FOR YOUR HEALTH: Allergy avoidance

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Allergy season doesn’t have to mean misery if you heed a few hints for your home.

(NAPSI) — Ah, Spring: Flowers in bloom, birds on the wing, fun in the sun—and itchy eyes, runny noses, sneezing, coughing, hives, wheezing, fatigue, and difficulty breathing for the more than 60 million Americans the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America say suffer from asthma or allergies.

But there can be a solution.

The Problem

Even the cleanest home can harbor all sorts of indoor allergens. Unseen contaminants and air pollutants include dirt, dust, pet dander, cigarette smoke, mold, mildew, and chemicals. They get pulled into your home’s HVAC system and recirculated throughout the house several times a day.

An Answer

A few simple steps can reduce and remove allergens.

  • Pet dander: Regularly steam clean your furniture, carpets, and window coverings. De-cluttering gives dander fewer places to hide. And regularly bathing your dog or cat sends excess dander down the drain.
  • Mold and mildew: Use mold inhibitors in your paints, clean your bathroom and kitchen with mold-busting products and use a dehumidifier or air purifier.
  • Air system filtration: Change air filters monthly. Consider HEPA filters, designed to catch the tiniest particles of pollutants.
  • Schedule a professional air duct cleaning: A good way to be sure you’ll get the job done right is to hire a National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA) member through the online directory at http://nadca.com/en/prosearch/all. NADCA members have technicians on staff with advanced training and certification in HVAC system cleaning.

FOR YOUR HEALTH: Have More Healthy Moments: Get Tested and Follow Your Kidney Health

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(NAPSI)—Kidney disease is often referred to as a “silent disease” because there are usually no symptoms during its early stages. In fact, as many as 90% of Americans who have chronic kidney disease (CKD) don’t know they have the disease until it is advanced.

CKD is estimated to affect more than 1 in 7 adults in the United States. The good news is the earlier you find out you have kidney disease, the sooner you can take steps to protect your kidneys from further damage. By getting tested for CKD and following your kidney health, you may help keep your kidneys healthier for longer and give yourself more healthy moments.

Know Your Risk

Even if you feel healthy and have no symptoms, ask your doctor about getting tested for kidney disease. If you are over 60 or have any risk factors for kidney disease—such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, a history of acute kidney injury or a family history of CKD—you may be at increased risk.

Early diagnosis gives you and your health care team time to develop a plan to slow kidney disease progression. The plan can also reduce your risk for other health problems, such as heart attack and stroke. Damage from kidney disease usually cannot be reversed, but treatment can help prevent further kidney damage and allow you to live a full life.

Schedule Your Test

Testing for CKD involves two quick tests. A blood test checks how well your kidneys are filtering your blood. A urine test checks for protein in your urine, which is a sign of kidney damage. Contact your doctor’s office—or a community health center if you don’t have a regular doctor—to schedule your kidney tests and find out how your kidneys are doing. You may be nervous about getting your kidneys tested but finding and treating kidney disease early gives you the best chance of staying healthier longer.

Follow Your Kidney Health 

Keep your appointments even if you feel well. Your doctor may repeat testing each year, or more often if needed, and use the changes in your results to plan the next steps for your care. If your kidney function is stable, your care team may recommend you continue doing what you’re doing. If your kidney function seems to be getting worse, the team may suggest lifestyle or medicine changes.

Be proactive! Keep your kidneys healthy by following a kidney-healthy lifestyle.

• Manage your blood pressure and blood glucose levels.

• Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen (e.g., Advil) or naproxen (e.g., Aleve).

• Be active for at least 30 minutes each day.

• Aim for 7 to 8 hours or more of sleep each night.

• Quit smoking.

• Consult a registered dietitian to build a meal plan you can stick to.

If financial or resource challenges make it hard for you to follow your care plan—including getting to medical appointments, paying for medicines, or buying healthy food—ask your care team for help.

“For people with kidney disease, working with a health care team is key to an early diagnosis and to staying on top of their kidney health,” said National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) Director Dr. Griffin P. Rodgers. “As we continue to research new ways to prevent and treat kidney disease, there are steps people can take today to improve and maintain the health of their kidneys—and enjoy more healthy moments.”

For more information on getting tested for CKD and following your kidney health, visit the NIDDK website at www.niddk.nih.gov.

