As much as your teeth need regular brushing, your toothbrush needs proper cleaning too. It can harbor germs and bacteria from the food and other materials that may have stuck in it after brushing. So, before brushing your teeth in the morning, mix a teaspoon of salt in a cup of hot water and soak your toothbrush in it. The salty concentration will dehydrate bacterial cells, hindering bacteria from growing.

Basic hygiene practices, such as washing hands before eating and not sharing eating utensils and other personal items, can go a long way in preventing sore throat. It keeps viral or bacterial throat problems from spreading to others.

During periods of extended use, make it a point to give yourself some “vocal naps” once in a while. This is especially important if your work involves lots of talking and speaking, such as a teacher. Find quiet ways to spend your breaks rather than engaging in noisy chatter with colleagues.

As mentioned earlier, salt rinse is a great disinfectant as it can hinder bacterial growth. So, for a healthy throat and clean-smelling breath in the morning, gargle a mixture of salt and warm water before going to bed.

Stretching cold muscles can result to injury. The same is true with your throat. So, if you are a singer, actor, speaker, teacher, or doctor and the like, do some vocal warm ups every morning to condition your vocal chords. Yawning, creating a buzzing sound, or humming slow, gentle tones will do the trick.