In Search of Antioxidants

In Search of Antioxidants

Antioxidants are organic molecules so large and complex they are able to donate an electron or two to free radical molecules that have unpaired electrons. The free radicals are the bad actor molecules that go around “stealing” electrons from other molecules. The electron theft causes oxidation and, in living organisms, can result in cell damage. Excessive oxidation is associated with infection and inflammation, and when it’s unchecked, can lead to chronic, systemic, inflammatory diseases such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular disease, and many others.

Scientists agree that antioxidants have great health benefits. But how do you get them?

There are two primary ways to deliver antioxidants to the body. One is topically, as seen in high-end skin care products or antioxidant toothpastes and other oral care products. The other is through ingestion.

Scientists, doctors and nutritionists have been saying for decades that the very best source for ingested antioxidants is fresh foods. Fruits, vegetables, berries, nuts and some whole grains are jumping with antioxidants and other healthy components. People who eat a varied diet, heavy on the fruits and veggies, are usually getting ample antioxidants.

But since someone discovered how to isolate and synthesize antioxidants and vitamins in the mid-twentieth century, food and beverage manufacturers have struggled mightily to amplify their products with more healthy ingredients. Vitamins have been in vogue for several decades. In just the past couple of decades, antioxidants have become all the rage.

Antioxidant beverages, antioxidant additives, antioxidant pills. Consumers need to be cautious and canny about many antioxidant-infused products because not all antioxidant sources are equal. Different foods-even natural foods-can vary by factors of a thousand in the content of antioxidants. Spices and herbs tend to exceptionally high. Also, berries, fruits, nuts, chocolate, and vegetables have high antioxidant values. An internet search can be helpful in determining the actual antioxidant potential.

Processed foods, beverages, or supplements may contain one or more synthesized antioxidants, but it can be difficult to be sure they are in the proper form or concentration to be effective.

Topical antioxidants, applied directly to skin or other surface cells, are newer products. Here, too, consumers should be cautious about how effective a skin cream or antioxidant toothpaste or other product might be. Research to understand the types of antioxidants and the science behind the product is advisable.

If you’re serious about taking advantage of the health benefits of antioxidants, stick with eating a great diet and searching out high-quality topical products, such as antioxidant toothpaste, oral care or skin care items.…

Keeping the Bathroom Sink Clean From Toothpaste Stains

Keeping the Bathroom Sink Clean From Toothpaste Stains

I don’t know about you, but my kids seem to leave more toothpaste on the sink than in their mouths and toothbrushes when they are brushing their teeth. If this is like you, read on to see my tips for keeping the bathroom sink clean from toothpaste stains.

1. Buy white colored toothpaste, so stains don’t set in as quickly.

So, your kids want the pretty colored and flavored toothpaste to brush their teeth with? Tell them to first make sure they are more careful about getting it all over the sink before they get the colored stuff again.

2. Wipe the sink clean in both the morning and the evening, very quickly, everyday.

I am not talking about a scrub marathon session here, but instead just a quick wipe down. If you time these wipe downs to wait until after everyone has brushed their teeth the toothpaste left in the sink will still be fresh and will easily wipe away with a little water and rubbing with your finger. If you let it sit, and dry, you have to scrub a whole lot harder to get that toothpaste off.

The easiest way I’ve found to do this is to just make sure I am the last person in the house to brush their teeth. When I am done I just wipe out the sink, and it takes maybe 10 seconds of my time.

Better yet, teach your kids as part of their brushing their tooth routine to wipe out the sink after they spit and rinse out their mouth, and to place the cap back on the toothpaste so it doesn’t accidentally squirt out when something gets laid on it.

3. Re-moisten dried on toothpaste to make it easier to remove.

For that really dried on toothpaste that somehow got overlooked in your daily wiping sessions the best thing to do is re-moisten it, to make it easier to remove. There are several ways to do this, which include spraying or sprinkling it with water from the tap, or laying a moist paper towel over the dried toothpaste to really get it soaked.

Once the toothpaste is moist again it is generally pretty easy to wipe it off the bathroom sink, just like fresh toothpaste. If a little is still dried on and hard to remove take a gentle sponge scrubber or an old toothbrush and gently wipe away the dried toothpaste until your bathroom sink is shining again.

4. If a stain has developed from the toothpaste itself try a cleaning poultice.

If a colored toothpaste glob has sat on your bathroom sink so long that a colored stain has developed, and even after the toothpaste itself has been removed the color remains more drastic action needs to occur.

