Ask Dr Miriam
QMy dentist has told me that I mustn’t keep using a mouthwash each day because it’s not good for me. What’s wrong with using it? A Think of your mouth as an ecosystem. You have a microbiome within your mouth, just as you have in your gut, that’s composed of many species of bacteria and fungi which all live happily together in balance.
Actually, you have more bacteria in your mouth than anywhere else in your body, including the gut and the vagina. It’s fine to use a mouthwash if you have an infection in your mouth for a short time.
But overuse for longer than a week will disturb the natural balance of the bacteria of your mouth, some useful bacteria will be killed off and you’ll get bacterial resistance which may lead to infections that are difficult to eradicate. For an infection, only use a mouthwash once a day, preferably before bed, so your mouth gets the benefit overnight.
Stop using it after seven to 10 days.
Time to sharpen those pencils! Budding artists among you – and there are many judging by the post bag – will be interested to hear that Manchester artist Justin Eagleton is hosting weekly live art and drawing classes via Zoom to raise funds for Prevent Breast Cancer.
The virtual art classes are open to all abilities and ages and cost £5 to join, with 20% of all proceeds going to the charity.
Held every Thursday 7-8pm until April 1, you’ll need a pencil, eraser and plain paper to join Justin for an hour of escapism and to learn how to draw and shade simple objects, animals, portraits and much more. You can sign up at justineagleton.com/six-week-live-art-class