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Bodydental

Teeth Grinding: What are Some of the Possible Causes?

by allurewellness
written by allurewellness

Medically known as bruxism, jaw clenching and teeth grinding is often associated with anxiety or stress. While not everyone will experience symptoms, bruxism treatment is needed when you experience red flags like headaches and facial pains as well as broken teeth.

Without appropriate bruxism treatment, you can end up with damaged, worn, and sensitive teeth and a painful ear, jaw, or face. You are also required to seek dental treatment if the condition results to worn teeth as it might lead to other oral problems like dental abscess or infection.

Teeth Grinding Symptoms

Some of the most prevalent symptoms of teeth grinding can include:

  • Earache

  • Headache

  • Facial pain

  • Stiffness and pain in the jaw joint as well as the surrounding muscles

  • Worn-down teeth that results to increased sensitivity and sometimes, eventual tooth loss

  • Disrupted sleep (for both you and your sleep partner)

  • Broken teeth or fillings

Teeth Grinding Causes

Causes of teeth grinding are not always clear. However, the condition is often linked to several factors including anxiety, stress, or sleep issues:

Stress and anxiety

For a lot of people, teeth grinding can be attributed to stress or anxiety. Oftentimes, bruxism that’s caused by anxiety or stress do it in their sleep. They’re not aware they are doing it and will often learn about it from their sleep partners.

Medications

Teeth grinding is also sometimes considered the side effect of certain types of medications. In some people, teeth grinding is linked to a certain type of antidepressant.

Sleep disorders

Those who snore or are suffering from a sleep disorder like obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are observed to be more likely to grind their teeth during sleep. Obstructive sleep apnea is also characterised by breathing interruptions during sleep.

You are also more prone to teeth grinding if:

  • You mumble or talk during your sleep

  • You behave violently during sleep (i.e. punching or kicking)

  • You experience hallucinations (you hear or see things that are not real)

  • You have sleep paralysis (a temporary inability to speak or move while falling asleep or waking up)

Lifestyle

Other factors that can lead to bruxism or cause it to worsen include:

Drinking of alcoholic drinks

Smoking

Consuming caffeinated beverages like coffee or tea (6 or more cups daily)

Teeth Grinding in Children

Contrary to popular belief, children are not immune from teeth grinding. In fact, teeth grinding has been observed to occur after their adult or baby teeth first appears. However, the grinding often disappears after the adult teeth are formed fully. Seeing your dentist however is recommended if your child’s teeth grinding is already affecting their sleep quality.

Treating (and Preventing) Bruxism

Routine visits to the dentist

If you are suffering from bruxism, consider it best to schedule routine dental visits. This is necessary so any issues caused by your teeth grinding are addressed before they cause more damage.

Dental issues like cracked, crooked, misaligned, or missing teeth can be easily remedied through reconstructive dental treatments like overlays, crowns, and false teeth.

Treat anxiety and stress

If bruxism is caused by anxiety or stress, psychological treatments like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) might be able to help. If the grinding is stress-related, there are a number of things you can try prior to sleeping to help you relax and get a good night’s sleep.

Some of the practices you can try to help relieve both stress and anxiety can include:

  • Yoga

  • Reading

  • Deep breathing

  • Listening to music

  • Taking a bath

  • Massage

If teeth grinding is a side effect of antidepressant medications you are taking, your doctor might recommend another medication. The best thing to do would be to visit your doctor as they know how to best address your case.

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Bodyhealth

Type of Snoring and What It Can Indicate

by allurewellness
written by allurewellness

When you snore from time to time, more often than not, you have nothing to worry about. Snoring occurs when the air can’t freely move through the nose and throat during sleep. When this happens, the surrounding tissues will vibrate and produce the infamous snoring sound. Those who have too much nasal or flopping tissue in the throat are more likely to snore. The tongue’s position has also been known as a factor among those people who snore.

Those who snore on a regular basis however need to look for ways how to stop snoring. Those who suffer from the condition but don’t find ways on how to treat snoring can suffer from irritability, daytime fatigues, and other health complications. As if not enough, snoring might also keep bed partners awake and this might lead to relationship problems as in the long run.

