Mouthwash has been shown to help prevent tooth and gum diseases. Regular mouth wash contains alcohol, detergents, preservatives, and fluoride, which help remove food debris, limit bacteria development, and kill germs. However, if you believe that washing your mouth with normal mouthwash is sufficient to treat sore throat due to its antiseptic characteristics, think again. Because a sore throat is often the first sign that someone has a cold or the flu, it is very important to get treatment for it as soon as possible in order to prevent it from spreading to others you care about. It is possible that using mouthwash alone will not be adequate to eradicate germs since viruses are responsible for 85 percent of sore throats. Here are three reasons why using mouthwash on a regular basis will not alleviate sore throat symptoms:
- The only benefit of using mouthwash on a regular basis is that it cleans the mouth.
When used as part of a standard three-step oral hygiene routine, daily gargling with mouthwash may really help reduce the amount of plaque and bacteria that are present in the mouth. This is because to the detergents that are included inside it, which may help loosen and remove debris and plaque from teeth in a way that brushing and flossing cannot. 
- Using an antibacterial mouthwash is the best way to reduce the number of germs that are present in the mouth.
Antibacterial mouthwash, when used on a consistent basis, may assist in the regulation of the number of germs in the mouth by removing the bacteria that are present in the mouth. However, an antibacterial mouthwash is useless in relieving a sore throat that is brought on by a virus. Antibacterial mouthwash is the only product that may reduce the number of germs found in the mouth.
- The antibacterial properties of regular mouthwash are useless against viruses.
It is not known whether or not regular mouthwash is effective against the viruses that cause sore throats; however, it does include chemicals that assist prevent tooth decay and gum disease. The typical mouthwash does not have the ability to fight against infections. What other options are there to consider? Because viruses are responsible for 85 percent of sore throats, it is in your best interest to take a prescription that is active against a broad range of microorganisms, including viruses. 
Povidone-iodine, which is included in BETADINE® Gargle & Mouthwash at a concentration of 1%, is the active component that has been shown to be effective against viruses, bacteria, and fungi*. Povidone-iodine, on the other hand, has the potential to ease the discomfort associated with a sore throat. BETADINE® Gargle and Mouthwash is the way to go if you want a treatment that attacks the major cause of sore throats. Regular mouthwash may help with overall oral hygiene, but if you want a treatment that targets the main cause of sore throats, BETADINE® Gargle and Mouthwash is the way to go. You may effectively treat your sore throats with this medicine cabinet essential, which has the ability to kill 99.99% of viruses and bacteria. Doing so will help you and your family remain active and healthy. A sore throat is a common ailment that may strike at any time of the year; however, the winter is when it is experienced by the majority of people. There are a variety of conditions outside the common cold and flu that may give you a sore throat. 
Pharyngitis, often known as sore throat discomfort, may be brought on by a number of factors, including an allergic reaction, acid reflux, dry air, smoking, overuse of the voice or vocal cords, or sleeping with the mouth open. There are several potential causes of a sore throat, including viruses and bacteria. In order to treat a bacterial condition such as strep throat, it is possible that antibiotics will be necessary. A healthcare provider may swab the throat and test the culture to diagnose strep throat or to rule out the possibility of having strep throat. A sore throat brought on by a viral ailment, on the other hand, has to run its course in order to heal completely, despite the fact that home therapies ought to be effective quite quickly. There are a variety of remedies available to alleviate the soreness in the throat, such as gargling with salt water, drinking herbal tea, eating chicken soup, and taking steam baths.
- Rinse your mouth with saltwater.
Gargling with warm salt water is a straightforward home treatment that you may include in your routine if you have a sore throat. 
The ratio of salt to water in a gargle solution may change, but 12 teaspoons of salt to four ounces of warm water is a reasonable starting point. Gargle as often as necessary. It is possible that gargling with salt water can assist to alleviate swelling and clearing mucus from an inflamed throat. For maximum results, do this treatment every few hours by gargling with salt water and making gurgling sounds in the back of your throat.
