| How to Deal with Sleep Apnea Posted: 07 Mar 2017 04:00 PM PST More than 18 million people in the Unites States suffer from some form of sleep apnea.[1] The two primary forms of sleep apnea include central sleep apnea and obstructive sleep apnea. The majority of people suffer from obstructive apnea. Diagnosis is simple but inconvenient, as most people will be need to undergo a sleep study to confirm the diagnosis and severity of the apnea. Once diagnosed, the available treatment options are effective and often do not require the use of any medications. EditDifferentiating Obstructive Sleep Apnea from Central Sleep Apnea - Recognize the cause of obstructive sleep apnea. Obstructive sleep apnea is far more common than central apnea, and is most often caused by direct interference with the passage of air when your throat muscles relax, resulting in interrupted breathing.[2]
- The muscles in your throat support structures in your mouth and throat that normally remain open to let air pass through, even when you are sleeping.[3]
- The structures supported by the muscles in your throat include the soft palate, the uvula, the tonsils, and the tongue.[4]
- When the throat muscles relax too much as you fall asleep, your air passages are blocked.[5]
- This causes a 10 to 20 second lapse of time when the level of oxygen in your blood is inadequate for the amount your brain needs.[6]
- Your brain wakes you up briefly in order to restore the passage of air. In many cases, the person does not remember waking up.[7]
- This can occur as often as 5 to 30 times every hour, or even more, and continues throughout the night.[8]
- Recognize the symptoms. Some symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea may overlap with those of central apnea. In most people, the cause of the problem clearly indicates one of the two possible types. Common symptoms that occur with obstructive sleep apnea include the following:[9]
- Excessive daytime sleepiness that may cause you to fall asleep at work, while watching television, and have trouble staying awake to drive.[10]
- Loud snoring, often loud enough to disturb the sleep of others, and is the loudest when you are positioned on your back.[11]
- Observed episodes of periods of time when breathing stops.[12]
- Waking up suddenly with a feeling of shortness of breath, often accompanied by a snorting, choking, or gasping sound.[13]
- Waking up with a headache and/or chest pain.[14]
- Difficulty concentrating during the day.[15]
- Moodiness or noticeable changes in mood.[16]
- Problems with insomnia, such as being able to stay asleep at night.[17]
- Having high blood pressure.[18]
- Identify the causes of central sleep apnea. While the symptoms are similar, the underlying possible causes of central sleep apnea are different.[19]
- Central sleep apnea occurs when the brain sends faulty signals to the muscles responsible for regulating your breathing.[20]
- Central sleep apnea is much less common than obstructive sleep apnea and is usually related to another medical condition.[21]
- The most common causes for central sleep apnea are medical problems associated with serious cardiovascular problems such as heart failure, disorders that involve abnormal functioning of your brainstem, or a history of a stroke.[22]
- Some medications used repeatedly or in large doses can cause this type of sleep apnea. Opiates are the most common medications tied to causing central sleep apnea, as they send messages to the brain that disrupt and slow normal breathing patterns.[23]
- Opiates that have been associated with central sleep apnea include morphine, oxycodone, and codeine.[24]
- Note the symptoms of central sleep apnea. While the symptoms are similar and overlap with those of obstructive apnea, there are some differences. Symptoms associated with central sleep apnea include the following:[25]
- Shortness of breath that wakes you from sleep.[26]
- Shortness of breath that is relieved by changing your position to sitting upright.[27]
- Observed periods of abnormal breathing, including periods when you stop breathing, while you are sleeping.[28]
- Difficulty staying asleep often considered to be insomnia.[29]
- Excessive daytime sleepiness that may cause you to fall asleep at work, watching television, or even driving.[30]
- Daytime evidence of poor sleep including difficulty concentrating, morning headaches, and mood changes.[31]
- Snoring. Although snoring is also a symptom of obstructive apnea, it can also be unrelated to apnea.[32]
EditTreating Your Sleep Apnea with Lifestyle Changes - Implement lifestyle changes. Treatment options often begin with adjusting factors that may be within your control.[33]
- Seek medical attention to confirm your diagnosis and get support for the important lifestyle adjustments you can alter to help treat your apnea.[34]
- Avoid alcohol use, especially daily or excessive use. Alcohol significantly slows your rate of breathing. This causes the amount of oxygen that is available in your blood to be lower than normal. When you experience symptoms associated with sleep apnea, you want as much oxygen as possible to reach your brain.[35]
- Do not consume alcohol within four hours of your bedtime.[36]
- Stop smoking. People that smoke will have more trouble with their air flow and airway passages.[37]
- Talk to your doctor if you need help to stop smoking. Products are available both over-the-counter and by prescription that can help you successfully quit smoking.
