Road to a Speedy Recovery – 5 Post Wisdom Tooth Removal Tips

Few oral procedures have a reputation as negative as the removal of wisdom teeth, but nearly 75 percent of all patients meet the criteria for needing these teeth removed. Anyone that has recently discussed the option of removing their wisdom teeth with their dentist should consider these 5 post-op tips to make the recovery as smooth and pain-free as possible.

 

1. Set Aside a Period of Mandatory Rest

The single most important step in this process is to set aside a specific window in which rest and recovery is the number one priority. If the procedure takes place earlier in the day, that entire day should be set aside for rest and the next day should involve little in the way of movement if possible. For at least one week, all rigorous activities such as sports and exercise should be avoided completely.

 

2. Create a Meal and Snack Plan

Those that are preparing for any tooth extraction should consider their meals and snacks at least a week beforehand and have the correct foods ready in order to promote a healthy recovery. Hot, spicy, hard, and chewy foods should be avoided at all costs as they can cause irritation, pain, or open up the wound. Only soft and semi-soft foods such as yogurt, soup, and applesauce should be consumed for the first few days.

 

3. Avoid Alcohol and Tobacco

The use of any tobacco products and the consumption of alcohol should be avoided completely for 48 hours, but it is best to avoid these products for the entire healing process. Studies have shown that alcohol and tobacco products not only slow down the healing process, they also increase the risk of serious complications such as an infection.

 

4. Keep Sockets Clean

Patients should speak with their dentist beforehand about the use of antibacterial mouthwash immediately after the procedure. These products have been specifically designed to not irritate any open wounds while keeping the mouth health. In addition to mouthwash, making sure you’re the sockets that are left after removal stay clean and clear of food particles. The dentist will give you a special syringe to help keep them open and healing quickly. These suggestions will help patients avoid painful complications such as a dry socket or gum infection.

 

5. Take Painkillers Preventatively

Patients should never wait until they are feeling pain and discomfort to take painkillers. Whether it is over-the-counter painkillers or prescription medication, a schedule should be made beforehand. In most cases, painkillers should be taken immediately after the procedure unless otherwise instructed by the dentist. Wisdom teeth removal in Utah can be a very painful experience during the healing process so make sure to follow your prescription as abusing it can result in very serious health complications.

 

Getting your wisdom teeth removed is a procedure that the majority of us have to go through and so there is a large amount of data on the subject. Remember that you can make the most of it if you plan accordingly. If everything goes well, the area should be completely healed within about two weeks. At this point, patients can once again enjoy the benefits of a pain-free, straight, and healthy smile.

 

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Categories: healing process, infection nbsp, pain free, post wisdom, removal tips, speedy recovery, tobacco products, wisdom teeth, wisdom tooth

Road to a Speedy Recovery – 5 Post Wisdom Tooth Removal Tips

Few oral procedures have a reputation as negative as the removal of wisdom teeth, but nearly 75 percent of all patients meet the criteria for needing these teeth removed. Anyone that has recently discussed the option of removing their wisdom teeth with their dentist should consider these 5 post-op tips to make the recovery as smooth and pain-free as possible.

 

1. Set Aside a Period of Mandatory Rest

The single most important step in this process is to set aside a specific window in which rest and recovery is the number one priority. If the procedure takes place earlier in the day, that entire day should be set aside for rest and the next day should involve little in the way of movement if possible. For at least one week, all rigorous activities such as sports and exercise should be avoided completely.

 

2. Create a Meal and Snack Plan

Those that are preparing for any tooth extraction should consider their meals and snacks at least a week beforehand and have the correct foods ready in order to promote a healthy recovery. Hot, spicy, hard, and chewy foods should be avoided at all costs as they can cause irritation, pain, or open up the wound. Only soft and semi-soft foods such as yogurt, soup, and applesauce should be consumed for the first few days.