Types of Snoring and What it Can Indicate

Monitoring the snoring pattern can help determine the reason behind the condition. More importantly, it can also help accurately identify the best treatment option for the condition. For instance:

Closed-mouth snoring – can indicate a possible problem with the tongue

Open-mouth snoring – may be related to the throat tissues

Snoring when lying on the back – this often is indicative of mild snoring and can respond well to lifestyle changes and the right sleeping habits and position

Snoring in all positions – this can indicate that your snoring is severe and will require a more thorough treatment

Bedtime Remedies to Help Stop Snoring

Changing the sleeping position. Elevating the head at least 4 inches will not only ease breathing, it can also encourage the jaw and tongue to move forward. Nowadays, there are pillows that are specifically designed to help prevent snoring. They are often designed to ensure the neck muscles are not crimped.

Sleeping on the side instead of the back. Attach a tennis ball to the back of your T-shirt so when you roll on your back, the discomfort of having the tennis ball will cause you to sleep on your sides. It would also be a good idea to wedge a pillow with tennis balls behind your back. Eventually, sleeping on your side will become second nature to you.

Consider using an anti-snoring mouth appliance. These devices are designed to help open the airway by brining the tongue and the lower jaw forward during sleep. Your dentist can create a bespoke mouth appliance just for you so paying them a visit is recommended.

Clearing nasal passages. If you happen to have a stuffy nose, it would be a good idea to rinse your sinuses with saline before bedtime. Nasal strips, nasal decongestants, and neti pots can also help you breathe more easily during sleep.

Lifestyle Changes to Help Stop Snoring

Losing the excess weight. Losing the excess pound can also help minimise the fatty tissues in the back of the throat. This can help decrease, if not totally eliminate snoring.

Quitting smoking. Those who smoke have been observed to also have a higher chance of snoring. Smoking can irritate the membranes found in the throat and nose and can block the airways. While this is a habit that’s hard for many people to kick, it is considered to bring instant relief from snoring.

Avoiding sleeping pills, sedatives, and alcohol. All three have been known to relax the muscles in the throat and interfere with breathing. In line with this, consider it ideal to inform your doctor about prescription medications you are taking so they can assess if they are contributing to your snoring or not.

Checking what you eat before bedtime. Some research indicate that consuming certain foods like soy milk or dairy prior to bedtime can make snoring worse. Consuming a large meal is believed to also have the same effect.

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Bodyhealth

How Can You Get a Summer-Ready Body Even When You’re Strapped for Time

by allurewellness
written by allurewellness

Summer is just around the corner, but unfortunately, most of us have been caught up with work and other aspects of our lives that we barely have time to workout. So, is it still possible to get a summer-ready body even when you’re strapped for time? With Coolsculpting, it is.

What is Coolsculpting?

Coolsculpting is a fat freeze therapy that helps to remove unwanted fat from the body. Treatment works by freezing the fat. Exposing fat cells to cold temperatures making them burst, so the body ends up flushing them away. Coolsculpting gives permanent results, in that the fat that has been destroyed is gone for good. However, it is still possible to gain weight after treatment, though.

Who is Coolsculpting For?

Coolsculpting is perfect for people who are at or near their target weight and who have areas of excess fat. Excessive fat should be stubborn, meaning that it has not responded to any exercise or dietary effort.  It is important to understand that Coolsculpting is not weight loss. You might lose a few pounds as the fat is flushed away, but you won’t even notice a dramatic drop in weight.

Both men and women are allowed to have Coolsculpting. The main thing is that you have an adequate amount of fat in your treatment area. The paddles used during treatment need to be able to suction in the area in order to work effectively.

What Areas of the Body Can Coolsculpting Treat?

Almost any area of the body that has excess fat or fatty deposits can be treated with Coolsculpting. Applicators of different sizes and shapes are available for the treatment of particular areas. The area that your doctor can treat may depend on the type of applicator he has in his practice. That is why it is a good idea to choose a practice that has a wide range of applicators on hand.

What Will Happen During Coolsculpting?