- Lose weight. If you are overweight or obese, this may be the primary cause of your sleep apnea.[38]
- Take steps to manage your weight in order to control your symptoms.[39]
- Talk to your doctor if you need help with weight loss. Prescription products may help, plus your doctor can connect you with a nutritionist and possibly an exercise therapist to help you as you work towards your weight loss goal.[40]
- Review your medications with your doctor. Be sure you doctor is aware of the problems you having with your sleep apnea.[41]
- With your doctor's help, your routine medications can be adjusted to prevent them from aggravating your condition or causing problems.[42]
- Sleep on your side. Try to avoid sleeping on your back.[43]
- Use extra bed pillows to provide support against your back and help prevent you from rolling onto your back during your sleep.[44]
- Special pillows are available to help you rest comfortably while providing support to help you sleep on your side.[45]
- Keep your nasal passages open. When you are congested or your nasal passages are blocked, this causes you to breathe through your mouth at night possibly triggering or worsening the apnea.[46]
- Talk to your doctor about the safest and most effective way to keep your nasal passages open at night. Over-the-counter products, including some that do not contain any medication such as breathing strips, are available.[47]
- Other products like saline nasal sprays or neti pots may work well for you to help your nasal passages stay clear at night.[48]
- See your dentist. Custom-fitted mouth devices are available specifically for sleep apnea.[49]
- The devices are made to fit in your mouth to keep your lower jaw and tongue in a position that keeps your airway passages open so you can breathe at night.[50]
- This type of device may or may not correct the type of problem you have that is causing your apnea, so talk to your doctor first to determine if this may be helpful.[51]
- Take steps to correct the underlying problem. With the help of your doctor, you may be able to pinpoint the exact cause of your apnea.[52]
- For example, if you know that your tonsils are enlarged and are causing your apnea, then talk to your doctor about possible procedures to correct the problem.[53]
- In people that are suffering from central sleep apnea caused by cardiovascular issues, working closely with the cardiologist to address and correct those problems can help to reduce the symptoms of their apnea.[54]
- The same is true for people with diabetes. Taking good care of your diabetes, including steps to control weight management, can help to manage the sleep apnea symptoms.[55]
EditTreating Your Apnea with CPAP Equipment - Clarify your diagnosis. To proceed with apnea treatment using CPAP equipment, which stands for continuous positive airway pressure, your diagnosis will likely need to be confirmed.[56]
- The method used to diagnose sleep apnea is a polysomnography test, most commonly referred to as a sleep study.[57]
- This is inconvenient but necessary to confirm the diagnosis, determine the severity of your apnea, and is usually required to support the diagnosis by your insurance company so they will assist in paying for the equipment.[58]
- Proceed with CPAP treatment. Once you have completed your sleep study, your doctor will explain the differences in the available equipment.[59]
 - A CPAP unit provides a steady stream of air with enough pressure to prevent the tissues in your mouth and throat area from closing or collapsing as you sleep.[60]
- Most units deliver a constant flow of air at the desired pressure level, which is adjustable and indicated on the machine.[61]
- A newer method of delivering air pressure is called autotitrating positive airway pressure, or APAP. This type of unit adjusts automatically to the different breathing patterns of the person throughout the night.[62]
- Many people describe the APAP equipment as being easier to get accustomed to and easier to tolerate.[63]
- Some units available are called bilevel positive airway pressure, or BPAP. This type of unit is designed to deliver one level of pressure when the person is inhaling and another pressure level when exhaling.[64]
- The most common CPAP unit weights about 3 pounds, has a tube that connects to the mask, and is compact enough to sit on your bedside table.[65]
- The units have adjustable levels of pressure so you can begin with a small amount of pressure as you get used to the equipment, then gradually increase the pressure to the level your doctor recommended.[66]
- Select the mask that suits your needs. Masks are available in different styles and sizes.[67]
- Some masks fit just over the nose and others are designed to fit over the mouth and nose.[68]
- Try on several to determine the size and style that is most comfortable to you.[69]
- Adjust the fit. Be sure the doctor or technician shows you how to adjust the fit of your mask.[70]
- A mask that fits poorly can cause skin irritation, sores, and may not function as it is intended.[71]
- Get accustomed to CPAP. It may be helpful to wear the mask for a few hours during the day without being attached to the actual unit.[72]
- Start with wearing the mask for fewer hours each night if you have trouble adjusting to it. Work towards keeping the mask in place with the unit on for the duration of your sleep time.[73]
- Start with lower levels of pressure and gradually increase to reach the amount of pressure your doctor recommended.[74]
- Wear the mask every night. Your sleep apnea is not being treated if you do not wear the mask with the appropriate amount of pressure. It is important that you wear your mask every night.[75]
- Additionally, it is very important that you give yourself a 1 to 3 month time frame to become used to wearing the mask every night. If you wake up and find you have removed your mask or headgear, put it back on and continue to sleep. This is an imperative part of creating the habit of sleeping properly with your CPAP.