 

3. Avoid Alcohol and Tobacco

The use of any tobacco products and the consumption of alcohol should be avoided completely for 48 hours, but it is best to avoid these products for the entire healing process. Studies have shown that alcohol and tobacco products not only slow down the healing process, they also increase the risk of serious complications such as an infection.

 

4. Keep Sockets Clean

Patients should speak with their dentist beforehand about the use of antibacterial mouthwash immediately after the procedure. These products have been specifically designed to not irritate any open wounds while keeping the mouth health. In addition to mouthwash, making sure you’re the sockets that are left after removal stay clean and clear of food particles. The dentist will give you a special syringe to help keep them open and healing quickly. These suggestions will help patients avoid painful complications such as a dry socket or gum infection.

 

5. Take Painkillers Preventatively

Patients should never wait until they are feeling pain and discomfort to take painkillers. Whether it is over-the-counter painkillers or prescription medication, a schedule should be made beforehand. In most cases, painkillers should be taken immediately after the procedure unless otherwise instructed by the dentist. Wisdom teeth removal in Utah can be a very painful experience during the healing process so make sure to follow your prescription as abusing it can result in very serious health complications.

 

Getting your wisdom teeth removed is a procedure that the majority of us have to go through and so there is a large amount of data on the subject. Remember that you can make the most of it if you plan accordingly. If everything goes well, the area should be completely healed within about two weeks. At this point, patients can once again enjoy the benefits of a pain-free, straight, and healthy smile.

 

The post Road to a Speedy Recovery – 5 Post Wisdom Tooth Removal Tips appeared first on .

Categories: healing process, infection nbsp, pain free, post wisdom, removal tips, speedy recovery, tobacco products, wisdom teeth, wisdom tooth

10 Sexually Transmitted Infections You Need to Spot

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can really take their toll on your sexual health, but how do you know which is which? We’ve rounded up the main STIs that may threaten your wellbeing – could you spot them all if you needed to?

 

1. Chlamydia: This is a bacterial infection that affects the wellness of your genital tract. Award-winning wellness writer Hope Gillette notes, ‘Chlamydia in its early stages is often without symptoms. According to the Mayo Clinic, when symptoms do manifest they appear one to three weeks after infection and include painful urination, vaginal discharge, abdominal pain, discharge from the penis, and painful intercourse…It is transmitted primarily through vaginal intercourse though rarely it can also be transmitted through oral sex and from mother to child.’

 

2. Pubic lice: Also known as crabs, these small parasites can live in your pubic hair, armpits, eyelashes and facial hair. According to Gillette, ‘Anyone can get pubic lice, and sexual contact is not necessarily required. Contact with infested bed sheets and clothing can also spread the parasite. Pubic lice do not usually cause significant health issues though a secondary infection may occur from excessive itching of the area.’

 

3. Gonorrhea: Gillette details, ‘Symptoms generally occur around 10 days after exposure and include discharge from the vagina or penis, burning sensation while urinating, swollen testicles, abnormal menstrual bleeding, anal itching, and painful bowel movements. Symptoms are more common in men than in women.’

 

4. Herpes: ‘It is possible for someone with oral herpes to give a partner genital herpes through oral sex (and vice versa),’ Gillette warns. ‘Although most of the time genital herpes is caused by HSV-2 after anal or vaginal sex. Symptoms are usually mild and can go unrecognized; approximately 90% of people with herpes do not know they have the virus. The most common symptom is the appearance of small sores in the genital area.’

 

5. Hepatitis: Gillette explains, ‘Each hepatitis virus spreads in different manners; however, all forms can be spread through sexual contact…All forms of hepatitis damage the liver, and while many cases offer no major health complications, some can lead to liver failure and death. Symptoms vary and can manifest as innocently as fatigue or progress to serious illness and mental confusion.’

