All about your teeth

Common myths about Dieting

2011-02-07T21:53:00.000-08:00

You know it's diet time when your favourite jeans becomes 'difficult-to-breathe-in' tight.

Some do make it and are able to wriggle into those delicious figure-skimming dresses they've been eyeing for quite some time. Some try and change their lifestyle and eating habits, but their weight refuses to budge. Here's why. People tend to think they change their food habits way more than they actually do. Here are three of the most common diet mistakes most people make:

Sneaking in food (and not keeping track!)
Okay, so you are all resolute and don't order dessert. But what about the 'not just a couple of' bites you sneak in from your friend's rich chocolate gateaux? Doesn't that count? What about the tea and cookies you have when you drop in for a friendly chat at your neighbour's? How many cups of coffee do you guzzle while brainstorming at a business meeting? How many glasses of water do you drink in a day? Dietician and sports nutritionist Deepshikha Agarwal says, "Drinking less water is the mistake people make the most. It's a misconception that drinking a lot of water causes water-retention. Most of us live in denial, or are merely not aware, of the amount of food we eat."

Skipping a meal
Nutritionist Dr Pooja Makhija says, "Without a doubt, the biggest blunder you can make when it comes to dieting is to starve yourself. Just because you're dieting, it isn't acceptable to skip a meal. When you skip a meal, your blood sugar level drops, increasing your craving for saturated sugary foods, which are a lot fattening than a simple, home-cooked meal." Skipping breakfast is bad and you're likely to eat more calories during the day. Deepshikha says, "People on a diet tend to eat twice, once or not at all. In fact, one must eat small meals six times a day. It increases your metabolic rate, which in lay man's language is your calorie burning capacity," she says.

Looking at the short-term
You goal should be to reach to a healthy size and maintain it, instead of drastic weight loss. Sustained weight-loss requires systematic lifestyle changes. Eat a balanced nutritious diet that contains food from different groups and supplement it with exercise and an active lifestyle.

Maintain a food diary
The simple act of recording what you eat daily can strengthen your tenacity to see a diet to target. Psychiatrist Dr Harish Shetty says, "A food diary not only gives you a sense of regulation, but also keeps you alert, to psyche you into eating right. It is great for the dietician as well to keep track since it is a written testimony by the client himself."

— Record every morsel of food. It will give you a clear picture of how the extra calories come in your diet. You can also track emotional eating through this.

— You're less likely to binge or overeat (reaching out for a second helping of pudding) when you're fully aware that you're recording your actions. You will start listening to your real hunger pangs, and not your moody ones.

— Buy a pretty-looking journal that you anticipate writing in every night, and also carry around with you.

— Besides writing about what you eat, also jot down why you eat that particular food.
Keep it for a month and see how it works out for you. Most likely, you won't really need it after that.

You will be more aware of your eating patterns and avoid or manage confrontations that generate over-eating reactions from you.

You also know situations better. Do you eat the same amount while you order a la-carte and while in a buffet? You could make your food diary tech savvy and use an electronic log or a spreadsheet. In fact, if you're one of those techno freaks, you could tweet about your food if it helps you, for all anyone would care.

So forget the diets that promise weight loss, just opt for this self-controlling weight loss method. Needless to say, it is also the thriftiest diet aid ever!

Read more: Some common diet mistakes - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/diet/Some-common-diet-mistakes-/articleshow/6063177.cms#ixzz1DLOQDG4S

Are there aliens out there?

2011-02-06T22:48:00.000-08:00

Rosewell UFO incidentThe most famous incident involves the recovery of UFO debris near Roswell, New Mexico, USA, on July 8, 1947. There are widely divergent views on what actually happened. The United States military maintains that what was actually recovered was debris from an experimental high-altitude surveillance balloon. Many UFO proponents maintain that a crashed alien craft and bodies were recovered and that the military has always engaged in a cover-up to prevent public alarm.

are many who believe that the existence of aliens is a reality and govts the world over are engaging in cover-ups. Some even go on to claim that the Earth governments, especially the govt of US are in communication with extraterrestrials for finding new technologies. Says Dr. Edgar Mitchell, the man credited with the longest moon walk in history, "We are being visited. It is now time to put away this embargo of truth. I call upon our govts to open up."

For years, we earthlings have wondered whether we are alone in the Universe or do we have company in the form of aliens. Are there such things as aliens or UFOs? Is there life on other planets? People across continents have regularly reported UFO sightings, including cases of alleged alien sightings and abductions. Some cases are popularly known and have become folklore. The US tops the worldwide list, with atleast forty accounts of UFO sightings.

Highway to another world?
In 1996, State Route 375, Nevada in US was officially declared as the 'Extraterrestrial Highway'. It is known by UFO fans as one of the most 'visited sites' in the US. "In Nevada, more U.F.O.’s are sighted each year than at any other place on the planet," says Larry Friedman of the Nevada Commission on Tourism. " I have seen saucers in the area, including a glowing craft that hovered at a very low altitude," claims a retired Air Force engineer of the US militray.

New iPhone app lets you spot skin cancer

2011-02-05T08:03:00.000-08:00

Your iPhone can be turned into a skin cancer detection gadget with the help of a new product available on the market known as Handyscope.

The remarkable new tool plugs into the Apple smartphone and using an app converts it into a dermatascope - which doctors use when looking for melanoma.

The device uses a polarising light to detect whether a mole is cancerous and then takes a photo and sends it to a doctor for inspection.

Images can even be uploaded to a second opinion service where world-renowned specialists can weigh in with their view.

However, at 995 pounds, it's unlikely to be used by the average mobile user.

Cancer experts have welcomes the gadget.

"This is a powerful piece of kit which could be very useful for people in the profession assessing whether a mole is cancerous," the Daily Mail quoted Dr David Pye, a cancer researcher based at Salford University, as saying.

"Sending images around the world for expert diagnosis could be incredibly helpful and this is the first time I've ever seen anything like this before," he added.

The Handyscope, made by German-based firm FotoFinder, can be purchased online and the app can be bought from the Apple iTunes store.

Read more: New iPhone app lets you spot skin cancer - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health/New-iPhone-app-lets-you-spot-skin-cancer/articleshow/7432173.cms#ixzz1D6K8DH3Z

Know About Dentistry in Singapore

2011-01-29T10:15:00.000-08:00

Follow this link:

http://www.dentistry.nus.edu.sg/academic/ug%20FAQ.html

Marriage is good for physical as well as mental health

2011-01-29T10:09:00.000-08:00

Washington, Jan 28 (ANI): Long-term committed relationships are good for mental as well as physical health and this benefit increases over time, suggests a new study.