- Consider that more than 80% of sleep apnea sufferers discontinue using their CPAP within the first year due to not forcing themselves to create the habit of wearing the CPAP mask. Unfortunately, they may not realize the dire health consequences they could be facing, such as a heart attack, by not making this important life change.
- Wear the mask for at least 6 to 7 hours each night for the best results.[76]
- Most masks are designed with convenient travel cases so you can take it with you on business or pleasure trips away from home.[77]
- Keep your unit clean. Clean and maintain your equipment, including your mask, every day.[78]
- Many units are equipped with computer chips that communicate the results of your sleep to your doctor. Follow your doctor's instructions regarding the recorded information from your unit. Some units require that the chip be taken to your doctor's office or downloaded via a computer.[79]
- Address any problems. The most common complaints of CPAP users include simple side effects that can be managed.[80]
- Nasal congestion and dry mouth are common side effects. Many units are now equipped with built in humidifiers that help with these problems.[81]
- Wear the chin strap that comes with your unit to prevent dry mouth. The chin strap functions to keep your mouth closed at night so you are breathing only through your nose.[82]
- Consider surgery. Depending on your response to CPAP treatment, your success with recommended lifestyle changes, and the underlying cause of your apnea, surgery may be an option to consider.[83]
- Surgery is done to correct any problems related to anatomy and specific to the individual.[84]
- Examples of surgical procedures sometimes used to treat sleep apnea include structural correction for nasal passage problems, excessive amounts of tissue in the soft palate area, or enlarged tonsils or adenoids that are blocking the passage of air when you sleep.[85]
- If surgery is determined to be an option, the procedure done will be designed specifically to correct problems associated with that individual. There is no general surgical procedure performed that is universally used to correct sleep apnea.[86]
EditConsidering Risk Factors and Complications - Become familiar with risk factors related to obstructive apnea. While anyone can have obstructive sleep apnea, some conditions and characteristics make the condition more likely to develop. The more common risk factors include the following:[87]
 - Being overweight. As many as 50% of the people with obstructive sleep apnea are overweight. Fatty tissue deposits around the upper airway passages are thought to contribute to the problem.[88]
- Having a larger waist size. While this factor is unclear as to the direct relationship to obstructive sleep apnea other than being overweight, it is considered a risk factor.[89]
- Having a neck circumference greater than 17 inches in men, and 16 inches in women is associated with developing obstructive sleep apnea.[90]
- Being hypertensive, or having high blood pressure.[91]
- Having a narrowed airway in your throat. This may be due to genetics or you may have enlarged tonsils or adenoids that are blocking the passage of air.[92]
- Being diabetic. People with diabetes are more likely to have obstructive sleep apnea.[93]
- Being a man. Men are twice as likely as women to develop obstructive sleep apnea.[94]
- Being black and under the age of 35. In this age group, obstructive sleep apnea occurs more often in black people.[95]
- Being between the ages of 18 and 60. While this disorder can occur in anyone at any age, it is more common in people that are between the ages of 18 to 60.[96]
- Having a family history of obstructive sleep apnea places you at greater risk of developing the disorder.[97]
- Being a smoker. Smoking puts you at higher risk of developing the disorder.[98]
- Drinking alcohol. Alcohol use tends to cause the symptoms to worsen.[99]
- Being a woman past menopause. Women who are past menopause have a higher risk of developing sleep apnea.[100][101]
- Recognize risk factors of central sleep apnea. There are factors that increase your odds of developing central sleep apnea. While anyone can develop central sleep apnea, some factors clearly increase the risk. Some of the more common risk factors include the following:[102]
- Males are more likely to develop this form of sleep apnea.[103]
- Adults over the age of 65 develop central sleep apnea more frequently, possibly due to other medical conditions or natural changes in sleep patterns.[104]
