There are all sorts of products on the market to help alleviate sore throat pain, and just as many home remedies reputed to do the same. One of the most commonly recommended and least expensive sore throat treatments is using a saltwater gargle.
How do you make a saltwater gargle? Mixing your own saltwater gargle solution is simple. You simply add one teaspoon of salt to one glass of warm water and stir until the salt dissolves. Of course, you can make it more concentrated if you wish or dilute it if you prefer. Some people add a teaspoon of baking soda, too.
What does it do?
What does gargling salt water do? For starters, it can help reduce bacteria levels in your mouth and throat. It can create an environment that is hard for bacteria and fungi to survive in and serve as a disinfectant as you swish it inside your mouth and gargle it to clean your throat.
This is important to your dental health because too much bacteria in your mouth can contribute to tooth decay, gum disease, and inflammation. It can provide pain relief for toothache symptoms and is often recommended for use following dental procedures to aid in healing.
Because of its soothing and anti-inflammatory effects, it’s a standard treatment for scratchy and sore throats, no matter the cause of the irritation. It can also expedite the healing of canker sores that can develop on your gums or in other parts of your mouth.
Some research suggests gargling with salt water can reduce upper respiratory infections and ease the discomfort caused by allergies. It can clear out phlegm that drains in the back of your throat, break up mucus in your sinus cavity, and reduce irritating allergens.
So whether the common cold, a sinus infection or seasonal allergens cause your sore throat, this treatment can provide symptom relief and speed up healing.
Why does it work?
Saltwater can help create a balanced pH level in your throat and mouth by neutralizing acid there. When the saltwater we gargle is saltier than the fluids in our bodies naturally, it creates an osmosis effect during which the salt can draw out fluids and mucus from your swollen tissues.
While you gargle, the saltwater is drawing out the fluids, virus particles, bacteria, or fungi causing the inflammation, and when you spit out the saltwater, you’re getting all of that junk out of your body.
Gargling with warm salt water can help increase blood flow to your throat, dilate the capillaries, and increase circulation of cells to help fight off the infection.
When and how often can you gargle with saltwater?
You can gargle with salt water routinely, up to a couple of times a day. Be sure you’re spitting out the saltwater rinse rather than swallowing it because swallowing too much saltwater could cause dehydration or contribute to high blood pressure or calcium deficiency. As long as you’re not swallowing, it is safe to gargle with salt water daily.
You can gargle with salt water and swish it all around in your mouth before and after dental procedures. At the first sign of increased sinus drainage, nasal allergies, or a sore or scratchy throat, you can start to gargle with salt water several times each day until symptoms ease.
It’s a favorite for a reason.
It’s no wonder gargling with salt water is one of the most common treatments for sore throat pain, canker sores, toothache, or gum irritation. It’s a favorite for a reason. It’s easy to make at home, inexpensive and has a whole host of benefits.
From soothing irritation and reducing pain to maintaining the proper pH balance and ridding your body of harmful germs, gargling with salt water is an effective home remedy to help provide soothing symptom relief and expedite healing.