 

6. HIV/AIDS: ‘HIV, the human immunodeficiency virus, is the virus that causes AIDS,’ Gillette comments. ‘This STD can be transmitted through contact with infected blood, sexual secretions and breast milk. Many people do not know they are infected with HIV, as the vast majority only experience mild flu-like symptoms approximately two weeks after infection.’

 

7. HPV: ‘The human papilloma virus (HPV) is one of the STDs that can cause serious negative health effects down the road,’ says Gillette. ‘It is the leading cause of cervical cancer for women and the virus responsible for genital warts…HPV is spread through skin-to-skin contact, not just through contact with sexual organs or secretions. In some people, HPV never presents symptoms, and those people can go on to infect others unknowingly.’

 

8. Syphilis: Gillette points out, ‘Syphilis is curable, though if left untreated it can cause severe organ damage over time…Symptoms of syphilis vary depending on the stage of infection but include a single sore, a rash of the palms of the hands or on the feet, or white sores around the mouth or genital area.’

 

9. Trichomoniasis: ‘Most men with trich remain asymptomatic, but women can experience painful urination, strong vaginal odor, discharge from the vagina, pain during sex, and itching or irritation of the genital area,’ Gillette asserts. ‘Trich can cause low birth weight in babies and can also make an individual more susceptible to HIV infection.’

 

10. Molluscum contagiosum: Gillette details, ‘It is a benign infection and usually resolves on its own, but symptoms include skin lesions in the genital and rectal area which last from two weeks to four years.’

Categories: area nbsp, genital area, gillette details, Herpes, HIV, infection nbsp, oral sex, painful urination, Pubic Lice, sexual contact, sexually transmitted infections, transmitted infections

10 Sexually Transmitted Infections You Need to Spot

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can really take their toll on your sexual health, but how do you know which is which? We’ve rounded up the main STIs that may threaten your wellbeing – could you spot them all if you needed to?

 

1. Chlamydia: This is a bacterial infection that affects the wellness of your genital tract. Award-winning wellness writer Hope Gillette notes, ‘Chlamydia in its early stages is often without symptoms. According to the Mayo Clinic, when symptoms do manifest they appear one to three weeks after infection and include painful urination, vaginal discharge, abdominal pain, discharge from the penis, and painful intercourse…It is transmitted primarily through vaginal intercourse though rarely it can also be transmitted through oral sex and from mother to child.’

 

2. Pubic lice: Also known as crabs, these small parasites can live in your pubic hair, armpits, eyelashes and facial hair. According to Gillette, ‘Anyone can get pubic lice, and sexual contact is not necessarily required. Contact with infested bed sheets and clothing can also spread the parasite. Pubic lice do not usually cause significant health issues though a secondary infection may occur from excessive itching of the area.’

 

3. Gonorrhea: Gillette details, ‘Symptoms generally occur around 10 days after exposure and include discharge from the vagina or penis, burning sensation while urinating, swollen testicles, abnormal menstrual bleeding, anal itching, and painful bowel movements. Symptoms are more common in men than in women.’

 

4. Herpes: ‘It is possible for someone with oral herpes to give a partner genital herpes through oral sex (and vice versa),’ Gillette warns. ‘Although most of the time genital herpes is caused by HSV-2 after anal or vaginal sex. Symptoms are usually mild and can go unrecognized; approximately 90% of people with herpes do not know they have the virus. The most common symptom is the appearance of small sores in the genital area.’

 

5. Hepatitis: Gillette explains, ‘Each hepatitis virus spreads in different manners; however, all forms can be spread through sexual contact…All forms of hepatitis damage the liver, and while many cases offer no major health complications, some can lead to liver failure and death. Symptoms vary and can manifest as innocently as fatigue or progress to serious illness and mental confusion.’

 

6. HIV/AIDS: ‘HIV, the human immunodeficiency virus, is the virus that causes AIDS,’ Gillette comments. ‘This STD can be transmitted through contact with infected blood, sexual secretions and breast milk. Many people do not know they are infected with HIV, as the vast majority only experience mild flu-like symptoms approximately two weeks after infection.’