David and John Gallacher from Cardiff University say that on average married people live longer.

They say that women in committed relationships have better mental health, while men in committed relationships have better physical health, and they conclude that, "on balance it probably is worth making the effort."

Men's physical health probably improves because of their partner's positive influence on their lifestyle and "the mental bonus for women may be due to a greater emphasis on the importance of the relationship", they write.

But the journey of true love does not always run smoothly, maintain the authors, pointing to evidence that relationships in adolescence are associated with increased adolescent depressive symptoms.

And not all relationships are good for you, they add, referring to evidence that single people have better mental health than those in strained relationships.

They also confirm that breaking up is hard to do, saying "exiting a relationship is distressing" and divorce can have a devastating impact on individuals. Having numerous partners is also linked with a risk of earlier death.

They conclude that while relationship failures can harm health this is not a reason to avoid them. A good relationship will improve both physical and mental health and perhaps the thing to do is to try to avoid a bad relationship rather than not getting into a relationship at all.

Healthy Ways To Lose Weight

2010-05-10T23:05:00.000-07:00

Nowadays when you search for the ways to lose weight many advertisements comes at a glance which guarantee to lose weight in short period of time. But, no one questions them that for how long this will be maintained? Will I be in this shape forever. I know this sounds something out of the world . But when you are losing weight in a healthier way , this is possible that as long as you are eating healthy and nutritious you can keep a proper check on your weight. If you are adapting healthier lifestyle then there is no need of dieting and starving yourself for no reason. Few healthier ways to lose weight are as follows:-

1. Intake of salads which include tomato, carrots , beetroot, cabbage, capsicum, lettuce and cucumber helps to increase lot of roughage in your diet and keep body healthy. Moreover, all these are less in calories.

2. When you feel hungry, instead of munching chips and eating cookies try to eat fruits like grapes, oranges, watermelon. These fruits are healthier and good choice when you are losing weight.

3. Avoid fried snacks and switch on to roasted and baked ones. Many brands are marketing roasted snacks and trans fats free foods which are ideal to eat.

4. Drink lots of water which helps to release toxins from the body and keep your system clean.

5. Don't Skip breakfast instead eat healthy breakfast because it is the most important part of your day. Sprouts are the healthier choice in breakfast. They are rich in vitamins and fiber.

6. Avoid smoking and alcohol if you are adapting healthier lifestyle.

7. Avoid red, orange and yellow color in your dining area. These colors increase your appetite. Switch on to blues.

8. Try to avoid food cooked in oil or ghee as much as possible.

9. Stop consuming refined carbohydrates (like all breads, rice and pastas, potatoes, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, corn and wheat.

10. Try to make regular plans in your diet and introduce changes gradually in your lifestyle.

11. Swimming , walking, cycling are good ways to keep yourself healthy.

12. Cut down chocolate, coffee, tea from your daily routine.

13. Reduce full cream milk, switch to toned one. Also avoid extra cheese as this will result in extra calories.

Healthier diet helps to lose weight but, exercise is also the most important thing to lose weight. Keep in mind that whatever you are eating or taking calories should be consumed by the body. If your body is not consuming calories or your calories are not burnt, they will change to fat. Most of diet specialists recommend that one should eat 5 small meals instead of eating 3 big meals. Eat wholegrain food like muesli, oatmeal, whole meal pasta, whole meal bread in form of snacks. When we eat too much or when we eat unhealthy food we ourselves feel guilty so, delete 'Tomorrow 'word from your dictionary , start it 'Today'

Queries and their Solution

2010-05-09T23:20:00.000-07:00

Query:- I havent been to the dentist in about 7 years. I have been gettin' toothache lately and need to go dentist. I have one tooth at back of mouth that has a chip out of it and another that is broken. Also have tooth that has only root comin out. What is the plan of treatment for my dental problem ?

Solution :-
It's a common perception, nobody wants to visit dentist till the problem becomes worse. You have a chipped tooth, it has to be examined by the dentist and analyzed the level ( crown level or pulp level).If it has reached to pulpal level then only RCT ( root canal treatment) can save your tooth. If it is chipped till crown level then simple tooth coloured filling can be a solution.But, if it is beyond the pulpal level then you need to get the extraction of tooth.

Solution to second problem in which only root is left, for this only extraction of tooth is the treatment. After extraction you can go for capping.

Girl who doesn't age may hold key to ageing

2010-05-09T22:56:00.000-07:00

London, May 9 (ANI): American scientists are keenly studying the DNA of a 17-year-old girl who still has the body and behaviour of a baby, hoping to gain new insights into the mysteries of ageing.

At 16lb in weight and just 30in tall, Brooke Greenberg is still the size of a one-year-old.

According to a preliminary study of her DNA, her failure to grow could be linked to defects in the genes that make the rest of humanity grow old.

If confirmed, the research could give scientists a fresh understanding of ageing and even suggest new therapies for diseases linked to old age, reports The Times.

"We think that Brooke's condition presents us with a unique opportunity to understand the process of ageing," said Richard Walker, a professor at the University of South Florida School of Medicine, who is leading the research team.

"We think that she has a mutation in the genes that control her ageing and development so that she appears to have been frozen in time.

"If we can compare her genome to the normal version then we might be able to find those genes and see exactly what they do and how to control them."

BIG BABIES 'RISK BREAST CANCER'

2008-09-30T10:18:00.000-07:00

Baby girls who are of larger than average length and weight at birth grow up being at increased risk of breast cancer, analysis suggests.

The analysis of 32 studies involving more than 600,000 women provides the strongest evidence yet of such a link.

The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine team says birth size might explain 5% of all breast cancers.

It could point to some link between cancer and the environment of the baby before birth, PLoS Medicine reports.

There are some things a woman can do to help reduce her risk of developing breast cancer such as maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet and limiting her alcohol intake

Dr Sarah Cant of Breakthrough Breast Cancer

One theory is that a larger baby may be exposed to more oestrogen and other hormones in the womb.

The data analysed by Professor Isabel dos Santos Silva showed birth weight, length and head circumference were all linked with breast cancer risk.