Each Coolsculpting treatment will take one hour. Depending on the number of practitioners you have, you can treat one area at a time or two areas. The treatment is usually quite comfortable. You are going to be awake during this, so it is a good idea to bring something with you to help fill the time. You can read a book, watch a show on Netflix or Hulu, do some work, or talk to a friend on the phone.

Before treatment, a practitioner will label the areas you want to be treated with a marker. The paddle or applicator will then be placed in that area. The applicator will lift the treatment area with some suction and start to cool the area. You might feel a cold or a bit of a sting at first, but after the area gets numb, you won’t feel that much at all. Based on the number of areas you want to be treated, you may need to return after the first session..

What Happens After Coolsculpting?

Right after Coolsculpting, the treated area will be raised and red because of exposure to the cold. Your practitioner may gently massage it to bring down the swelling.

You may feel good enough to go back to work or to do your other regularly scheduled actions right after treatment. Optionally, you might want to take off the rest of the day. After treatment, there’s no real downtime, so you should be able to get back to your regular activities and habits pretty much right away.

Seriously, What Happens to the Fat?

After Coolsculpting, your body doesn’t immediately get rid of the fat. Instead, it requires time to break it down and flush it through the lymphatic system. Once the fat is decimated, the body will treat it like a waste and make an attempt to get rid of it. How long it takes to completely flush away the fat depends on how fast your body metabolizes things.

Usually, after 16 weeks, people see full results. You might see results earlier, though.

How Many Treatments Do You Need?

How many treatments you need will depend on how much fat you have and how several areas you want to treat. Typically, a single treatment for Coolsculpting can remove up to 25% of the excess fat in the area. If you want more dramatic outcomes, you might want to schedule two treatments in the same area.

The fat eliminated by Coolsculpting is permanently gone, so you won’t need to schedule touch-up appointments to get rid of “return” fat.

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Bodyinjury

The Most Common Causes of Shoulder Pain and Shoulder Problems

by allurewellness
written by allurewellness

The shoulder is made up of several joints combined with the muscles and tendons. They help the shoulder perform a vast range of motions in the arm—from throwing the perfect pitch to scratching the back. However, mobility has a price. In some cases, it can lead to instability issues and impingement of the bony structures or soft tissue in the shoulder.

Anatomy of the Shoulder

The shoulder is composed of 3 bones: the humerus (upper arm bone), scapula (shoulder blade), and the clavicle (collarbone). The upper bone’s head fits into the shoulder blade’s rounded socket. The socket is known as the glenoid.

A combination of tendons and muscles keeps the arm bone centered in the shoulder socket. The tissues are known as rotator cuff. The rotator cuff covers the head of the upper arm bone and attaches it to the shoulder blade.

Common Causes of Shoulder Pain

Shoulder pain treatment that will be recommended by the doctor will depend on the cause of the condition. That means frozen shoulder treatment recommended will be different from recommended treatment options for shoulder issues caused by arthritis or fracture.

Most problems with the shoulder are classified into 4 categories:

  • Tendon inflammation or tendon tear (tendinitis or bursitis)

  • Arthritis

  • Instability

  • Broken bone (fracture)

Tendinitis

The cord that connects the muscle to the bone is called the tendon. Tendinitis is often the result of tendon inflammation. There are two types of tendinitis:

  • Acute – Excessive ball throwing as well as other overhead activities can lead to acute tendinitis.

  • Chronic – Degenerative diseases like repetitive wear and tear as well as arthritis can lead to chronic tendinitis.

Bursitis

The small fluid-filled sacs that are found in the joints throughout the body (including the shoulder) is called bursae. They also function as cushions between the overlying soft tissues and the bones. They also work by ensuring there is minimal friction between the bone and the gliding muscles.

In some instances, excessive shoulder use can result in swelling and inflammation of the bursa situated between the acromion and the rotator cuff. This condition is referred to as subacromial bursitis.

Impingement

When the acromion puts pressure on the underlying soft tissues, a shoulder impingement can occur. As the arm is lifted, the acromion can impinge on the rotator cuff tendons and bursa. This scenario can result in tendinitis and bursitis which causes pain as well as limited movement.

