Elkins Dental - March 2020

LEAVES OF 3, LEAVE THEM BE

What Do You Know About Poison Ivy? The days are getting longer, the

YOU CANNOT BECOME IMMUNETO POISON IVY. Urushiol oil triggers an allergic reaction in 85% of people, leading to the ensuing rash. Some people believe regular exposure to poison ivy can help develop an immunity to urushiol oil, but this isn’t the case. In fact, it’s just the opposite. About 15% of the population isn’t allergic to poison ivy, but the allergy can develop over time.The more you’re exposed to poison ivy, the worse your outbreak can become. IF YOUTOUCH POISON IVY, DO NOT POUR URINE ON YOUR SKINTO PREVENTTHE RASH. Urine, vinegar, dirt, bleach, and even gasoline are common “treatments” for preventing or curing a poison ivy rash. None of these are effective, and some can really hurt you. If you’ve been exposed to poison ivy, your best course of action is to wash your skin with soap and water. Cleaning off the urushiol oil within 20 minutes of exposure can greatly decrease your odds of developing a rash. When all is said and done, the best way to treat poison ivy is to avoid it altogether.The next time you’re exploring the great outdoors, just remember: Leaves of three, leave them be.

temperature is rising, and the great outdoors are calling your name. It’s time to start planning your summer adventures! Just remember to watch out for the enemy of all outdoor enthusiasts: poison ivy. Found in every state except Hawaii and Alaska, poison ivy — or more accurately, the rash-causing urushiol oil on its leaves — can quickly ruin a trip. Before you head out on your next outdoor adventure, make sure you get your facts straight. THE POISON IVY RASH IS NOT CONTAGIOUS. Many people believe the poison ivy rash can spread if the blisters pop, but the only thing that can cause the rash is urushiol oil.This is why it’s so important to clean your skin and wash your clothes as soon as possible. Urushiol oil can spread onto objects like doors or chairs, and you don’t have to touch poison ivy to have a reaction to urushiol oil.

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Kalie & Amber

How Do I Get Rid of Bad Breath?

Another cause of bad breath is dry mouth. Saliva naturally helps break down food, but if you don’t have enough of it, then your body can’t break down the food particles as well, and that can lead to bad breath. Some medications can cause dry mouth too. We can recommend a few rinses for this, and you can find many useful products online. If you’re experiencing bad breath, combat it by first being really consistent with brushing and flossing. Good oral hygiene is key to combating bad breath. It’s important to always make sure you’re rinsing your mouth with water after you eat. If you can brush your teeth after every meal, that’s even better. The idea is to get rid of any food left in your mouth. See your dentist twice a year so that they can remove plaque buildup and do a deeper cleaning if necessary. Getting your teeth cleaned helps remove the plaque buildup that causes bad breath. If you have gum disease, then you might consider using a Waterpik to remove any food particles between cleanings.

Today, we’re getting up close and personal with something that many people experience: halitosis, or bad breath. For anyone experiencing it, it’s not very fun. Luckily, we know many of the common causes and can offer simple ways to get rid of bad breath.

First off, let’s talk about why bad breath happens. One of the most common causes is leftover food in the mouth that begins to collect bacteria.

Halitosis can also be a symptom of gum disease.The bacteria can cause a bad taste in the mouth and may be a warning sign of gum disease. Because of the deeper pockets in the gums associated with periodontal disease, it can be harder to clean your teeth.This makes it all the more important that you come in for your regular cleanings. Tobacco products and smoking will also contribute to bad breath, and these habits are connected to gum disease as well.

-Kalie and Caryn –Kalie & Amber

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