I suggest using a cleaning poultice made of baking soda and water, spreading it over the stained area, and then covering it with plastic wrap so the paste doesn’t dry out too quickly. Leave it overnight and then remove the plastic wrap and wipe away the paste, and hopefully the toothpaste stain too.

If this does not work you can also try a cleaning poultice with hydrogen peroxide, but be careful because it may damage your bathroom sink, so I would only do this as a last resort. Also, after approximately 10 minutes, you should check the sink to make sure the hydrogen peroxide poultice is not harming your sink, and again every hour or so for a couple of hours, until you are assured the hydrogen peroxide is not harming anything. If it does seem to hurt your sink remove the poultice immediately, rinse thoroughly with water, and either give up on the stain, or call in a professional.…

The History of Botox

The Botulinum Toxin A protein, also known as Botox, has been used since its discovery in the early 1990s for various medical purposes. Botox is the most frequently used cosmetic treatment today with hundreds of thousands of Botox injections performed each year. Botox has also been increasingly used in the medical field, most prominently for strabismus, blepharospasm, and chronic migraine.

Botox was initially developed to treat strabismus (crossed eyes) and blepharospasm (uncontrolled blinking). Botox is now also used for treating chronic migraine headaches, spastic muscle disorders, cervical dystonia, upper limb spasticity after stroke, and overactive bladder. Botulinum toxin was approved by the FDA in 2002 as Botox Cosmetic to temporarily improve the appearance of moderate-to-severe frown lines between the eyebrows (glabellar lines). Botox Cosmetic was approved for adults over the age of 18. Botox Cosmetic is now also FDA-approved to treat uncontrolled blinking in patients with hemifacial spasm and cervical dystonia (severe neck muscle spasms).

Botulinum toxin has also been used off-label by physicians for various other conditions, such as: chronic pelvic pain, hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), severe underarm sweating, and other conditions involving excessive muscle activity. Botulinum toxin injections have been used as a way of reducing nicotine cravings in individuals with schizophrenia or Alzheimer’s disease who smoke.

Botox is a purified form of botulinum toxin that is used in various concentrations depending on the specific use and doctor’s recommendations. Botox has 22 Botulinum toxin serotypes, but Botox Cosmetic typically only contains Botulinum toxin A. Botulinum toxin type A is a neurotoxin protein produced by the bacterium Clostridium Botulinum that causes Botulism.

Botox has been shown to be effective at relieving urinary incontinence in both men and women. Botox injections are performed by injecting Botox into the bladder muscle. Botox injections may be performed until urinary incontinence resolves or up to a maximum of 12 Botox treatments in one year.

The most common side effects associated with Botox are urinary tract infection, blood in the urine, painful urination, and fever. Botulinum Toxin A protein is not absorbed by the body so any side effects are local to the bladder. Botox has also been known to cause temporary incontinence while it wears off. As Botox is a foreign protein, the patient’s immune system will recognize Botox as a threat, creating antibodies that fight Botox in order to protect the body from Botox poisoning. Botulinum Toxin A has no known effect on fertility or pregnancy.

If you’re looking for Botox Treatments in Huntsville, Alabama, be sure to do your research and contact a dermatologist or other healthcare provider to learn more about treatments.…

Using Aloe Vera in Dental Care

Using Aloe Vera in Dental Care

Aloe vera has been widely acknowledged for its ability to heal burns, cuts, and infections. More recently, it has gained popularity for its soothing properties, and the plant is now being recognized for its ability to alleviate many common dental ailments. In fact, when Aloe is present in tooth gel, it cleanses the teeth and gums while soothing the entire mouth.

Aloe can provide many benefits for people looking to improve their oral health. Toothpastes containing aloe vera can eliminate high levels of pathogenic oral microflora. It is also believed to be as effective in combating cavities as traditional toothpastes, as both regulate high levels of bacteria in the mouth. A study in May-June 2009 issue of General Dentistry, the Academy of General Dentistry’s (AGD) journal, concluded that tooth gel containing aloe was just as good or better than commercial brands at controlling cavity-causing bacteria in the mouth.

Aloe gel does not contain abrasive elements which are found in regular toothpastes, making it an excellent alternative for people with sensitive teeth and gums. Plus, aloe can prevent dryness in the mouth. The anti-inflammatory anthraquinones present in aloe latex are natural pain relievers.

