Teeth can discolour with time as the outer layer of enamel wears away allowing the darker inner layer of dentine to show through. Teeth can also appear discoloured due to developmental blemishes. Fortunately, stained or discoloured teeth can usually be treated with tooth whitening procedures. Tooth whitening is a safe procedure when done by a qualified dentist and typically involves a custom made tray being made to hold the bleaching gel in contact with your teeth. Instructions regarding the wearing of the tray will be provided by your dentist who will also review your progress. Results are usually seen within two weeks. Tooth whitening procedures may also be carried out in the chair by dentists. For advice on the best method for you, it is important to talk to a qualified dentist. Tooth Whitening may not be appropriate for all people.
Veneers are another way to create a beautiful smile and are one of the most preferred cosmetic dental treatments. Veneers are made from thin tooth coloured materials which are carefully bonded to the front of your tooth. Veneers can be used to alter the appearance of teeth which are chipped or worn, slightly misaligned/gappy, discoloured or simply not quite the right shape (often used where a tooth is too small). Veneers can be made from a ceramic material like porcelain) which requires an impression and a couple of dental visits, or they can be applied directly to the tooth surface in a single visit using composite resin. Once complete they look very natural. Whilst veneers are not suitable for all teeth, your dentist can advise you on your individual circumstances.
Crowns are another cosmetic dental treatments option. Crowns are a custom made restoration which fits over the prepared existing natural tooth. Crowns can be an effective option for addressing concerns such as broken, chipped, discoloured or weakened teeth. As well as improving the appearance of a tooth, crowns add durability and stability to your bite and assist in strengthening a weak or compromised tooth. Crowns are typically made from porcelain (or an alternative ceramic) or a precious metal. Because they are created uniquely for your mouth, they can be designed to blend with your existing teeth and enhance your overall smile.…
Category: Health News
The Scoop – What Causes Acne?
Acne is not your fault. It is not caused by the food you eat or how often you wash your face; it is caused by a complex combination of factors.
Genetic disposition to acne
There’s absolutely nothing you can do about your genetic makeup. If you are wondering if you’re genetically prone to develop acne, interview your blood relatives. If there is a family history of moderate-to-severe acne, you are at the greatest risk for having a genetic disposition for acne, with onset most often in the early teen years.
Your genetic makeup may make it is easier for the P. acnes bacteria to proliferate on your skin. Your body may be more inclined to produce a swelling response to the bacteria. You may produce more oil. Your pores may plug more easily. Your skin cells may turn over at a slower rate for your age. These contributing factors to acne are all determined by your genetic makeup. In addition, if both your parents have had significant acne, your risks for developing acne is also very high.
Acne and hormones
Hormones are another genetic factor affecting the development of acne. For women, hormones regulate changes throughout her lifetime. Fluctuations in estrogen levels (and androgen levels) can cause acne. As a result, many women experience outbreaks in conjunction with their menstrual cycles. The flood of hormones released by the body during and after pregnancy can also cause acne. And, just when you thought you were too old for acne, you find that the erratic estrogen levels during perimenopause and menopause can cause yet more acne, once again.
During puberty, everyone begins to produce androgenic hormones. One of the things these hormones do is cause the sebaceous glands to enlarge. The rate at which the body produces sebum, or oil, is affected by hormone levels. Too much oil stimulation, causing sticky oil and too little shedding of dead skin cells – and the next thing you know, your face is populated with a new acne outbreak. These hormones fluctuate during puberty, which is why almost all teens suffer from some form of acne.
Other factors that cause acne
One of the most important contributing factors to acne is stress. If I remember my years of puberty accurately, they were loaded with stress – some of it caused by the acne itself, an ironic catch-22. The reason for this is that stress hormones are released by the body to deal with stress, triggering increased oil production by the sebaceous glands. In addition, stress delays wound healing, so the breakouts last longer.
Environment is another factor in acne outbreaks. Pollution, exposure to oil or grease, dry air, and high humidity all have an effect on your skin and play a part in acne outbreaks. Put a teen in front of a fryer for a couple of hours after school every day and you can pretty much take bets on the next outbreak of acne.
A variety of over-the-counter and prescription medications may have side effects that affect your body’s chemistry, leading to changes in hormones that instigate acne. These include any drugs regulating or stimulating androgenic hormones (which is why athletes using corticosteroids, legal of otherwise, typically have a lot of acne), phenobarbital and some other anti-epileptic drugs.
