+ health
That's DISGUSTING Not washing your retainers
Photo by Megan Weltner
I'm not going to lie; it's been a while since I cleaned my retainers. In fact, I just stopped wearing them after so many weeks, afraid of the consequence for putting those unwashed plastic molds into my mouth.
I made a good decision.
Dirty retainers can harbor some pretty nasty stuff, says Dr. Kelly Toombs of Prairie Village. "If you're not cleaning your retainers, then there are bacteria in your mouth that will get on your retainers and not only is that gross, they are certainly going to smell bad," Toombs says.
Capital "G" Gross: Not washing your retainers can cause them to smell bad.
Retainers are a great place for bacteria and viruses to colonize. Toombs says. They can grow and grow in your warm, moist and often colored retainer case. People tend to not wash their hands before or after handling their retainers, which transfers more germs. "Most people wouldn't even think twice about putting something else that dirty into their mouths, but for some reason they think it is perfectly acceptable with dirty retainers." Toombs says.
Toombs recommends washing your hands before and after handling your retainers, but
most importantly, he recommends regular washing of your retainers. "A great way to initially clean retainers is to soak them in a solution of 50 percent bleach and 50 percent water. However, for general maintenance, denture cleaner is great and so is just brushing them with a toothbrush and toothpaste," Toombs says.
— Megan Weltner
nurture by nature
Mushrooms
With the swine flu scare on the front page of every newspaper, people are looking for ways to boost their immune systems. Many are turning to Tamiflu or other medications, but your favorite pizza topping could help prevent this disease.
If your favorite pizza topping is mushrooms,
then you're in luck.
Asian countries have used mushrooms for centuries to strengthen the immune system and promote a long life, says Deena Kosh, a naturopathic physician in Shawnee.
"They have been used for many, many years and improve your immune system by increasing your white blood cell count," Kosh says. The white blood cells are disease-fighting cells, therefore making your immune system more resistant to bacterial or viral infections.
Photo by Megan Weltner
Mushrooms also contain a substantial amount of B vitamins as well as selenium and copper, zinc and potassium, says Lisa Markley, registered dietitian with the program of integrated medicine at KU Med. These are all important trace minerals that the body needs to fight off disease.
Mushroom goodness:The vitamins and nutrients in mushrooms can help fight off disease.
"For preparation I would cook the mushrooms. Unlike a lot of other vegetables, they still keep their nutrients after being cooked. I would advise against eating raw mushrooms;" Markley says.
Megan Weltner
6
May 7,2009