Day: July 4, 2022

When you go grocery shopping, a toothbrush may not be on the top of your list. Even if it is, you may not think of it as a very important item. Usually, when you pick clothes or shoes for yourself, you carefully try them on to check if they look good on you. However, when it comes to toothpaste, you may not think much before buying. 

Choosing the right toothbrush can be the difference between good and bad dental health. After all, if you do not have the proper tools, you won’t be able to clean your teeth thoroughly. Consulting with Coconut Creek dentists can help you understand which toothbrushes are best for you and why. 

What to look for in a toothbrush

1. For adults, you need to look for a toothbrush with a long enough handle so that it is comfortable to hold while brushing. Too long handles can be difficult to reach your molars, on the other hand, too small ones can be difficult to hold. Additionally, pick a toothbrush with a ½-inch or 1-inch wide head to brush comfortably. 
2. When you shop for toothbrushes, you must have noticed that there are two kinds of bristles: rounded and straight. Rounded bristles are better because they do not have sharp edges that can hurt your gums. This reduces the risks of infection and inflammation. 
3. When it comes to bristles, there are again three types: soft, medium, and hard. Soft bristles that are made of nylon are the best choice for anyone. These are soft and gentle on your teeth and gums and provide a comfortable and safe brushing experience. Medium and hard bristles can do more harm than good. 

One important point to remember is that the regular replacement of toothbrushes is necessary to maintain a consistent level of oral hygiene. Clinical research shows that a new toothbrush can remove 30% more plaque than older ones. This is because toothbrush bristles get damaged with time. 

Ask your dentist for a recommendation 

If you are confused about which toothbrush to choose and cannot find the right one for you in the supermarket, you can consult your dentist about it. Dentists know various good dental product brands that sell good toothbrushes in Coconut Creek and can recommend you one. 

It is recommended to get a toothbrush with the ADA (American Dental Association) Seal of Approval. Toothbrushes and toothpastes with an ADA seal indicate that they are safe for use and can improve your dental condition. 

The brain is surrounded by cerebrospinal fluid; it removes waste products from the brain, protects the brain from damage, and supplies nutrients to the brain for proper functioning. Although the cerebrospinal fluid has essential functions, too much of it results in pressure which can damage brain tissue and affect various brain functions. The build-up or accumulation of excess cerebrospinal fluid in the cavities within the brain is called hydrocephalus. Hydrocephalus Oxnard occurs mainly among infants and adults over 60 years, but it can happen at any age.

Symptoms of hydrocephalus

The symptoms of hydrocephalus vary depending on the age of onset. The following are different types of hydrocephalus and their signs and symptoms.

Congenital hydrocephalus

This type of hydrocephalus is present at birth when a baby is born with excess cerebrospinal fluid. It can be due to spina bifida or an infection affecting the mother during pregnancy, such as rubella and mumps. Most babies with congenital hydrocephalus suffer permanent brain damage; other signs of hydrocephalus in infants include a big head, rapid increase in head size, and fontanel at the top of the head.

Besides changes in the head, other physical signs and symptoms of hydrocephalus in infants include:

• Poor eating
• Seizures
• Nausea and vomiting
• Lethargy
• Irritability
• Weak muscles
• Eyes fixed downwards

In the long term, congenital hydrocephalus may cause learning disabilities, memory problems, speech problems, vision problems, epilepsy, and problems with physical coordination and organizational skills.

Acquired hydrocephalus

Acquired hydrocephalus develops after birth; it may result from an injury or illness. For example, a complication from a medical condition such as a brain tumor or a severe head injury may cause hydrocephalus. Children or adults with acquired hydrocephalus may have signs and symptoms such as:

• Loss of coordination or balance
• Headache
• Sluggishness
• Vision problems
• Memory and concentration problems; may affect job performance.

Normal-pressure hydrocephalus

Normal-pressure hydrocephalus most often affects older adults above 60 years; it is a rare and poorly understood condition. The cause of normal pressure hydrocephalus remains unclear, but it can develop after a stroke or an injury. Older adults with hydrocephalus mainly exhibit dementia, urinary incontinence, and mobility problems. Diagnosing normal pressure hydrocephalus can be difficult because symptoms develop gradually and are similar to common conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease.

