Gargle vs. Mouthwash — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on November 3, 2023
Gargle is a verb describing the action of rinsing one's throat with liquid, while mouthwash is a noun for the liquid used in this process, often with antiseptic properties for oral hygiene.
Difference Between Gargle and Mouthwash
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Key Differences
Gargle refers to the act of agitating a liquid in the throat to clean or soothe it. Mouthwash, however, is the actual product used for gargling, formulated to reduce oral bacteria, freshen breath, and provide a clean mouthfeel. While gargling is a process, mouthwash is the tool used in that process.
Gargling can be done with various liquids, including water, saline solutions, or even tea. Mouthwash is specifically made with ingredients like cetylpyridinium chloride, chlorhexidine, essential oils, fluoride, and sometimes alcohol, aiming to offer antiseptic, anti-plaque, or breath-freshening benefits. Gargling is the method, while mouthwash provides the therapeutic substance.
The process of gargling typically involves tilting the head back and allowing the liquid to sit in the upper throat, which can relieve soreness and remove debris. Mouthwash products are used after brushing or anytime during the day, and their composition is often targeted to enhance oral health beyond just cleaning. One focuses on the action, the other on the composition.
You can gargle with plain water to clear out food particles or soothe a sore throat, but using a mouthwash might give additional benefits such as reducing cavities and gingivitis due to its specialized ingredients. Gargle is the action regardless of the liquid used; mouthwash is a specific type of liquid designed for a comprehensive oral care routine.
In summary, to gargle is to perform a rinsing action, which can help maintain oral hygiene or soothe an irritated throat, without implying the use of any particular liquid. Mouthwash is the commercial product you often use to gargle, which comes with various health claims and is part of daily oral hygiene for many people. The former is an activity; the latter, a substance used for that activity.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
The act of swishing liquid in the throat.
The liquid solution used for gargling.
Purpose
To clean or soothe the throat.
To sanitize, protect, and freshen the mouth.
Types
Any liquid suitable for throat.
Commercially prepared with specific ingredients.
Usage
Can be used as needed for relief.
Often used as part of a daily oral hygiene routine.
Composition
Could be as simple as saltwater.
Contains antiseptics, flavorings, and other agents.
Compare with Definitions
Gargle
To rinse the mouth and throat with a liquid
She decided to gargle with warm salt water to soothe her sore throat.
Mouthwash
A fluoride-containing rinse to prevent tooth decay
The children were given mouthwash after lunch at school to prevent cavities.
Gargle
To make a sound while expelling breath as liquid is swished
He could hear her gargle with mouthwash in the bathroom.
Mouthwash
A liquid product for rinsing the mouth and throat
After brushing, she rinsed with a minty mouthwash.
Gargle
To practice as a vocal exercise
The singer would gargle before performances to warm up her vocal cords.
Mouthwash
A breath-freshening liquid
He always used mouthwash before his meetings for fresh breath.
Gargle
To treat or prevent throat infections
The doctor advised him to gargle twice a day to fend off the infection.
Mouthwash
A medicinal liquid for treating mouth sores
She found relief for her canker sores by using a medicinal mouthwash.
Gargle
To force exhaled air through a liquid held in the back of the mouth, with the head tilted back, in order to cleanse or medicate the mouth or throat.
Mouthwash
An antiseptic solution for oral hygiene
His dentist recommended a fluoride mouthwash to strengthen his teeth.
Gargle
To produce the sound of gargling when speaking or singing.
Mouthwash
Mouthwash, mouth rinse, oral rinse, or mouth bath is a liquid which is held in the mouth passively or swilled around the mouth by contraction of the perioral muscles and/or movement of the head, and may be gargled, where the head is tilted back and the liquid bubbled at the back of the mouth. Usually mouthwashes are antiseptic solutions intended to reduce the microbial load in the oral cavity, although other mouthwashes might be given for other reasons such as for their analgesic, anti-inflammatory or anti-fungal action.
Gargle
To rinse or medicate (the mouth or throat) by gargling.
Mouthwash
A flavored, usually antiseptic solution used for cleaning the mouth and freshening the breath.
Gargle
To circulate or apply (a medicine or solution) by gargling.
Mouthwash
A liquid used to clean one's mouth.
Gargle
To utter with a gargling sound.
Mouthwash
A medicated solution used for gargling and rinsing the mouth.
Gargle
A medicated solution for gargling.
Mouthwash
A medicated solution used for gargling and rinsing the mouth
Gargle
A gargling sound.
Gargle
(intransitive) to clean one's mouth by holding water or some other liquid in the back of the mouth and blowing air out from the lungs
Gargle
(intransitive) to make a sound like the one made while gargling
Gargle
(transitive) to clean a specific part of the body by gargling (almost always throat or mouth)
Gargle
(transitive) to use (a liquid) for purposes of cleaning one's mouth or throat by gargling.
Every morning he gargled a little cheap Scotch.
Gargle
A liquid used for gargling.
Gargle
(countable) The sound or act of gargling.
Gargle
Lager or other alcoholic drink.
Gargle
See Gargoyle.
Gargle
A liquid, as water or some medicated preparation, used to cleanse the mouth and throat, especially for a medical effect.
Gargle
To wash or rinse, as the mouth or throat, particular the latter, agitating the liquid (water or a medicinal preparation) by an expulsion of air from the lungs.
Gargle
To warble; to sing as if gargling
Gargle
A medicated solution used for gargling and rinsing the mouth
Gargle
The sound produced while gargling
Gargle
Utter with gargling or burbling sounds
Gargle
Rinse one's mouth and throat with mouthwash;
Gargle with this liquid
Gargle
To use a liquid for cleansing the throat
Before his speech, he gargled with water to clear his voice.
Common Curiosities
Can you gargle with just water?
Yes, you can gargle with plain water.
Is mouthwash necessary for good oral hygiene?
Mouthwash is beneficial but not essential; brushing and flossing are more important.
How long should I gargle for effectiveness?
Gargling for about 30 seconds is typically recommended.
Is it safe to swallow mouthwash?
No, mouthwash should not be swallowed; it is intended for rinsing only.
Can gargling prevent a sore throat?
Gargling with saline water can help prevent sore throats by removing irritants.
Can mouthwash kill bacteria?
Yes, most mouthwashes contain antiseptics that can kill harmful bacteria.
Can mouthwash cure oral infections?
Mouthwash can help manage symptoms, but some infections may require additional treatment.
Does mouthwash contain alcohol?
Some mouthwashes contain alcohol, but alcohol-free options are also available.
Does gargling help with bad breath?
Gargling can help temporarily, but mouthwash is better for longer-lasting fresh breath.
Does gargling with salt water help with a cough?
Saltwater gargles can help with a cough by reducing throat irritation.
Can children use mouthwash?
Yes, there are mouthwashes specifically formulated for children.
How often should I use mouthwash?
It's generally recommended to use mouthwash once or twice a day.
Is flavored mouthwash as effective as regular mouthwash?
Yes, flavored mouthwash can be just as effective if it contains the same active ingredients.
Can I make my own gargling solution?
Yes, you can make a gargling solution with salt and water.
Is it possible to be allergic to mouthwash?
Yes, some individuals may be allergic to ingredients in mouthwash.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
