in reply to secondtry]

Use medical grade salt the type normally used for nettipots can be bought on line. Fairly expensive but you don't have to use a lot a pack for about £13.00 last us a year and we both use it.

[Paulbounce in reply to Desanthony]

£13 a year for two of you is money well spent Desanthony.

Paul

[Paulbounce in reply to secondtry]

Thanks Secondtry for pointing this out. I have some sea salt in one of those containers that you turn and it breaks it up. I'll check it out.

Paul

[JOY2THEWORLD49 in reply to secondtry]

Hi

You mean with IODINE or not?

cheers jOY

[Prezes]

Hi Paul,

A salt mouth rinse (and tai chi) are in my morning routines about 3 years.

But..my dentist told me I near had damaged my teethes. 🤷‍♀️ I told him I have many teethes and only one heart. Everything has strong and weak points.

Have a great Bank Holidays

Ewa

[JOY2THEWORLD49 in reply to Prezes]

Hi

Just saying TEETH word is plural.

cheers JOY

[waveylines]

Hi Paul Interesting post. Thankyou. Can I ask for the "moot point research." I'm just curious because we are always being told to lower salt content in our diets as often there is already hidden salt. Sublingual is a, way of getting vits into ones body so am just wondering if this is the case with salt as you are holding it in your mouth?

[JOY2THEWORLD49 in reply to waveylines]

Hi Wavey..

The sail is nOT swallowed. It is used as an antiseptic to kill bacteria in mouth.

My adopted son is asthmatic and heart murmur. I was told he should have antibiotics when dental work is done.

Now its me also with heart murmur.

cheri JOY. 74. (NZ)

I understand bacteria during work can travel straight to my heart.

[waveylines in reply to JOY2THEWORLD49]

Thanks - I know it's not swallowed Joy. 😊

[Paulbounce in reply to waveylines]

Sure Wavey. Here is a copy and paste about the 'moot' points. There are also many peer reviewed medical journals that support the idea.

Paul

Mayo Clinic: The Mayo Clinic's website is a reputable source of medical information. They provide an overview of saltwater rinses and their potential benefits for oral health. You can visit their website at mayoclinic.org and search for "saltwater rinse" to find the relevant information.

American Dental Association (ADA): The ADA's website offers comprehensive information on oral health topics, including salt rinses. They may provide specific recommendations or guidelines related to oral care. You can visit their website at ada.org and search for "salt rinse" or "saline rinse" to find relevant articles or resources.

WebMD: WebMD is a popular health information website that covers various medical topics. They have articles on saltwater rinses, their uses, and potential benefits. Visiting webmd.com and searching for "saltwater rinse" or "saline rinse" should provide you with relevant information.

[waveylines in reply to Paulbounce]

Thanks Paul. Will look into it. 😊

[Tapanac]

You’re right about teeth gums and heart Paul

A friend’s son went to dentist and caught an infection. It went on despite antibiotics, then luckily the hospital were able to identify the specific bug/infection and prescribed the right antibiotic. However it really messed up his heart and despite being a formerly healthy 40 ish year old he ended up with Af then had more problems snd a pacemaker

So yes anything that helps the heart is well worth knowing thank you

[Paulbounce in reply to Tapanac]

Thanks for your input Tapanac. It is certainly important to identify any infection if you suffer from a heart condition.

Paul

[rubyr61]

when i was told back in 1970 about my heart condition when of the things the consultant told me was to make sure i go to the dentist regular and keep my teeth clean, then after surgury i was told if i went to the dentist for any work i must have antibiotics for the same reason you are talking about

[Tapanac in reply to rubyr61]

Yes we were told that by the cardiologist, but then the surgery said the new rules about the antibiotics an hour before dental treatment wasn’t necessary. I telephoned our cardiologist’s secretary and she got back to say he was still adamant about taking the antibiotics before, so then we had to get back to the surgery that we needed them, but for some reason they are still reluctant, but do write the prescription.

[rubyr61 in reply to Tapanac]

morning yes i have the same problem with antibiotics but my gp agrees and give me a presription for antibiotic powder so i always have one if needed , i have the same problem when i go into hospital even for test i insist on antibiotics they then stop what they are doing to make inquiries and or even phone the cardiology dept it is quite funny to watch these people. the only problem is now i have problems with antibiotics but can just about get away with a 3mg powder just stick to your guns it is your heart

[JOY2THEWORLD49]

Hi Paul

It worked for me after infected tooth pulled out. It broke and I had stitches.

But I still had to have Amoxil-Clav. Straight Amoxil didnt work.

Used daily well now it sounds great.

Thank you for public sizing this tip.

Cheri JOY 74. (NZ)

[Sustainedvtach270]

Thank you Paul. Very good timing for your post! I had gum surgery a few months ago and I avoided chewing on that side until a few days ago when I was eating the kale from my vegetable garden. My gum has been very swollen for the last 2 days and I took 1 ibuprofen every night. Rinsing with hot salty water will really make my day. I would also stress the importance of daily flossing with dental floss for dental hygiene.

[Paulbounce in reply to Sustainedvtach270]

Hi Sustainedvtach.

I would also stress the importance of daily flossing with dental floss for dental hygiene

Wise words indeed.

Paul

[kocoach]

I thought that is why we brush our teeth and rinse afterwards? What if your home is equipped a water softner like mine is, then one should be able to rinse after drinking a glass of water and all is well?

[Paulbounce in reply to kocoach]

Not always Kocoach. Most dentists recommend you don't rince after brushing your teeth so as to leave some fluoride on.

Paul

[Peacefulneedshelp]

Makes sense to me because I use a Netty Pot and use a salt water solution in that as well.

[Singwell]

Interesting. I've just finished Dr Ayan Panja's book The Health Loop where he talks about gum disease as being an indicator of heart health and chronic inflammation that leads to autoimmune conditions. I've had bad gums for years. Neglected I might say by my dentist. I'll try the saline wash - preferable to Corsodyl, which has fluoride in it.

[Paulbounce in reply to Singwell]

Thanks Sing. I'll have a look at the book - sounds like it's worth a read.

Paul

[Timetraveler67]

I have switched to Celtic salt which I have noticed benefits since switching from supermarket table salt. Thank you for this post it makes sense to try to protect our gums and teeth

[Paulbounce in reply to Timetraveler67]

Thanks TT. Pleased you found the post useful. Thanks for the heads up about Celtic salt.

Paul