FOR YOUR HEALTH: Eye Disease Can Affect More Than Your Sight

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It’s smart to see your way clear to getting regular eye exams.

Regular vision checks can help you see your way clear to a better social life and healthier living.

(NAPSI)—Eye disease affects more than your ability to see the world clearly. People with impaired vision face an increased risk of falls, fractures, injuries, depression, anxiety, cognitive deficits and social isolation. One of the best ways to protect yourself against vision loss from eye disease is to get regular eye exams.

Ophthalmologists – physicians who specialize in medical and surgical eye care—have more tools than ever before to diagnose eye diseases earlier, and to treat them better. But these advances cannot help people whose disease is undiagnosed, or who are unaware of the seriousness of their disease.

That’s why the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends all adults receive a comprehensive eye exam by age 40, and every year or two after age 65.

Here’s how low vision can affect nearly every aspect of your life:

1. Depression and social isolation. Being unable to drive, read, enjoy hobbies or see loved ones’ faces is frightening and can lead some people to withdraw from life, leaving them feeling helpless or lonely. One study found that after being diagnosed with a vision-threatening eye disease, a person’s chance of experiencing depression triples.

2. Dementia. Several studies suggest a connection between eye disease and dementia. While the cause is unclear, it’s possible some eye diseases interfere with the brain’s sensory pathways. Early diagnosis and treatment are the best way to prevent vision loss.

3. Injuries from falls. People with decreased vision are more likely to misstep and fall. Every year, about 3 million older Americans are treated for injuries from falls, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Many of these falls are caused by low vision. Luckily there are some changes around the house people can make, such as grouping furniture together and increasing lighting. Seeing an ophthalmologist regularly and making sure your glasses are updated with your latest prescription are important safety precautions as well.

Can’t Afford an Eye Exam? EyeCare America® Can Help.

For individuals age 65 or older who are concerned about their risk of eye disease and/or the cost of an eye exam, you may be eligible for a medical eye exam, often at no out-of-pocket cost, through the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s EyeCare America® program. This public service program matches volunteer ophthalmologists with eligible patients in need of eye care across the United States. To see if you or a loved one qualifies, visit www.aao.org/eyecare-america to determine your eligibility.

FOR YOUR HEALTH: Should you get tested for seasonal allergies?

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You might think that seasonal allergies are just a spring thing. Not true. Autumn brings pollen from the ragweed plant to many parts of the U.S. And if you’re allergic to it, you may find yourself dealing with watery eyes, a runny or stuffy nose and an itchy throat.

Ragweed pollen levels typically peak in mid-September. But depending on where you live, they can hang around until November, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.

Here’s what you need to know about the symptoms and treatment of ragweed allergies — and when you should see your doctor.

What causes seasonal allergies?

“Seasonal allergies occur when the body’s immune system overreacts to something in the environment, such as pollen,” explains Morris Nejat, MD. Dr. Nejat is the chief medical officer at NY Allergy & Sinus Centers in New York City.

Many times throughout the year, certain plants release pollen. Tree pollen causes problems in the spring, and grass pollen is common in the summer. When fall comes, ragweed pollen takes over.

Seasonal allergies affect as many as 60 million people in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Learn why the allergy season is getting longer.)

As pollen travels through the air, it can make its way into your eyes, nose and lungs. Your body may act as if it’s under attack and release a chemical called histamine into your blood. This causes symptoms such as:

  • Runny nose
  • Red, watery eyes
  • Itchy eyes, nose, throat and skin
  • Sneezing, coughing and wheezing
  • Sinus pressure
  • Tiredness

When do you need to get tested for seasonal allergies?

If you think you have seasonal allergies, talk to your primary care doctor. Finding out the cause of your symptoms helps your doctor decide which medications to give you. They will discuss your symptoms and medical history. Your doctor may also refer you to an allergist for testing, if necessary.

“You should get tested for seasonal allergies if you have symptoms that last more than 3 months or if you have chronic sinus infections, nasal congestion or difficulty breathing,” says Dr. Nejat.

A skin prick or scratch test can confirm your allergy, says the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. The doctor will place a drop of an allergen (such as ragweed) onto your skin, usually on the forearm. Then they will lightly prick or scratch your skin. You probably won’t find the test painful, but you may have a little discomfort. If your skin gets a red, raised bump, it means you’ve had an allergic reaction.

