Common "Salt Water Gargling" queries answered by top doctors | iCliniq

Salt Water Gargling

Gargling with salt water is the most widely used home remedy for infections like sore throat, cold, cough, strep throat, mononucleosis, allergies, periodontitis, canker sores, and gingivitis. Salt is helpful to treat mild inflammations as it draws out water from the cells and prevents microorganisms from entering the cells.

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All the answers published in this website are written by verified medical doctors, therapists and health experts. The Content has been moderated by iCliniq medical review team before publication. Post your medical clarifications on iCliniq by choosing the right specialty and get them answered. Your medical queries will be answered 24/7 by top doctors from iCliniq.

Why do I have a painless lump in the back of my throat?

Query: Hello doctor, I have a lump with pus in the back of my throat. I do not know what this is; there is no pain. Please advise.   Read Full »


Dr. Bhadragiri Vageesh Padiyar

Answer: Hello, Thanks for trusting us with your health care. I can understand your concern. I had a detailed look at the picture you sent (attachment removed to protect the patient’s identity). There is absolutely nothing for you to worry about. The lump, bump, or pus-filled area is a lymphoid follicle ...  Read Full »

How to treat a swollen gum present in my back tooth?

Query: Hi doctor, I have an issue with gum disease. There is a swollen gum present on my back tooth. It hurts when I touch it. It is not seen in front of my tooth. It is present inside my mouth. I have pain in the left jaw. Please help.  Read Full »


Dr. Divya Banu M

Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. I have gone through the image (attachment removed to protect patient identity). It looks like a periodontal abscess (infection of the gums and tissues surrounding the teeth). As you have braces (molar band specifically), it can also cause it. Another possibility is ging...  Read Full »

I have nasal congestion and cough. Please help.

Query: Hi doctor, I am a 49 year old male. I am suffering from nasal congestion and cough. I am taking only Levocetirizine for this. Please help.  Read Full »


Dr. Shyam Kalyan. N

Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. Your infection will be most probably a viral infection because of the season now. However, we can be sure of that only after a swab is taken and it is cultured to see if there grows any bacteria in it. I give you the following suggestions to take care of the pr...  Read Full »

I have a painless white patch inside my throat. What could this indicate?

Query: Hello doctor,I have noticed a white patch inside my throat, and I am not experiencing any pain currently. I am worried about what it is. Can you please tell me the problem?Thank you.  Read Full »


Dr. Bhadragiri Vageesh Padiyar

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I understand your concern. I have carefully reviewed the picture (attachments removed to protect patient’s identity) you sent. The area of concern appears to be a tonsillar stone, which is a calcification of food debris that becomes lodged in the tonsillar crevices....  Read Full »

I catch cold like a clockwork every winter. Please help.

Query: Hello doctor, I am a 30-year-old male, and every winter I seem to catch a cold like clockwork. It is becoming a real hassle, and I want to know if there are specific steps I can take to avoid getting sick during the colder months. Are there lifestyle changes or remedies you would recommend to stre...  Read Full »


Dr. Kaushal Bhavsar

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I can understand your concern. By your history and description, the possibility of seasonal allergic rhinitis is more likely. I would suggest you take the annual influenza vaccine every year. Do warm water gargles and steam inhalation four to five times a day. Take Mon...  Read Full »

I have an ulcer on my tongue. Please help.

Query: Hello doctor, The ulcer on my tongue hurts a lot while I eat and talk, especially when my tongue touches my teeth. I am seeking an overnight solution for this, ideally just to get relief for tomorrow. I have a school presentation scheduled for tomorrow, and without being able to talk, I will not be...  Read Full »


Dr. Vandana Andrews

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I understand your concern. I am sorry to inform you that there is no overnight solution for a mouth ulcer. Mouth ulcers typically heal on their own within one to two weeks. In the meantime, here are some tips to help manage the pain: Avoid spicy, acidic, or salty f...  Read Full »

How to treat dry cough during pregnancy?

Query: Hello doctor, I am 12 weeks pregnant. For the last three days, I am suffering from a dry cough. My doctor prescribed me Ambrolite D syrup two teaspoons at bedtime and a Vozet tablet once a day. He said that it is an allergic cough. But, after consuming the medicine for two days, my cough does not im...  Read Full »


Dr. Amol Kumar Wasudeorao Diwan

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Thanks for writing your query to me. A dry cough for more than three days in the absence of breathing difficulties usually suggests viral pharyngitis. You do not need to take antibiotics unless you have a fever. At the same time, you said you are 12 weeks pregnant, so ...  Read Full »

I have a foul-smelling discharge after tooth removal. Why?

Query: Hello doctor, I had all four wisdom teeth pulled nine days ago. Only the one on the bottom right tooth is very painful and when I push near it all this foul smelling yellow stuff comes out. What is wrong? Also, having headaches.  Read Full »


Dr. Naveen Thomas

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. You may have dry socket condition on that side. It occurs due to loss of blood clot in the early days since extraction. Use warm salt water gargle twice a day for a week or two to get some relief. You may need antibiotics and painkillers for a week or two. So, go b...  Read Full »

I had my wisdom teeth removed. Is everything fine?

Query: Hi doctor, I got my two bottom wisdom teeth pulled two days back. I have some photos of them. I was wondering if you could tell me if everything looks fine. I am still in pain and find it hard to eat solid foods.  Read Full »


Dr. Geethanjali. S. S

Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. I have seen the pictures you attached with your query (attachment removed to protect patient identity). Both the extracted regions looks perfectly good. I see that the sutures have been placed for helping those gums to heal quickly. Also, there is the food debris or rem...  Read Full »

Do the raised white lines in my mouth indicate leukoplakia

Query: Hi doctor, I went to the ENT for a sore throat. He ended up saying I have leukoplakia. It is mainly in the gap where I am missing the tooth. He said it was in other areas around my lower gum but it pretty much wiped off of there. I then went to my dentist who said it was not leukoplakia. I then went...  Read Full »


Dr. Naveen Thomas

Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com I have seen the image (attachment removed to protect patient identity). It is not at all a type of leukoplakia as seen in the picture. But, if you are a smoker, then I would recommend you stop smoking. It seems to be just hyperkeratinization of the oral mucosa which ca...  Read Full »

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