If your mother keeps telling you to keep your hands off your face, she has a good reason – excessive rubbing or irritation to the skin can lead to acne. Holding the telephone too close to your face, sweating in a football or bicycle helmet, a backwards baseball cap with the strap pressing on your forehead – all these can lead to acne outbreaks. If you hold a cell phone to one side of your face, you may notice you break out more on that side. Even the strap of a purse can cause an outbreak on your shoulder.
If you are having problems with acne, use cosmetics, sunscreens and moisturizers that are noncomedogenic. This means they have been specifically formulated so they don’t contain ingredients known to cause acne. Otherwise, they may irritate your skin and clog your pores.
With careful attention to the causes of acne that you CAN control, you can reduce the problems caused by the factors you CANNOT control.…
Nutrition College Teaches You About Healthy Food Choices
In today’s hurried life, many of our food choices are less than optimal. This is not only leading to the increase in the number of overweight and obese individuals it is also leaving a number of other people feeling sluggish and fighting health concerns like high cholesterol or abnormal blood sugars. Due to this rising concern in the general population, a career in nutrition will secure one with a long lasting marketable skill. There are a number of job options available to one who attends nutrition college. Dietitians and nutritionists only scratch the surface of the available options when one graduates with a degree in nutrition.
While food science programs focus on foods and their ingredients and how they affect our bodies, at nutrition college one will also study the effects of food and its chemical breakdown and how it affects our economy and culture. Individuals with degrees in nutrition can work closely with large companies studying how food breaks down, what causes it to spoil and ways to eliminate this creating longer shelf life for the company. Moreover, they can research ways to store foods or help market a certain product.
Because of the diverse employment options, nutrition schools will cover a wide scope of study revolving around food, its ingredients, nutrients and its biological structures. In addition, the student will engage in classes that better their communication skills both verbal and written. There are classes based around management, organizational skills, self-discipline and of course math to compute weights and measurements.
Once you decide that nutrition is the path for you, research your options carefully. Choosing the school and degree that is right for you is imperative. A reputable nutrition college will offer a variety of degrees related to nutrition.
Certificates are a great option for those that already hold another degree and are just looking for a way to specialize in particular area or the newcomer who is not completely sure that nutrition is for them. A certificate may be a great choice for the RN that wants to specialize in pediatric nutrition, for example.
However, if one decides this is the career for them, there are bachelor’s degrees as well as master’s programs to pursue opening a wide variety of options for one graduates with a degree in nutrition.…
Relationship Between Gum Disease and Life – Threatening Illnesses
Research has found that the bacteria associated with periodontal (gum) disease may be one of the key contributors behind the systemic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, respiratory problems, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, rheumatoid arthritis, and premature births. Because of this discovery, researchers are now trying to determine how gum disease and the bacterium from gum disease affects these systemic diseases and conditions.
Discovering the links between periodontal disease and systemic diseases could hold the key to preventing these life-threatening afflictions. There are several theories that indicate just how gum disease is linked to overall health.
Most research suggests that bacteria associated with gum disease travels throughout the body using the body’s veins and arteries like a highway to other parts of the body. Once this bacterium enters the circulatory system, any number of ill repercussions can occur.
Research
A consensus paper on the relationship between heart disease and gum disease was recently published concurrently in two leading health science publications. Developed jointly by cardiologists (physicians specialized in treating diseases of the heart) and periodontists (dentists with advanced training in the treatment and prevention of periodontal disease), the paper contains clinical recommendations for both medical and dental professionals to use in managing patients living with or who are at risk for either disease.
As a result of the paper, cardiologists are now examining patients’ mouths, and dentists are asking questions about heart health and family history of heart disease.
The whole practice of dentistry, as well as other health-related fields, are shifting from the philosophy of ‘fixing something wrong’ to ‘prevention’ of disease.
Inflammation
Just like bacteria in the air or on objects, bacteria in the mouth can exit the mouth and infiltrate the body, causing any number of effects including inflammation and infection to other areas of the body. Furthermore, scientists now understand that inflammation causes or complicates many diseases, including pancreatic cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and arthritis.
