Do you have a sore throat and can feel a cold coming on? If so, you’ll benefit from gargling salt water for sore throat, which is known to alleviate pain and sores in your mouth. Salt water gargles can prevent upper respiratory infections.
But how do you properly gargle with salt water? What steps should you follow? The following guide details all the key steps you’ll need to follow when gargling with salt water.
Keep reading to learn more!
Mix Salt with Water
First, mix about ¼ or ⅛ of a teaspoon of salt with eight ounces of water. Warm water is more comfortable to swish in your mouth and helps dissolve the salt faster. While you can use any type of salt, sea salts and kosher salts are the best options for alleviating throat pain.
Swish the Salt Water in the Back of Your Throat
Now that your salt water solution is made, all you need to do is swish or gargle the solution in the back of your throat. Also, swish it around your teeth and gums. Do this for at least 30 seconds after brushing your teeth.
You should spit out the salt water gargle once you’re done swishing it around your mouth.
Repeat the Salt Water Gargle Once or Twice Per Day
If your throat is very sore, you can gargle with salt water every few hours until you feel relief. Otherwise, you only need to do this once or twice a day after you finish brushing your teeth. You will want to avoid swallowing the salt water, as it can dehydrate your body.
Why Our Gargle Water Salt Rinse Is a Better Strategy
You may want to consider the Gargle Water Salt Rinse due to its easy open-and-pour process. It is already well-mixed with USP-grade sodium chloride and purified water, so you won’t need to mess with salt-caked spoons or containers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why Is Gargling Salt Water Good for a Sore Throat?
Gargling with salt water alleviates pain in your throat. When you use salt water to gargle, the fluids as well as bacteria in your throat go to the surface and get removed when you spit out the salt water solution. It also neutralizes the acidic environment in your throat and makes it more difficult for bacteria to grow.
How Long Should I Gargle Salt Water for a Sore Throat?
You should gargle a salt water solution for 30 to 60 seconds before spitting it out. You can repeat this process every three to four hours until your throat feels better.
Can Listerine or Another Mouthwash Prevent a Sore Throat?
Listerine and other mouthwash products cannot prevent a sore throat. Listerine mouthwash is only meant to treat and prevent oral health issues like gingivitis, cavities, bad breath, tooth stains, and plaque.
Wrap Up
Now that you’re all set to gargle with salt water to help relieve your sore throat, consider getting the Gargle Water Salt Rinse product so that you don’t have to make your own solution.