Arthritis

Shoulder pain can also be attributed to arthritis. While there are many different types of arthritis, the most common type that develops in the shoulder is osteoarthritis. This condition is also commonly referred to as wear and tear arthritis.

Common symptoms of osteoarthritis include stiffness, swelling, and pain. This condition often affects middle-aged individuals. While osteoarthritis can develop gradually, the pain it causes can worsen with time.

Osteoarthritis can be caused by work or sports injuries as well as chronic wear and tear. Other types of osteoarthritis are linked to infection, rotator cuff tears, and joint lining inflammation.

Tendon Tears

The tearing and splitting of tendons can be the result of degenerative changes or acute injury. The tears can be partial or at times, severe enough to completely separate the tendon from the bone. Biceps tendon injuries as well as rotator cuff injuries are considered among the most common.

Instability

Shoulder instability happens when the upper arm bone’s head is forced out of the shoulder socket. This can occur as a result of overuse or sudden injury. Shoulder dislocations can be partial. This condition is called subluxation.

Once the tendons, muscles, or ligaments around the shoulder have become torn or loose, dislocations can happen repeatedly. Recurring dislocations will not only cause pain, it can also result in unsteadiness when the arm is raised or moved away from the body.

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Bodydental

How Long Will Mini Dental Implants Last?

by allurewellness
written by allurewellness

Contrary to popular belief, mini dental implants are not inferior to traditional implants. If anything, mini dental implants are considered the best alternative to traditional implants for replacement teeth in certain scenarios.

For starters, mini dental implants are used when the space is extra narrow and an average implant just won’t fit in. Oftentimes, mini dental implants are also used to replace incisors. They are also the best recourse for patients with generally small teeth.

When are Mini Dental Implants Used?

Let’s get something straight: you can’t get mini dental implants just because you prefer them. Mini dental implants are designed for use in specific cases. Oftentimes, mini dental implants are considered ideal in the following scenarios:

  • If the teeth for replacement is situated in the front, dental implant system.

  • If you need premolar replacement

  • If your teeth is located in a very narrow space

  • If you have really small teeth

Mini dental implants are considered more secure compared to other alternatives. Since it provides more security, you can use it just like you would your natural tooth.

How Long Do Mini Dental Implants Last?

The lifespan of mini dental implants will depend on bone and surgery factors. Some of the key factors are:

  • Smoking

  • Osteoporosis (or other bone diseases)

  • Substance or alcohol abuse

  • Lack of implant care

Also, it is important to keep in mind that every mouth is different. That being said, even if 2 patients will get dental implants from the same dentist the same day, they can still have different experiences in terms of implant longevity.

What are the Differences Between Mini Dental Implants and Traditional Implants?

Many people often confuse mini dental implants and traditional implants. However, the two have distinct differences. Here’s how to differentiate one from the other:

Mini Dental Implants

Unlike the conventional implant, mini dental implants have a diameter smaller than 3mm. At the top of the device, there is a ball-shaped protrusion that’s designed to support the dentures. The denture also has a rubber O-ring that slides over the ball-shaped part.

Since mini dental implants are half the diameter of traditional implants, it would take two mini dental implants to provide the same level of support a traditional implant can provide.

While this can seem like a bad thing, nothing is farther from the truth. You have to keep in mind that sometimes, a smaller implant is the only option that can fit within a small space.

Traditional Dental Implants

A traditional implant is made up of two pieces. The external dental implant screw goes into the bone and has a diameter larger than 3mm. Inside the implant, there’s a thread compatible with various types of dentures.

While traditional implants are better able to distribute the weight of a denture, sometimes it’s just not the ideal option especially when the space is just too narrow for traditional implants to fit in.

How Much Do Mini Dental Implants Cost?

The short answer: less than conventional implants. On average, mini dental implants can cost between $500 to $1, 500. Conventional implants on the other hand can cost around $4, 000 to $5, 000.

Below are some of the reasons mini dental implants are cheaper than traditional implants:

  • They have more affordable implant screws. Understandably, since the screws used are smaller, they are way cheaper compared to the larger screws that are used for traditional implants.