A 0.5kg (1.1lb) increment in birth weight was associated with an estimated 7% increase in the risk of breast cancer.

But birth length appeared to be the strongest independent predictor of risk.

The risk of developing breast cancer by the age of 80 was 11.5 in 100 for the women who measured more than 51cm (20in) in length at birth, compared with 10 in 100 for those who had measured less than 49cm (19.3in).

Hostile womb

This increase in risk, although modest, is of a similar magnitude to that of other more established risk factors for breast cancer, such as alcohol consumption, say the authors.

Professor dos Santos Silva said: "Little is known on how the pre-natal environment may affect breast cancer risk in later life. Further research is needed."

It is vital that all women remain breast aware throughout their lives and accept regular invitations to routine screening

Breast Cancer Care

Dr Sarah Cant of Breakthrough Breast Cancer said: "Breast cancer is a complex disease that can be influenced by many factors throughout a woman's life.

"We don't yet know what all of these factors are, so it is very interesting that birth size may be one of them.

"This research could add to our increasing knowledge about the causes of breast cancer - possibly helping us to better predict breast cancer risk and potentially prevent the disease in the future."

She added that although there was nothing a woman could do about her size at birth, she could help reduce her risk of developing breast cancer with actions such as maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet and limiting her alcohol intake.

A spokeswoman for Breast Cancer Care said: "We would urge all women, particularly new mothers who may be worried by this study, to remember that gender and age are by far still the biggest known risk factors for developing breast cancer, with the majority of cases occurring in women aged over 50.

"Therefore, it is vital that all women remain breast aware throughout their lives and accept regular invitations to routine screening."

Around 46,000 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed every year in the UK. The disease kills an estimated 12,400 women annually.

HISTORY OF COFFEE

2008-09-11T03:15:00.000-07:00

"Black as the devil, hot as hell, pure as an angel, sweet as love" It's a saying according to French statesman Talleyrand.

It's my great pleasure to write about "History of coffee" because I myself is a big fan of coffee. There are many different ways to drink coffee and many names too depending upon the preparation of coffee. If a person is feeling drowsy or sleepy, the first thing which comes in mind to remain active is drink coffee. The invention of coffee is serendipity (invention by chance). Most of the great things which were introduced in world are all by chance. There is a long back story regarding how the coffee is introduced in world.

An Arabian shepherd named Kaldi found his goats dancing joyously around a dark green leafed shrub with bright red cherries in the southern tip of the Arabian Peninsula. Kaldi soon determined that it was the bright red cherries on the shrub that were causing the peculiar euphoria and after trying the cherries himself, he learned of their powerful effect. The stimulating effect was then exploited by monks at a local monastery to stay awake during extended hours of prayer and distributed to other monasteries around the world. Evidence indicates that the history of the coffee bean began on the plateaus of central Ethiopia and somehow must have been brought to Yemen where it was cultivated since the 6th century. So many people still avoid drinking it because of its euphoria action.

There are different names of coffee which are related to its history like Kaffa, Mocha, Qahwa and many more. Kaffa is basically a region in Ethiopia where coffee originated. Mocha is a place in Yamen after which the coffee has its name. In Europe Coffee is known as "Wine of Arabs". They ferment coffee and make a wine of it. From there the word Qahwa came which means wine. In Arabia coffee was first used as a medicine. Islamic philosopher and physician said that it cleans the skin, and dries up the humidity that are under it, and gives an excellent smell to all the body.

Records indicate that the roasting coffee is similar the way we roast meat. East African tribes would grind the coffee cherries together, mixing the results into a paste with animal fat. Rolled into little balls, the mixture was said to give warriors much-needed energy for battle. Slowly and slowly different ways were introduced to roast and brew coffee. Originally, coffee was taken as a food not as a beverage. Time came when coffee became so popular and coffee houses were opened everywhere. Coffee houses soon became a place of entertainment .It was believed that coffee improves the mental activity, but because of this reason coffee houses were declared illegal .Politicians and rulers of that time didn't want that people should think. At first, women wanted coffee to be outlawed. Then they started drinking coffee. After women started sucking coffee down, another law was made which allowed women to divorce their husband if he was unable to procure coffee for his wife.

After this law, demand of coffee increased and Arabs were very much protective about coffee plant. When Europeans saw the increasing demand they hijacked the coffee plant and started growing it in Europe. But coffee plant cannot bear cold temperature and plant died.
A man called Baba Budan snuck some coffee seeds out of Arabia. Legend has it he bound seven coffee seeds to his belly. When he reached his home, he found a cave in the hills near Chikmagalgur in south India in which he started the coffee seedlings off. Later he planted coffee in the jungles near Chikmagalgur. Today, offspring of these original coffee trees are officially known as "Old Chick." Old Chick, as they say, still supplies about one third of India's coffee. Slowly and slowly coffee was introduced to many countries. Coffee was introduced to Indonesia by the Dutch.

Records show the French tried to cultivate coffee in Dijon but during a frost, all the coffee plants died. With this the first "Green House was "introduced into the World. King Louis constructed building to protect his coffee plant known as Green House. Besides the first greenhouse, the coffee plant was being worked on so it would grow in less stringent environments. To facilitate the mixing of the coffee plants, grafting was developed. Prior to the development of grafting, artificial pollination was used to mix plants. A strain cell Arabica which had smaller beans and was named "bourbon."In 1893 coffee plant completed its journey and was the first plant to cultivate around the world. The use of coffee beverage is about 700 years old.plants.

COFFEE PLANT

Coffee is grown in tropical areas where there is abundant rainfall, year around warm temperature and no frost. Growing coffee is difficult as the soil warmth is a critical factor. Coffee plant is woody, evergreen and grows to a large height belongs to the rubiaceae family. Three to four years after the coffee is planted, flowers grow and fruit is produced in new tissues. When coffee is planted pits are filled with up to 500 grams of limestone per meter. One coffee tree yields less than half a kilo of coffee a year. Coffee tree can flower 8 times in any one year depending on rainfall. When it is in bloom, the coffee tree is covered with 30,000 white flowers which begin to develop into fruit after 24 - 36 hours. Coffee leaves are elliptical, shiny, dark and waxy. Coffee cultivation requires constant treatment and proper maintenance. We need to enrich the soil with manure, water the dry areas and deal with insects and diseases. The average coffee tree has a life expectancy of 70 years.

