“Cha-may weeya”
Siletz
Medicine Talk
Community
Tooth Talk
Have you ever wondered what causes
bad breath? It’s germs, better known as
bacteria.
Why do they smell? The odor from
most bacteria is really the odor from the
waste products that bacteria produce.
Germs eat, grow, multiply, and get rid of
waste just like any other living thing does.
Have you ever wondered why morning
breath smells like someone stepped in dog
doo? Well, it’s because the germs (bacteria)
gcrtothe bathroom all night. It’s bacteria doo.
It isn’t a pleasant thing to think about, but
there are things we can do to help
this situation.
How can we control bacteria? By
controlling plaque. Plaque is the sticky,
whitish deposit left behind on our teeth after
consuming foods or drinks high in sugar. The
more sugar we consume, the more plaque
our mouths produce. Plaque is made of
bacteria, or germs.
How do we control plaque? By eating
less sugar. Drinking less pop with sugar in
it is a good start. Good brushing and flossing
are very important in keeping plaque buildup
to a minimum. Plaque is a lot like battery acid.
It’s one of the few things strong enough to
eat holes in our teeth, causing cavities and
making our gums bleed. Germs do all of this
destruction, and they stink!
Brushing is especially important before
going to bed at night. Morning breath is
caused by not brushing the night before and
by all the plaque that “partied” all night while
you were sleeping. It pays to remember to
brush your teeth before bed. Try to remember
to floss also. Good oral hygiene is the best
defense against “dragon breath.” Don’t let a
good mouth go bad.
18
Clinic
First Week of August is
World Breastfeeding Week
By Linda Kreutzer RDH
Dragon Breath? Not Me!
&
Health
As a new parent, you probably are wondering whether breastfeeding is right for you,
and what the facts are about breastfeeding.
Breast milk is the best source of nutrition because it contains the appropriate amounts
of carbohydrate, protein, and fat, and provides the digestive enzymes, minerals, vitamins,
and hormones that infants require. Antibodies in breast milk help prevent infections.
You should breastfeed as long as you can during your baby’s first year, according to
the American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Association of Pediatric Nurse
Associates and Practitioners.
If you are breastfeeding and decide to stop, you should wait until baby is at least 2
months old. This will help avoid possible nipple confusion, which can cause sucking and
feeding problems with infants who are switched from breastfeeding to bottle-feeding. Babies
can adjust to bottle nipples much easier after 2 months of age.
Advantages of Breastfeeding
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Breast-fed babies may have less frequent:
Ear infections (serious otitis media)
Stomach or intestinal (gastrointestinal) infections
Low iron levels in blood (iron-deficiency anemia)
Skin diseases (infantile eczema)
Allergy problems (infantile allergies)
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Benefits for mom:
No bottle cleaning
No formula preparation
Lower cost
Easier weight loss
Enhancement of the unique bond between mother and child
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Breast-fed babies have low risk of:
Digestive problems, such as constipation or diarrhea
Becoming overweight (obese)
Developing high blood pressure (essential hypertension)
Developing tooth decay (dental caries)
Moms who breastfeed should:
-♦ Avoid using medications (check with your doctor)
Maintain adequate nutrition for themselves
Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, every day
•4 Get plenty of rest
Take good care of her nipples and breasts
Relax and enjoy the experience
Disadvantages of Breastfeeding
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Moms may experience through breastfeeding:
Nipple soreness
Breast engorgement
Leaking breasts
Let-down flex (other than during breastfeeding)
Inadequate milk supply
Difficulty knowing how much milk the baby is drinking
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Moms who breastfeed may feel:
Confused by the lack of experience or support
Afraid or ashamed to ask for help
Overwhelmed by the time commitment
Exhausted by the frequent feedings
Socially isolated from other relationships and activities
Frightened by conflicting emotions