Jakarta, CNN Indonesia –
Gargle with salt water is usually synonymous with tooth ache. But did you know that it is actually gargling with water salt has various benefits.
Launch from Well and Good, gargling with salt water can create an osmotic effect. The concentration of salt draws fluid from the mouth and throat tissues to relieve an infection that is causing pain. According to Philip T. Hagen, editor of the Mayo Clinic Book of Home Remedies, salt water can break down thick mucus so that allergens, bacteria and fungi can be removed from the throat.
Then, what are the benefits of gargling with salt water?
1. Relieves sore throat
If you start to feel discomfort in your throat, you should not rush to seek antibiotics or see a doctor. We recommend that you mix water and salt to rinse or gargle (gargle until the liquid touches the back of the mouth). This is not just a hereditary belief or myth. Scientifically, gargling with salt water can indeed relieve sore throats.
“You create a fort from salt and remove a lot of fluid from the tissues in the throat area, so you also clean the virus. Salt acts as a magnet for water. This is good for relieving symptoms. If a little swallowed, salt water can also relieve dehydration,” explained Sorana Segal -Maurer, director Dr. James J. Rahal Jr. Division of Infectious Disease at New York Hospital Queens, quoting from WebMD.
However, gargling with salt water does not necessarily cure a sore throat. Salt water has no antiviral properties if the inflammation is caused by a virus. However, this can relieve discomfort when swallowing.
2. Prevent gingivitis
No need to wait for mouth irritation, you can prevent it by gargling salt water. Salt water can help prevent gingivitis. Gargling is able to neutralize acids caused by bacterial invasion. Salt is able to balance the pH of the mouth.
3. Prevent respiratory tract infections
Launch from HealthlineStudies show that gargling salt water can help reduce both bacterial and viral infections. Simply gargling, you can relieve fever, flu, sore throat and mononucleosis (infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus that is transmitted through saliva or droplets coughing and sneezing).
In addition, salt water can also protect you from transmission of infectious fungi, including candida. This one fungus not only attacks the mouth but also the genital area.
4. Clear airway obstruction
Certain sick conditions can cause airway obstruction, such as flu or fever. It’s best to gargle with salt water to help erode mucus in the airways and nasal passages.
Be careful when mixing the water and salt. Keep the salt volume down. For one cup of water (about 236 milliliters), you will need half a teaspoon of salt. Too much salt can actually dehydrate the mouth and throat tissues.
5. Elimination of bad breath
If you feel uncomfortable and confident about bad breath, you can simply rely on salt water. Salt water can neutralize acidic conditions in the mouth due to bacteria. Bacteria usually breed and prefer an acidic environment in the mouth.
Not only does it get rid of bad breath, gargling with salt water can also nourish teeth and mouth. In an evaluation in 2010, gargling with salt water regularly helped reduce the number of bacteria found in saliva.
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