Dental problems are never any fun, but the good news is that most of them can be easily prevented. Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, eating properly and regular dental check ups are essential in preventing dental problems. Educating yourself about common dental problems and their causes can also go a long way in prevention.
If you suffer from bad breath, you are not alone. Bad breath, also called halitosis, can be downright embarrassing. According to dental studies, about 85% of people with persistent bad breath have a dental condition that is to blame. Gum disease, cavities, oral cancer, dry mouth and bacteria on the tongue are some of the dental problems that can cause bad breath. Using mouthwash to cover up bad breath when a dental problem is present will only mask the odor and not cure it. If you suffer from chronic bad breath, visit your dentist to rule out any of these problems.
Did you know tooth decay, also known as cavities, is the second most prevalent disease in the United States (the common cold is first). Tooth decay occurs when plague, the sticky substance that forms on teeth, combines with the sugars and / or starches of the food we eat. This combination produces acids that attack tooth enamel. The best way to prevent tooth decay is by brushing twice a day, flossing daily and going to your regular dental check ups. Eating healthy foods and avoiding snacks and drinks that are high in sugar are also ways to prevent decay.
Studies have shown that periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is linked to heart attacks and strokes. Gum disease is an infection in the gums surrounding the teeth. Gum disease is also one of the main causes of tooth loss among adults. There are two major stages of gum disease: gingivitis and periodontitis. Regular dental check ups along with brushing at least twice a day and flossing daily play an important role in preventing gum disease.
Oral cancer is a serious and deadly disease that affects millions of people. In fact, the Oral Cancer Foundation estimates that someone in the United States dies every hour of every day from oral cancer. Over 300,000 new cases of oral cancer are diagnosed every year, worldwide. This serious dental disease, which pertains to the mouth, lips or throat, is often highly curable if diagnosed and treated in the early stages.
There are several different types of mouth sores and they can be pesky and bothersome. Unless a mouth sore lasts more than two weeks, it is usually nothing to worry about and will disappear on its own. Common mouth sores are canker sores, fever blisters, cold sores, ulcers and thrush.
Tooth erosion is the loss of tooth structure and is caused by acid attacking the enamel. Tooth erosion signs and symptoms can range from sensitivity to more severe problems such as cracking. Tooth erosion is more common than people might think, but it can also be easily prevented.
Tooth sensitivity is a common problem that affects millions of people. Basically, tooth sensitivity means experiencing pain or discomfort to your teeth from sweets, cold air, hot drinks, cold drinks or ice cream. Some people with sensitive teeth even experience discomfort from brushing and flossing. The good news is that sensitive teeth can be treated.
I can't think of much worse than suffering from a toothache. While many toothaches and dental emergencies can be easily avoided just by regular visits to the dentist, we all know that accidents can and do happen. Having a dental emergency can be very painful and scary. Fortunately, you can do several things until you are able to see your dentist.
While an unattractive smile is not technically a "dental problem," it is considered a dental problem by people who are unhappy with their smile and it's also a major reason that many patients seek dental treatment. An unattractive smile can really lower a person's self-esteem. Luckily, with today's technologies and developments, anyone can have a beautiful smile. Whether it's teeth whitening, dental implants, orthodontics or other cosmetic dental work, chances are that your dentist can give you the smile of your dreams.
Many people can relieve their symptoms by changing their habits and lifestyle. The following steps, if followed, may reduce your reflux significantly.
Don't eat within 3 hours of bedtime. This allows your stomach to empty and acid production to decrease. If you don't eat, your body isn't making acid to digest the food.
Similarly, don't lie down right after eating at any time of day.
Elevate the head of your bed 6 inches with blocks. Gravity helps prevent reflux.
Don't eat large meals. Eating a lot of food at one time increases the amount of acid needed to digest it. Eat smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day.
Avoid fatty or greasy foods, chocolate, caffeine, mints or mint-flavored foods, spicy foods, citrus, and tomato-based foods. These foods decrease the competence of the LES.