  • The procedure is way more simple. The process of inserting mini dental implants is less time-consuming and less invasive compared to traditional implants. Since less effort and time is required, the money spent is also less.

  • Bone grafting is often not needed. In most cases, there is no need to perform any bone grafting for patients in need of mini dental implants. One less step in the process also means a significant decrease in the overall cost.

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Body

What Are Common Causes of Neck Pain?

by allurewellness
written by allurewellness

The neck is made up of vertebrae that extends from the skull down to the upper torso. It also has cervical discs that are designed to absorb the shock between the bones. The ligaments, muscles, and bones found in the neck support the head and allow it to move. Any injury, inflammation, or abnormalities may result in neck stiffness or pain.

Many people experience occasional neck pain or stiffness. In most cases, it can be attributed to overuse or poor posture. Other times, neck pain can also be caused by whiplash, contact sports, or injury from a fall.

Oftentimes, neck pain is not serious and won’t warrant neck pain treatment. However, if neck pain is severe, lingers for more than a week, and is accompanied by other symptoms, seeking medical attention right away is recommended.

There are different options to treat neck pain. However, the cause needs to be determined first before the best treatment can be provided. Fortunately, mild cases of neck pain will respond well to conservative treatments like exercise, pain medications, and massage. Many people who visit their chiropractors also report relief from neck pain.

Common Causes of Neck Pain

Neck stiffness or pain can be attributed to a lot of causes. Some of the most prevalent causes of neck pain include:

Muscle strain and tension

Muscle strain and tension can be due to the following behaviours and activities:

  • Working in the same position for too long

  • Sleeping with the neck in a bad position

  • Poor posture

  • Jerking the neck during exercise

Heart attack

Neck pain can also be one of the symptoms of a heart attack. However, oftentimes, it manifests together with other symptoms such as:

  • Vomiting

  • Nausea

  • Jaw or arm pain

  • Sweating

  • Shortness of breath

  • Injury

The neck can be very vulnerable to injury especially when playing sports, or during falls, and car accidents. In the aforementioned scenarios, the neck’s ligaments and muscles are forced to move outside of its normal range. If the cervical vertebrae (neck bones) are fractured, the spinal cord can also get damaged. Neck injury that occurs due to sudden jerking of the head is called whiplash.

Other causes

Other likely causes of neck pain include:

Osteoporosis. In people with the condition, the bone can weaken and can result in small fractures. While this condition often manifests in the knees and hands, it can also occur in the neck.

Spinal stenosis. This condition develops when the spinal column narrows down and causes pressure on the nerve roots or spinal cord as it exits the vertebrae. This condition can also develop due to long-term inflammation caused by arthritis and other conditions.

Rheumatoid arthritis. This condition causes joint swelling, pain, and bone spurs. When this develops in the neck area, neck pain can occur.

Fibromyalgia. This condition causes muscle pain throughout the body especially in the shoulder and neck region.

Spondylosis. When the cervical discs degenerate, spondylosis can occur. This condition is also known as osteoarthritis of the neck. When spondylosis is present, the space between the vertebrae can narrow down. The condition can also add stress to the joints.

Herniated cervical disk. Also known as slipped or ruptured disk, this condition occurs when a disk protrudes due to injury or trauma and puts pressure on the nerve roots or spinal cord.

In very rare instances, neck pain and stiffness can be secondary to:

  • Infections

  • Tumors

  • Abscesses

  • Congenital abnormalities

  • Spine cancer

When to See Your Doctor

If the neck stiffness or pain lasts for more than a week, a visit to the doctor is recommended. You should also check with your doctor right away if the neck pain is accompanied by:

  • Fever

  • Headache

  • Nausea

  • Swollen glands

  • Vomiting

  • Tingling

  • Numbness

  • Weakness

  • Lumps in the neck

  • Pain that travels down the legs or arms

  • Bowel or bladder dysfunction

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Bodyhealth

What are Some of the Possible Complications of Snoring?

by allurewellness
written by allurewellness

In essence, snoring is heavy breathing during sleep. Snoring is a common condition that can affect anyone. However, this condition is observed to be more common among men and people who are overweight. It also has the tendency to get worse with age.