In the case of arthritis, many scientists believe that inflammation is responsible for the development of rheumatoid arthritis in some of the estimated 2.1 million people suffering from the condition. Today, the level of inflammation in your body can be evaluated with a C-reactive protein test from a blood sample.
People often brush off a simple condition like inflammation as a non-threatening ailment. But prevention is all about timing. The body is finely tuned, and when something like inflammation pops up, it is best to listen to your body and have it checked out.
Cardiovascular Disease
Researchers continually work to discover the causes and cures for heart disease and have found promising leads in prevention through periodontal treatment.
There is no guarantee that preventing gum disease prevents heart disease. But research has shown a link between the two diseases. In the cases where patients have a high risk for heart disease, it is advised by doctors and dentists to have regular periodontal exams and treatment.
Diabetes
Diabetes, another life-threatening illness, has also been linked to gum disease. Gum disease may make it more difficult for people who have diabetes to control their blood sugar. Though more research is needed, what we do know is that severe periodontal disease can increase blood sugar, putting diabetics at increased risk for complications.
For years we’ve known that people with diabetes are more likely to have periodontal disease than people without diabetes. But recently, research has emerged suggesting that the relationship goes both ways.
Periodontal Exams
Periodontal exams are fast, accurate, and painless. During the exam, dentists review medical history to determine if the patient is at high risk of periodontal disease. Then the dentist will look for bleeding or inflamed gums in a physical examination. These are symptoms of gingivitis, a lesser form of periodontal disease.
Also, dentists will check for pockets around the gums in a periodontal screening and recording (PSR) test. During this procedure, dentists will probe various areas to test tooth movement and the stability of the connective tissue of the gums. If needed, X-rays of the mouth will be taken to assess bone loss.…
Tips On How You Can Build A Support System For Your Depression
Depression is a serious type of disease and can negatively affect your functioning. Depression has a negative impact on all aspects of life, from arising in the morning to keeping yourself well fed. This article can help you with some guidelines to follow so you can rid yourself and other people of depression.
If you are depressed, you should try to work on something productive for at least 30-60 minutes per day. Doing absolutely nothing all day can cause a vicious cycle where you not only have your “base” depression symptoms, but also depression because you are unable to get anything done.
If your income is low and you are suffering from depression, try and find free or low-cost social services that can help you. Local governments offer community counseling services to those with low incomes, especially those people who qualify for Medicaid. These community counseling centers can also provide free samples of medication for those who can’t afford to fill a prescription.
If you are dealing with depression, slowly work on trying to fix some of the problems in your life. Many times, a difficult situation in your life is the reason for the depression in the first. Even if your depression wasn’t caused by the issues in your personal life, an easier life will make it simpler to deal with the depression.
It is important to remember that no one is perfect. Many people who suffer from depression started the downward spiral because of thinking that just because they do not always do or say the right thing, there is something wrong with them. Focus on the qualities about yourself that you and everyone else admires. Yes, focus on your good points and use these to form a positive opinion of your overall self. This simple step can help you on the road to recovery.
Consider taking a dietary supplement. Studies have shown that vitamin deficiencies can affect brain function, leading to disorders such as depression. Especially implicated are B vitamins, including folic acid and B-12. A chromium supplement, while not fixing a deficiency, will also help boost energy levels and reduce junk food cravings.
Getting an appropriate amount of sleep is also another great way to battle depression. Clinical studies have very reliably shown that both those who over sleep and those that under sleep are more prone to experience clinical depression. If you can, you should have a set sleep schedule which allows for seven or eight hours of sleep.
Fitness
An effective way to resolve and overcome depression is to create some realistic goals that you can achieve. These goals can be anything from learning to play an instrument or setting a fitness goal. By living a more goal oriented life, you will be able to focus more of your thoughts on things that are making your life better rather than the issues causing your depression. Accomplishing your goals will also serve as a vital source for the self esteem and self confidence that you will need to overcome depression.
This article has given you a lot of useful advice about depression. Remember that this won’t be something that will take care of itself right away, you have to work hard at it. You can beat your depression; it’s not impossible. Surround yourself with support so that you can get through this.…
Dental Care Advice That Anyone Can Use
Most people are well aware of the importance of brushing and flossing every day and visiting the dentist every six months. However, if you really want to keep your teeth strong and healthy, there is still more to do. For some great advice on dental care, the following article is a good place to start.