Coffee is harvested during the dry season when the coffee cherries are bright red, glossy and firm. Coffee is generally harvested by hand, either by stripping all of the off the branch at one time or by selective picking. The later is most expensive and is only used for Arabica beans.

After harvesting comes the processing part. Processing of coffee is done by two methods that is dry method and wet method. Dry method is the simplest and the cheapest method. The harvested cherries are spread out in sunlight. After floating in fermentation tanks for a while, the beans are dried either in sun or mechanically. Main difference between the wet and dry method is that in the wet method, the pulp of the coffee cherry is removed from the beans within 24 hours of harvesting. A pulping machine washes away the skin and pulp. The beans are put in fermentation tanks for 12 to 48 hours. Once the coffee is dried and all the layers are removed (hulling), beans are then polished in a machine

Coffee rust is one of the coffee disease which affects leaves of plant. Coffee is the highest pesticide sprayed crop in the world. Coffee plant has become a major source of oxygen in world.Each hectare of coffee produces 86 lbs of oxygen per day which is about half the production of the same area in a rain forest .

. There are different species of coffee , but most commonly grown are Arabica coffee and Robusta coffee. Coffee plantations are located on mountains for Arabica and hills for Robusta. There are 900 different flavours of Arabica. Complex and very volatile, they deteriorate if exposed to air and light.

The harvest of the cherries is from 9 to 11 months after flowering for Robusta and for Arabica is from 6 to 8 months. Arabica coffee is more difficult to grow, that why it is costly as compared to Robusta. Robusta beans are rougher in flavour and higher in caffeine content.

After having an overview about the history of coffee, we should discuss little about the manufacturing part. Manufacturing includes Blending, Roasting, Grinding and Packaging.

1)Blending is mainly done to get a flavour and aroma which are characteristics of coffee. Many different varieties are blended together to meet the taste criteria.

2)Roasting coffee bean is an art in itself. It's the most important part in manufacturing. Different varieties of coffee depends on the way its roasted. Roasting process is responsible for flavour and taste. The flavour is locked between the green coffee bean until it is roasted. The aromas in coffee develop at the 10th minute of roasting. During roasting process beans are exposed to very high temperature of about 500 degree Celsius. When the beans reach the temperature of 400F during the roasting process, the beans "crack."The moisture in the beans evaporates and release aromatic oils. Beans then reduce in weight, but increases in volume. The sugars in the bean are converted to caramelised sugar which gives beans a distinct flavour and dark brown colour.

3)After Roasting comes Grinding. Grinding of coffee is done to make it fine. It is done in many rounds to make it suitable for modern filter system. Once the coffee is grind it is vacuum packed so that no air can get inside. The quality of coffee renders when it comes in contact with oxygen, because oxygen breaks down the precious aroma in coffee and slowly and slowly flavour becomes flat.

It is believed that caffeine is responsible for the bitterness of coffee, but the fact is roasting is the key factor for bitterness in coffee beans. The stronger you roast the coffee, more bitter it tends to get.
Good coffee brewing requires a balance of the 4 "M's"

o Macinazione: correct grinding of the coffee blend

o Miscela: the coffee blend used

o Macchina: the espresso machine used

o Mano: the skill of the barista

History Of Making Coffee

Espresso Coffee In 1822, first espresso machine was invented. Modern espresso machine with high pressure was invented by Italian Achilles Gaggia in 1946.

1)Filter Coffee - Melitta Bentz was a housewife from Dresden, Germany, who invented the first coffee filter.

2)Instant Coffee - In 1901, just-add-hot water "instant" coffee was invented by Japanese American chemist Satori Kato of Chicago.

As mentioned before, it is believed that coffee contains caffeine which is harmful for health .So, coffee decaffeination is done in which we soak coffee beans in water and then extract caffeine with either a solvent or activated carbon and then re-soaking the coffee beans in the decaffeinated water to reabsorb the flavour compounds that were lost in the initial extraction.

If I will not discuss about the aroma of coffee, i think the idea of writing about coffee is waste. The aroma is a peculiar thing about coffee which makes it a favourite drink of half of the population. You will be surprised to know that number of aromatic compounds in coffee increase every year. Today, the number is well over 800.

Facts About Coffee: -

1)The Italians drink their espresso with sugar, the Germans and Swiss - with equal parts of hot chocolate, the Mexicans - with cinnamon, the Belgians - with chocolate. Moroccans drink their coffee with peppercorns, the Ethiopians - with a pinch of salt. Coffee drinkers in the Middle East usually add cardamom and spices. Whipped cream is the favourite amongst Austrians.

2)It was a locksmith who invented first coffee mill in London.

3)Nicaragua Margogipe is the largest of coffee beans.

4)When coffee supplies became scarce during the American Civil War, soldiers desperate for a cup of coffee used roasted sweet potato and Indian corn as a substitute!

5)A healthy coffee tree will produce only about FIVE pounds of green beans a year? Of this, only about ONE-FIFTH meets the rigid sorting standards to be sold as "Specialty Coffee."

6)Until the tenth century, coffee was considered a FOOD? Ethiopian tribesmen would mix the coffee berries with animal fat, roll them into balls, and eat them on their nomadic journeys!

7)There is surprising news about coffee and your health - it's antioxidant content, the link between coffee consumption and reduced risk of diabetes, Parkinson's and colon cancer; enhanced memory and physical performance.

8)Coffee can decrease asthma attacks.

9)Drinking a cup of coffee with an ibuprofen tablet can increase the painkilling effect.

10)Drinking coffee before going to the gym can increase your stamina.

11)After petroleum, coffee is the world's most important traded commodity, standing above coal, meat, wheat and sugar.

12)Coffee would be more expensive than wine if it were taxed in the same way.

13)25 million people are employed in the world's coffee industry.

14)The original home of coffee was the Abyssinian highlands.

15)Brazil is the world's largest coffee producer. 5 million people are employed in Brazil's coffee industry.

16)Black coffee (without sugar or milk) does not contain calories (less than 1 Kcal.)

17)Coffee cherries usually contain two "beans", except for the single bean peaberry anomaly. Cherries with three beans are deemed to be a sign of good luck.

18)October 1st is official " coffee day" in Japan. In Costa Rica, it's September 12; the Irish celebrate it on September 19,

19)Starbucks uses its 2,500 employees at its company headquarters to serve as taste-testers for its newest drink recipes

20)When shopping for perfume, take some coffee with you in your bag and have a good sniff in between smelling each perfume to refresh your nose!

