Gargling with salt water is an age-old home remedy used to soothe sore throats. The salt helps reduce inflammation and ease pain, while the water helps flush away mucus and bacteria. Listerine, on the other hand, is an over-the-counter antiseptic mouthwash that can also be used for gargling. It contains essential oils and alcohol that help kill germs that cause bad breath and infection.
So which one is better for gargling – salt water or Listerine? There are pros and cons to each that need to be considered. Here is an in-depth look at how they compare.
Salt Water Gargle Benefits
Soothes Sore Throats
One of the main benefits of gargling with salt water is that it can help soothe a sore, irritated throat. The salt acts as an anti-inflammatory and mild analgesic, reducing swelling and pain. Studies have found that gargling with salt water multiple times a day can significantly improve sore throat symptoms compared to standard treatments alone.
Reduces Mucus and Phlegm
The motion of gargling itself helps loosen thick mucus and phlegm that can accumulate in the throat. Gargling dislodges this mucus from the throat lining so that it can be flushed out of the mouth. This helps clear airways and nasal passages.
Cleanses the Throat
Gargling washes away bacteria, viruses, and other microbes that may be irritating the throat or contributing to infection. While the salt itself has only mild antimicrobial properties, the mechanical flushing action of gargling can remove pathogens. This helps cleanse and refresh the throat.
Inexpensive and Readily Available
Table salt and water are inexpensive, easy to find, and most people already have the ingredients at home. This makes a salt water gargle extremely accessible and budget-friendly. It can be whipped up anytime, anywhere.
Listerine Benefits
Contains Antimicrobial Ingredients
Listerine contains essential oils such as thymol, menthol, eucalyptol, and methyl salicylate. These oils have antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties shown to kill microbes that cause bad breath, gum disease, cavities, and infection. Gargling Listerine reduces bacteria in the mouth and throat more than regular mouthwash or salt water.
Freshens Breath
The antiseptic oils in Listerine, along with the minty flavor, help freshen bad breath. Oral bacteria breaking down food particles and secretions cause unpleasant odors. Listerine helps kill these odor-causing bacteria.
Prevents Plaque and Gingivitis
Listerine has been clinically proven to reduce plaque and gingivitis (early gum disease) as part of good oral hygiene. The antimicrobial ingredients help control bacteria levels and keep the mouth cleaner between teeth brushing and flossing.
Reduces Risk of Infection
By reducing bacteria levels in the mouth and throat, Listerine helps lower the risk of infections. One study found that using Listerine reduced oral bacteria by up to 96% and cut the chances of developing sore throats, colds, and fevers.
Side Effects and Safety
Salt Water
Salt water gargles are very safe with minimal side effects. Occasionally they can cause mild stinging or irritation. To avoid this, make sure to mix an appropriate amount of salt in warm (not hot) water. Start with 1/4-1/2 teaspoon salt per cup of water and adjust as needed. Those with high blood pressure may need to limit their salt intake.
Listerine
Listerine is generally safe when used as directed, but can sometimes cause:
– Mild burning or stinging sensation
– Bad aftertaste
– Nausea or upset stomach if swallowed
– Allergic reactions in sensitive individuals
The high alcohol content (up to 27%) makes it unsafe to swallow Listerine. It is also not recommended for children under 6 years old. Pregnant women should consult their doctor before using.
Cost Comparison
| Product | Cost |
|---|---|
| Table Salt (26 ounces) | $0.50 |
| Distilled Water (gallon) | $1.00 |
| Listerine (21.6 ounces) | $5 |
As the table shows, a 26 ounce container of salt costs about $0.50 and will last a very long time. Distilled water is recommended for salt water gargles but tap water can also be used. A gallon of distilled water costs around $1.
In comparison, a 21.6 ounce bottle of the original Listerine costs approximately $5 retail. The salt water ingredients are extremely economical while Listerine costs significantly more.
Taste and Palatability
Salt water has a fairly neutral, benign taste. The salty taste can be adjusted by changing the amount of salt added. Most people tolerate it well. Listerine has a very strong minty taste due to the herbal oils. Many find this unpleasant or even nauseating. The taste can linger for a while after gargling. So salt water would likely be considered more palatable by most people.
Conclusion
Both salt water gargles and Listerine have benefits for temporarily relieving sore throats and freshening breath. However, Listerine contains antimicrobial ingredients that make it more potent for killing germs, reducing oral bacteria, and preventing infections. The trade-off is that Listerine is more expensive, has a strong medicinal taste, and can sometimes cause side effects like burning or nausea.
Salt water gargles are extremely inexpensive, accessible, and gentler on the mouth and throat. For mild sore throats and the common cold, they may provide adequate symptom relief. But for reducing infection risk and plaque/gingivitis, Listerine would likely be more effective. Those who are very cost-conscious or sensitive to taste may prefer salt water gargles. People concerned about germs and oral health may find the benefits of Listerine worth the extra cost.
In summary, Listerine has greater antiseptic capabilities but is harsher. Salt water gargles are very affordable but provide minimal antimicrobial benefits. For moderate sore throats, the soothing qualities of salt water may suffice. But for frequent or severe sore throats, or gum/oral health concerns, Listerine may be the better choice. Consult your dentist or doctor for personalized recommendations. Proper oral hygiene and regular cleanings are also essential for good health.