Diagnosing hydrocephalus

Specialists use imaging tests such as Computed Tomography (CT scans) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI scans) to diagnose congenital and acquired hydrocephalus. For patients with normal pressure hydrocephalus, a checklist can help rule out other possible conditions such as Alzheimer’s. Specialists usually assess your walking, mental ability, and bladder control symptoms.

Treatment of hydrocephalus

Surgery can help restore and maintain normal cerebrospinal fluid levels in the brain; the procedure involves implanting a thin tube into the brain to drain away excess fluid. Less invasive procedures such as endoscopic third ventriculostomy can be an alternative to shunt surgery. The surgeon makes a hole to drain excess liquid to the surface for absorption for this procedure. After surgery, your specialist may recommend different therapies to help you manage symptoms.

Consult your specialist at Link Neuroscience Institute to learn more about hydrocephalus. 

If the natural appearance of your body part is altered due to any injury, congenital disability, the aging process, or medical condition, it may take a toll on your confidence. If this is the case, you can be a candidate for plastic surgery. Your plastic and reconstructive surgeon Arlington can help repair, reconstruct, or replace physical defects of form or function. These are defects involving the skin and musculoskeletal system.

What is reconstructive plastic surgery?

Reconstructive plastic surgery includes craniofacial surgery. It involves treatment for cleft lip/palate and defects related to skull structure like a limb deformity. These are deformities that may have occurred developmentally through syndromes like hemangiomas or during trauma. Hand surgery is yet another reconstructive plastic surgery that helps restore the function and mobility of hands if they are permanently damaged due to injuries or physical deformities. Reconstructive plastic surgery deals with restoring function, appearance, and anatomy to body parts.

How is reconstructive plastic surgery done?

Plastic surgery is a broad field that encompasses different types of procedures. Some focus on healing physical injuries and defects, while others aim at improving one’s appearance and self-image. One common branch of plastic surgery is reconstructive plastic surgery, which can be used to treat anything from burns to congenital abnormalities to diseases like cancer.

Reconstructive procedures can restore function and improve appearance. They can help patients feel more confident in themselves or give them the ability to get back out into the world again after an accident or illness.

Who performs reconstructive plastic surgery?

A surgeon specializing in reconstructive plastic surgery will usually try to restore the normal shape, color, and function of the damaged area. The methods used for this vary depending on whether the damage was caused by an accidental burn, infection, congenital defect, or malformation. The goal is always to allow the patient to function normally physically and psychologically.

Plastic surgery is classified into two broad categories

Plastic surgery is carried out to reform normal body structures so as to improve the self-esteem and appearance of the patient. Furthermore, reconstructive surgery rectifies abnormal structures in the body rooting from congenital defects, developmental abnormalities, trauma, infection, tumors, or disease.

Why is reconstructive surgery performed?

Reconstructive surgery can be done for several reasons. They include;

Restore damaged body parts-If you have lost an ear due to trauma or cancer and need reconstructive surgery to replace it, plastic surgeons will perform the procedure.

Fix congenital abnormalities-Reconstructive surgery is also performed on patients born with congenital abnormalities, such as cleft palate or cleft lip.

Solve birth injuries-It may also be used to repair injuries sustained during birth that result in disfigurement or functional impairment.

Repair damage resulting from accident trauma-Reconstructive surgery can also help repair damage caused by accidental trauma, such as burns and tumors, basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), melanoma, and Kaposi sarcoma. These may require skin grafting procedures in order to restore areas affected by these diseases.

Treat severe burns-Plastic surgeons are also responsible for performing reconstructive procedures after severe burns with third-degree burns requiring extensive grafting procedures. Second-degree burns require less extensive grafting procedures but still require plastic surgeons’ expertise for them not only to heal properly but look good once they are healed.

Reconstructive plastic surgery is often necessary when a person’s appearance has been compromised by injury or disease. Plastic surgeons are specially trained to address these problems and return patients to a more normal state. In some cases, plastic surgeons have to repair the damage done by accident and injury, while in others, they can prevent damage from occurring in the first place. Contact Advanced Plastic Surgery Center for more information about reconstructive plastic surgery.