Snoring every now and then is considered harmless, although understandably, it can be a nuisance for your bed partner. However, for long-term snorers, they have to find a way  how to stop snoring as it won’t only disrupt the sleep patterns of their bed partners, it  will also affect the quality of their sleep.

In some cases, snoring can be a symptom of an underlying health problem as opposed to the main problem itself. Those who snore very loudly and on a consistent basis need to know how to treat snoring so it won’t affect their sleep as well as their quality of life.

Causes

Snoring occurs when the air flow through the nose and mouth is blocked. The interference of the air flow can be attributed to several causes, including:

Poor muscle tone in the tongue and throat. The muscles of the tongue and throat can be too relaxed. This causes them to collapse into the airway.

Long soft palate or uvula. A long uvula (the tissue that dangles in the back of the mouth) and a long soft palate can cause the opening from the nose to the throat to narrow down. When the individual breathes, the two can bump against each other and block the airway.

Blocked nasal airways. Some individuals snore when they have a sinus infection or during allergy season. Other problems that can also block the nasal airways include nasal polyps or a deviated septum (a condition where the wall separating the nostril from the other is off center).

Sleep position. Sleeping on the back may also result in snoring.

Alcohol and drug use. Taking muscle relaxants or drinking alcohol may also cause the throat and tongue muscles to relax too much.

Bulky throat tissue. This condition can be caused by being overweight. In some children, their adenoids and tonsils might be too large, causing them to snore.

Sleep deprivation. Not getting sufficient sleep can sometimes cause the throat muscles to relax too much.

Complications

Snoring in itself won’t have any complications. However, snoring that’s associated with sleep apnea may lead to the following issues:

Frequent waking from sleep. In some cases, patients are not even aware of it happening.

Heart strain. Long-term obstructive sleep apnea might cause the blood pressure to rise, making the heart bigger as a result. This puts the patient at a higher risk of developing strokes and heart attacks.

Light sleeping. Waking up countless times during the night can interfere with the normal sleep pattern, depriving patients of a deeper and more restorative sleep.

Poor sleep quality. Not getting enough sleep may cause patients to be sleepy during the day and can significantly affect their quality of life.

Treatment

There are several treatment options available for snoring, including:

Oral appliances. Patients will wear a small plastic device in their mouth while they sleep.   This will keep the airways open.

Lifestyle changes. Your doctor may advise losing the excess weight or not drinking alcohol especially before retiring for the night.

CPAP machine. A continuous positive airway pressure machine can be used to treat sleep apnea. It can also help minimise snoring by blowing air into the patient’s airways during sleep.

Surgery. Some procedures can be done to help stop snoring. When required, your doctor can shrink or remove the tissues in the throat or make the soft palate stiffer.

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Bodydental

What are the Benefits of Getting Dental Implants?

by allurewellness
written by allurewellness

When replacing damaged or missing teeth, there are several options available, including replacement teeth and dentures. However, one option stands out: dental implants. Unlike bridges or dentures, dental implants offer replacement teeth that are truly hard to miss.

The Unbeatable Benefits of Getting Dental Implants

Below are some of the topnotch benefits of dental implants.

  • It can help prevent bone loss

When teeth are lost, there is also a tendency to lose bone mass in the jaw. The jawbone needs the stimulation it gets from the teeth to maintain its mass. Dental implant is the only tooth replacement alternative that replaces jawbone stimulation so bone loss is prevented.

  • It can help restore the bite force

Since dental implants are anchored into the jawbone using a titanium post that serves as tooth root, they make it possible for patients to have the same amount of bite force as the natural teeth. Other tooth replacement options, like dental implants, on the other hand won’t be able to restore nearly half of the usual bite force as most just sit on top of the gums and are not anchored in place.

  • It is designed to match the natural teeth

Dental implants can come in diverse shapes and sizes. Dentists at Aspen Dental will work with patients to design implants that will fit perfectly in the gap and match the color of the surrounding natural teeth. Dental implants look just like the natural teeth that it’s usually just you and your dentist who knows you got one.