Avoid drinking alcohol. Alcohol increases the likelihood that acid from your stomach will back up.
Stop smoking. Smoking weakens the lower esophageal sphincter and increases reflux.
Lose excess weight. Overweight and obese people are much more likely to have bothersome reflux than people of healthy weight.
Stand upright or sit up straight, maintain good posture. This helps food and acid pass through the stomach instead of backing up into the esophagus.
Talk to your health care provider about taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or medicines for osteoporosis. These can aggravate reflux in some people.
Some of these changes may be difficult for people to make. Talk to your health care provider if you need some tips on losing weight or quitting smoking. Knowing that your heartburn will get better may keep you motivated.
I saw this and thought of you. Ok, I know it's easier said than done.
Take a break
Teresa Simpson
Ways for mom to take time for herself.
Being the mother of a baby or toddler is a full-time job. Whether or not you work outside the home, you are always on call, always in demand, and never have time to yourself. As with any job, going too long without a break can lead to burn-out. Here are a few simple ways that you can take a much needed break - every day! Enlist your spouse, family, or friends to watch your child while you take time for yourself and be sure to leave the guilt behind!
Take a Bath: No, I'm not criticizing your hygiene habits. A long hot bubblebath can do wonders for the body and soul, without taking too much time away from your family. For an added touch, scented oils and candles can make you feel like you're at a luxurious spa.
Read a Book: After my son was born, I thought that I no longer had time to read. It didn't take long, however, before I really began to miss the leisure activity. Now, I sneak it into my schedule by reading in bed for a few minutes before going to sleep.
Pamper Yourself: In an hour, you could get a manicure or a pedicure or a haircut. It is so simple and such a small investment of time, but will make you feel like a whole new woman.
Take a Hike: Okay, maybe not a hike. But a nice stroll around the block will give you a good dose of fresh air and a break from the demands of motherhood.
Indulge in a Nap: It goes without saying that moms are generally sleep-deprived. So do yourself a favor and take a nap once in a while. You will wake up refreshed and rejuvenated and you'll even look better, too!
Go Shopping: There's nothing like a little retail therapy to make you feel more like a woman and less like a mom. Go shopping by yourself or with a girlfriend even if you just buy a new shade of lipstick at a discount store.
There are all sorts of ways to take time for yourself each day. Use the above ideas as a jumping off point, but customize alone time to fit your needs, schedule, and interests. Whatever you do, be sure to relax and have a good time.
Saturday, February 23, 2008, 01:01 PM EST [General]
Take Care of Your Feet: Although our feet may seem strong, they are in fact fragile and must be treated with care. Here are a few tips to help you start off every day on the right foot.
First, let's distinguish between pedicurists and podiatrists. A pedicurist is concerned with the aesthetics of feet, with calluses and nails - in other words, with beauty care for the feet. A podiatrist, on the other hand, is a foot specialist with a medical degree. Podiatrists make diagnoses, prescribe medication and recommend remedial treatment or even orthoses, when needed.
Your feet need to relax just as much as the rest of your body. Sit and roll the balls of your feet over a Coke bottle for 20 minutes, then limber up by picking up a few marbles or a towel with your toes.
To get rid of odour, run your feet under cold water for a few minutes and then massage them with rubbing alcohol. To combat infection, add three tablespoons of bleach to a pan of water and soak your feet.
To prevent athlete's foot, wash well between your toes with your regular soap, then dry carefully. At night, apply a perfume-free moisturizer such as Velvelan or Uremol. Margaret Thatcher apparently swears by The Body Shop's Peppermint Foot Lotion, ideal for a relaxing massage.
If you have cold feet, rotate your ankles clockwise and counterclockwise. Don't subject them to hot baths, hot-water bottles or heating pads, all of which hinder circulation.
Saturday, February 23, 2008, 12:24 PM EST [General]
Hope everyone has a great weekend! We have 6 1/2 inches of snow here and it was really a MESS yesterday It snowed so hard you couldn't even see out the windows! It's sunny today though, and hopefully it will warm up enough to melt this mess!
