Keeping your nose and mouth clean can help reduce your risk of respiratory infections.

One way to do this is to use a saltwater solution to rinse your nose. Saltwater kills germs, including viruses, fungi, and bacteria.

When you have a respiratory infection, your nose and sinuses produce an excess of mucus. Cleaning them with nasal irrigation can help get rid of the extra mucus and germs that are stuck inside. This can potentially reduce the severity of your illness, reduce swelling, improve your nasal function, and alleviate symptoms of respiratory infections.

Cleaning your mouth helps too. Maintaining good oral hygiene not only helps you breathe easier, but it also reduces harmful bacteria that can cause other diseases (like the flu, gum disease, and even diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer).

Practices

Nasal Irrigation

Nasal Irrigation

Nasal Spraying

Nasal Spraying

Saltwater Gargling

Saltwater Gargling

Water Flossing

Water Flossing

Tongue Scraping

Tongue Scraping