Sports activities account for the highest number of sports injuries. Did you know that the most considerable number of severe injuries come from men’s football? Though men are more prone to injuries, women are also victims. In women’s sports, soccer is the primary cause of injuries. Sports injuries effects are more than you could imagine, including lost time and money used in the treatment and recovery. Portland sports injuries specialist David N Westerdahl, MD, offers the best care in sports medicine to restore health and body function. Here is more about sports injuries.

What are the common sports injuries?

Sports injuries include all injuries resulting from physical activities. It covers professional sports activities injuries and any other injury during your daily routine.

You can expect to receive extensive care for all sports injuries at the Sports Health Northwest, Inc. Dr. Westerdahl is highly experienced and provides top-quality care in sports medicine in treating various sports injuries, including the following;

• Fractures
• Tendon tears
• Meniscus tears
• Tendonitis
• Kneecap injuries
• Sprains and strains
• Dislocations
• Rotator cuff tear
• Stress fractures
• Iliotibial band syndrome
• Shoulder or hip labral tear
• Plantar fasciitis
• Contusions
• Herniated disc
• Sports-related concussion

You can also receive arthritis treatment at Sports Health Northwest. Dr. Westerdahl works to relieve joint inflammation and pain. You are likely to develop arthritis if you have repeated joint injuries.

When to seek help for sports injuries?

It’s advisable not to wait and schedule a consultation with your provider immediately after you get a sports injury. Participating in your physical activity while with an injury may make your injury or condition severe. Besides adding to your pain, it may also mean more days away from your sport or workout.

Despite the size or degree of your injury, your provider offers treatments to promote healing and stop any recurrence.

What are the treatments for sports injuries?

The team at Sports Health Northwest ensures you receive the care you need by addressing all your concerns. Your treatment options rest on your symptoms, type of injury, sport, location, overall health, and routine.

Usually, you can find relief from physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medications. But there are other available treatments to promote healing, alleviate pain and restore function, such as

Bone marrow aspirate

This treatment involves your provider harvesting stem cells from your bone marrow and injecting them into the damaged part. Typically, stem cells can change into muscle or bone cells that enhance healing.

Platelet-rich plasma

It’s a form of regenerative medicine with an increased concentration of growth factors, platelets, and stem cell markers. It stimulates the body’s natural healing ability. Your provider administers platelet-rich plasma injections to speed up healing.

Alpha 2 macroglobulin injection

Alpha 2 macroglobulin is present in your blood. Your provider uses it to treat knee injuries and lower the risk of knee osteoarthritis.

Percutaneous tenotomy

It’s a minimally invasive procedure to treat harmed tendons and muscles. The treatment involves removing the injured tissue without interfering with the healthy tissues.

Please note that it’s best to seek medical care for sports injuries to prevent further damage. Call Sports Health Northwest, Inc today to schedule your consultation.

Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty can be ideal for you when you fail to achieve your weight loss goals through exercise and diet choices. The procedure involves reducing your stomach capacity through surgical intervention. Medical experts like the Buckhead endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty specialists mainly recommend the approach to those who desire to lose weight but are not ideal candidates for weight loss surgery. The treatment comes with several advantages over other options like the laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. We have outlined some possible benefits of endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty for you. Have a look.

1.     No Stomach Is Removed

Yes, endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty involves reducing your stomach but not by removing a portion of your stomach. In laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, your provider separates the abdomen using a surgical stapler and removes the lateral part. Typically, about 60-80% of your stomach will be released through the treatment. But with endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, your doctor will only suture the inside of your stomach and create a sleeve by drawing it together. There will be no stomach removed. Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty is done using an endoscope, and no incisions are necessary, unlike laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy.