 

7. HPV: ‘The human papilloma virus (HPV) is one of the STDs that can cause serious negative health effects down the road,’ says Gillette. ‘It is the leading cause of cervical cancer for women and the virus responsible for genital warts…HPV is spread through skin-to-skin contact, not just through contact with sexual organs or secretions. In some people, HPV never presents symptoms, and those people can go on to infect others unknowingly.’

 

8. Syphilis: Gillette points out, ‘Syphilis is curable, though if left untreated it can cause severe organ damage over time…Symptoms of syphilis vary depending on the stage of infection but include a single sore, a rash of the palms of the hands or on the feet, or white sores around the mouth or genital area.’

 

9. Trichomoniasis: ‘Most men with trich remain asymptomatic, but women can experience painful urination, strong vaginal odor, discharge from the vagina, pain during sex, and itching or irritation of the genital area,’ Gillette asserts. ‘Trich can cause low birth weight in babies and can also make an individual more susceptible to HIV infection.’

 

10. Molluscum contagiosum: Gillette details, ‘It is a benign infection and usually resolves on its own, but symptoms include skin lesions in the genital and rectal area which last from two weeks to four years.’

Categories: area nbsp, genital area, gillette details, Herpes, HIV, infection nbsp, oral sex, painful urination, Pubic Lice, sexual contact, sexually transmitted infections, transmitted infections

Six Natural Remedies for Fighting Urinary Tract Infections

Of all the reasons you might visit a doctor, urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the second most common each year. While UTI can affect male wellness, they’re far more known for impacting your sexual health as a woman. More than eight million women go to the GP for UTI treatment every year, and 20% of these women will find that a UTI affects their wellbeing a second time. When that rolls around, these women will know it instantly, as you never forget the symptoms of a UTI: First you suddenly and frequently feel the need to use the toilet, and then you find you can squeeze out only a little bit of urine. This would only be annoying, if not for the burning sensation in your bladder and/or urethra that accompanies this lack of urination. Extreme cases can even lead to fever, chills, back pain, and blood in your urine. However, the good news is that you can try a number of home remedies to prevent or treat a UTI.

 

1. Baking Soda: If your UTI lasts for longer than two days, you need to get medical attention. If left untreated, a UTI can infect your kidneys and turn into a much more serious problem. However, before you let it get to that point, you can ease your infection – or nip it in the bud – by adding a teaspoon of baking soda to a glass of water. The baking soda works to neutralise the acidity in your urine which, in turn, speeds along your recovery.

 

2. Cranberry Juice: Cranberries have special properties for fighting UTIs, with many studies demonstrating that drinking cranberry juice helps to prevent the infections. UTIs are caused by bacteria that bed down in your bladder, but cranberry juice prevents this from happening, and also has a very mild antibiotic affect. To keep your bladder infection-free generally, you only need drink as little as four ounces of cranberry juice a day. However, if you already have a UTI, or tend to get them on and off, you should aim to drink at least two to four glasses a day. That said, cranberry juice is not a replacement for doctor-prescribed antibiotics in treating your infection.

 

3. Blueberries: The bacteria-inhibiting properties in cranberries are also found in blueberries. It’s easy to add more blueberries to your diet – just sprinkle a handful over your cereal in the morning, and let the flavourful, good-for-you berries do the rest!

 

4. Pineapples: An enzyme found in pineapples, known as bromelain, has been shown to be a key ingredient in fighting UTIs. In one study, researchers gave UTI sufferers bromelain alongside their usual round of antibiotics, and this got rid of their infection.

 

5. Water: It sounds simple, but drinking plenty of water is a key preventative measure for most conditions, including UTIs. If you tend to get urinary tract infections, you should aim to drink about eight eight-ounce glasses of water every day, so that you urinate at least every four to five hours. Drinking buckets of water can help you fight off any UTIs you may currently have, so try to drink a full eight ounces of water every hour. This will help flush out bacteria by making you go to the toilet more frequently. Another way water can help when you have a UTI is to use it in a hot water bottle. Putting the water bottle on your lower abdomen can help to ease any pain caused by the infection.