How to relieve symptoms

Taking an over-the-counter medicine can help relieve your symptoms. Your doctor might recommend:

  • Corticosteroid nasal spray. These medications reduce nasal inflammation. Examples include budesonide (Rhinocort®) and fluticasone propionate (Flonase®).
  • Antihistamines. These medications block the release of histamines, a chemical your body releases during an allergic reaction. Some examples are Loratadine (Claritin®) and cetirizine (Zyrtec®). (Here’s the difference between Claritin and Zyrtec.)
  • Decongestants. Oral decongestants such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed®) relieve sinus congestion. Oxymetazoline (Afrin®) is a decongestant nasal spray.

“Oftentimes, the same medication comes in both over-the-counter and prescription versions,” says Dr. Nejat. The allergist will be able to decide which medicines are best for you.

You can also try a saline nasal rinse to reduce congestion. Eye drops can calm itchy, red and watery eyes.

No matter what regimen you’re on, always follow the medication’s instructions. For example, decongestant nasal sprays shouldn’t be used for more than 3 days in a row (unless your doctor says otherwise).

Other tips that can help you manage fall allergies

Don’t let allergies keep you from having fun this fall. Making small changes to your daily routine can help you get ahead of ragweed pollen.

  • Track the pollen count. You can check pollen counts in your area using the map provided by the National Allergy Bureau.
  • Avoid outdoor chores. When the pollen count is really high, steer clear of yard work such as gardening or mowing the lawn. If you do outdoor chores, wear a face mask, says the Mayo Clinic.
  • Close the windows. That goes for the doors in your house, too.
  • Remove pollen. Change your clothes when you come into your house from the outdoors. Take a shower, and toss the clothing in the laundry to wash away the pollen.
  • Breathe clean air. Use air conditioners in your house and car. Consider buying high-efficiency filters. And use dehumidifiers to keep the air dry and breathable.

FOR YOUR HEALTH: Better Indoor Air Quality

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You and your family can breathe easier this season if your air ducts are professionally cleaned.

(NAPSI)—If your family is like most, you spend more time inside when it’s cold and dark outside. On the one hand, that can make this a great time for enjoying baking, reading, board games, movies, and so on together. On the other hand, you’re also all breathing in what could be poor-quality indoor air. 

According to the EPA, that can aggravate asthma and increase the risk of respiratory problems, cancer and heart disease. 

You can know it’s time to get your ducts cleaned when you’re dusting more often, the return air grills get covered in film or there are odd odors in the house.

What To Do

Fortunately, five simple steps can improve your indoor air:

1. Change air filters monthly. They trap pollutants such as pet dander, dust mites, and tobacco smoke. 

2. Dust with a damp microfiber cloth and vacuum regularly.

3. Increase ventilation. Weather permitting, open a window to let fresh air in and stale air out. 

4. Get a humidifier. Winter air can be very dry and that can be uncomfortable. Humidifiers increase moisture in the air and reduce static electricity. 

5. Schedule air duct cleaning. Contaminants get pulled into the HVAC system where they can be a problem for people with respiratory conditions, auto-immune disorders, asthma or allergies. In addition, those contaminants cause the system to work harder, which shortens the life of your furnace and air conditioner and raises your electric bills. When you’re ready to tackle those air ducts, choose a qualified contractor to ensure the job is done right.  

How To Get Help

To make that easier, you can learn more and find a National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA)-certified air duct cleaning professional at www.BreathingClean.com.

FOR YOUR HEALTH: Many in primary care want patients to share mental health concerns

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Michele Long, CNP, reviews the results of the GeneSight test with her patient

(NAPSI)—Nurse practitioner Michele Long has been Beth’s primary care provider for years. So, when Beth started experiencing symptoms of depression, she scheduled an appointment with Michele. 

It was the right decision. According to Beth, “Michele made me feel very comfortable talking to her about my mental health.”

Talking about mental health with primary care providers is something doctors and nurse practitioners want more people to do. According to the GeneSight Mental Health Monitor national survey from Myriad Genetics, more than 83 percent of primary care providers (PCPs) wish more of their patients would tell them about their mental health concerns. 