21)Sprinkle spent coffee grounds around the base of your garden plants and it will stop snails and slugs from munching them! Dump some cold coffee into ailing houseplants from time to time and it will help them turn green and healthy. Or, mix some used coffee grounds into the soil to help revitalize your plants!

Do you know the name of World's expensive coffee, its" KOPI LUWAK". Kopi Luwak is made from the beans cycled through an Indonesian monkey's digestive system. Isn't this amazing, but this is true. This animal is more like cat than monkeys and found throughout South East Asia. Something happens to the beans in the journey through cats intestines that give it a different flavour which is liked by many coffee lovers. Animal processes the beans and excrete them whole, unscratched and without dung.

Coffee Cupping

Cupping is one of the techniques used by cuppers to evaluate coffee aroma and the flavour of a coffee. In a coffee cupping session, the table is usually set up with 6 to 10 cups per coffee. These are fashioned in a triangular manner. At the top of this triangle you should place a sample of the roasted coffee and a sample of the green coffee. In the centre of the table place a cup of room temperature water and an empty cup containing the cupping spoons. Cover both the green sample and roasted sample until the cupping session is over and the coffee aroma, fragrance, and flavour profile have been documented. After this time, the coffee samples could be uncovered and additional comments can be written based on appearance. This method will help reduce the common "eye cupping" technique.

Classification of coffee

Coffee is classified by the number of defects, screen size and cup quality. The SCAA classification is well known and the only classification which is applied to grade the green coffee beans.

Below is a chart for grading coffee beans. It is based on the primary defect and the number of defective coffee beans:

Primary Defects

Primary Defect Number of occurrences equal to one full defect.
Full Black 1
Full Sour 1
Pod/Cherry 1
Large Stones 2
Medium Stones 5
Large Sticks 2
Medium Sticks 5

Secondary Defects

Secondary Defects Number of occurrences equal to one full defect
Parchment 2-3
Hull/Husk 2-3
Broken/Chipped 5
Insect Damage 2-5
Partial Black 2-3
Partial Sour 2-3
Floater 5
Shell 5
Small Stones 1
Small sticks 1
Water Damage 2-5

This article explains everything about the coffee starting from the history to buying.I tried to explain in a very simple language and hope so that it covers everything to give overview about coffee.

DIABETES AND DENTAL HYGIENE

2008-08-20T03:44:00.000-07:00

What is Diabetes?

The word "diabetes" is borrowed from the Greek word meaning "a siphon." The 2nd-century A.D. Greek physician, Aretus the Cappadocian, named the condition "diabetes." He explained that patients with it had polyuria and "passed water like a siphon."

Types Of Diabetes
-Type 1 Diabetes(Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus)
-Type 2 Diabetes(Non-Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus)

Individuals with diabetes are more susceptible to the development of oral infections and periodontal disease than those who do not have diabetes. Diabetics who do not have good control over their blood sugar levels also have more oral health problems. These infections occur more often after puberty and in aging individuals.

Kinds Of Problem Diabetics May Experience

-Decrease in salivary flow
-Burning mouth or tongue.
-Dry mouth also may develop, causing an increased incidence of decay.
-Gum recession has been found to occur more frequently and more extensively in moderate-and poorly-controlled diabetic patients because plaque responds differently, creating more harmful proteins in the gums.
-Diabetics tend to lose collagen, a protein that supports gums, skin, tendon cartilage, and bone, in their gum tissue thus hastening periodontal destruction
-The diabetics had more plaque on their teeth and experienced more bleeding of their gums when being examined

The first signs are red, sore, and bleeding gums. This can lead to periodontitis, which is an infection in the gums and the bone that holds the teeth in place. Pockets form between the teeth, which fill with germs and pus. If not treated and the infection gets worse, your gums may pull away from your teeth, making the teeth look very long, and your teeth will loosen.

What is the best time to receive dental care?

-If your blood sugar is not under control, talk with both your dentist and physician about receiving elective dental care.

-Dental procedures should be as short and as stress free as possible.

-Make morning appointments because blood glucose levels tend to be under better control at this time of day.

-If you have a scheduled appointment, eat and take your medications as directed.

-Test your blood sugar level and take your blood pressure and bring these results with you to our office.

-Be prepared to update your health/dental history at each visit so we can provide you with the best possible care for your condition.

-See your doctor before scheduling treatment for periodontal disease. Have your doctor send your dentist records on your overall medical condition BEFORE treatment starts.

-Postpone non-emergency dental procedures if your blood sugar is not in good control. However, abscesses should be treated right away.

-See your dentist on a regular basis, every 3 to 4 months, for exams and cleanings. Keep him informed of your health status and if you have any problems controlling your blood sugar.

-Know that healing time will take longer due to your diabetic condition.

-Follow your individualized meal plan and learn more about meal planning and diabetes for better blood sugar control

MIGRAINE

2008-08-14T05:33:00.001-07:00

What is migraine?

There are two types:

Migraine without an aura (common migraine)

This consists of a severe, throbbing headache, usually located on one side, with abdominal symptoms including loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, dislike of food, constipation or diarrhoea. This affects about nine out of 10 sufferers.

Sufferers may also experience sensitivity to smell, light and noise, which leads them to rest in a quiet, darkened room.

Migraine with aura (classical migraine)

The headache is preceded by visual disturbances such as flashing lights, zig zag lines and blind spots, or tingling limbs.

The average length of a migraine attack is 22 hours and sufferers generally feel washed out for another one to two days afterwards.

The average number of attacks per sufferer is 13 per year.

What causes migraine?

The exact reason why migraine occurs is unknown. However, research suggests that attacks are linked to chemical changes in the body and that blood vessels and certain nerve cells in the head are involved.

These changes appear to be triggered in susceptible people by stress.

Other triggers are:

Physical fatigue or lack of sleep
Too much sleep
Certain foods such as cheese and alcohol
Extreme emotions
Missed meals
Hormonal factors, such as use of the contraceptive pill and periods
What treatment is available?

The most common medicines for treating an attack are painkillers such as aspirin or paracetamol.

Some medicines also have an anti-sickness ingredient, or this can be taken separately.

If over-the-counter treatments do not help there are medicines available on prescription, which are specifically for migraine.