Research has shown that aloe vera plant contains enzymes which help the regeneration of cells. These healing properties can help oral care, especially sores, burns, and small cuts on the inside of the mouth. Its anti-fungal properties helps to reduce plaque accumulation. Gingivitis, the condition characterized by bleeding and inflammation of gums, can be cured with aloe vera. It can also bring relief to individuals with dentures who are suffering from soreness resulting from ill-fitting dentures. For people who have dental implants, aloe can help fight inflammation caused due to bacterial contamination.

Using aloe vera in dental care is growing in popularity because it is all-natural, with none of the side effects of abrasive chemical agents. You can find extensive information on aloe gel toothpastes online, even ways to make your own Aloe vera mouthwash! Aloe vera gel toothpastes are available in a variety of flavors today. However, you should choose your aloe vera tooth gel in the appropriate form. Ensure that you buy aloe gel toothpastes that are certified by the American Dental Association (ADA) and are designed to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.…

Harmful Habits That Are Affecting Your Teeth

Everyone has those little habits that they find themselves doing all the time. It is humble bagging, tapping the feet, or leaving the toilet seat up for some time. But while these habits may be annoying to others, they are not exactly affecting your health. You may be making other habits that are not good for your oral health. And no matter how regularly you floss, brush or visit the dentist if you are still doing these habits at the end of the day, you are damaging your teeth. Discussed below are some of those habits that could put your oral health at risk.

Grinding or Clenching Your Teeth

Many people grind or clench their teeth occasionally. Medically, this habit is referred to as Bruxism. If you do it once in a while, it may not cause any harm. But if you are regularly grinding your teeth, it could affect your oral health and lead to other health complications. Anxiety and stress can lead to teeth grinding, but often it happens when one is sleeping due to an abnormal bite or crooked teeth. The American Dental Association recommends trying out some relaxation exercises to ease the tension or wearing a mouthguard when going to bed.

Nail Biting

A lot of people have bitten their nails at some point. It usually starts when one is a child, but most people outgrow it. It can become a lifelong habit that is difficult for others to quit. Once it becomes a habit, people will often do it when they are bored, anxious, stressed, or need to concentrate. However, this habit can affect your jaw and lead to chipped teeth. Placing the jaw in a protruding position for an extended period can put pressure on it, leading to jaw dysfunction. Due to the adverse effects of prolonged nail-biting. Some of the ways you can stop this behavior are by using bitter-tasting nail polish, looking for other healthy ways to reduce anxiety or stress, or holding something in your hands to keep you busy.

Using Your Teeth as Tools

When you are finding a bag of chips difficult to open, or you cannot rip off a plastic tie cord, the go-to tool for most people will be their teeth. People pull, rip or even hold things in their mouth, leading to some serious oral health issues. Why not just get a pair of scissors or any other tool which is not only convenient but protects your teeth? Your teeth are for eating food, and they should never be used as an alternative when you cannot find the right tool for the job. Otherwise, you risk a jaw injury or cracked teeth. The solution is simple. Take the time to walk and find the right tool for whatever activity you need.

Brushing Teeth and Gums Too Hard

While brushing your teeth and gum regularly is good practice, you might also be brushing them too hard, thinking it is the correct technique to get rid of all bacteria. Avoid using a hard-bristled brush or pressing it too hard as you brush, because you can damage your gum and teeth. Brush your teeth gently using a soft-bristled toothbrush, and you will still manage to keep your oral health in check.

Not Seeing The Dentist Regularly

Besides the habits mentioned above that could damage your teeth, some people also skip regular dental checkups. Visiting your dentists often gives them the chance to identify any dental issues you may have before they become serious. Even when you are feeling okay, it is still good to schedule two dental visits a year just to be safe.

Your oral health affects your general health. To be safe, try and avoid these bad habits for a healthy and brighter smile.…

Symptoms in Early Stage of Renal Failure

Renal failure or kidney failure (formerly called renal insufficiency) describes a medical condition in which the kidneys fail to adequately filter toxins and waste products from the blood. The two forms are acute (acute kidney injury) and chronic (chronic kidney disease); a number of other diseases or health problems may cause either form of renal failure to occur.

These may be the earliest manifestations, but they can be easily ignored, because there are many factors causing sleepiness and lack of strength. Especially for these people who work very hard, most of them will think these discomforts are caused by pressure and overwork. If these symptoms recover soon after a good rest, they are much easier to be ignored.

It is caused by anemia. Because this symptom progresses very slowly, you won’t find obvious contrast in a short time.

This symptom is easy to be detected. The kidneys can not excrete the redundant water, which lead to the retention of water in the tissue space. There appear edema on the ankles and eyelids at the very beginning and it will disappear after a good rest. If this symptom progresses to continuous edema or systemic edema, it indicates the patient is very sick.

