Michael Petrillo DMD - March/April 2020

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There is also a lot written about coenzyme Q10. It relates to properties in controlling inflammation. If you have red, puffy, inflamed, or bleeding gums, call us for an appointment because that’s not normal. But coenzyme Q10 at 50–100 milligrams, along with other therapies in tandem, may help. It can cause insomnia if taken close to bedtime, so

you figure out what is best to eat, you must also consider what you drink. Stay away from sugary drinks and stick with filtered water, which is the healthiest choice. Limit your snacks and choose them wisely. Good snacks include vegetables, bean dips, bits of cheese, and fruit. Foods that are eaten as part of a meal cause less harm than lots of snacks throughout the day because more saliva is released during a meal and washes out the food from the mouth, lessening the effects of acids that harm teeth and cause cavities.

There are basically seven vitamins and minerals your teeth need: calcium, vitamin D, potassium, phosphorus, and vitamins K, C, and A. Many of these work synergistically, like how vitamin D helps calcium uptake. Vitamin C can strengthen the gums and soft tissue and protect against gingivitis, the first stage of gum disease. Many people take a daily dose to prevent colds and amp up vitamin C before air travel. Vitamin A helps prevent dry mouth.

It’s easier than ever to maintain optimum dental health in our current generation. I hope this information helped you.

the best time to take it is morning or afternoon. It can also interact with common medications, such as blood thinners, antidepressants, and chemotherapy drugs, so it is best to check with your doctors. If you’re looking to reduce cavities, research what foods are best at ChooseMyPlate.gov. It has an interesting app that you can download. Once

Dr. Mike Petrillo

LEARN TO BREATHE BETTER Holistic Methods for Taming Seasonal Allergies

The season of sniffles and sneezes is upon us, but you don’t have to let your allergies stop you from enjoying gorgeous blooms and fresh spring breezes. Try these natural solutions to help combat your allergies and breathe a little easier this spring — though if your allergies are persistent, seek professional medical help. Eat Them Away Food is often overlooked as a method to fight your allergies, but make no mistake: The nutrients in some foods can do wonders for your body! Use this to your advantage by choosing ingredients proven to fight the sniffles. Raw, local honey has the ability to soothe scratchy throats, which protects the airway passage from further damage. ( Warning : Children under the age of 1 should never consume honey.) Also on the sweeter side, the naturally occurring enzyme in pineapple, bromelain, has been shown to ease inflammation and swelling, while quercetin, found in tea, red wine, and apples, can act as a natural antihistamine. If you’re looking for something more savory, spicy foods can light a fire under your mucus, break it up, and clear your nasal passages.

Poke Them Away Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese treatment method that pinpoints specific pathways crucial to the flow of energy throughout the body and reopens them through strategic needle placements. While studies have yet to prove that acupuncture can serve as a stand-alone treatment for allergies, it has been shown to aid in symptom management. Acupuncture can also decrease pain and release built-up pressure caused by congestion. Drain Them Away Have you ever just wanted to open your nose and flush out all of your congestion? With a neti pot, you can! Simply create your own saltwater solution with filtered water — do not try this with unfiltered water, as deadly organisms can enter your body this way — and 1 teaspoon of salt. Some experts even suggest adding a pinch of baking soda to the mixture to soothe the bite of the salt. Next, pour the solution into the pot. Tilt your head to one side over a sink, pour the mixture from the pot into one of your nostrils, and let it drain out the other side. Repeat on the opposite nostril and feel the relief!

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