- Cardiac problems including atrial fibrillation and congestive heart failure are often linked to central sleep apnea.[105]
- Brain tumors, a history of stroke, and conditions that involve the brainstem are associated with an increased risk of developing central sleep apnea.[106]
- Sleeping at high altitudes may contribute to central sleep apnea. This tends to resolve once you relocate to lower altitudes.[107]
- Realize the complications of both types of sleep apnea. Both obstructive and central sleep apnea can lead to complications, with the possibility that some complications may develop even if you are treated.[108]
 - It is not uncommon for some people to suffer from both forms of sleep apnea, or have one type develop after the first has been identified.[109]
- The sudden changes in oxygen flow to the brain and other vital organs place a strain on the cardiovascular system. Consequently people may develop problems with high blood pressure which increases the risk of heart disease.[110]
- Severe symptoms can lead to more serious consequences including coronary artery disease, heart attack, heart failure, cardiac arrhythmias, and stroke.[111]
- In people that already have a heart condition, repeated episodes of low blood oxygen can cause a sudden cardiac event and possibly death.[112]
- Daytime fatigue can be overwhelming and can cause problems with functioning. Due to the frequent awakenings, your body is unable to establish the level of sleep needed, called restorative sleep, in order to be alert and well-rested during the day.[113]
- People with obstructive or central sleep apnea are more likely to have problems with daytime concentration, memory problems, and mood changes.[114]
- Some research has found a greater incidence of glaucoma in people that have obstructive sleep apnea.[115]
- Another, but very important matter, is the disrupted sleep of your bed partner.[116]
- Be sure your doctor or surgeon is aware of your condition in case you need a surgical procedure. The use of anesthesia can sometimes worsen symptoms for a short time following the procedure.[117]
- Let your doctor know of your problems. Depending on your situation, some medications may need to be avoided that can cause further problems due to your sleep apnea.[118]
- Not everybody that snores has sleep apnea.
- If your unit does not seem to be working properly have it checked as soon as possible.
- Continue to take steps to help with overall good sleep hygiene, such as avoiding caffeine and alcohol near bedtime.
- Using a CPAP machine takes some adjustment. Try not to get discouraged.
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| How to Collect Sea or Beach Glass Posted: 07 Mar 2017 08:00 AM PST Collecting sea glass can be an incredibly relaxing activity! Walking down the beach of an ocean or lake will clear your mind of your everyday problems as you search for the treasured glass. Sea glass started as normal glass, usually from bottles, but after being tossed around in the waves for at least several years, it emerges smooth, polished, and frosted, making it a valuable item for collectors. To collect sea glass, you need to choose a good time and location to go, know what to look for, and find good uses for it.[1] EditChoosing a Time and Place - Find a beach with rocks. Sea glass accumulates where rocks (gravel) are more abundant. Look for a beach with many pebbles and you will likely find sea glass there. The same forces of nature, wind, waves and sand, that break up small rocks also create sea glass.[2]
- Look for a populated area. The best places to find glass are beaches close to a city or industrial/commercial zone. Sea glass starts out essentially as litter. So you want areas that are currently settled or have been in the past. This also goes for areas with lots of traffic in the sea because sea glass can come from shipwrecks or even war zones, which will produce a lot of waste.[3]
- Most sea glass started as a simple glass bottle. It begins as a manmade item before the sea polishes it into sea glass. Therefore you need areas that have had bottles thrown in the water.[4]
- Find a beach with big waves. A turbulent surf is needed to create sea glass. Areas that are regularly hit with heavy waves and winds are the best conditions to create the sea glass. The water acts as a giant rock tumbler by churning ordinary glass over time until it is polished. The bigger the waves, the better. Rough conditions will also help you to find the sea glass by moving it onto the shore.