Yet, more than half of surveyed clinicians don’t think patients are aware that PCPs and nurse practitioners are fully trained to diagnose and treat mental health conditions. 

“It would be great if patients knew that they could bring up their mental health concerns to me,” said Long. “But it is also my responsibility to complete depression and anxiety screening with them.” 

Regular mental health screenings at primary care appointments are a good first step in addressing patients’ mental health, bridging the communication gap, and accurately diagnosing those suffering with mental health conditions. However, diagnosis is just the beginning of what is often an uphill battle to find the appropriate medication and dosage to alleviate patients’ symptoms. 

One tool that may help providers is the GeneSight test, which is a genetic test that determines how your genes may affect medication outcomes. Providers get a report about which medications to treat depression, anxiety, ADHD, and other mental health conditions may require dose adjustments, be less likely to work, or have an increased risk of side effects based on a patient’s DNA. 

Long uses the GeneSight test to help reduce the medication trial-and-error process. After seeing that a prior depression medication didn’t work for Beth, Long ordered the GeneSight test and used the information to decide how to change Beth’s prescription. Today, Beth says she “feels so much better” and more like herself.

“Finding effective treatment can be a very frustrating process for patients. They often feel defeated when a medication doesn’t help them,” Long said. “GeneSight is a valuable tool that helps me find solutions for patients who have entrusted me with caring for their mental health.”

For more information about genetic testing and mental health, ask your clinician or visit genesight.com.

FOR YOUR HEALTH: Supplement Your Dental Care Routine

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You can help keep your smile shining, even when your diet isn’t adequate, by taking vitamin and mineral supplements as you need them.

(NAPSI)—Brushing and flossing are the main tricks of the trade for maintaining a healthy smile, but if you want to expand your dental health from the inside out, you may want to consider nutritional supplements.

“Most people can obtain all the necessary vitamins and minerals from a balanced diet, but for some, supplements can be helpful as nutrition deficiencies can lead to conditions such as inflammation and tooth loss if left untreated for too long,” said Kiran Malhi, DMD, a dental consultant for Delta Dental of Washington.

Six Suggestions For A Stronger Smile

In tandem with brushing, flossing and consistent trips to the dentist, these six supplements can jump start an even healthier smile:

Calcium: Calcium helps more than just your bones—it can help your teeth too. While calcium is found in dairy products, fish, vegetables and nuts, you can also take calcium as a supplement if you have roadblocks to accessing calcium-rich foods.

Phosphorus: Phosphorus aids in calcium absorption into the body, helping to strengthen teeth by protecting and rebuilding tooth enamel. Many people get enough phosphorus in their diets through meat, fish, milk and whole grains, but it is available in supplement form for those with dietary restrictions.

Vitamin A: Vitamin A helps in saliva production, which is beneficial to your overall oral health. Saliva functions in breaking down foods and cleans bacteria between teeth. The vitamin is found in orange-colored fruits and vegetables, fish and eggs. Vitamin A tablets and gummies are widely available and also keep eyes and skin healthy.

Vitamin C: Vitamin C helps your gums as well as your teeth, keeping connective tissues in the gums strong to hold teeth in place while deficiencies in vitamin C can be the cause of bleeding gums and gum disease. Chewable or liquid forms of vitamin C are erosive, however, and can cause the loss of enamel if taken in excess, though they’re safe at the recommended dosage. Vitamin C is present in many fruits and vegetables.

Vitamin D: Vitamin D protects against oral health conditions such as gingival inflammation, cavities and gum disease, as it plays a significant role in tooth mineralization. Like calcium, vitamin D can be found in fish or vitamin D-fortified foods like milk and cereal, but for convenience, it is available in supplement form.

Zinc: Zinc can eliminate cavity-causing bacteria and control demineralization. The vitamin can also help with gum diseases such as gingivitis and other common periodontal problems. A bonus is that zinc helps fight bad breath.

Learn More

For additional information about how to get and maintain a healthy smile, visit www.deltadentalwa.com/blog.

FOR YOUR HEALTH: Top 5 nutrients you need in your diet

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You’re probably not getting enough of these vitamins and minerals. Here’s how to fill your plate with power foods for your body and mind.

