HAND-WASHING VS. DISHWASHER
We’ve all walked into our kitchens, looked at the dishes stacked high in the sink, and asked, “Is it better to throw those in the dishwasher or wash them by hand?” The dishwasher would certainly save you some time, but many people believe that washing dishes by hand uses less water and electricity. In reality, however, washing your dishes by hand is one of the worst things you can do for both the planet and your wallet. Dishwashers use less water than washing by hand. A study conducted in Europe found that individuals who wash dishes by hand tend to use 27 gallons of water to clean just 12 place settings. Meanwhile, modern dishwashers only use 6 gallons of water, and Energy Star appliances use as little as 4 gallons during their wash cycle. The Environmental Protection Agency determined that using a dishwasher instead of washing by hand can save 5,000 gallons of water and $40 in utility costs a year. It’s not just about water! Unless you have incredibly thick dishwashing gloves, you can’t properly clean your dishes by hand. Dishwashers heat water to around 145 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure your dishes are disinfected. Even if the water from your sink could get that hot, you wouldn’t want to stick your hand in it.
Which brings us to the science experiment that is your kitchen sponge. Dr. Philip Tierno, a clinical professor in the microbiology and pathology departments at NYU Langone, determined that your kitchen sponge is the single dirtiest item in your house. Soap and water aren’t enough to sanitize your sponge, which is left damp next to your sink after each use. Have you ever noticed that stagnant sponge smell? That’s bacteria growing. And when you wash your dishes by hand, you rub that bacteria all over your plates and silverware. Yum. If you have just a single plate or cup, you obviously don’t want to run them through the dishwasher alone; that would be incredibly wasteful. But the drawbacks of washing by hand are too great to ignore. The best option is to wait until your dishwasher is full, then start up the washing cycle. All your dishes will be clean and disinfected, and you’ll use less water in the process.
KARA’S CORNER
The Importance of Early Detection
While everyone should be screened for oral cancer at least once per year, there are certain groups that are at an elevated risk for developing the disease. The biggest risk factors are smoking and the use of smokeless tobacco. Excessive alcohol consumption, sun exposure, and human papillomavirus (HPV) also increase a patient’s likelihood of developing oral cancer. It’s more common in males than females, and a higher incidence rate occurs in those above age 50. An expert may be required for a diagnosis, but you can do a basic screening at home. To start, examine the sides and underside of your tongue for any patches or discoloration. From there, move to your lips and the inside of your cheeks, feeling for any bumps and looking for any red or white patches. Do the same for the floor of your mouth and your soft palate. It’s also worth checking for swollen lymph nodes, but remember that those can signify any number of problems, not just oral cancer. The presence of symptoms is not a surefire sign of oral cancer. Our mouths are complicated, and it’s important to make sure that you verify any cause for concern with a professional. At Eagle Dental Care, we are happy to offer oral cancer screenings in between regularly scheduled visits. If you feel you could benefit from a screening, give us a call today.
April was Oral Cancer Awareness Month, which got me thinking about how important oral cancer screenings are as part of your regular dental hygiene routine. We perform screenings during every cleaning and exam. It’s particularly important because many oral cancers don’t have dramatic symptoms in their early stages. Early detection also significantly increases the survival rate of oral cancer patients.
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