- Go between autumn and spring. This is when the sea is likely to be the most rough.[5]
- Go at low tide. This will give you the best chance to find sea glass so that you can look in all areas of the beach. You can also go about an hour before or after low tide as the tide is moving, which is likely to churn up sea glass.[6]
- During a full moon, tides will be stronger. This is helpful for the water to move the sea glass onto the shore.[7]
- Go after a storm. A storm will move the sea glass onto the shore. Hurricanes have been especially effective in moving large quantities of sea glass so that you can find it easily. Just don't go during a storm because it isn't safe.[8]
- Visit a beach known for sea glass. Certain beaches have a reputation for having large quantities of sea glass. These are a good place to start. Fort Bragg in California has Glass Beach, which was once a dump and now has great amounts of sea glass. Kauai Island in Hawaii has a nearby lava network that traps and polishes the glass. Bermuda has great sea glass from shipwrecks, hurricanes, and bottles thrown in the water. Puerto Rico's Vieques is also known for sea glass.[9]
- With a location where there will likely be many people looking for sea glass, try to get there early to avoid competition.
EditFinding Sea Glass - Look for frosted, smooth pieces of glass. You are looking for glass that has been ground and polished by sand, rock, and water erosion over many years to form an irregular shape with a dull color. If the piece you find doesn't conform to these standards, it is too new to be considered sea glass. Simply throw it back into the water.
- Distinguish between glass and sea glass. It takes at least 7-10 years for a piece of glass to become sea glass. If you've found a piece that has jagged edges and shiny spots, that's still glass. Sea glass, on the other hand, is well-frosted and has smooth edges from being churned by waves over time.[10]
- Find the colors that you prefer. The most common colors are clear/white, green and brown. Less common colors are sky blue, blue, and indigo. Rare colors are red, yellow/amber, orange, and pink. Be aware that very tiny pieces of brown glass may look orange or amber. It is almost impossible to find true black sea glass, although dark-colored sea glass may appear black. The rarer the color, the more valuable it will be if you want to sell it later.[11]
- The best glass comes from old bottles, which are thicker and of bolder colors. The brighter colors come from wine-cooler bottles which look pretty but are very thin. The new abundance of blue glass is credited to the popularity of SKYY Vodka. Green, brown and clear are beer bottle colors.
- Use a small rake or stick to find more. Some people move rocks and sand around with a stick or rake. Having a small tool will help you to sort through all of the materials on the beach more quickly than with only your hands. It will also keep your hands from getting as dirty.[12]
- Look around low and high tide lines. Areas of wet sand are probably the best area to look in, but be aware that certain colors of glass (like white, for example) turn almost invisible when wet. This is a good place to find green or blue glass. Dry sand close to the wet sand is a great place to find white and brown colors. Also, the evasive red becomes more visible here.[13]
- Some glass is easier to find wet, while other colors are easier when dry. Green is easy to find wet or dry. White is easier when dry. Brown is easier when wet. Blue can be found wet or dry, but may look almost black when dry. Red is easier to find when dry. Amber is easier when wet. Black is always difficult to find.
- Look away from the shore. Dry sand far from the shore can also contain sea glass. It has the added benefit that not as many people look here. You would be amazed by the amount of glass you can find where most people are not looking for it.
- Look for a pocket of rocks. Walk along the beach looking for pockets of gravel. Squat or sit down. Take your time. The trick is to select a small area and scan with your eyes. Collect the glass. Move to the next promising area.
- Face away from the sun so that the sun is hitting the sea glass. This will help make the sea glass more visible to you and will also keep the sun from obstructing your view. The sea glass will reflect light and glisten in the sun.[14]
- Place pieces you choose to keep in a small bag or in your pockets. If you are only gathering a few pieces, you can keep them in your pockets. If you wish to collect a lot, bring a couple of small bags and fill them as you go.