2.     You Can Go Home the Same Day

Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty is faster. Although it is performed under general anesthesia, you can go back home the same day. The time for the anesthesia is short, and you will be monitored for about 3-4 hours as you recover. You will be encouraged to drink some fluids and walk during your recovery period, and you might feel better going home. However, it would help if you made arrangements for someone to drive you home since it might not be safe for you to drive. In procedures like laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, you have to stay at the hospital overnight to manage pain and monitor bleeding signs.

3.     Less Pain

While every patient’s experience varies, endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty is typically less painful. Remember that the pain sensation from the gastrointestinal tract is not similar to that from your muscular layer or skin. You might experience a dull ache in your upper abdomen or under your left ribs. But some patients also experience pain like that after surgery, proving that there is a broad spectrum of the intensity of pain you can experience following an endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty. Since there are no incisions made, there are high chances of experiencing low-intensity pain that resolves faster.

4.     Little Downtime

With endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, you can return to your normal activities or work earlier. There are fewer chances of postoperative pain, and the discomfort experienced resolves sooner. Also, no incisions are made, and you will not need more time to heal and take care of the incisions. There are also fewer chances of post-operation risks meaning you do not have to wait up to three weeks like with laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy patients.

5.     It Is Reversible

It is possible to undergo a revision procedure after endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty, unlike permanent laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy. The sutures made can be cut out and released to a more normal shape in the future. Although the difficulty of the reversal is uncertain, some reports have indicated that other revision surgeries are possible after endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty.

If you want to go the extra mile for your weight loss goals, talk to the Peachtree Surgical & Bariatric endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty specialists for help. You can make a call or book your consultation appointment using the online tool.

Dentures are false teeth implanted at the base of your gums to replace missing natural ones. They are the oldest form of teeth replacement. Tooth decay, gum disease, and facial injuries can lead to tooth loss. Missing teeth can cause your facial muscles to sag over time. East Village dentures restore your facial appearance and make it easier to eat or speak. Depending on your oral disorder, they can replace a few missing teeth, all teeth, gums, and surrounding tissue. Dentists designs dentures in different ways to cover various dental defects, and the common types include:

Complete dentures

Complete dentures, also called full dentures, consist of both upper and lower sets and are used when you lose all your teeth. They are made of porcelain or acrylic base. Complete dentures rest on your gum tissue, and the suction helps to keep them in place. They are removable and should be taken out every night for cleaning. Your complete dentures can last between five to ten years with proper care and maintenance.

Partial dentures

Partial dentures are used when you have lost some of your teeth and not all. They are either removable or fixed, depending on your choice. Removable partial dentures have clasps that help them clip on the nearby teeth, and you can remove them for cleaning. Your dentist connects fixed partial dentures permanently to the teeth on either side, and you cannot take them out. Only your dentist can remove a fixed bridge partial denture.

Temporary dentures

Temporary dentures, also known as immediate dentures, are fitted immediately after your teeth are removed. They help you carry on with your regular life while waiting for permanent dentures. Immediate dentures enable you to eat what you love without exacting too much pressure on the remaining natural teeth. Your dentist recommends them to ease your mouth into wearing a denture or if you have issues with sensitive teeth or gums.

Flexible dentures

Flexible dentures are a type of partial dentures made from different materials. Most of them are made of thin thermoplastic like nylon. Flexible partial dentures are more comfortable than other removable partials, especially if you are new to wearing replacement teeth. Most partial dentures are made of metal parts that can be noticed when talking or smiling. Flexible dentures do not use metal, so they tend to look and feel natural.

Snap-in dentures

Snap-in dentures are the best when it comes to stability. Dentists use them when you have lost all your teeth but have healthy bones to support an implant. Dental implants or anchors hold snap-in dentures in place. They have locator attachments embedded on the tissue denture side that snap onto the implants or anchors. These dentures are removable.

Implant-supported dentures

Implant-supported dentures involve your dentist fixing a crown to a surgically inserted dental implant in your jawbone. The denture crown is connected to the implant with screws. The dental implant provides excellent support for a solid foundation which gives the denture stability. The implant also looks natural and lasts long.

Whichever denture you use for your tooth loss, ensure you take care of them to enhance a more extended durability period. Schedule an appointment at East Village Dental Center for dental placement to improve your smile.

