When was the last time that you changed your brand or type of contact lens? If you have been using the same brand and type of contact lenses for several years, it may be time for you to learn about the newer versions that are on the market today. You may find that there is no longer the need to struggle with putting your lenses in each day, cleaning them, and messing around with those little storage containers. Extended wear contact lenses may be an option for you like they are for me. After being told five years ago that I could not wear extended wear lenses, the design of them have changed and I now wear them for an entire week before removing them! Learn more about the various contact lenses on the market today to help yourself, find some that are perfectly comfortable and less of an inconvenience!
Have you been diagnosed with oral thrush? This condition, which is characterized by an overgrowth of yeast in the mouth leading to white lesions on the tongue and cheek, is usually a minor problem as long as you're otherwise healthy. Here's a look at three lifestyle changes you can make to help get oral thrush under control.
Talk to your doctor about changing your medication and supplements.
If you've recently been prescribed an antibiotic, this could be the reason you've developed oral thrush. Antibiotics are designed to kill harmful bacteria, but sometimes they also kill good bacteria in the process. The good bacteria in your mouth help keep yeast at bay, so if your antibiotics kill them off, the yeast can have a heyday. If you're still taking the antibiotics, call your doctor to let him or her know you've developed thrush. If the antibiotic course is short, your doctor will likely recommend just finishing your antibiotics; the thrush will likely subside on its own one the bacteria has a chance to revive.
If you're taking any other medications or supplements, call your doctor and ask if they could be contributing to your thrush. He or she may recommend a different medication you can switch to that won't have this effect.
Practice better oral hygiene.
Sometimes, all you need to do in order to get thrush under control is kick your oral hygiene routine up a notch. Make sure you're brushing twice per day for at least two minutes. Floss once a day, ensuring that you get between all of your teeth. Many patients find, however, that they have an easier time getting rid of thrush if they stop using mouthwash for a period of time. This gives their oral bacteria a chance to regenerate and fight off the yeast. Talk to your dentist before making this change to ensure it's a wise choice for you.
Eat less sugar.
Yeast thrives on sugar. If you eat less sugar, it will have less to feed on, and it should begin to die back. When cutting sugar from your diet, make sure you focus not only on candy and pop, but also on foods with hidden sugars. Read labels before eating any packaged foods—many contain added sugars. Opt for a diet that consists mainly of lean meats, vegetables, and whole grains, and you should stand a good change of fighting off the thrush.
If your thrush does not subside on its own within a few weeks, contact your dentist. He or she can explore more aggressive treatment options, such as prescription medications, to rid you of this annoying condition.
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