These acute treatments, known as triptans, work in a similar way to a naturally occurring brain chemical called serotonin which is in short supply during a migraine attack.

They are available in a range of formulations, such as tablets, injections and a nasal spray.

Preventive treatments, in the form of tablets taken every day, may be given to patients experiencing four or more migraine attacks per month.

However, since these medications seldom completely banish attacks an acute treatment should be close to hand to treat those attacks that still occur.

New Mouth Bacteria Species Found

2008-08-11T03:58:00.000-07:00

Brand new species of bacteria has been found by scientists among the hundreds which thrive in our mouths.

The bug, named "Prevotella histicola" by its discoverers at King's College London, is thought to contribute to gum disease and tooth decay.

Every millilitre of saliva is a cocktail of millions of bacteria, half of them unknown.

The finding may help scientists understand the changes in bacterial activity that lead to mouth problems.

Professor William Wade, from the Dental Institute at King's College London, found three strains of the new organism lurking within the flesh lining the mouth, and the name "histicola" reflects this, meaning "inhabitant of tissues" in Latin.

"The healthy human mouth is home to a tremendous variety of microbes including viruses, fungi, protozoa and bacteria," he said.

"The bacteria are the most numerous - there are 100 million in every millilitre of saliva and more than 600 different species in the mouth."

The Prevotella "family" of bacterial species have been linked to various oral diseases, as well as infections in other parts of the body.

Professor Wade said that he had managed to find the new species in both normal healthy tissue and living inside oral cancer cells.

"It confirms that oral bacteria can invade both tissues and individual cells."

Tooth decay (caries) and gum disease are the most common bacterial diseases in humans, and other research has linked them to changes in the microbial "flora" found in the mouth.

Gut mystery

Professor Hugh Pennington, an Emeritus Professor of Microbiology at Aberdeen University, said it was important to carry on investigating the many unrecognised species of bacteria, especially those which might have the capacity to cause disease.

"Many of these bacteria have not been described because they are quite hard to grow in the lab, and when you go further down into the digestive system, it gets even harder to do this.

"These bacteria are thought to have an involvement in dental caries and other mouth problems, so describing them gives you a broader picture of the causation of these."

He said that the constant evolution of bacteria meant a potentially never-ending supply of new strains and species.

The finding was reported in the International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Biology.

Tobacco 'Could Help Treat Cancer'

2008-07-22T03:31:00.000-07:00

The tobacco plant - responsible for millions of cancer cases - may actually offer the means to treat one form of the disease, a study suggests.

US scientists used the plant to "grow" key components of a cancer vaccine.

The National Academy of Sciences study suggests they could be used to tackle a form of lymphoma.

UK specialists said while "potentially exciting", more research would be needed to test how well the vaccine actually worked.

The ironic new role for tobacco is the work of researchers from Stanford University in California.

They are using the plants as factories for an antibody chemical specific to the cells which cause follicular B-cell lymphoma, a type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

These antibodies are put into a patient newly-diagnosed with the disease, to "prime" the body's immune system to attack any cell carrying them.

If successful, this would mean the body would then recognise and destroy the lymphoma cells.

However, every patient's antibodies are different, and would need to be produced quickly once the diagnosis was made.

The idea is not a new one - attempts have already been made to grow these antibodies inside animal cells, with mixed success.

However, a plant-grown vaccine would be much cheaper and in theory could carry less risk to the patient, as animal cells might hold unknown viruses.

So far, the experimental vaccine has only been tested on a handful of patients to check for any side-effects of using plant-produced antibodies, so its effectiveness at fighting the disease is uncertain.

'Infected' plants

Dr Ronald Levy, who is leading the research, said: "It's pretty cool technology - and it's really ironic that you would make a treatment for cancer out of tobacco. That appealed to me."

The technique is relatively straightforward. Once a patient's cancer cells are isolated in the laboratory, the gene responsible for producing the antibody is extracted and added to the "tobacco mosaic virus".

The plants are then "infected" with the virus, and as it spreads through the cells, the added gene starts the process of producing large quantities of the antibody.

After just a few days a few leaves are taken, ground up, and the antibody extracted from them.

Only a few plants are needed to make enough vaccine for a patient.

Professor Charles Arntzen, from Arizona State University, said that the sheer speed of the production process could convince patients to wait for their own tailored vaccine rather than undergoing other treatment.

A spokesman for Cancer Research UK, said: "While these results could potentially be very exciting, this was a small and early-stage trial and it did not look at whether this vaccination strategy reduced the size of the tumours."

"This is a good foundation for future work, but a larger study will be needed to test the success of this plant-made antibody in fighting non-Hodgkin's lymphoma."

SNORING CAN KILL

2008-07-16T04:30:00.000-07:00

Snoring can kill

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -- Dental surgeons said Saturday they have discovered why snoring can kill sometimes: It can actually cause damage to the arteries.

Snoring is usually harmless, if annoying, unless a person has a particular disorder known as sleep apnea.

Sleep apnea is marked by irregular breathing and snorting. Sufferers often stop breathing completely for up to several seconds. It usually affects overweight, middle-aged men and has been linked with stroke and heart disease.

A team at the University of California at Los Angeles School of Dentistry set out to see what the physical mechanism is.

Writing in the Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, they said X-rays showed it is more complicated than seems immediately obvious.

"When persons with sleep apnea fall asleep, their tongue falls back into their throat, blocking their airway. As they struggle for breath, their blood pressure soars," Dr. Arthur Friedlander, an oral surgeon who worked on the study, said in a statement.

"We believe that this rise in blood pressure damages the inner walls of the carotid arteries lining the sides of the neck," he added.

"Cholesterol and calcium stick to the injury sites and amass into calcified plaques, which block blood flow to the brain. The result is often a massive stroke."

TOOTH DECAY

2008-05-15T04:12:00.000-07:00

How is decay treated?

Once the structure of a tooth has been damaged by decay, there is no way to repair it.

However, if decay is picked up at an early stage its progression can be blocked.

Decayed material can be removed, and replaced with a restorative material such as silver alloy, or plastic. This is known as a filling.

If the decay is more extensive, then another option is a crown. The decayed or weakened area is removed and repaired and a covering jacket - the crown - is fitted over the remainder of the tooth.

If the nerve in a tooth has died, either from decay or a blow, then a dentist will consider root canal work.

