What is the purpose of using salt water rinses for oral lesions?

Using salt water rinses for oral lesions serves several beneficial purposes, with promoting healing being particularly significant.

When salt (sodium chloride) is dissolved in water, it creates a saline solution that can help maintain the osmotic balance in the affected area. This hypertonic solution can draw out excess fluid from the tissues, which may assist in reducing inflammation and promoting a conducive environment for healing. The rinsing action also helps keep the area clean, removing potential irritants and debris that could exacerbate the lesion.

Additionally, salt water has mild antimicrobial properties, which can contribute to bacterial control, although that is not its primary function. By promoting a clean and less swollen environment, salt water rinses can help speed up the recovery process for oral lesions. Therefore, utilizing a salt water rinse is advantageous primarily for its role in healing oral tissues, creating an optimal healing environment.