Autumn is upon us all in Michigan and as we retreat back into our homes for the colder months we will contend with cold and flu viruses, more dust in the air, and dry, heated air. The particles in the air invariably come through our noses and into our bodies. The result for many of us is allergy, sinus infection, post nasal drip, a foul taste in the mouth, flu, pneumonia etc… For me, some five years ago, it meant my first sinus infection in October, requiring antibiotics, followed by 4 more sinus infections through the winter, requiring 4 more antibiotic prescriptions. The following Winter, I was sick again in October. I had to find another answer. Having heard about the Neti pot, I decided to try one. A simple solution was found. The Neti pot can be found in your local drug store. It is basically a plastic or ceramic tea-pot in which a warm salt or salt and baking soda solution is mixed (use the packets sold by the same company or mix your own, recipe to follow). Stir to dissolve the salt, and then simply place the tip into one nostril, tip your head forwards and sideways over the sink, and with mouth open, allow the solution to pour through your nasal passages. One pot through one nostril and repeat for the other nostril. The solution goes in one nostril and out the other. Gently blow your nose at the end. Once you get the hang of it, the result will be a fresh and clean nose, free of particulate matter, a reduction in sticky foul mucous, a fresher taste in the mouth, fresher breath, a better sense of taste and smell, and as it was for me an end to sinus infection in the winter. This October, on a Friday it was all starting again. I had a hacking cough, was getting a sore throat, sounded and felt terrible, and thought here we go again! Through the weekend, I used my Neti pot twice daily, gargled with salt water, and drank fluids and basically took it easy. By Monday, I was completely cured. This really works and I recommend it to all of my patients.
Salt Solution Recipe for the do-it-yourselfers (like me)
1/2-3/4 teaspoon pickling salt (no additives, only pure salt)
8 ounces warm water (either previously boiled and warmed, or warm tap water)
Place ingredients in the Neti Pot, shake to dissolve and you are ready.
Clean your Neti pot after each use with dish liquid, and warm water. Turn over and dry on a paper towel. Do not place in dishwasher.
Other tips for fresher breath:
1) Brush and floss twice daily before bed, and prior to eating in the morning.
2) Use a tongue scraper at least once per day to remove foul smelling bacteria which build up on the tongue .
3) Use the Neti pot at least once a day, especially in the Fall, Winter, and Spring.
4) Rinse with water after meals to reduce presence of food debris in the mouth.
About the Author: Dr. Gregory Apsey practices dentistry in Warren, Michigan. He is a General Dentist with a focus on excellence in family dental care, braces, root canal treatment, mercury-free dentistry, veneers, crowns, bridges, dentures, and implant restoration. He has been practicing in the area for 23 years, is a graduate of The University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Faculte for Orthodontic research and Education, and the Academy of General Dentistry. You will feel at home in his friendly, welcoming office.