Does biological sea salt sandblasting irritate the gums? ——Evaluation and analysis based on clinical observation and literature review
Biological sea salt sandblasting is an increasingly popular method of teeth cleaning. It has been widely used in oral preventive medicine, cosmetic dentistry and periodontal maintenance treatment in recent years. Compared with traditional ultrasonic cleaning and manual scaling, sea salt sandblasting has attracted attention for its advantages of lower mechanical wear on tooth surfaces and higher efficiency in removing plaque. However, with the expansion of its application scope, the clinical safety issue of whether it causes irritation or potential damage to gingival tissue has also triggered more discussion. Starting from the working principle of sea salt sandblasting, combined with clinical research and histopathological observations, this article explores its effects on gingival tissue and preventive treatment strategies.
1. Working mechanism and composition of biological sea salt sandblasting
Biological sea salt sandblasting technology uses high-pressure air to spray water mist containing fine sea salt particles onto the tooth surface, thereby removing plaque, soft scale and early pigmentation deposits attached to the tooth surface. The diameter of the sea salt particles used is usually controlled below 65 microns, with good water solubility, biodegradability and weak alkalinity. Some products contain anti-caries ingredients such as xylitol.
Compared with traditional sodium powder sandblasting, its particles are finer and the surface roughness is smaller. In theory, it causes less friction and physical impact on the enamel and soft tissue. However, whether this type of particle acts on the soft and hard tissues of the oral cavity through high-speed spraying and causes chronic micro-damage to the gingival margin area still needs to be supported by clinical data.
2. Physiological characteristics and sensitivity analysis of gingival tissue
Gingival tissue is composed of stratified squamous epithelium and connective tissue, with a rich vascular network and nerve endings. Its physiological functions include protecting the alveolar bone, sensing external stimuli and maintaining the stability of the periodontal ecology. Due to the relatively fragile tissue structure of the gingival marginal zone and free gingiva, it is prone to stress reactions such as congestion, edema, and microvascular rupture when exposed to mechanical stimulation, chemical composition, temperature changes and other factors for a long time.
When facing the effects of high-pressure sandblasting particles, if the usage method, distance or time are not properly controlled, it may cause mild gum trauma, manifested as transient redness, swelling, tenderness or mild bleeding of the gums . However, this type of reaction is mostly reversible tissue stress response and usually recovers within 48 hours.
3. Analysis of domestic and foreign research results
Many clinical studies have conducted systematic observations on sandblasting cleaning and the reaction of gingival tissue. For example, in a study published in "Preventive Oral Medicine" in 2021, the research team performed sea salt sandblasting on 30 subjects and evaluated the gingival index (GI), bleeding index (BI) and gingival sulcular fluid volume. The results showed that within 24 hours after cleaning, some subjects experienced mild gingival redness, swelling and bleeding, but returned to normal within 72 hours; no irreversible pathological changes in the tissue were observed .
Another in vitro experiment conducted at the Department of Stomatology of the University of Geneva in Switzerland used biological staining technology to observe tissue sections after sandblasting and found that sea salt sandblasting caused basically no obvious tissue damage to the keratinized gingival area, but there was mild epithelial exfoliation in non-keratinized mucosal areas, such as the gingival papilla and the mucosal-gingival junction . This suggests that during operation, it is necessary to avoid staying in sensitive areas for a long time and maintain a safe distance between the nozzle and the gingival tissue (the recommended distance is 3-5 mm, and the angle is controlled between 30-60°).
4. Relationship between individual differences and gingival stimulation response
The gingival response to sandblasting stimulation is also significantly affected by individual differences, including:
The health of the gums themselves : People with chronic gingivitis and periodontitis have increased capillary permeability and are more likely to bleed under mechanical stimulation.
Oral microecology : In those with poor plaque control or poor oral hygiene, the inflammatory response after stimulation is more obvious.
The operator's experience and skills : Improper blasting parameter settings or focusing on the same area for a long time will increase the risk of local irritation.
Therefore, when implementing sandblasting, an individualized operation plan should be formulated according to the individual patient's condition, and necessary periodontal initial diagnosis and hygiene guidance should be carried out before the operation.
5. Clinical recommendations for preventing gum discomfort
In order to reduce the discomfort or micro-damage that sea salt sandblasting may cause to the gums, the following measures are recommended in clinical practice:
Preoperative mouthwash and gum cleaning : Using an antibacterial mouthwash can reduce inflammation caused by plaque shedding during surgery.
Control the sandblasting angle and time : avoid spraying at right angles to the gum edge, and perform short-term, multi-area mobile operations at an inclined angle.
Strengthen intraoperative protective measures : Protective gel can be applied to the gingival edge to reduce mechanical impact.
Postoperative guidance and follow-up : Encourage patients to rinse their mouths with warm water, avoid eating irritating foods, and conduct a follow-up visit within 2-3 days after surgery.
VI. Comparison and selection suggestions of alternative technologies
Compared with sea salt sandblasting, other tooth surface cleaning techniques such as ultrasonic cleaning and manual subgingival scaling have advantages in dealing with deep tartar, but the physical stimulation to the gums and post-operative discomfort are generally higher, especially when performing periodontal maintenance or pre-whitening cleaning. Biological sea salt sandblasting is a gentle and efficient cleaning method suitable for most individuals without severe periodontal disease . For highly sensitive people, it should be combined with other low-irritation methods.
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As a modern teeth cleaning technology, biological sea salt sandblasting has the potential to irritate the gingival tissue, which mainly depends on the individual's oral condition and operation method. Scientifically assessing the patient's oral condition, standardizing the sandblasting operation steps, and strengthening postoperative care measures are the key to preventing gingival discomfort. If persistent redness, swelling, bleeding or discomfort occurs during use, you should seek medical attention in time to avoid gingival problems from developing into chronic periodontal lesions. It is recommended that consumers fully understand their own periodontal health status before accepting such cleaning services, and choose a professional dental institution to perform the operation to ensure the unity of safety and effectiveness.