2Ways to Fight Bacteria
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Our world is becoming increasingly antibacterial with practically
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every office, medical facility, and school being equipped with dozens of containers of hand sanitizer and sanitizing wipes. While these products claim to be 99.9 percent effective at killing bacteria, the harsh chemicals dry out our skin, and over time, bacteria become more and more resistant to these agents. Doctors, too, are blamed for overprescribing antibiotics. As a result, we’re hearing more and more about “superbugs” — strains of harmful bacteria that cause severe illness and are not easily remedied by antibiotics. But you can still protect yourself and your family against illness- causing bacteria without resorting to harsh chemicals and medications. The answer is to go all-natural! Here are two options that are completely natural yet totally effective against the microorganisms that make us sick. RawHoney Most honey you find at the store has been pasteurized and filtered, rendering it far less effective when it comes to its antibacterial properties. On the other hand, raw, unfiltered honey is an incredible antiseptic. Even better than your average raw honey is manuka honey, which comes from New Zealand. Its antibacterial properties are potent enough that hospitals around the world keep it on hand to treat certain kinds of infections and burns.
does the honey help prevent
infection but it can also help reduce healing time. Raw honey can also help alleviate internal infections, such as peptic ulcers caused by Helicobacter pylori . Manuka honey is particularly great for this — just add some to hot tea or water and drink! Oregano A study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences took a look at the effectiveness of oregano against bacteria. It turns out certain compounds in oregano — carvacrol and thymol — make it a strong antibacterial and antifungal agent. The study found that oregano was effective against salmonella as well as other harmful microorganisms and fungi that make people sick. As an antibacterial, oregano is most useful as an essential oil. In this form, it’s highly potent, meaning you only need a drop or two in a glass of water for it to have an effect. You can drink it, or you can infuse a couple of drops into some coconut oil and apply to your skin. However, be warned that because it is potent, it should not be used on a regular, ongoing basis. Use only when needed and only for a few days at a time — and never use it undiluted!
If you get a cut, applying raw honey to the wound can keep out harmful, infection-causing bacteria while killing any existing bacteria. Not only
conditions can also bring up a litany of other issues that may impact your breath.
We’ve all been there. That garlic-laced dinner or the sandwich that was heavy on the onions left your mouth with a yucky stench, and you’re now paranoid that someone will notice the noxious fumes you’re producing. Bad breath is common, and it can be mitigated with proper dental hygiene. But sometimes, that foul odor may be a signal that something else is at play, other than just poor meal-making decisions. On a surface level, bad breath can stem from a variety of common dental problems. Poor dental hygiene, such as not flossing, brushing, rinsing, or adhering to regular dental appointments, can leave your mouth covered in plaque, bacteria, and food. Particles from food can become lodged between your teeth or your oral appliances too. These are prime conditions for bad breath. Additionally, bad breath could be a sign that your mouth is battling gum disease, cavities, mouth sores, tooth decay, or infections from oral surgery. Patients who are living with chronic dry mouth may also struggle with a bad stench, because their mouth is lacking the necessary amount of saliva it needs to stay clean. These
These dental diseases and the bad breath they can create could be a sign that something more significant is going on in your body. Conditions like cancer, chronic reflux, diabetes, pneumonia, and liver and kidney problems can stir up chemicals in your body that result in the bad breath wafting from your mouth. The medications you take for these conditions or other chronic diseases could also stir up some strange smells from your stomach, which can come out of your mouth. Other times, chance encounters with other sources are causing your breath to reek. Smokers or avid tobacco users may face chronic bad breath, along with other health conditions that can also stir up a horrible stench. If you believe your bad breath is much more than just a garlicky dinner, see how our dental experts at Clarence Street Dental can help. Schedule an appointment or learn more by visiting ClarenceStreetDental.com or call 855.973.1113.
Beyond the Garlic WHAT DOES BAD BREATH MEAN?
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