Your skin loses its elasticity as you continue to age. This can make wrinkles and fine lines appear on your face. Anti-aging is the process of preventing signs of aging from occurring. While this can be done through cosmetic procedures, topical creams, and lotions, lifestyle changes can make all the difference. Aging causes the skin to lose its elasticity and have trouble producing collagen, which results in wrinkles, sagging skin, and age spots. But anti-aging New York procedures can reverse the process.

Here are ways to promote anti-aging

Eat right

What you eat determines whether you age or not. To stay young, eat more vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Also, eat fewer calories, sugar, fat, and salt. Calories are the amount of energy your body gets from the food you eat each day.

Eat less red meat such as beef, lamb, and pork. Get enough protein from other sources like fish and chicken instead. When you eat red meat, it should be lean cuts of beef such as round steaks or roasts rather than higher-fat cuts like tenderloin or ribeye steak. These contain fewer calories per serving size than other cuts off the same animal. However, you should not consume too much because they have a lot of cholesterol which causes overweight people to get heart attacks easily when they eat too much of this type of meat every day.

Do not smoke

Smoking has been shown to accelerate aging. It also causes wrinkles, discoloration, and other problems with the skin. It can lead to heart disease and lung cancer, among other serious health issues.

Drink water instead of sugary drinks

You can achieve this by replacing sugary drinks with water. Sugary drinks are very bad for your teeth, skin, and weight. They also cause acne and diabetes. They could also cause cancer, heart disease, and depression. Always ensure you stay hydrated to improve blood flow.

Get adequate sleep

Sleep is important for your health. It is one of the ways your body repairs itself and prepares for the next day. Therefore, getting enough quality sleep can make a big difference in how you feel and perform throughout the day.

However, many people do not get enough sleep regularly. In fact, an estimated 60 million people in the US have chronic insomnia. A good way to ensure that you are getting enough restful sleep is by following these tips:

• Ensure your bedroom has comfortable temperatures and lighting that are conducive for sleeping. If your room is not dark enough or too hot at night, consider using blackout curtains or installing dimmer switches by your lights so you can adjust them based on what time it is.
• Do not drink coffee late at night if possible. Caffeine can keep you awake at night when it wears off, which could cause problems with falling asleep.

Exercise regularly

Exercise is a critical part of an anti-aging regimen. A healthy body means a healthy mind, and exercise will promote both. You should aim for 30 minutes of exercise on most days of the week. This can include workouts in the gym, jogging outdoors, or even yoga classes. However, it is important to listen to your body and know what works best for you. If you feel like exercising more than that, go ahead. But if you are feeling exhausted after your workout session or worse, you should start with moderate exercises.

It is also critical to allow adequate time between working out so that your muscles can recover properly before using them again. Otherwise, they will become weakened over time, making exercise less effective at promoting anti-aging effects on both body and mind.

While aging is not necessarily a bad thing, many people find it depressing when they feel older than they look. You can maintain a youthful look by eating right, doing regular exercise, controlling weight gain, and staying hydrated. Liondale Medical experts to learn more on how to promote anti-aging. 

Women’s healthcare has taken a front seat in the medical industry. This is because of the spread of information about their importance, primarily inspired by the onset of the internet. This has led to the formation of more women’s facilities to deal with their issues in a more personalized setting. An example of a standard procedure performed is the South Charleston Pap Smear. More about what a pap smear entails and its benefits is discussed below.

What is a Pap Smear?

A pap smear is an operation that is performed to screen for cancer of the cervix. This involves checking out the opening of your uterus for cancerous or precancerous cells. The cells found in the cervix are carefully obtained and checked out for abnormal growth during a routine procedure. This happens at your physician’s office without causing any long-term pain but may be slightly uncomfortable.

Who requires a pap smear?

Medical professionals recommend pap smear screenings begin at age twenty-five. Some women may have a higher risk of getting infections or cancer. Further frequent tests may be needed if:

• An organ transplant or chemotherapy makes your immune system weakened
• You are positive for the HIV

Women above the age of twenty-five who have not gotten abnormal pap tests may ask their physicians to perform one every five years combined with an HPV screening. This should apply even to those who do not suspect they have any issues.

