What Is Oil Pulling, And Can It Benefit Your Dental Health?

Oil pulling is an ancient home remedy that’s purported to significantly improve dental health in a variety of ways. It involves swishing about a tablespoon of oil around your mouth for 15 to 20 minutes, similarly to the way a person would use mouthwash. Most types of oil can be used for oil pulling, but extra virgin coconut oil is used most often.

Some of the commonly-claimed benefits of oil pulling have at least some scientific evidence to support them. These include:

Reducing bacteria in the mouth: Two studies (one for adults and one for children) examining the effects of oil pulling on bacteria in the mouth have found that this practice can be effective for significantly reducing Streptococcus mutans, one of the key bacteria that causes plaque buildup and tooth decay.

Improving bad breath: Some research has also demonstrated that oil pulling can be an effective treatment for bad breath. This benefit is believed to derive from the effectiveness of oil pulling when it comes to eliminating bacteria in the mouth; bad breath is often caused by chemicals and gases produced by these bacteria.

Treating gingivitis: The effectiveness of oil pulling for eliminating oral bacteria can also help with reducing inflammation of the gums (also known as gingivitis). Gingivitis often occurs as a result of the body’s immune system attacking these bacteria.

On the other hand, some of the other supposed benefits of oil pulling do not have any supporting scientific evidence. One common claim, for example, is that oil pulling can draw toxins from the blood; another is that it can whiten your teeth. At this time, no research so far has confirmed either of these claims.

If you’re experiencing dental health problems such as bad breath or gingivitis, it’s important for you to visit a dentist to ensure that you’re receiving the most effective treatment possible. To schedule an appointment at Flushing Hospital Medical Center’s Department of Dental Medicine, please call (718) 670-5521.

 

 

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

How can using a humidifier affect your health ?

A humidifier works by adding moisture to the air, especially in cold weather when the air indoors tends to be dry. One of the benefits of having a humidifier is that when used properly they can lessen the risk of colds and flu germs. This is due to the fact that viruses tend to spread more easily in air that is dry, which is more common in cold weather.

Other benefits of having a humidifier include relieving:
• dry skin
• dry throat
• chapped lips
• irritation of the nasal passages
• nose bleeds
• headaches
• sinus problems

The proper room humidity level is between 30 and 50 percent. This is important because too much humidity can cause respiratory problems, mold and mildew to grow, and allow the growth of dust mites.

There are risks of using a humidifier if not used properly. Burns can occur if a person comes in contact with the steam. If the water tank isn’t cleaned properly, bacteria can grow and spread throughout the home.

Speak to your doctor about using a humidifier in your home. You can also schedule an appointment with a doctor at Flushing Hospital Medical Center by calling 718-670-5486 if you would like to discuss ways to keep healthy during the winter months.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Dark Chocolate and Other Home Remedies for Colds

chocolate-99508567Having a coughing fit?  A piece of dark chocolate may calm your cough. In research conducted by London’s Imperial College, it was found that theobromine, an alkaloid found in cocoa, suppresses coughs. According to WebMD, “Researchers say theobromine appears to calm coughs by suppressing the vagal nerve activity.” In other words, the ingredient helps to protect the nerve endings in your throat which triggers your urge to cough.

In addition to eating dark chocolate in moderation, here are a few more home remedies that can help to quiet your cough:

  • Honey
  • Lemon
  • Sipping warm liquids such as soup, tea or warm apple juice
  • Hydration-drinking plenty of water
  • Saline rinses
  • Ginger (ginger tea recipe https://www.flushinghospital.org/)

It is recommended that you speak with your doctor before trying these remedies, as each person’s case and medical condition is unique.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.

Home Remedies for Foot Odor

feet -450795759The medical term for foot odor is bromodosis.  The main cause for this common condition is excessive perspiration. Sweaty feet create the perfect environment for odor-causing bacteria to develop.  Additional causes for foot odor may include stress, medication, hormonal changes, alcohol and drug use, fungal infections or poor hygiene.

Foot odor can be embarrassing and can affect anyone; however, there are simple and inexpensive remedies that can be used at home to help eliminate the smell.  Here are a few:

  • Wash your feet twice a  day with antibacterial soap
  • After a bath, use a cotton swab to dab between the toes with rubbing alcohol
  • Soak your feet in salt water or baking soda
  • Bathe  your feet in vinegar
  • Clean and scrub feet with a pumice stone
  • Sprinkle corn starch into your socks
  • Wear fresh socks and change them regularly (moisture absorbing socks are best)
  • Change your shoes regularly to allow them to dry and air properly. Podiatrist recommend that you do not wear the same shoes for two consecutive days

If an odor persists after trying these remedies, it is recommended that you see a podiatrist.   There are several courses of treatment your doctor may recommend. Depending on the severity of your case, prescription–strength products, the use of electrical devices to eliminate perspiration or a surgical procedure that helps to control sweating are a few of the options your podiatrist may explore.

All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.