Re: effectiveness of sodium bicarbonate gargle

From: Winston (Winston_at_BigBrother.net)
Date: 09/24/04 

Date: Fri, 24 Sep 2004 12:00:00 -0700

Jeff wrote:
> I've recently been more diligent concerning my oral care, and
> have tried using several of the tongue scrapers, which are quite
> uncomforable for me to use. I would much rather gargle with something
> (perhaps the same baking soda solution I use in my waterpik?).
> My question is: would that be as effective as scraping the tongue in
> regard to killing bacteria and mitigating bad breath?

Welcome Back!

Hydrogen peroxide solution is much more effective. The stuff has almost no
flavor. At most, it has a delicate 'mediciny' taste. It actually kills bacteria.

Hydrogen Peroxide Solution, 3% concentration.
     Found hidden on bottom shelf, near the 'first aid' supplies.
     Often in a dark brown plastic bottle. I paid US $0.69 for a 16 fl oz.bottle
     yesterday (Sep 23, 2004).
     The label will say "For treatment of minor cuts and abrasions."
     And "For use as an antiseptic gargle or rinse."
     Get two of the smaller 16 oz bottles. It becomes ineffective over time
     and / or if it is heated much beyond 86 F. Try not to shake the bottle.
     Leave tightly capped.

     The bottle may say "dilute with an equal amount of water."
     I rinse with the stuff full strength. No problems.
     This is the same chemical used to whiten teeth. It is a bleach and if splashed,
     it will lift the dye out of almost any garment.

     Forget mouthwash. Stuff is completely ineffective for longer than a few minutes.
     Forget breath mints. Most contain sugar, which grows oral bugs like crazy.

First thing in the morning and after every meal and snack,
     rinse out with an ounce of hydrogen peroxide. The stuff is very safe to rinse in
     your mouth and will not cause discomfort. You can evict some more bugs by
     scraping your tongue against your top teeth while rinsing with peroxide.
     Swish a few times and spit. The oral bugs will release and be rinsed down the drain.
     Peroxide foams a little when in contact with bacteria, so you will feel it change
     to a somewhat thicker liquid when rinsing. This is normal.

This is in *addition* to brushing your teeth (and mouth) as well as flossing after every
meal and snack.

I've been doing this for many years. Last week, my hygenist told me that the condition
of my mouth was among the "top five percent" of patients she sees. I had 2 mm pockets
at the gumline of 95% of my teeth. My "trouble spot" was only 4 mm deep!

All my best

--Winston

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