Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWho Should Try It?BenefitsHow to Do ItHow Often to Do It
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Who Should Try It?
Benefits
How to Do It
How Often to Do It
Saltwater garglesare used to improve oral health and treat various oral health conditions. It is an inexpensive and easy-to-access treatment that reduces oral healing time and can reducedental plaque.
Kayoko Hayashi / Getty Images
Why Should You Try a Saltwater Gargle?
A saltwater gargle is a mixture of water and salt gargled in the mouth and throat. It is used as a mouthwash to clean the mouth, teeth, and gums. The solution can be made at home with two simple ingredients.
A saltwater gargle can be a medication-free treatment for various conditions that affect the mouth and throat. The conditions this treatment can help alleviate are:
Home Remedies for Sore ThroatsSeveral things like allergies, colds, the flu, or upper respiratory illnesses can cause a sore throat.Treatmentslike prescription or over-the-counter medications can help, but there are also some home remedies that can alleviate the symptoms. These home remedies are:Sucking on ice chipsDrinking warm fluidsTaking honey (only for those over 1 year of age)Gargling with salt water
Home Remedies for Sore Throats
Several things like allergies, colds, the flu, or upper respiratory illnesses can cause a sore throat.Treatmentslike prescription or over-the-counter medications can help, but there are also some home remedies that can alleviate the symptoms. These home remedies are:Sucking on ice chipsDrinking warm fluidsTaking honey (only for those over 1 year of age)Gargling with salt water
Several things like allergies, colds, the flu, or upper respiratory illnesses can cause a sore throat.Treatmentslike prescription or over-the-counter medications can help, but there are also some home remedies that can alleviate the symptoms. These home remedies are:
Benefits of Gargling With Salt Water
Teeth
One of the greatest benefits of gargling with salt water is that it helps maintain oral health, including the teeth.
A 2017 study found that salt water reduces plaque when used with with mechanical plaque control, liketeeth brushing, to prevent oral health conditions.
Plaque is a tacky film that forms on the teeth and contains bacteria. Ifplaqueis not regularly removed it will turn into tartar.
Gums
Gumhealth is an overlooked, yet important aspect of overall health.Gum diseaseis associated with an increased risk of certain health conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and chronic respiratory disease. While experts do not know if gum disease causes these health conditions, there seems to be a strong link.
A 2021 study found that a saltwater gargle was as effective as chlorhexidine, a main ingredient in some mouthwash brands, in reducing inflammation after periodontal surgery. Salt water is less expensive and more accessible, making it a great option for those looking to optimize gum healing after oral surgery.
How Does Salt Water Affect Mouth Bacteria?Studies have shown that salt water can reduce the amount of bacteria in the mouth, however, it cannot eliminate all bacteria.Using salt water as a mouthwash or gargle can be an effective way to reduce mouth bacteria.
How Does Salt Water Affect Mouth Bacteria?
Studies have shown that salt water can reduce the amount of bacteria in the mouth, however, it cannot eliminate all bacteria.Using salt water as a mouthwash or gargle can be an effective way to reduce mouth bacteria.
The Best Way to Gargle With Salt Water
Preparing a Saltwater Gargle
To prepare a saltwater gargle, you will need 8 ounces of warm water (the warmth helps the salt dissolve) and one-half teaspoon ofsalt. Mix the two ingredients in a cup until the salt dissolves.
How It Is Done
To gargle with the saltwater solution:
How Long to Gargle
It’s important to gargle with salt water for at least 10 seconds to achieve its positive effects. It may take some time to get accustomed to gargling with salt water due to the taste.
Tips to Improve the Taste
To improve the taste, you can add:
How Often Should You Gargle With Salt Water?
Saltwater gargles should be done three or four times per week but no more than that.
If the salt water is too concentrated or occurs for too long, it can decrease the mouth’s ability to heal.
If you have symptoms that don’t go away, you should see a healthcare provider.
Summary
Gargling with salt water can help improve oral health. It is one way to help reduce mouth bacteria and decrease dental plaque. You only need to gargle the saltwater solution a few times per week. Always talk to a healthcare provider before starting a new health treatment to ensure it is safe for your situation.
