A saltwater gargle is a home remedy for sore throats and other causes of mouth pain. Saltwater solutions are a simple mix of water and table salt and can be a cheap, safe, and effective alternative to medicated mouthwashes.
Ease a sore throat.
You were probably told to gargle with warm saltwater to help relieve the pain of strep throat as a kid. That's because it works—Himalayan salt is especially effective due to its natural healing properties.
While gargling with salted lukewarm water is generally recommended, you can also replace the salt with ginger, lemon and honey and then gargle. Alternatively, along with salt, you can also add half a teaspoon of turmeric powder to lukewarm water and gargle.
When you gargle with salt water, the saline solution coats your mouth and throat. This can help loosen mucus, lessen inflammation, and ease throat pain. Gargling with salt water may also eliminate the virus or bacteria that causes a sore throat.
However, you must refrain from doing so and spit it out. If you are using salt water rinses for infections in your mouth, spitting out the rinse is suggested to keep the conditions at bay. Indulging in saltwater rinses multiple times a day or swallowing salt water can lead to dehydration.
Saltwater is a neutralizer of acids that cause bacteria to multiply in the mouth. Therefore, this helps keep a balance pH level which is what fights and prevents gingivitis (gum disease). The saltwater takes away the bacteria's favorite hiding place which is a steamy and acidic home to live in.
To make a salt water solution, you'll need just two things: salt and warm water. It's important that the water is warm, as this helps the salt dissolve. The Mayo Clinic recommends adding 1/4 to 1/2 tsp of table salt to 8 ounces of warm water. Gargling with salt water is a simple home remedy.
You can rinse your mouth 10 minutes after gargle to remove bad taste. Gargle for two three times every 6-8 hours.
Raw honey is much more beneficial for your sore throats and coughs because it's natural properties include beneficial enzymes, nutrients, and minerals as well as bits of natural pollen.
Making a saltwater gargle can be simple and easy. First, get a glass of warm water then add around a teaspoon of table salt, followed by a teaspoon of baking soda. Stir the solution for as long as possible to make sure all the solids are dissolved, this should only take a minute or so.
After brushing and flossing, you can use a salt rinse three to four times a week. But don't use a salt rinse more often than this - too much sodium could have negative effects on your tooth enamel, like eventual erosion⁴.
Gargling with salt water can dehydrate the throat mucosa and make it hurt even more. We, millennials and the post millennials, have been witness to lots of changes that has happened around us.
Rinse your mouth with tap or drinking water after your salt water gargle. Repeat the entire process two to three times a day, as needed. Remember not to swallow the salt-water.
The most common risk associated with salt water gargling is that it can cause irritation to the mucous membranes in the throat. This irritation can be uncomfortable and lead to further inflammation.
Your Albany ear, nose and throat doctor recommends a saltwater gargle two to four times a day, depending on how bad your symptoms are. You should start to feel better after 24 hours. It's important to drink lots of water so the salt doesn't cause your other cells to dry out.
You Can Rinse as Often As You Want
The good news is that you can gargle as often as you deem fit. This is one of the reasons why we recommend using saltwater rinse for pain and sore throat relief as it is safe to use consistently.
The pain accompanying a sore throat can make it challenging to get a good night's sleep. However, doing a few things to reduce throat pain, like gargling with salt water or drinking a warm beverage, may lead to more comfortable rest.
Knowing whether your sore throat is viral or bacterial is usually determined by symptoms. Viral sore throats usually consist of a cough, swelling in the throat, and runny nose whereas bacterial sore throats are typically accompanied with nausea and vomiting, stomach ache, and there is no cough.
Sour, pickled, or brined foods: Foods made with vinegar or salt, such as pickles, can worsen the inflammation of a sore throat. Tomato juice and sauces: The acidic nature of tomatoes can make them a poor choice for people with sore throats.
Gargling salt water seems to be the go-to remedy for sore throat. All you have to do is mix and dissolve table salt at about ¼ to ½ teaspoon with 4 to 8 ounces of warm water. You can prepare this antiseptic solution anytime, given that salt and water are typically available in the kitchen.