Why does salt water help a sore throat

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. When choosing the best tea for your sore throat, you may also want to check the caffeine content. Dry air, especially during the harsh, cold days of winter, may be the cause of your sore throat.

A humidifier will keep the air moist and open your sinuses. Add in a tablespoon or two of vapor rub or hydrogen peroxide solution to provide additional relief. While all of these remedies have been shown to aid in relief of sore throat pain, there are other items you may want to avoid.

You should also seek treatment from your doctor if your sore throat is accompanied by a fever, chills, difficulty swallowing, or if you are unable to drink fluids, as this could be a sign of a more serious illness. Get information on a variety of health conditions, disease prevention, and our services and programs.

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Sign up now. Search Box Clear. Want more tips and offers sent directly to your inbox? Products Categories Goals Brands. Our Commitment Our Bright Smiles, Bright Futures program brings oral health education to more than half a billion children around the world. Learn more about our commitment to oral health education. Badge field New. Published date field. Top Articles. How to Use a Sore Throat Gargle To make a salt water solution, you'll need just two things: salt and warm water.

Gargling with salt water is a simple home remedy. Here's how to try this method: Create a salt water solution Gargle the solution Spit out the solution — don't swallow it Repeat as necessary to relieve your sore throat While gargling with salt water can help to relieve a scratchy or painful throat, this method isn't right for everyone. United States. Type keyword s to search.

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