 

6. Vitamin C: For patients who develop recurrent urinary tract infections, some doctors prescribe at least 5,000 mg or more of vitamin C a day. This is because vitamin C acidifies the urine.

Categories: baking soda, blueberries, cranberry juice, fighting utis, infection nbsp, infections utis, tract infections, urinary tract, urinary tract infection (UTI), vitamin c, Water

Winter Wars: How to Battle that Irritating Sore Throat

Not only does a sore throat affect your wellness all by itself, but it can indicate other health concerns such as a cold, a side effect of strained vocal cords, or something more serious (like strep throat). However, there are plenty of home remedies and over-the-counter meds that can help you to look after your wellbeing when soreness strikes:

 

1. Anti-inflammatories: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are available over-the-counter and you’ve probably already got some in your medicine cabinet. According to Jeffrey Linder, MD, an internist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, in Boston, NSAIDs such as Advil or Aleve ‘are combination pain relievers and anti-inflammatories, so they’ll make you feel better and they’ll also reduce some of the swelling associated with a sore throat. If you have a fever that’s also contributing to your symptoms, they can help reduce that as well.’

 

2. Fluids: Dr. Linder explains, ‘Staying hydrated is very important, especially when you’re sick and your throat is irritated or inflamed. You should be drinking enough fluid so that your urine is light yellow or clear. This keeps your mucous membranes moist and better able to combat bacteria and irritants like allergens, and makes your body better able to fight back against other cold symptoms.’ If you get tired of drinking water – although it is a classic choice – you can try a warm cup of herbal tea for immediate, soothing relief. Aside from the fact that they tick the “fluids” box, non-herbal teas—whether they’re made with black, green, or white leaves—contain antioxidants that are thought to strengthen immunity and ward off infection.

 

3. Chicken soup: As well as being a much-needed fluid, chicken soup has bonus properties that help in dealing with a sore throat. Dr. Linder comments, ‘The sodium in the broth may actually have anti-inflammatory properties, and it can feel good going down.’ This is especially important, as eating can be painful or difficult when your throat is sore or swollen, and so having a liquid lunch (not that kind) will help to ensure you’re getting the nutrients you need to fight off your infection.

 

4. Marshmallows: This tip is a little lacking in hard evidence, but people have been using the sap from marshmallows for centuries – usually in tea form – to treat their coughs, colds and sore throats. When it comes to the modern-day varieties you put on a stick around a campfire, anecdotal reports assert that marshmallows still ease throat soreness, possibly due to the fact that they contain gelatin, and this coats and soothes your throat. Dr. Linder comments, ‘It’s not the wackiest thing in the world. If your throat is really swollen and it really hurts to swallow anything, I can see how something slippery and sweet like marshmallows might provide some relief.’

 

5. Rest: While this isn’t the speediest solution on this list, rest is probably the best thing for your throat, as it helps you fight the infection that’s actually causing the soreness. Dr. Linder notes, ‘The vast majority of sore throats are caused by cold viruses, and we know that there’s very little we can do to cure a cold once we’ve got it. Making sure your body is well rested will at least help it fight off the virus so you can get better sooner.’

 

6. Saltwater gargle: A lot of research suggests that gargling with warm salt water several times a day can help to reduce swelling in your throat and loosen mucus. This, in turn, helps to flush out irritants and bacteria. While doctors recommend dissolving half a teaspoon of salt in one cup of water, you can always add a bit of honey if the salty taste is too unpleasant – just remember to spit the water out after gargling!

Categories: anti inflammatories, anti-inflammatory, chicken soup, dr linder, infection nbsp, linder comments, Marshmallows, Saltwater Gargle, sore throat, sore throats, throat dr