Does a salt water rinse really help postop wisdom teeth?

Yes: It helps to keep the extraction sites clean and helps to shrink the swollen gum tissue.

Yes.: Salt water rinses help because they reduce the number of live bacteria in the mouth and it also draws out excess tissue fluid from the gum thus reducing swelling. You must be careful not to use too much salt- 1/2 teaspoon in 8 ounces of warm (not hot) water is the right concentration.

Yes,: Yes, keeps things clean and decreases bacterial count.