EditUsing Sea Glass - Consult a book for specifics on your pieces of glass. Once you have collected a lot, you might not be sure which pieces are most valuable. A good book, such as Pure Sea Glass by Richard LaMotte, will help you to learn the specifics of your glass, including its origin.[15]
- Make sea glass jewelry. Popular jewelry items of sea glass include rings, necklaces, and earrings. You can glue the sea glass onto a ring band or earring studs. Try using a hot glue gun to adhere the sea glass securely. You could even drill holes in it to loop it through a chain or glue it to a pendant. Sea glass jewelry is elegant and beautiful, and you can also sell it.[16]
- Add sea glass to common items for embellishment. You can adorn many items around your house with sea glass. Glue it onto a mirror, candle holder, or drawer handle. Try making a sea glass border around a picture frame. Sea glass is great for all kinds of arts and crafts. You could even make a sea glass wind chime by hanging it on threads.[17]
- Include your kids in this. They will enjoy not only finding sea glass, but also making crafts with it. Help them glue it to a picture they draw to add decoration.
- Display sea glass artistically. If you collect a lot of sea glass, you can display it artfully in a clear vase, lamp base, or bowl. You could choose one color of sea glass for a uniform look or make a multicolored display. Sea glass is a beautiful decorative item that looks expensive even though you can get it for free![18]
- You could even place sea glass at the bottom of a fish tank. It will add color and visual interest to the tank.
- Sell it for profit. Sea glass is well-sought after and people are willing to pay for it. Rare colors such as red, dark blue, and orange will likely generate a higher profit, up to around $30 for a piece compared to around $5 for more common colors like white, green, and brown. Shape is another factor and some shapes, like hearts and triangles, are popular for making jewelry. You can make up to $15/hour by searching for sea glass and then selling it on websites like eBay or Etsy.[19]
- To help sell it, take quality pictures of it in good lighting. Try to eliminate any shadows or other distractions to the sea glass in the picture.
- One of the best tips for a beginner is to take notice of the areas where "seasoned" glass collectors look for their treasure and the time when they appear on the beach so to wake up earlier and beat them at their own game the next day.
- Take breaks. Don't hurt your back or neck.
- Wear pants with deep pockets.
- Don't strain you eyes for too long, it may give you a headache.
- Take your dog with you if you can trust it off-leash.
- Limit yourself to how long this activity would take. It can be addictive.
- Wear sunblock.
- Glass collecting can attract passionate collectors. Since glass is free, some people tend to covet and get obsessed with it. Also some people use it to make jewelry or crafts and make a living out of it. Try to stay away from people that may think you're stealing "their glass."
- Bring your mp3 player but use it at a moderate volume for safety.
- Wear sunglasses or better yet, polarized sunglasses.
- Never turn your back on the sea. Heed posted warnings against sleeper waves that will suddenly appear without warning that can be extremely treacherous. Beaches usually have warning signs posted,
- Be aware of your surroundings. You may focus so much on looking for glass that you may involuntarily shut down your other senses. Don't forget to watch your back for wild animals, off-leash dogs or strangers.
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| How to Remove Food from Extracted Wisdom Teeth Sockets Posted: 07 Mar 2017 12:00 AM PST Extracting wisdom teeth often leaves large holes in your gums and the bone beneath them. The hole is the space where roots have developed; in some cases the hole may be the size of an entire molar.[1] Most surgeons will use stitches to close these holes; however, in some cases stitches aren't used, and in these cases you can expect certain complications. Food particles tend to get stuck in these holes, and merely rinsing with salt water may not successfully clean them out. Learning how to properly clean and care for gum wounds can help prevent infection and complications during the healing process. EditCaring for Your Wound Immediately After Surgery - Ask your surgeon whether sutures were used. If your surgeon closed the wounds with stitches, food won't be able to get in the holes. You may see particles near the extraction sites that look grey, black, blue, green, or yellow. This is normal discoloration and is part of the healing process.[2]
- Avoid contact with the wound for the remainder of the day. Thoroughly brush and floss the rest of your mouth, but avoid the teeth closest to the wound.[3]
- Rinse very gently with saltwater for the first 48 hours. It's okay to rinse the first day, but you have to take certain precautions.[4]
- Combine 1/4 teaspoon salt with one cup of warm water. Stir it well to mix.
