Gargling with warm salt water does help a toothache, by providing temporary pain relief and also helps reduce inflammation.
Salt water has natural antibacterial properties, which help to cleanse the affected area and reduce harmful bacteria in the mouth.
The saline solution of salt water also draws out excess fluid from swollen gum tissues, which help to decrease pressure and inflammation.
Rinsing your mouth with salt water when you have a toothache also loosens and washes away food particles and debris in the mouth that may be stuck between your teeth and causing pain.
The salt water rinse also increases the pH balance in your mouth and creates an alkaline environment that is less hospitable to the bacteria that thrive in acidic conditions.
To use the salt water rinse to help a toothache, mix around 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of salt into an 8 ounce glass of warm water.
Then swish the salt water solution gently around your mouth for around 30 seconds.
Then spit it out and then rinse a few times a day as needed for relief.
Gargling with salt water kills some germs in the mouth as well as some mouth bacteria by drawing water out of them through osmosis, and creates an alkaline environment where the germs and bacteria struggle to survive, which helps to reduce gum disease, bad breath and even cavities.
Although gargling with salt water does not eliminate or kill all germs and all bacteria in the mouth, so it's important to continue to brush your teeth regularly, use floss and mouthwash as well.
Dentist often recommend gargling salt water due to it's gentle, anti-inflammatory and healing properties.
Salt draws water out of bacterial cells, which dehydrates the bacteria and kills them.
The salt water also raises your mouth's pH, which creates a less acidic and less hospitable environment for harmful bacteria.
The salt water also washes away debris and helps dislodge food particles that are stuck between your teeth.
Gargling with salt water fights bacteria that causes cavities, plaque and gum disease or gingivitis.
And the salt water soothes irritation and reduces pain, swelling and inflammation from sore throats, canker sores and gum infections and speeds up healing after tooth extractions or other minor mouth injuries.
The salt water also freshens breath and eliminates odor causing bacteria and food debris.
To gargle with salt water, mix around 1/2 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water.
Then swish the salt water for 15 to 30 seconds in your mouth and then spit it out, do not swallow in large amounts.
Use the salt water gargle twice daily, especially after meals or when experiencing any inflammation.