Local and systemic effects of orally applied sodium salts

Area of Science:

• Oral hygiene
• Periodontal disease treatment
• Dental research

Background:

• Periodontal disease is a common oral condition.
• Home care regimens are crucial for managing periodontal disease.
• Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide are explored for their therapeutic potential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety of a baking soda-3% hydrogen peroxide dentifrice and sodium chloride mouthwash for periodontal disease home care.
• To determine if this regimen creates a sodium burden in human subjects.

Main Methods:

• Monitoring dietary sodium and potassium intake.
• Measuring urinary sodium and potassium excretion in subjects using the regimen.
• Observing for adverse effects such as gingival lesions.

Main Results:

• Urinary sodium levels did not significantly increase in subjects using the baking soda-3% hydrogen peroxide dentifrice and sodium chloride mouthwash.
• All subjects who used the regimen developed desquamative gingival lesions.
• The home care method did not appear to cause a sodium burden.

Conclusions:

• The tested home care regimen for periodontal disease did not lead to increased urinary sodium.
• Desquamative gingival lesions are a significant adverse effect of this regimen.
• Further research is required to establish safe salt concentrations for similar home care treatments.