Saltwater gargles can be a cheap, safe, and effective way to ease pain and relieve symptoms from conditions that affect the mouth and throat. While pharmacies and other stores sell medicated mouthwashes and similar products, some people prefer saltwater gargles and other home remedies. In this article, we discuss what saltwater gargles are and what conditions they can help treat and prevent.
We also cover how to make and use a saltwater gargle, as well as risks and considerations. Saltwater gargles can be effective for treating mild pain, discomfort, and tickles in the mouth and throat. We discuss some of the conditions that saltwater gargles can help treat and prevent below. Saltwater gargles can be an effective way to relieve discomfort from sore throats. According to the ACS, regular use of saltwater gargles can help keep the mouth clean and prevent infections, particularly in people undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
Canker sores are painful ulcers that can develop in the mouth. Gargling with salt water may help ease pain and promote healing of the sores. Though gargling with salt water will not prevent the allergy, it may help alleviate some of the throat discomfort. Upper respiratory infections are typical and include common colds , the flu , mononucleosis, and sinus infections.
Some research suggests that gargling with salt water can alleviate symptoms and even help prevent upper respiratory infections. For example, a study from involving participants found that those who gargled with salt water were less likely to have upper respiratory infections. Regularly gargling with salt water can assist in removing bacteria from the gums, which helps in cleaning and preventing the buildup of plaque and tartar.
A buildup of bacteria in the mouth can lead to gum disease and tooth decay. The American Dental Association ADA recommend that people gently rinse the mouth with a warm saltwater solution after having a dental procedure. Doing this can help keep the extraction site clean and prevent infection. 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.
Saltwater solutions are not well studied. A small study from of 45 children investigated the effectiveness of a saline saltwater gargle and a mouthwash containing alum. The researchers reported that children who used one of the saltwater gargles twice daily for 21 days had significantly reduced levels of mouth bacteria, compared with children who used a placebo.
However, the saltwater gargle was not as effective at reducing bacteria as the alum mouthwash. Alum, which is potassium aluminum sulfate, is an active ingredient in some medicated mouthwashes. Salt water may kill some, but does not kill all, mouth and throat bacteria. It was believed that salt could dry out and disinfect wounds. Ancient Egyptian medicine prescribed anti-infective solutions, which had salt as a base ingredient.
These were administered orally, applied as an ointment or suppository. Greek medicine also made us of salt by mixing it with honey to create a topical application to disinfect cuts and wounds.
Salt is a mineral composed primarily of sodium chloride NaCl. Rinsing the mouth with a NaCl solution is an old remedy believed to promote healthy gums and encourage recovery from mouth ulcers. According to an article published by the PLOS ONE Journal , dentists may recommend adding a salt-based mouthrinse to your dental regimen to maintain good oral health. But how does rinsing your mouth with salt water help? When plaque interacts with high doses of sugar from sugary foods and drinks , it creates acids that attack tooth enamel.
Plaque build-up also contributes to gum disease. Remember that brushing your teeth twice a day and cleaning between your teeth with dental floss or other interdental cleaners remains an important part of a healthy mouth and smile.
Your dentist may suggest that you rinse your mouth with salt water after tooth extraction. This is because salt water is known for its natural healing properties. The at-home remedy can also be used to ease discomfort from mouth sores while aiding the recovery process. Salt water speeds wound healing by reducing inflammation and bacteria in the mouth. Making a salt water-based mouthrinse is easy; all you need is salt and some warm water.
You can use this cost-effective rinse to:. Although there are benefits to using a salt water mouth rinse, it shouldn't replace your daily oral hygiene routine.
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