Is it helpful for patients with mouth ulcers to rinse with salt water?

Generally, for patients with mild oral ulcers or those needing auxiliary oral cleaning, rinsing with saline can be effective. However, for severe or recurrent ulcers, this method may have limited effectiveness or may not be suitable. If you have any concerns, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional in advance. Detailed explanation is as follows:

Rinsing with saline is highly effective for mild oral ulcers or when auxiliary oral cleaning is needed. Saline has certain antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that can improve the oral environment, reduce bacterial growth, and thus aid in the healing of oral ulcers. Additionally, saltwater rinses can help clean the mouth, reduce food debris and bacterial irritation to the ulcerated area, and alleviate pain and discomfort.

Severe oral ulcers are often accompanied by intense pain and large ulcerated areas. In such cases, simply rinsing with saline may not achieve the desired therapeutic effect. Recurrent oral ulcers may be related to immune dysfunction, abnormal liver metabolism, and other factors, which cannot be fundamentally addressed by saline rinses alone. In these situations, patients are advised to seek timely medical attention.

In addition, it is recommended to maintain good oral hygiene when ulcers occur, including regular tooth brushing and flossing. Avoid consuming irritating foods and beverages, such as spicy, acidic, or sweet items.