You try your hardest to eat a healthy diet (you really do!). That’s a smart habit, since food is the best source of most of the key nutrients your body needs. But you’re likely still missing out on some important vitamins and minerals.

“Americans don’t always eat the right foods,” says registered dietitian Bonnie Taub-Dix. She’s the author of Read It Before You Eat It: Taking You from Label to Table. “We aren’t getting enough fruits and vegetables, which are a great source of many nutrients.”

The good news: It’s not hard to make every meal a nutritional powerhouse. And it takes only a few small tweaks to your meal plan. Read on for a top-5 list of essential nutrients your body needs and the foods that will deliver them.

Nutrient you need: Potassium

Your body needs potassium for almost everything it does. Potassium supports normal blood pressure and helps your kidneys function smoothly. It also supports nerve function, helps your muscles contract and more.

Fill your grocery cart with: Potatoes, broccoli, cantaloupe, apricots, bananas, prunes, raisins and oranges.

Broccoli Cantaloupe Apricots Bananas Prunes Raisins Oranges

Nutrient you need: Calcium

This mineral is crucial for bone health, but there’s a good chance you aren’t getting enough of it, says Taub-Dix. Men need around 1,000 mg of calcium per day, and women need 1,000 to 1,200 mg. Calcium is found in dairy products such as: Cheese, yogurt, milk and calcium-fortified orange juice.

Nutrient you need: Vitamin D

Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium, so it plays a crucial role in boosting bone health. You need 15 micrograms of vitamin D per day. If you’re a milk drinker, you don’t have to think too hard about it: Cow’s milk is fortified with vitamin D. Many plant-based milk alternatives, such as almond milk and oat milk, are also fortified with D. Other good sources include: Fatty fish, such as trout, salmon, tuna and mackerel (these are the best natural sources of vitamin D), Fortified yogurt and eggs. Eggs

Nutrient you need: Magnesium

There are a lot of important reasons to get enough magnesium in your diet,” says Taub-Dix. Magnesium helps your muscles and nerves function properly, regulates blood sugar levels and blood pressure, and builds bone health. Some of the best are: Nuts, legumes, whole grains, leafy green vegetables, fortified breakfast cereal.

Nutrient you need: Iron

This mineral helps support muscle metabolism and healthy connective tissue. Your body also uses iron to produce hemoglobin. That’s a vital protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body.

Red meat is an excellent source of iron. Your body absorbs two to times times more iron from animal sources than it does from plant sources, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. But don’t stress if you’re not a meat eater: You can also get this nutrient from a variety of legumes, vegetables and fortified foods.

Good animal sources of iron are: Red meat, turkey, chicken, oysters. Some top nonanimal sources of iron include: Fortified cereal, enriched bread and pasta, beans and peas, spinach, tofu, dried fruits such as raisins, and broccoli.

FOR YOUR HEALTH: How You Can Resolve To Be Smokefree In 2023

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by Laura Corbin, Bureau Chief,
Tobacco Free Florida

(NAPSI)—The ball, the confetti and the 2022 wall calendars have all come down, and our attention turns to the annual tradition of making New Year’s resolutions. This can include health goals, such as deciding to have 2023 be the year to finally quit tobacco successfully. Most adult smokers in our state tried to do so at least once in the past year, reports the Florida Department of Health.

Quitting for good may take several attempts. With the resolution to quit, every year more and more people succeed on their own. But it may help to know some tips, and to know that you don’t have to do it alone.

Are you resolving to quit tobacco? If so…

Remember your reason.

What’s your biggest personal motivator to quit? If what keeps you going is a desire to be healthy and be there for your kids for years to come, strategically position photos of those smiling faces in the places you used to take your smoke breaks.

Maybe you’re quitting because you like the idea of putting thousands of dollars back in your pocket? Add to your wallet or purse a note keeping track of how much you’re saving every day, and set a goal to save for a specific treat, reward or trip with those savings.

Tell your friends and family about your quit date and plan.

Thank your personal network in advance for their patience and support as you start your quit journey. This might include switching up your plans to include new routines to meet up in different places from where you used to go if tobacco was part of that experience. And, of course, they can cheer you on along your path to success.

Learn about the options in the community for free help and think about which ones seem best to help you “quit your way.”