- Avoid swishing the saltwater rinse in your mouth or spitting it out. Gently move your head to move the rinse around your mouth or use your tongue to help move the saline solution around.
- After rinsing, lean over the sink and open your mouth to let the rinse fall out. Don't spit.
- Your doctor may also give you chlorhexidine gluconate (Peridex, Periogard) to rinse with. This is a germicidal mouthwash that helps kill bacteria.[5]
- Do not use fingers or any foreign objects to remove food. Don't use your tongue to prod the hole, either. Doing this may introduce bacteria to the wound, and could disrupt the healing tissue.[6] Instead, stick to salt water rinses to remove food particles.
- Avoid smoking and using straws. Any kind of suction activity in the mouth could dislodge blood clots, causing a painful dry socket and potentially leading to infection.[7]
EditRinsing After the First Day - Make a salt water rinse. Salt water rinses are useful for cleaning wounds in the mouth, removing food, and reducing pain and inflammation.
- Mix 1/4 teaspoon salt in eight ounces of water.
- Stir completely, so that the salt is well-dissolved in the water.
- Rinse gently using the salt water rinse, until the solution is completely used. You may wish to focus your rinsing action on the affected side of your mouth, to most effectively remove debris and provide inflammation relief.[8]
- Repeat the rinse procedure every two hours and after every meal. You'll also want to rinse thoroughly before you go to sleep. Doing this will reduce inflammation and help ensure that your wound is kept clean and can heal properly.[9]
- Use a syringe if directed. Using a syringe may help you control the flow of water and allow you to clean your wound more efficiently; however, if not used properly, an irrigator or syringe can dislodge the blood clot forming to heal the tissue. Ask your dentist whether you should use one.[10]
- Fill the syringe with lukewarm water. You may also use the saltwater solution described above.
- Aim the tip of the syringe as close as possible to the site of your wound without actually touching it.
- Flush the site of the wound from any necessary angles to thoroughly clean the wound and prevent infection. Do not push too forcefully — expelling a powerful jet of water directly into the socket could be harmful.
EditKnowing What to Expect After the First Day - Don't panic. Food that gets caught in a wisdom teeth wound may be uncomfortable, but it alone should not cause an infection. Healing can still take place even if food gets caught, and it's more important to avoid touching or probing the wound.[11]
- Don't confuse a clot with food. Clots in the gums may appear gray and fibrous, like food particles. Cleaning too vigorously in this case may remove the clot and cause further complications.[12]
- Stick to soft foods. This is especially important during the first 24 hours after surgery. Gradually move from soft foods to semi-soft foods as your wound heals. It's generally best to avoid hard, chewy, crunchy, and spicy foods, as these are most prone to pooling in the socket and causing irritation or infection.[13]
- Chew on the opposite side or your mouth from the extraction site.
- Avoid eating foods that are too hot or cold foods. Go for room temperature foods during the first two days.
- Avoid sources of contamination. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. Don't shake hands with people for a week or so. Don't share toothbrushes or other implements with others. You want to make sure that you don't pick up a secondary infection that could tax your immune system.
- Know when to seek professional help. Some bleeding will be common over the first few days following a tooth extraction. If you experience any of the following symptoms, however, you should contact your dentist or oral surgeon immediately.[14]
- Excessive bleeding (more than a slow ooze)
- Pus in the wound
- Difficulty swallowing/breathing
- Fever
- Swelling that increases after two or three days
- Blood or pus in nasal mucus
- Throbbing, dull pain after the first 48 hours
- Bad breath after three days
- Pain that is not reduced after taking painkillers
- Double check each hole by flushing for a few more seconds to get all the food out. The holes can be deeper than you think.
- As an alternative to a syringe, use a spray bottle and change the nozzle setting to shoot directly to the hole.
- This method works especially well if the wisdom teeth were impacted (hadn't yet broken the skin) and an incision had to be made to remove them, but it's worth trying this method if they were extracted by another means.
- Only begin this process when you can comfortably open your mouth.
- This process is not to be used in place of anything your surgeon instructs you to do. Follow your surgeon's advice closely and let him or her know about any complications.
- If you experience any pain during this process, consult your surgeon before continuing.
- Make sure the instruments you use are sterile, single-use instruments.
EditThings You'll Need - Warm water
- Salt
- Syringe (sterile)
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