Probiotics are various live mircroorganisms that are beneficial to your health. They are non-pathogenic bacteria which are considered friendly germs. Supplementing with them actually benefits the colon and the immune system. The word probiotic is a compound of a Latin and a Greek word, meaning favorable to life. People who strive for optimal health, either have a diet rich in probiotic foods and/or supplement daily with a reliable brand of probiotics.

Antibiotics are actually immuno-suppressants which work by killing off ALL of the (probiotic) lactobacteria in the intestines. Lactobacteria is healthy bacteria that lives in our intestines and is essential for quality of life. Without it, the intestines are severely impaired altering proper digestion and the assimilation of nutrients. When we are fighting an infection, it is imperative to keep the body as healthy as possible.

People end up with stomach or intestinal problems during and after antibiotic therapy because they are either low in lactobacteria to begin with (which is very common) and/or the antibiotic has killed it off completely. Supplementing with a product like Culturelle will replenish the lactobacteria that the antibiotic is killing off.

You can purchase Culturelle at many drug stores or health food stores. Their website is www.culturelle.com

I understand your fear and apprehension about having your wisdom teeth out and being put under anesthesia. If you weren't a bit nervous, I'd wonder why! They refer to the anesthesia as general because it is administered through an IV line and it does place the patient in a semi conscious state. We refer to it as twilight state because the drugs used do not put them into an unconscious state. For all practical purposes, you will be "asleep" and have no sensation of pain or memory of what is happening and time will have passed very quickly for you.

Post operatively, be prepared to eat a very soft diet for about 7-10 days. The main reason for this is because your facial muscles along the TMJ joint will be stretched to obtain easier access to the teeth and you will need to give these muscles a rest. You will also have some inflammation and swelling and may have limited opening for a few days. Drink at least 8-10 glasses of quality water every day as this will help flush out bacteria and help with the healing. Plan on taking it easy for at least the first 2 days, no strenuous work or exercise.

Please let us know how things are going!
Bryanna