Support can be what makes this quit resolution stick. That can come in many forms. Tobacco Free Florida’s Quit Your Way program offers free Phone Quit, Group Quit and Web Quit services across the state, text-based support, a Quit Guide and more. Group Quit classes are also free, either in person in any of the 67 counties across Florida or even virtually, right from where you are.

Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) such as gum, patches or lozenges could double your chances of quitting for good, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention statistics show. Free 2-week starter kits are available when medically appropriate.

Teens should know interactive, text-based quit support is available by texting VAPEFREE to 873373 to join the state’s Live Vape Free program to help quit e-cigarettes. As a state, we are making progress against e-cigarettes: youth use of electronic vapor products has dropped each of the last five years, including going down by more than 17% last year, according to the Florida Youth Tobacco Survey. Working together, that number can continue to drop for 2023.

Make 2023 your year to be smokefree. Stay focused, share your awesome plan and get help in the way that works best for you, and you can do it. Thousands across Florida already have.

Check out TobaccoFreeFlorida.com for more tips, ideas and support.

FOR YOUR HEALTH: Holiday Halitosis: Causes and Combatants of Bad Breath

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You can avoid bad breath during holiday gatherings.

(NAPSI)—Here’s a hint to help everyone breathe easier this holiday season: Before you head out the door to your next holiday function, make sure your breath is set for close conversation by knowing the culprits of bad breath and the simple solutions that keep you safe from catching an unwelcome whiff.

 “Bad breath can be from skipping healthy oral hygiene habits or it can be indicative of a deeper issue,” said Kyle Dosch, DDS, Delta Dental of Washington’s dental director and member dentist. “Combining good habits and consistent visits to the dentist will help keep halitosis away.” 

 Why Bad Breath

There are many causes of bad breath, and even those who are diligent about their oral hygiene can suffer from it. The most common are:

•Dehydration: Not consuming enough water can lead to a decrease in saliva production, causing bacteria in the mouth to grow. 

•Dry mouth: Saliva contains antimicrobial properties that help eliminate bad breath. When this saliva is not naturally produced, it can cause your breath to smell stale.

•Lack of denture cleanliness: If you have dentures, food particles can get stuck in them, and if left overnight, they can begin to break down and cause bad breath. Consistently removing dentures at night and regularly cleaning them is important. 

•Tonsil stones: Tonsil stones develop when food and bacteria get trapped and harden in the crevices surrounding the tonsils, resulting in little white spots at the back of your tonsils and, sometimes, a foul odor. 

•Mouth, nose and throat infections: Postnasal drip, which can be caused by a cold or sinusitis, is a sign that bad breath may be close behind. The bacteria from these infections feed on mucus your body produces when it begins an immune response, leading to bad breath.

•Acid reflux: Suffering from heartburn or GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) can go hand in hand with bad breath. When food doesn’t move out of the body effectively, it can start to decay in the stomach and contribute to bad breath.

•Consuming certain food or beverages: Garlic and onions are delicious additions to dishes, but they are also rich in sulfur compounds. When cut, mashed or chewed, they release gasses which combine with bacteria in the mouth to form bad breath that can last hours after a meal. 

•Low-carb diets: Low-carb diets can result in bad breath from a release of chemicals which happens as the body burns fat. 

•Tobacco use: Smokers’ breath is a direct result of tobacco use. Tobacco products leave their own odor, and smoking can lead to dry mouth and gum disease, which contribute to many issues including halitosis. 

 What You Can Do

Try some of these bad breath remedies for a fresher scent:

•Brush and floss twice a day.

•Use antibacterial toothpaste to keep bacteria and plaque at bay.

•Scrape your tongue with a tongue scraper or your toothbrush in the morning and at night.

•Replace your toothbrush around once every two months.

•Drink plenty of fluoridated tap water to avoid dehydration and dry mouth.

•Eliminate unwanted bacteria with a warm saltwater rinse.

•Visit your dentist for bi-annual checkups and cleanings.

•Chew fresh mint, cilantro or parsley.

•Avoid eating garlic and onions.

•Stop smoking.

If none of these remedies work for you, schedule a checkup with your dentist for potential next steps to get bad breath under control. 

Learn More

For more information on dental health, visit Delta Dental of Washington’s blog at deltadentalwa.com/blog.