Soothe a Sore Throat With These Tips
Posted on November 5, 2026 in Healthy You
A scratchy, painful throat is an unwelcome sign of cold and flu season. While you're looking for relief, don't forget about another important part of your health: your mouth.
Illnesses like sore throats, along with dehydration and some medications, can cause dry mouth. And when your mouth doesn't produce enough saliva, it increases your risk for cavities and other dental problems.1
Fortunately, some simple tips can soothe a sore throat and help keep your mouth healthy. And the best part is you can do them all at home.
Gargle With Salt Water
Mix about a half a teaspoon of salt into 8 ounces of warm water and gargle before spitting it out. You can do this several times a day to temporarily soothe a sore throat.1
Keep the Drinks Flowing
Staying hydrated helps keep your throat and mouth moist, which eases pain. Water also helps wash away food particles and bacteria from your teeth and gums. If your tap water contains fluoride, drinking it can provide an added oral health benefit by helping protect against tooth decay.1
Warm, caffeine-free tea and broth can also be soothing. If you add honey, remember that honey contains sugar, so enjoy it in moderation and rinse your mouth with water afterward.
Try Something Cold to Ice Out the Pain
Ice chips, sugar-free popsicles or other cold treats can provide temporary relief for a sore throat.2 Choosing sugar-free options can help you avoid exposing your teeth to extra sugar while you're under the weather.
Fight Dry Mouth
A cool mist humidifier can add moisture to dry indoor air and may help ease throat irritation. You can also try chewing sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva production. Saliva naturally helps protect your teeth, so keeping your mouth moist is important.1
Don't Stop Brushing and Flossing
When you have mouth or throat pain, brushing and flossing may not be at the top of your list. But maintaining your routine is especially important when you're experiencing dry mouth. Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily.
Also try to avoid tobacco, alcohol and excessive caffeine, which can contribute to dry mouth and dry out your throat.3
When to See Your Doctor
Most sore throats get better with some time and at-home care. But you should contact your doctor if you have a severe sore throat, difficulty breathing or swallowing, a high fever (over 101 degrees) that lasts over 24 hours, a rash, or swollen tonsils or lymph nodes.1
Taking care of yourself when you're sick includes taking care of your mouth. A little extra hydration and attention to your oral health can help you feel more comfortable while keeping your teeth and gums healthy.
REFERENCES:
- Delta Dental Plans Association. What are healthy ways to soothe a sore throat? https://www.grinmag.com/2024-wellness/what-are-healthy-ways-to-soothe-a-sore-throat/
- Cleveland Clinic. (2024, August 22). Sore throat (pharyngitis). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8274-sore-throat-pharyngitis
- National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Dry Mouth. National Institutes of Health. https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/dry-mouth