HPV is a virus that heightens the likelihood of getting cervical cancer and warts. The leading causes of cervical cancer from HPV involve types sixteen and eighteen. HPV infection significantly increases your chances of contracting cancer of the cervix.

When women get above the age of sixty-five and have pap smear tests regularly may stop getting them in the future. Regardless of your sexual activity, regular pap smears are recommended, mainly because HPV can be dormant for a long time and be suddenly triggered to become active.

How often you get pap smears depends on factors like risk and age. These recommendations are only applicable to women with cervixes. Screening is not necessary if you have had a hysterectomy and have no history of cervical cancer.

What does a pap smear test involve?

This test is pretty quick but can be slightly uncomfortable. The procedure begins with lying on an examination table, resting your feet on stirrups supports, and your legs spread. A speculum device is placed in your vagina to keep the walls open and the cervix accessible.

The doctor will remove a small sample of cells from your cervix. This can be via:

• Use of a brush and spatula
• Using a spatula only
• Using a cytobrush device that combines both a brush and spatula

The brief scraping involves irritation after a slight push. The sample collected is stored and taken to the lab to test for cells that seem abnormal.

A pap smear test can be a pretty invasive procedure, mainly due to the private body part it involves. This can make it quite unpopular even though it is crucial for women’s health. For any pap smear inquiries, visit us online, or call our offices in South Charleston, WV.

Your skin changes; wrinkles start appearing, fine lines appear, and scars show as you get older. These may not look good as they tell your tale so visibly. Fortunately, cosmetic dermatology Forest Hills treatments are available to help you correct those skin problems and leave you feeling young again.

What is skin rejuvenation?

This procedure involves processes that work to improve your skin appearance and leave you with smooth and youthful skin. You may have to use some skincare products and undergo procedures to help achieve your skin restoration goal. A typical example of skin rejuvenation is skin resurfacing, which works by removing the top layer of your skin and revealing the fresh inner skin.

What are the examples of skin resurfacing treatments?

You may have different options for skin rejuvenation methods from which you can choose. They may include:

• Laser resurfacing

This skin rejuvenation process uses a beam of light to remove the epidermis, treat minor flaws, and improve your skin’s appearance. It may involve

• Ablative laser

This laser treatment works by removing the thin outer skin and then heating the inner skin. This removal will encourage the collagen, therefore, improving the texture and firmness of your skin. As the treatment progresses, your skin grows smooth and tight.

• Nonablative laser

This treatment is less aggressive than the ablative laser treatment. But it also promotes the growth of collagen to restore your skin. Though the improvements are not easily noticeable, it has a shorter and quicker recovery time.

• Chemical peels

This procedure uses a chemical solution to eliminate the layers of your skin. This treatment can address your skin’s acne scars, wrinkles, and discoloration, especially on your face. You can either have the following depths of chemical peels:

• Light chemical peel

This peeling uses a diluted chemical solution and can treat dryness, acne, and uneven skin tone. You may choose to have it regularly.

• Medium chemical peel

This peeling uses a medium solution to remove the outer skin layer and some bit of the inner skin layer. It can treat uneven skin tone, wrinkles, and scars. You may need a regular repeat of this procedure for best results.

• Deep chemical peel

This peeling procedure removes deeper skin cells, and your doctor may recommend it if you have deeper scars, wrinkles, and precancerous growth. A deep chemical peel offers the best results, and you may not need to repeat the procedure.

• Microneedling

This procedure entails using tiny needles to prick the skin, causing the body to produce more collagen, which aids your skin to help regain a youthful look. Microneedling can help address skin issues like acne, hyperpigmentation, scars, stretch marks, and sun damage. You may consider microneedling if you have a darker skin tone as it uses no heat, therefore not affecting your skin pigmentation.

You may have to see a doctor who will conduct an evaluation and determine which skin rejuvenation technique can suit you best. This choice may also depend on your skin goals.

If you want to learn more about how you can benefit from skin rejuvenation, visit Adult and Pediatric Dermatology or request an appointment online.