Final answer:
Lemon and glycerine swabs may not be recommended for regular mouth cleansing as they can disrupt the natural oral microbial balance and dry out oral tissues. The mouth has its own defense mechanisms, like saliva containing lysozyme and gingival fluids with immunoglobulins and phagocytes, which could be hindered by such swabs.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question of whether lemon and glycerine swabs should be used to cleanse the mouth involves understanding the oral environment and its microbial community. The mouth is home to a variety of microorganisms, including anaerobic microbes. Natural mechanisms such as the production of saliva, which contains enzymes like lysozyme, help maintain a microbial balance by damaging microbial cells. Lysozyme targets the cell walls of bacteria by cleaving the bonds between N-acetylglucosamine (NAG) and N-acetylmuramic acid (NAM) in the peptidoglycan. Additionally, the gingival spaces produce fluids with immunoglobulins and phagocytic cells, contributing to oral defense mechanisms. However, glycerine swabs might not be recommended for mouth cleansing as they could disrupt the mouth's normal flora and interfere with these natural defense processes. Glycerine swabs may also lead to drying of the oral tissues, which can be counterproductive in maintaining a healthy mouth environment. Therefore, while there might be situations where the use of lemon and glycerine swabs is indicated, routine use for mouth cleansing is generally not recommended without specific medical advice.