This involves removing the centre of the tooth, including the nerve and blood vessel tissue.

The root is then filled with a sealing material, and the process is completed with either filling, and possibly a crown.

Nail Biting

2008-05-11T20:51:00.000-07:00

What Causes Nail Biting?

We do not know. However, it is commonly accepted that nail biting can be motivated by any of the following: stress, medical disorders, acquired behaviour, genetics or just plain habit.

Nail biting is a habitual condition, a common reaction to stress and boredom. Nail Biters could also suffer from a poor self-image or could be punishing themselves for deeper-rooted problems or anxieties. Basically, nail biting is a rational substitution of one problem for another. In many instances nail biting is used as a tension reliever. Any kind of disharmony as a result of friends, family, work, or school can trigger the habit. 99% of nail biters have minor problems or a fixed biting habit. Fewer have a deep emotional problem of which nail biting is a symptom.

Sometimes nail biting is just plain habit. Nail biting can also be symptomatic of some medical disorders. For example an emotional trauma brought on by the constant fights between his parents can result in nail biting. A child who constantly bites his nails may be suffering severe anxiety or a poor self-image. The habit will have progressed beyond a simple habit and become obsessive behaviour when the child's nail biting habit interferes with his daily functioning or with his social relationships. The fact that he gets teased at school is a sign of this.

India Children's Health 'Ignored'

2008-05-09T21:13:00.000-07:00

More than half of Indian children under the age of five do not get the health care they need, according to a report by Save the Children.

It ranks India alongside Ghana when it comes to providing basic health care to its children under five years of age.

The annual report looks at whether developing countries are delivering health care effectively to children.

It found the Philippines was performing best with almost 69% of children able to get access to health care.

Ethiopia ranks last - only 16% of children under five get health care when they need it.

'Basic measures'

The report, called State of the World's Mothers, says girls die at much higher rates in India than most countries.

Although India has cut child its mortality rate by 34% since 1990, Indian girls are 61% more likely than boys to die between the ages of one and five.

Inequity of health care among male and female children is responsible for this situation, the report says.

The report says experts predict that over 60% of the nearly 10 million children who die every year could be saved by delivering basic health services through a health facility or community health worker.

"A child's chance of reaching its fifth birthday should not depend on the country or community where it is born," said Jasmine Whitbread, Save the Children's chief executive.

"We need to do a better job of reaching the poorest children with basic health measures like vaccines, antibiotics and skilled care at childbirth," she said.

Bad Breath

2008-05-08T19:00:00.000-07:00

Bad breath can be a sign of gum disease or it can be present if there is no gum disease. Bad breath can be caused by certain foods, the lack of proper cleaning of the teeth even with no gum disease, the build-up of bacteria on the tongue or even from stomach problems. However, if bad breath does not go away after brushing and flossing properly, including brushing the tongue, you must consider that there may be serious gum disease where the pus and bleeding from the disease are contributing to the bad breath problem.

What Is Scaling?

2008-05-07T19:58:00.000-07:00

Removal of dental plaque and dental calculus from the surface of a tooth, from the surface of a tooth apical to the gingival margin accumulated in periodontal pockets, or from the surface coronal to the gingival margin.

CALCULUS

2008-05-06T18:54:00.000-07:00

Calculus Formation

Relationship with Plaque:

- Calculus is formed by the deposition of calcium and phosphate salts in bacterial plaque. These salts are present in salivary and crevicular fluids.

- Plaque mineralization begins within 24-72 hours and takes an average of 12 days to mature.

- Calculus contributes to the disease by providing foci for plaque accumulation. It is not the causative or etiologic factor, plaque is.

- Calculus is porous and can act as a reservoir or nidus of bacteria and endotoxin related to the disease process.

- Calculus formation has been observed in germ-free laboratory animals but is far more abundant in similar germ-infected laboratory animals. The role of the bacteria in relation to calculus formation is not completely understood.

Classification and Location:

Calculus is classified by location into supra-gingival and sub-gingival calculus. Often, both types occur together. Calculus deposits are also referred to as light, moderate, or heavy.Supra-gingival calculus is adherent to the teeth and is found on the lingual surfaces of the mandibular incisors in relation to the opening of Wharton's ducts and on the buccal surfaces of maxillary molars in relation to the opening of Stensen's ducts.

Subgingival calculus forms on root surfaces below the gingival margin and can extend deep into periodontal pockets. A more irregular subgingival cemental surface allows deposits to form into the cemental irregularities. This makes the attachment of the subgingiva calculus more tenacious and difficult to remove. It also tends to be darker or black in color. All calculus can however absorb extrinsic stains (coffee; tea; tobacco;etc) and appear dark brown or black.

Subgingival calculus can often be seen on radiographs on the mesial and distal aspect of teeth, but explorer detection is needed to evaluate the amount of calculus present.

Rate of Calculus Formation:

It is known that certain people form calculus faster than others. The following factors increase the rate of calculus formation.

-Elevated salivary pH.
-Elevated salivary calcium concentration.
-Elevated bacterial protein and lipid concentration.
-Elevated concentration of protein and urea in submandibular salivary gland secretions.
-Low individual inhibitory factors.
-Higher total salivary lipid levels.

A number of anti-calculus agents have been tested. Some have shown modest positive results and have therefore been incorporated into some dentifrices. These commercially available "tartar control toothpastes" may be of some value in periodontal patients who are heavy calculus formers.

Plaque

2008-05-05T02:51:00.000-07:00

Want to test your brushing technique and learn how to better avoid plaque? Try this:

1. Add a few drops of food coloring to a small amount of water.

2. Brush your teeth as you normally would, then rinse your mouth with the colored water.

3. Now look for the areas where food coloring still clings to your teeth, tongue and gums. The food coloring has colored all the plaque you missed!

4. Brush again to remove all the colored areas. Next time you brush, you'll be more aware of your problem areas and better avoid plaque build-up.

"I Forget Brushing My Teeth"

2008-04-28T18:34:00.000-07:00

Today i met my friend,we were talking casually.Suddenly, i saw her teeth and noticed plaque deposition all around her front teeth.I could not stop myself,asking her"Did You Brush Your Teeth" and her answer was "I Forget Brushing My Teeth Today".I was shocked that howcome a person can forget brushing.I explained her all the after effects of not brushing teeth even one day,she realised and made a point to brush her teeth everyday.