Due to the decline of filtration function of kidneys, the urine volume of patients will decrease as the disease progresses. Although the urine volume may be normal, if toxin or waste released in the urine reduce, it also manifests the kidneys are damaged.

When the kidneys are damaged, renal excretion function of sodium and water will be influenced, leading the retention of sodium and water. At the same time, kidneys will secrete some substances which can raise the blood pressure. Therefore, there may appear various degrees of high blood pressure to the Renal Failure patients in the early stage. When there is high blood pressure together with bad blood clotting mechanism, it may easily cause nasal or gum bleeding.

Due to the high creatine level, toxin accumulated in the body can not be excreted, which will lead to dysfunction of digestive tract and loss of appetite. As the disease progresses, there will appear abdominal discomfort, nausea, vomiting, or even diarrhea. At that time the disease has been more serious and the patients have to go to see a doctor.…

Myths About Dental Implants

You may be thinking of placing one or more implants in your mouth, but let’s see what is true and what is false among the ideas on dental implants. It is best to get the right information before getting your dental implants done.

Is it Painful?            

That is so false. Indeed, a wisdom tooth extraction is much more complicated and painful (especially after the procedure). However, this is not entirely the case with having implants put in.

Are all Implants the Same?

This is also false. As in all products, there are various levels of quality. Almost all manufacturers know how to make a titanium implant. However, the implant is useless without a tooth on it. Indeed, it will be mechanically fixed on the implant. In other words, we suspect that the connection and its resistance in the tooth are very important. Few manufacturers manage to maintain this level of quality regardless of production. In addition, from that, if you want parts to be available in 10 years for possible repair, you have to focus on quality manufacturing.

Does It Last For Life?

This is false too. Like traditional prostheses, they are not for life. You should always brush your teeth, floss, and use special implant mouthwashes to avoid any infection. This can then last from 10 to 30 years or even more.

Does the Placement Take Long?

The placement of an implant takes a long time? This is not true. Placement is done in 1 hour or less for an implant and 2 to 3 hours for ten. However, it can last longer if there is a transplant!

Wait Time for Prosthesis?

Do you have to wait 6 months for the prosthesis? This is false. With Swiss systems whose surface is super-hydrophilic, it only takes a month. Others require 2 to 6 months.

Does it Show in the Mouth?

This is false. It was true a long time ago. However, now it’s almost undetectable.

What About The Age?

Can you get implants at any age? No, you cannot. You have to wait until the end of growth (around 18 years old). On the other hand, there are no time limits other than the possible health of the patient. The implants make it possible to eat properly, which is a guarantee of good health for elderly patients.

The Advantages

There are several advantages of implants and so, if you consult with a professional, you will know whether it is the best choice for you.

You may be thinking of placing one or more implants in your mouth, but let’s see what is true and what is false among the ideas on dental implants. It is best to get the right information before getting your dental implants done.

Is it Painful?            

That is so false. Indeed, a wisdom tooth extraction is much more complicated and painful (especially after the procedure). However, this is not entirely the case with having implants put in.

Are all Implants the Same?

This is also false. As in all products, there are various levels of quality. Almost all manufacturers know how to make a titanium implant. However, the implant is useless without a tooth on it. Indeed, it will be mechanically fixed on the implant. In other words, we suspect that the connection and its resistance in the tooth are very important. Few manufacturers manage to maintain this level of quality regardless of production. In addition, from that, if you want parts to be available in 10 years for possible repair, you have to focus on quality manufacturing.

Does It Last For Life?

This is false too. Like traditional prostheses, they are not for life. You should always brush your teeth, floss, and use special implant mouthwashes to avoid any infection. This can then last from 10 to 30 years or even more.

Does the Placement Take Long?

The placement of an implant takes a long time? This is not true. Placement is done in 1 hour or less for an implant and 2 to 3 hours for ten. However, it can last longer if there is a transplant!

Wait Time for Prosthesis?

You have to wait 6 months for the prosthesis? This is false. With Swiss systems whose surface is super-hydrophilic, it only takes a month. Others require 2 to 6 months.

Does it show in the mouth?

This is false. It was true a long time ago. However, now it’s almost undetectable.

What About The Age?

Can you get implants at any age? No, you cannot. You have to wait until the end of growth (around 18 years old). On the other hand, there are no time limits other than the possible health of the patient. The implants make it possible to eat properly, which is a guarantee of good