A Soak Could Help You Find Some Relief Urinary tract infections are one of the most common outpatient consultations in the United States. They are one of the most common causes of fever in the young and elderly and can cause urinary incontinence in women. Yearly, around 250,000 cases of kidney infections or pyelonephritis occur among women in the United States. Costs for the diagnosis and management of urinary tract infections in the United States can reach up to a total of $2-3 billion dollars a year. It might seem like a simple infection, but it can be really costly when you think of it from that scale. It is an essential infection to treat because it can lead to serious complications such as sepsis and renal damage if left untreated. That is why a lot of other remedies are being tested to see if they can alleviate symptoms of urinary tract infections. This article will discuss how Epsom salt baths are good for UTIs, what benefits Epsom salt baths have, and how to prepare an Epsom salt bath. What are Urinary Tract Infections? What are the Symptoms? Urinary tract infections are infections of the parts that serve as the passageway of the urine out of our bodies; this includes the kidney, bladder, ureters, and urethra. Urine is a sterile substance that passes out of our bodies; therefore, the introduction of bacteria can lead to a bladder infection, inflammation, and pus formation that can lead to various symptoms. Symptoms of a urinary tract infection include pain and burning sensation while urinating, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, blood in the urine, and abdominal pain. What are Epsom Salts? What Do They Do? Epsom salt or magnesium sulfate is a white, crystalline water-soluble chemical compound that has been used for centuries to treat various illnesses. Epsom salts are commonly used to relieve sore muscles, stiff joints, itching, skin irritation, and sunburn and are used as relief for headaches or foot pain. Its uses in the human body are varied, and it has been found to provide relief for various ailments, which include urinary tract infections. How is an Epsom Salt Bath Good for UTIs? What Benefits do Epsom Salt Baths Have? Epsom salts provide several benefits for treating urinary tract infections. The primary benefit of using Epsom salt baths for bladder infections or urinary tract infections is to relieve pain. Epsom salt baths can help relieve pain and discomfort associated with UTIs. UTIs present with a burning sensation, pain while urinating, and cloudy urine. The warm, calming nature of Epsom salt baths has been shown to help relieve this. [youmaylike] If you soak in an Epsom salt bath, it can be helpful to reduce inflammation as well. Because they are rich in magnesium, they can help cleanse the urinary tract and aid in the healing process. The increased concentration of magnesium sulfate is believed to help change the environment in the urinary tract, which can lead to conditions unfavorable for bacteria to grow. It can help prevent bacteria from growing or multiplying when you soak in an Epsom salt bath and has a disinfectant property. Epsom salt baths can also improve the circulation of blood in the body. It can cause dilation of the blood vessels leading to improved blood flow, which also promotes the passage of cells that help in the body’s immunity. Epsom salt baths provide an overall relaxing and calming experience that can leave you feeling detoxified as well. Are Epsom Salt Baths the Answer to UTIs? Although Epsom salt baths may relieve urinary tract infection symptoms, there is not enough evidence to recommend using Epsom salts over established treatments like antibiotics. Epsom salt baths are currently home remedies that can be adjuncts to treatment but cannot be used to replace the treatment of urinary tract infections with antibiotic medications. In order to treat the infection, you should still take an antibiotic regimen prescribed by your physician. Are Epsom Salt Baths Risk-Free? Do Epsom Salt Baths Have Any Side Effects? Generally, Epsom salt baths are safe and don’t have a lot of serious complications. However, you still need to make sure that Epsom salt baths are safe for you. The most common side effects of Epsom salt baths include allergic reactions. So if you have an allergy to Epsom salt, it is better that you avoid this. It can also aggravate pain or discomfort if you have an open wound or breaks or scratches in the skin. If you have these, stay away from Epsom salt baths to avoid further complications. How Do You Prepare an Epsom Salt Bath? The general way to prepare an Epsom salt bath is to dissolve Epsom salt in warm water. Epsom salt is easy to find and can easily be bought in health and grocery stores. Recommendations include dissolving 1 to 2 cups of Epsom salt in a gallon of warm water to create a water-soak bath. It is important not to put too much to avoid irritation and drying of the skin. Let the Epsom salt dissolve in the water, which can take about a few minutes. If you have a bathtub, you can prepare it to submerge and soak in it. However, this can be done as you shower as well. When you have a bladder infection or a urinary tract infection, you can do a water soak for 15-20 minutes to help relieve symptoms. Rinse after every water soak. This can be done daily or on an average of 2-3 times per week. Doing this soak gives ample time in providing relief until the antibiotics start doing their work and control further growth and multiplication of bacteria, completely eliminating symptoms such as pain. If you think you have a urinary tract infection, consult your physician for an evaluation. Further, you should seek medical attention if you are experiencing any serious side effects from using Epsom salt baths. There are no studies that show that using an Epsom salt bath for UTIs will prevent or cure a urinary tract infection, so it is still important to go to the doctor for proper management. Talk to your doctor if you are experiencing symptoms of a urinary tract infection.