Brushing your teeth properly is important for your overall mouth health. When brushing your teeth, use a vertical motion on the outside of your teeth and a horizontal motion on the inner parts of your teeth. Concentrate your efforts by brushing each tooth for approximately fifteen seconds to help ensure proper cleaning.
After brushing your teeth, you should always remember to rinse your toothbrush out with water. When storing your brush, try to find a storage container that will allow your brush to stay upright and air dry. If you place your wet brush into a container with a lid, bacteria has an easier time to grow.
After you have brushed your teeth follow up with a good fluoride rinse. A fluoride rinse will help protect your teeth by hardening the enamel on your teeth. For the greatest benefit rinse for at least one minute. The proper procedure for rinsing is to swish the mouthwash between each tooth; then, finish with a quick rinsed to help freshen your breath.
It may be necessary for you to brush more than twice a day in certain situations. If you consume sugary or acidic foods, you should brush immediately afterwards to help protect your tooth enamel.
There are special dental cleaners that are excellent for helping to keep your teeth extra healthy. These are little brushes that fit between wires from orthodontic devices. If you cannot find these on your own, do not be afraid to ask for help. Surely an employee can help you so that you know where they are.
Get a tongue scraper and use it every morning. This will clean your tongue and help remove bacteria. Your tongue will feel better and your mouth will not smell so bad. A tongue scraper is more effective than brushing your tongue with your tooth brush, and takes less time too.
Do not let unknown discomfort go unattended. There are various reasons you may feel discomfort in your teeth or jaw. You could be experiencing the cutting of a wisdom tooth or you may have developed an infection. Make an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible to avoid further complications. It is better to know it is minor, than to ignore it until it is major.
It is crucial that you brush your teeth more than once a day. Brush when you wake up, before you go to bed, and after you eat. If brushing your teeth after you eat is not an option at the time, you should be sure that you have sugar free gum on hand to help clean up the mess in your mouth.
You only get one set of permanent teeth in your life, so you need to take good care of them. If you fail to do so, you can be in for many years of expensive and painful dental work. Avoid this necessity by using these dental care tips on a daily basis.…
Helping Your Elderly Family Member With Their Memory Loss
Once that scrapbook is gone and those home videos stop playing, all we have left to recall our many experiences is our ability to remember. If you forget all the good times you’ve had, those cherished memories may be gone forever. Read this article and learn about some ways you can work to improve your memory.
If you need to remember a complicated piece of information, use the mnemonics technique. This is a way of associating the information with something that is common and familiar. When you make that association, you can think of the common item, and it will trigger your memory of the more complicated piece of information.
When trying to remember any type of information the key is repetition. The more something is repeated in your mind the more likely you are to keep it in your long term memory. For example, if you meet someone new, repeat their name in your head at least three times while looking at them.
One method you can use to help you commit things to memory is to use mnemonic devices. A mnemonic device is a simple technique to aid recall of information you are trying to remember. You might develop a rhyme, a joke or a joke to help you remember a piece of information. An example of a common mnemonic is “1492 Columbus sailed the ocean blue”. You can utilize this same type of rhyming scheme to help you remember a specific date or term.
Although it is a fact that many people do not know, chewing gum can improve your memory. Medical professionals have found that the motion of chewing gum slightly increases your heart rate. Even the slightest increase in heart rate can help supply more oxygen to the brain, thus improving memory.
Exercise regularly as it can improve your memory functions and health. Physical exercises improve your physical look and they also increase the oxygen flow to the brain. A physically well kept body is less prone to catch memory loss causing illnesses and increases the useful brain chemicals’ presence in the blood.
To better commit names to memory, repeat a person’s name after an introduction, and try to come up with something about the person that might help you remember his or her name. If you meet a Bob who mentions that he enjoys fishing, you might associate his name with a bobber like those used on a fishing line, for instance.
Healthier
Drink more milk for healthy brain activity for life. Milk is a veritable treasure trove of B vitamins, potassium, magnesium and calcium that all have incredibly important functions for taking care of your brain. These vitamins and minerals do a great job in supporting the functions of your brain. The healthier the brain, the better the memory will be.
If you keep anything in life, you need to make sure you keep your memories. Whether we’re talking about material for your next pop quiz or your wedding day, memories are very important and something you need to hold on to. Use the tips you’ve just read in the article above to help you remember.…