10 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Emamian MH, Hassani AM, Fateh M.Respiratory tract infections and its preventive measures among hajj pilgrims, 2010: a nested case control study.Int J Prev Med. 2013;4(9):1030-1035.Huynh NC, Everts V, Leethanakul C, Pavasant P, Ampornaramveth RS.Rinsing with saline promotes human gingival fibroblast wound healing in vitro.PLoS One. 2016;11(7):e0159843. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0159843Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Sore throat basics.Kamdem N.Effect of saline mouthwash on the oral flora.MADOHC. 2022;5(2). doi:10.32474/MADOHC.2022.05.000207Aravinth V, Aswath Narayanan M, Ramesh Kumar S, Selvamary Al, Sujatha A.Comparative evaluation of salt water rinse with chlorhexidine against oral microbes: A school-based randomized controlled trial.J Indian Soc Pedod Prev Dent. 2017;35(4):319. doi:10.4103/JISPPD.JISPPD_299_16MedlinePlus.Plaque and tartar on teeth.Harvard Health.Why your gums are so important to your health.Gupta S, Jain A, Singla M.Is saltwater mouth rinse as effective as chlorhexidine following periodontal surgery?Evid Based Dent. 2021;22(4):130-131. doi:10.1038/s41432-021-0227-6National Health Services.Toothache.Sutherland Dental.Benefits of saltwater rinse for oral health.
10 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Emamian MH, Hassani AM, Fateh M.Respiratory tract infections and its preventive measures among hajj pilgrims, 2010: a nested case control study.Int J Prev Med. 2013;4(9):1030-1035.Huynh NC, Everts V, Leethanakul C, Pavasant P, Ampornaramveth RS.Rinsing with saline promotes human gingival fibroblast wound healing in vitro.PLoS One. 2016;11(7):e0159843. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0159843Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Sore throat basics.Kamdem N.Effect of saline mouthwash on the oral flora.MADOHC. 2022;5(2). doi:10.32474/MADOHC.2022.05.000207Aravinth V, Aswath Narayanan M, Ramesh Kumar S, Selvamary Al, Sujatha A.Comparative evaluation of salt water rinse with chlorhexidine against oral microbes: A school-based randomized controlled trial.J Indian Soc Pedod Prev Dent. 2017;35(4):319. doi:10.4103/JISPPD.JISPPD_299_16MedlinePlus.Plaque and tartar on teeth.Harvard Health.Why your gums are so important to your health.Gupta S, Jain A, Singla M.Is saltwater mouth rinse as effective as chlorhexidine following periodontal surgery?Evid Based Dent. 2021;22(4):130-131. doi:10.1038/s41432-021-0227-6National Health Services.Toothache.Sutherland Dental.Benefits of saltwater rinse for oral health.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Emamian MH, Hassani AM, Fateh M.Respiratory tract infections and its preventive measures among hajj pilgrims, 2010: a nested case control study.Int J Prev Med. 2013;4(9):1030-1035.Huynh NC, Everts V, Leethanakul C, Pavasant P, Ampornaramveth RS.Rinsing with saline promotes human gingival fibroblast wound healing in vitro.PLoS One. 2016;11(7):e0159843. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0159843Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Sore throat basics.Kamdem N.Effect of saline mouthwash on the oral flora.MADOHC. 2022;5(2). doi:10.32474/MADOHC.2022.05.000207Aravinth V, Aswath Narayanan M, Ramesh Kumar S, Selvamary Al, Sujatha A.Comparative evaluation of salt water rinse with chlorhexidine against oral microbes: A school-based randomized controlled trial.J Indian Soc Pedod Prev Dent. 2017;35(4):319. doi:10.4103/JISPPD.JISPPD_299_16MedlinePlus.Plaque and tartar on teeth.Harvard Health.Why your gums are so important to your health.Gupta S, Jain A, Singla M.Is saltwater mouth rinse as effective as chlorhexidine following periodontal surgery?Evid Based Dent. 2021;22(4):130-131. doi:10.1038/s41432-021-0227-6National Health Services.Toothache.Sutherland Dental.Benefits of saltwater rinse for oral health.
Emamian MH, Hassani AM, Fateh M.Respiratory tract infections and its preventive measures among hajj pilgrims, 2010: a nested case control study.Int J Prev Med. 2013;4(9):1030-1035.
Huynh NC, Everts V, Leethanakul C, Pavasant P, Ampornaramveth RS.Rinsing with saline promotes human gingival fibroblast wound healing in vitro.PLoS One. 2016;11(7):e0159843. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0159843
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Sore throat basics.
Kamdem N.Effect of saline mouthwash on the oral flora.MADOHC. 2022;5(2). doi:10.32474/MADOHC.2022.05.000207
Aravinth V, Aswath Narayanan M, Ramesh Kumar S, Selvamary Al, Sujatha A.Comparative evaluation of salt water rinse with chlorhexidine against oral microbes: A school-based randomized controlled trial.J Indian Soc Pedod Prev Dent. 2017;35(4):319. doi:10.4103/JISPPD.JISPPD_299_16
MedlinePlus.Plaque and tartar on teeth.
Harvard Health.Why your gums are so important to your health.
Gupta S, Jain A, Singla M.Is saltwater mouth rinse as effective as chlorhexidine following periodontal surgery?Evid Based Dent. 2021;22(4):130-131. doi:10.1038/s41432-021-0227-6
National Health Services.Toothache.
Sutherland Dental.Benefits of saltwater rinse for oral health.
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