Gingivitis Symptoms to Be Aware Of
A happy, healthy smile is not just about keeping your teeth white, shiny and straight; overall gum health is incredibly important in terms of oral hygiene. In order to keep your teeth and gums strong and healthy, you should schedule regular dental check-ups, and brush and floss daily.
There are a few different diseases that attack the gums. Arguably, the most common form of gum disease is gingivitis. We have all seen this term referenced in commercials and by our doctors and dentists, but what actually is this condition? Learning more about gingivitis symptoms will help you take charge of your oral health and prevent uncomfortable conditions.
What is Gingivitis?
Gingivitis is a frequently occurring type of gum disease. The disease manifests as redness and inflammation of the area of gums closest to your teeth.
The disease progresses over time, starting with mild symptoms but slowly worsening to more severe problems. While everyone experiences the disease a little differently, there are some key symptoms associated with gingivitis
In addition to discolored and inflamed gums, gingivitis also leads to bad breath and bleeding when flossing or brushing your teeth. If left untreated, gingivitis may turn into something much more serious, and can even lead to tooth loss.
Luckily, paying attention to the symptoms of gingivitis and addressing them as soon as you can helps prevent the disease from ever getting too serious.
The main cause of this disease is poor dental care. When people have a lot of plaque, it eventually turns into tartar which irritates the gums and acts as a breeding ground for bacteria.
What Are the Warning Signs of Gingivitis?
The early stages of gingivitis are mild pain and redness on your teeth. You may notice that your gums are sore to the touch or are a little puffy when you try to apply pressure to them.
When you brush your teeth normally with early gingivitis, you may notice some blood when you spit into the sink. Bad breath may also be an early sign of the disease.
It’s also a good idea to keep an eye out if you fall into any of the risk populations more likely to succumb to this condition. Such vulnerable groups include smokers, people over 40, immunocompromised patients (such as those with HIV/ AIDS, leukemia, or are undergoing chemotherapy treatment) drug use, hormonal changes, or a family history of gum issues.
How to Diagnose Gingivitis
Formally diagnosing gingivitis is a task you should leave up to your dentist. Make an appointment with your dentist as soon as you notice any of the symptoms. Treating the condition early is key to getting the best recovery possible.
A dentist can detect signs of gingivitis by a simple oral examination.
How to Treat Gingivitis
One of the most effective methods to treat gingivitis includes making some lifestyle changes. Cutting out a lot of sugar or acidic foods from your diet helps keep your teeth intact. Additionally, making sure you properly bush your teeth is vital for beating and avoiding a lot of oral health problems.
Going to the dentist and having them professionally clean and remove plaque from teeth is also recommended. Your bi-yearly professional cleanings are helpful, but not enough to keep your gums healthy. You need to do some work at home and take time out of your daily schedule to prevent gingivitis from occuring in the first place.
Can You Prevent Gingivitis?
Preventing gingivitis is the best way to avoid any gum issues. Luckily, leading a healthy lifestyle is often enough to help keep your gums in tip-top shape.
Practicing good oral hygiene is one of the most crucial things you can do. Everyone should brush their teeth at least twice a day (in the morning and right before they go to bed). You should brush your teeth for at least two minutes each session and be sure to effectively hold and maneuver your brush. Flossing once a day is also a great way of keeping your mouth happy and healthy.
In fact, practicing general good health, in general, is beneficial. Managing your blood sugar and having a healthy diet is great when it comes to keeping your teeth and gums healthy.
Finally, visiting a dentist is incredibly important. You should visit your dentist at least once every 12 months, every six months if you can manage it. They can help monitor your gum health so you can track any changes and notice if anything is out of sorts.