- Use baking soda as a mouthwash.
A gargle solution made with baking soda may be used as an alternative to the traditional saltwater solution. In order to clean the mouth and throat, gargle with a solution that consists of one cup of warm water, 14 teaspoons of baking soda, and 14 teaspoons of salt. For additional advantages to your health, stir 18 teaspoons of salt into the mixture. Gargle and swish your mouth throughout the day to help calm your throat and reduce mucus production.
- Gargle with a mixture of apple cider vinegar and lemon juice.
Gargle with a mixture that contains lemon juice and warm water in the same proportions to help reduce the number of germs and soothe the throat. 
If you don't have any lemon juice on hand, you may substitute one to two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar for the lemon juice and mix it with one cup of hot water to make a natural gargle solution of moderate strength. Consuming apple cider vinegar—does doing so have any positive effects on one's health?
- Gargle with hydrogen peroxide
In addition, hydrogen peroxide has the ability to kill the microorganisms in the mouth and throat that are responsible for sore throats. Gargle and swirl a mixture consisting of one part hydrogen peroxide (3% concentration) and two parts water to hasten the healing process. Gargle for no more than one minute and ninety seconds. Never gargle or swallow a hydrogen peroxide mixture. This is true even if you are using hydrogen peroxide that is labeled as "food safe."
- Honey
Honey's consistency is well-known for soothing sore throats, and it may softly coat the throat for comfort. Honey is also antimicrobial and may boost the immune system. Raw honey boosts antioxidants and may aid in the battle against illnesses that cause sore throats. Adding equal parts lemon juice or apple cider vinegar to honey might boost its health benefits even further. Consume one spoonful of this combination every two hours or so for immediate relief. 
Although honey is a common sore throat home treatment for both children and adults, it is not suggested for children under the age of two and should never be given to children under the age of one. Infant botulism caused by bacteria in honey may damage newborns as young as one-year-old, however, most families wait until their children are two years old before adding raw honey into their diet.
- Ginger
Ginger, a natural antihistamine and decongestant, is beneficial in relieving congestion. Ginger ale, particularly ginger ale made with actual ginger, might help break up extra mucus linked with respiratory problems. Ginger, which is antiviral and antibacterial, may be consumed (as tea or ale) throughout the day to promote recovery.
- Soup with chicken
Warm chicken soup offers various health advantages in addition to being a comfort dish when you're unwell. The chicken soup includes proteins, antioxidants, and amino acids, which help the body fight illness. Chicken soup, which is high in magnesium, phosphorus, vitamin C, and vitamin A, may naturally improve the immune system. 
Chicken broth, particularly when cooked with garlic, contains anti-inflammatory and antibacterial characteristics that help to decrease throat swelling and redness. Chicken soup may also help relieve nasal congestion caused by a sore throat. Broth may help thin mucus in the throat, making coughing easier. Chicken soup includes gelatin, which may calm the back of the throat in addition to all of the other health advantages. While sick, drinking broth or eating soup is both healing and hydrating. When unwell, staying hydrated and fed may help prevent the sickness from spreading.
- Camomile
Camomile tea has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. This tea may naturally relax stressed throat muscles as well as calm the body to promote slumber, which will assist in the healing process. Camomile tea contains antioxidants that can help boost the immune system. Chamomile tea's astringent quality is particularly beneficial in removing mucus from the throat and mucous membranes.
- slipping elm
When a sore throat needs relief, slippery elm tea is a natural technique to cover the back of the throat. Boiling water may be poured over slippery elm bark powder to make a tea that is safe to consume. Traditional Medicines' "Throat Coat" tea includes slippery elm and tastes like licorice.
- fenugreek
Fenugreek tea is another alternative for sore throat relief. It has immune-boosting properties like magnesium, iron, and vitamin B-6. This sweet and nutty-flavored tea is an antifungal and anti-inflammatory natural pain reliever. Fenugreek tea helps eliminate microorganisms that cause throat discomfort.