As an emerging oral care technology, biological sea salt sandblasting is widely used in the cleaning and care of tooth surfaces and gums due to its significant physical cleaning effect. It mainly removes stains and plaque on the tooth surface by high-pressure spraying of fine-grained sea salt powder, while producing a good massage effect on the gums to promote blood circulation. However, with the popularization of this technology, research on its effect on oral flora has received increasing attention. Oral flora is an important part of the oral microecology, and maintaining its balance is of great significance for preventing caries, periodontal disease and overall health. This article systematically explores whether biological sea salt sandblasting will have an effect on oral flora, and analyzes its potential mechanism and clinical significance.
1. Composition and function of oral flora
There are hundreds of bacteria in the oral cavity, forming a complex and dynamically balanced microecological system, mainly including Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus, Actinomycetes, Bacteroidetes and other microorganisms. These bacteria play a key role in dental plaque formation, enamel mineralization, immune regulation and oral health maintenance. Imbalance of bacterial flora can lead to dental plaque proliferation, the production of acidic metabolites, and promote the occurrence of caries and periodontitis.
2. Working principle and application of biological sea salt sandblasting
Biological sea salt sandblasting uses equipment to spray sandblasting media containing sea salt particles to physically clean teeth and soft tissues. Compared with traditional sandblasting materials (such as calcium carbonate), sea salt has better biocompatibility and lower tissue irritation due to its fine particles and natural ingredients. During the sandblasting process, the impact of salt particles can remove the surface of tartar and pigment deposits, while also producing mechanical stimulation to the gums, promoting local blood circulation, and helping to repair soft tissues.
3. Direct effects of biological sea salt sandblasting on oral flora
Mechanical removal
Sandblasting technology mainly removes bacteria and their biofilms on the tooth and gum surfaces by physical means, which can effectively reduce the pathogenic bacteria load on the oral surface, especially anaerobic bacteria attached to dental plaque. This process reduces the total amount of bacteria in the oral cavity in the short term, which is beneficial to the maintenance of oral health.
Impact on bacterial diversity
Removing some of the bacterial flora may lead to ecological niche vacancies and may affect the diversity of the bacterial flora in the short term. However, studies have shown that the oral flora will gradually recover within a few days after sandblasting, and the bacterial flora structure tends to a dynamic balance. Therefore, the impact of biological sea salt sandblasting focuses more on a short-term reduction in the bacterial flora load rather than a permanent imbalance in the bacterial flora.
Effects on beneficial bacteria
The composition of biological sea salt particles is relatively mild, and the damage to beneficial bacteria such as Lactobacillus and Streptococcus mutans is relatively minor, which helps to maintain the basic stability of the oral microecology. However, in some sensitive patients, if the sandblasting operation is improper, it may have a certain degree of impact on some beneficial bacteria.
4. Indirect effects of biological sea salt sandblasting on the oral microenvironment
Promotes healthy gums
Mechanical stimulation of the gums can promote blood circulation, enhance local immune function, help repair gum tissue and resist infection. A healthy gum environment can indirectly maintain the balance of the bacterial flora and prevent excessive growth of pathogens.
pH adjustment
Sea salt has a good buffering capacity, which can neutralize the acidic environment in the mouth and inhibit the growth of acidic bacteria, thereby reducing the risk of tooth decay. This environmental improvement has a positive significance for maintaining the ecological stability of the bacterial flora.
Reduce tartar and plaque formation
By removing tartar and plaque, the bacterial fixation carriers are reduced, the chances of pathogen colonization are reduced, and the healthy development of the bacterial flora is promoted.
V. Potential risks and precautions
Although biological sea salt sandblasting technology is relatively safe, the following points should still be noted:
Excessive and frequent use may disturb the balance of the bacterial flora , especially in patients whose oral defenses are weak, and may lead to dysbiosis or local inflammation.
Improper operating techniques may cause soft tissue damage , which in turn may induce local inflammation and affect the balance of the microecology.
There are individual differences . Some patients are sensitive to sandblasting materials or processes and may experience discomfort, affecting the recovery of the flora.
VI. Related Research and Clinical Observation
Several studies have focused on the effects of sandblasting materials on oral flora:
①. Some in vitro and clinical studies have shown that biological sea salt sandblasting is effective in reducing the number of dental plaque bacteria and has little effect on beneficial bacteria.
② The study observed that the diversity of bacterial flora decreased in the short term after sandblasting, but over time, the bacterial ecology tended to restore balance.
③. Clinical observations show that the rational use of biological sea salt sandblasting can help improve gingivitis symptoms and reduce the incidence of dental caries.
7. Future Research Directions
To better understand the effects of biological sea salt sandblasting on oral flora, future research should focus on:
Long-term follow-up of the dynamic changes of oral flora , especially the impact of flora functional diversity and metabolic activity;
Compare the specific effects of different sandblasting materials on bacterial flora and clarify the advantages and limitations of biological sea salt;
Explore individualized sandblasting solutions and develop individualized care plans based on the patient's oral microecological conditions;
Combining microbiome and metabolomics technologies to reveal the overall changes in the oral ecosystem after sandblasting intervention.
Beauty Encyclopedia Tips:
Biological sea salt sandblasting significantly reduces the pathogenic bacteria load in the oral cavity through physical cleaning and has a short-term effect on the oral microecology, but it will not cause long-term imbalance of the bacterial flora. Its natural ingredients and buffering effect help maintain the health and stability of the oral environment. Reasonable use of this technology, combined with professional operation and individualized care, can help protect the balance of oral flora and promote oral health. It is recommended to scientifically arrange the frequency and method of sandblasting under the guidance of a dental professional to avoid potential risks caused by excessive operation.