  • It helps prevent any change in the face shape

The teeth also helps support the facial structure. When teeth are lost, there is also a possibility of losing facial support. Lack of facial support can cause the face to change shape, sometimes making patients look older than they really are. Since dental implants are designed to function just like the natural teeth and bone, they can also provide the same support to the face so it does not change shape.

  • It helps enable natural speech

Some tooth replacement alternatives like dental implant can significantly affect one’s ability to speak and pronounce words correctly. Fortunately, since dental implants act just like the natural teeth and bone, they can make it possible for people to speak naturally and effortlessly.

  • It helps prevent cavities

Contrary to popular belief, artificial teeth like dental implants need to be looked after accordingly to prevent bacteria from building up in the mouth and causing infections. The good thing is dental implants, made of bone, are resistant to decay. That means you won’t have to worry about getting cavities in your implants ever again.

  • It helps prevent any embarrassing slippage

Most patients who have dentures sometimes feel self-conscious when laughing, speaking, or eating in public as dentures have the tendency to slip or shift inside the mouth. Patients with dental implants however don’t have to think about their dental implants slipping as they are anchored in place firmly.

  • It helps support adjacent teeth

A gap in the mouth caused by a missing tooth might cause teeth on either side of the gap to shift positions. When this occurs, teeth misalignment can occur. Thankfully, dental implants will fill the gap and will make it possible for patients to have a straight and even smile.

  • It is easy to look after

Those with dental implants are not required to use any special products to clean or look after their dental implants. That means you don’t have to buy adhesives, special flossers, or cleansing tablets for your dental implants.

In essence, you just need to look after your implants like you would after your natural teeth. That means you brush and floss at least twice daily and visit your dentist for routine check-ups. If you’d like to know more about dental implants and figure out if  they’re the best option for you, click here.

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Bodydental

Can Anyone Get Dental Implants?

by allurewellness
written by allurewellness

What are dental implants?

In a nutshell, dental implants are artificial replacements for missing natural teeth. Implants are also designed to provide a robust foundation for permanent (fixed) or removable replacement teeth.

Can anyone get dental implants?

In most cases, patients that are healthy enough to undergo oral surgery or a routine dental extraction can be good candidates for dental implants. Ideally, people who are candidates for a dental implant procedure should have healthy gums as well as enough bone to hold the implant in place.

Those with uncontrolled chronic illnesses like heart disease or diabetes, heavy smokers, and those who have had radiation therapy to the neck or head area will have to be evaluated on an individual basis. If you live in Singapore and you’re considering dental implants, find out all you need to know about the procedure here.

What is the success rate for dental implants?

Depending on where in the jaw the implants are placed, the success of dental implants can vary. However, in general, the success rate is around 98 percent. The good thing is that given it is cared for accordingly, dental implants can last a lifetime.

Are dental implants painful?

Most people who have had dental implants surgery report they felt very minimal discomfort during the procedure. Local anaesthesia is also used during the surgery and most patients report that implants are even less painful than tooth extractions.

What is the process of getting dental implants like?

Developing an individualised treatment plan is the first step in the dental implant surgery process. The treatment plan will address the patient’s specific needs. The plan is also often prepared by a team of professionals who are specially experienced and trained in both restorative dentistry and oral surgery.

Next, the tooth root implant (small post made of titanium) is placed into the missing tooth’s bone socket. As the jawbone heals, it will grow around the implanted metal post and will anchor it in the jaw securely. The healing time from dental implant surgery can take 6 to 12 weeks.

Once the implant has been bonded to the bone securely, a small connected post (known as abutment) will be attached to the post to secure the new tooth in place. A replacement tooth (known is crown) is attached to the dental implant abutment.

The dentist will also make sure the color of the new dental implant matches that of the natural teeth. Since the implant will be secured within the jawbone through surgery, the replacement teeth will feel, function, and look just like the natural teeth.

What are some of the benefits of getting dental implants?

Dental implants offer many enticing benefits. Some of the most notable ones include:

  • Enhanced appearance – dental implants are designed to mimic the look and feel of the patient’s natural teeth.

