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Every brand of a menstrual cup comes with its own cleanup instructions. Though the cleaners used may vary, but the below mentioned suggestions are recommended as the perfect guideline.

It is vital to wash the cup a minimum of 2 times daily during the period cycle and generally every 5-8 hours. Post removal of the cup and clearing the content wash the cup using warm or cold water and after this re-insert it. The soap that you use should be water-based and scent free or use a menstrual wash or cup wipes. Rinsing the cup initially with cold water and then with warm water will work wonders in preventing discoloration as warm water may cause the color in setting in the silicone.

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If you require cleaning it the public restroom, empty its contents in the toilet followed by wiping clean using wipes or toilet paper or wet paper towel. Then re-insert as normal. Thoroughly clean the cup's rim and holes. Carefully stretch the silicone to wash such areas thoroughly under running water. A soft toothbrush can also be used or maybe a toothpick for removing the stubborn debris.

Clean Up Procedure

Generally, it is suggested to sterilize the cup before and post every cycle. For sterilizing and storing the cup towards the end of the cycle, rinse as usual. Boil 1 pot of water, put the cup in it but make sure this will not sink. Boil it for about a few minutes, remove it and then air dry. To stop the menstrual cup touching the pot's base, try to set it inside the whisk which sits on the boiling water. Dry the cup under the sun to prevent discoloration. Other steaming/boiling choices may be highly convenient while cleaning the cup during the end of the cycle which includes microwave sterilization bags and a silicone menstrual cup sterilizer. After it is dry, store the cup in a carry pouch allowing the moisture to evaporate properly.

Tips to Clean the Carry Pouch

You can wash the pouches used for carrying menstrual cups in the machine as usual. Based on the brand you use, do not use the following ingredients to clean the pouch,

· Bleach

· Hydrogen Peroxide

· Pre-moistened wipes

· Hand sanitizer

· Rubbing alcohol

· Oil based soaps

· Tea-tree oil

· Vinegar

· Fragranced/scented or any anti-bacterial soap

· Other harsh chemicals

To keep away from such cleaning agents is crucial because they are not suitable for internal use and can compromise the cup’s condition. Never wash the cup under the dishwasher. Though it can come out clean from the wash cycle, it is likely to have chemicals from the detergent on the surface. Such chemicals have not for internal use. Silicone in itself does not possess any odor.

In some cases, the cup is likely to have some odor. It can result from some cleaners or factors that are different for every female. The cup can be boiled as mentioned above but if the odor exists either the up can be used further, or you may get a new one as per your choice.

Bad breath is uncomfortable for you and others around you. The worst part is, you may not even be aware you have bad breath until someone else tells you. It’s an embarrassing situation whether it happens once or whether it happens often. If you have chronic bad breath, it’s likely that you have an underlying issue that needs to be addressed. You can get rid of bad breath with one of the five methods mentioned below. However, it’s recommended that you pay a visit to The Country Dentist Maroochydore in order to find out the underlying reason that’s causing your chronic bad breath so it can be permanently treated.

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What Causes Bad Breath?

A number of things can cause you to have bad breath. You may have just eaten something that emits an unpleasant odor from your mouth, such as garlic or onions. Drinking a lot of alcohol can cause temporary bad breath, too. If you go for several hours without eating, that can lead to bad breath. If you fail to brush your teeth regularly, you’ll end up with bad breath, as well. Some prescription medications list bad breath as a side effect. Finally, certain diseases and health issues like diabetes, acid reflux, bronchitis and others can cause you to have bad breath. If you have bad breath for any of these reasons, one of the following five ways to naturally get rid of bad breath can give you at least temporary relief from this embarrassing problem.

1. Use Natural Mouth Rinses

Mouth rinses work by carrying out bacteria inside the oral cavity when you spit out the rinse. The idea is to swish the rinse around your mouth, then spit the rinse into the sink. You can improve the effectiveness of the rinse by pulling the rinse between teeth with a gentle sucking motion. This helps to get the rinse in between teeth where bacteria may be lurking. You can make your own natural rinses at home with one of the following recipes. Be sure to always use sterile containers and mixing utensils in order to avoid introducing new bacteria into your mouth. Don’t swallow any mouth rinses, even if they’re made of natural ingredients. Always spit them out after rinsing.

Saline Rinse

Stir one teaspoon of salt into a glass of distilled water to make a saline solution. Salt water is has an acid pH, which helps neutralize the alkaline environment where bacteria thrive.

Baking Soda Rinse

Baking soda has natural antibacterial properties, which is why it can be found in many ADA-approved toothpaste formulations. To make this rinse, stir in one tablespoon of baking soda into a glass of distilled water. Stir repeatedly between rinses, as the baking soda will collect on the bottom, otherwise.

Baking Soda and Vinegar Rinse

Baking soda and vinegar act as agents when mixed, creating a foaming reaction that can be effective against bacteria as well as plaque buildup. You won’t need to use much of this mouth rinse. Use a small glass, such as a shot glass. Place a quarter teaspoon of baking soda into the glass. Add several drops of white vinegar or apple cider vinegar. Use quickly, while the foaming action is still active. Hold for a few seconds in the mouth and then spit out.

2. Supplement With Zinc

Zinc is a trace element that your body needs. One of its functions is to balance the levels of bacteria in the mouth and the gut. Zinc works to prevent the accumulation of sulfuric compounds that can cause bad breath. You can try taking over the counter zinc supplements according to label instructions. There are also some chewing gums on the market that contain zinc, which might be effective against bad breath.

3. Chew Cinnamon Gum

Cinnamon has natural antibacterial compounds that can work to neutralize bad breath odor. You can benefit from this by chewing gum that’s infused with cinnamon. However, this solution is only temporary and will likely last only while you’re actually chewing the gum. Be careful about which brand you choose, too. Some brands may contain lots of added sugar, which will offset any benefits you may reap from the cinnamon. Your best option may be to try some natural cinnamon chewing gum brands, which you can find at natural health food stores.

4. Drink Green Tea

Green tea is made with tea leaves that have not fully ripened. Clinical studies have shown that green tea contains compounds that fight bacterial growth as well as impart a pleasant, sweet odor. Sipping on green tea can help reduce your bad breath temporarily. For best results, avoid adding sweetener to the tea.

5. Avoid Certain Foods and Drinks

Sugar is actually a kind of food for bacteria, so the more sugar you ingest, the more the bacteria will thrive. There are also studies that show sugar is addictive. So the less sugar you consume, the less you’ll crave it. Sugar should be avoided as much as possible. Instead, replace sugar with fresh fruits or a natural sweetener such as stevia.

Alcohol is loaded with sugar and empty calories. When you drink, not only you are feeding oral bacteria; you’re also depriving yourself of nutrients that it needs to fight off the bacteria in your mouth. Not only that, excessive alcohol can be smelled on the breath, giving you an unpleasant aroma.

Skip the fresh garlic and onions if you want fresh breath. These two things end up infusing your entire body with their strong scent. After a night of indulging in garlic, you might even feel like the scent of garlic is oozing out of your pores. Garlic and onions have valuable vitamins and minerals, though. To get the benefits without the odor, consider taking scent-free garlic supplements, which you can find in any drugstore.

These five ways to naturally get rid of bad breath will surely help you combat your bad breath problem. For permanent relief, see your dentist.