  • Improved comfort – since dental implants will fuse with the bone, they eliminate any of the discomforts associated with removable dentures.

  • Improved speech – when wearing ill-fitting dentures or dental implant, there is the tendency it will slip within the mouth and can cause the wearer to slur or mumble their words. With a dental implant however, you can speak without having to worry if the teeth will slip.

  • Improved self-confidence – dental implants look just like the natural teeth so it can help you regain your smile, feel better about yourself, and improve your self-confidence in the process.

  • Easier eating – sliding dentures will not only make it difficult to talk, it can also make chewing difficult. Fortunately, dental implants are designed to function just like the natural teeth, allowing you to better chew your food with confidence and without pain.

  • Durability – dental implants are known to be highly durable and can last for many years. With proper care, implants can even last a lifetime.

  • Convenience – dental implants will eliminate the embarrassment and inconvenience of removing dentures. People with dental implants are also spared from using messy adhesives just to keep their dentures in place.

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Bodyhealth

What Dermatologists Tell You About Skin Cancer

by allurewellness
written by allurewellness

Turning the Spotlight on Skin Cancer

Do you know how skin cancer can be spotted? Don’t let skin cancer sneak up on you. Although you can’t see all the sun damage on your skin, inspecting the areas you can see is vital–before it’s too late. Otherwise you might regret it.

Fortunately, many skincare experts and dermatologists (dokter kecantikan) have shared valuable information on how skin cancer can be spotted. Below are some of the key information you need to keep in mind:

Can you spot cancer of the skin?

Anyone can get skin cancer regardless of colour or race. However, certain types of skin are believed to be more susceptible to the condition compared to others. Fortunately, skin cancer can be highly treatable especially when detected (and treated) early.

For the uninitiated, below are the different types of skin cancer:

Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma are considered two of the most common types of skin cancer. They are also classified as non-melanoma skin cancers.

Both types of skin cancer often develop within the skin’s top layer. They can also be evident on other areas of the body especially the areas that are often exposed to the sun. In addition, these cancer types can also develop on the scalp, face, ears, and neck.

Basal cell carcinoma often appears as a whitish bump. Squamous cell carcinoma on the other hand often appears as a rough, swollen, or scaly patch. Squamous cell carcinoma can also manifest as a bleeding and ulcerated bump.

While non-melanoma skin cancers don’t spread fast, they can lead to disfigurement when left untreated. Researchers estimate that in 2012 alone, 3.3 million people in the United States were diagnosed with non-melanoma skin cancer, including basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma.

If you see anything shifting, swelling, or bleeding on your face, see a board-certified dermatologist as soon as possible. If anything, skin cancer can be highly curable given that it’s diagnosed early and treated accordingly.

Melanoma

This is skin cancer’s most deadly type. Every day, nearly 20 Americans die of melanoma. This type of skin cancer can also appear suddenly and without warning. However, in some cases, melanoma can also develop from or near an existing mole.

While melanomas can develop anywhere in the body, it typically manifests around the areas in the neck, head, torso, upper torso, and the lower legs. Melanomas can easily spread to the lymph nodes and the internal organs. That being said, early detection of melanomas is crucial so it can be addressed properly.

If you notice any see swelling or bleeding on your face, consider it best to visit a board certified dermatologist immediately. Fresh and rapid growing moles are often early warning signs of melanoma and should be looked into by a dermatologist as soon as possible. The good news is melanoma is highly treatable given that it’s detected early and treated properly.

The American Academy of Dermatology suggests that everyone studies the ABCDs of melanoma to help them detect melanomas early.

A stands for asymmetry: one half of the mole does not suit the other half.

B stands border irregularity: the edges are ragged, stitched, or blurred.

C stands for color: this can vary from region to region.

D stands for diameter: while melanomas are usually larger than 6mm when diagnosed (the size of a pencil eraser), they can also be smaller.

For more information on the diagnosis and prevention of skin cancer or if you want to find a free skin cancer test in your area, visit the nearest dermatological clinic and consult a skincare specialist (dokter kecantikan) or dermatologist.

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