Silver Amailgam Filling Is Safe As A Restorative Material Or Not?

2008-04-08T20:40:00.000-07:00

Silver Amalgam or Dental Amalgam filling is used by Dentists for a long time.
Some advantages of dental amalgam:

1)It is durable.
2)Easy to use.
3)Highly resistant to wear.
4)Inexpensive in comparison to other materials.
5)It can withstand heavy occlusal forces,thats why it is a material of choice for the fillings in molars.

Some disadvantages are:

1)Patient may experience some degree of sensitivity to hot and cold after the filling is placed for some time and then it disappears itself.
2)The silver-colored filling is not as natural looking as one that is tooth-colored, especially when the restoration is near the front of the mouth, and shows when the patient laughs or speaks.

Some Queries were there regarding the use of mercury in Dental Amalgam,but researches proved this filling safe and reliable.

CLEFT LIP AND PALATE

2008-04-06T21:40:00.000-07:00

A 'cleft' or split forms parts of the face which developed separately during early pregnancy, do not then join together properly.

A cleft can affect the lip, the palate and the gum.

The severity of the condition can vary.

A cleft lip creates an opening between the mouth and the nose, and can look as though there is a split in the lip.

It can range from a slight 'notch' in the coloured part of the lip to a complete separation in one or both sides of the lip extending up and into the nose.

Some babies who have a cleft lip may also have a cleft in the gum.

Again, that can either be a small split, or complete division.

The palate can also be affected by a cleft.

In less severe cases, the soft palate towards the front of the mouth has a small split at the back of the soft palate.

In more serious cases, there can be almost a complete separation of both the soft and hard palate, further back in the mouth.

Cleft palates can also leave a baby with a small lower jaw, which can lead to breathing difficulties, a condition sometimes known as Pierre Robin Sequence.

Treatment

A specialist team which may include a surgeon, a nurse, a speech and language therapist and a geneticist, will decide on treatment.

A short operation to repair a cleft lip usually takes place before a baby is three months old.

The skin and muscles if the lip are rearranged to repair the split.

Operations to repair a cleft palate using the tissues of the palate normally take place before a baby is one-year-old.

Development

It is not known why clefts occur. Sometimes they run in families, but in other cases a baby is born with the condition when no-one else in the family is affected.

Babies with a cleft palate may need some help to feed properly.

The condition can make it difficult for the baby to form a vacuum in the mouth.

This can mean a baby may feed too slowly, take in too much air while feeding, bring milk up through their noses.

If the baby also has breathing difficulties, it must learn how to breath and eat at the same time.

Bottle feeding is usually the best way to feed the infant.

Babies with a cleft lip do not usually have any feeding problems.

For the majority of children, speech is not affected, but some can have problems pronouncing some sounds clearly.

They will receive help from speech and language therapists.

Cleft palates can also be linked to hearing problems because of middle ear infections, such as "Glue ear" - the build up of fluid in the middle ear.

Teeth development can also be affected.

Dental Floss

2008-04-03T04:51:00.000-07:00

Is it advisable to use floss in kids?

Yes,floss can be used in kids.Especially,when kids have crowding between their teeth and its hard to brush in interdental areas, they should use floss to get rid of plaque in between the teeth.

Spacing Between Primary Dentition

2008-03-31T18:17:00.000-07:00

Is Spacing Good in Primary Teeth?

Ofcourse,spacing is good in primary teeth.It will prevent crowding in permanent dentition.Primary teeth possess less diameter as compared to permanent teeth.So when permanent teeth starts erupting,that space is utilised.But, some kids lacks that space and crowding occurs.

Tooth Brush

2008-03-30T23:29:00.001-07:00

Is Electric Tooth Brush Good For Dental Health?

Electric tooth brush is good for kids but for adults manual brushing is advisable.
There are two types of electric tooth brush.One is in rotary motion and other one is in up and down motion.Most preferable is the later one because it prevents the recession of gums while the circular motion causes recession which is irreversible.

Dental Care During Pregnancy

2008-03-29T23:47:00.000-07:00

Is it Safe to visit dentist periodically during pregnancy?

Yes, you should visit your dentist during pregnancy.In fact its very important to take good dental care during pregnancy as there are more chances for gums infection during that period.

So cleaning of teeth can prevent gums infection and is also good for the foetus health.You can avoid X-Rays during pregnancy because it will directly effect the foetus.

How Do Needlephobics Get Vaccinated?

2008-02-02T21:45:00.000-08:00

A team of researchers is developing a painless method of delivering the flu vaccine, which will help needlephobics. So how do people fearful of needles get vaccinated?
Nobody enjoys injections but they are an important part of staying fit and healthy, especially for children and the elderly.

Yet those scared of needles can find their phobia deters them getting vaccinated and from getting the protection they need.

Needlephobia, or belonephobia to give the condition its proper name, affects around 10% of the UK's population to some degree, often triggered by a childhood experience.

So how do needlephobics get vaccinations?

Many just have to face their fear. And making sure the patient knows what they're being injected with and why is a way of calming them down.

"We try to persuade the patient of the need to be vaccinated," says Dr Graham Archard, a GP from Christchurch in Dorset.

"It may sound unkind, but you have to be fairly unsympathetic, cooing over them makes it even worse."

Cuddly toy

Local anaesthetics can help soften the prick of the needle, in the form of cream rubbed on to the skin.

And a "coping strategy" can involve a child's favourite cuddly teddy or just having a chat. One particular study found that talking about the weather takes the patient's mind far enough away from the needle to ease the fear while the needle pierces the skin.

If these methods do little to ease the terror of the needle, then help is on its way.

Alternative vaccinations - without a needle - are being researched and slowly becoming available, such as inhalers or mucosal forms administered through the mouth or nose.

One in the pipeline is administered under the tongue, by so-called sublingual means. It has only been tested as a flu vaccine on mice but appeared to successfully protect the rodents from the virus.

This could completely eliminate the need for an injection and raises the possibility of mass immunisation because it does not require a specialist.

It also avoids the potentially destructive stomach enzymes by passing through thin membranes under the tongue, directly into the bloodstream.

In the meantime, there is some comfort to needlephobics that they may grow out of it.

But for people with diabetes, who may need injections up to four times a day, avoiding the problem is not an option - it can simply be fatal.

Libby Dowling, a care advisor with Diabetes UK says: "If you have type 1 diabetes and you don't have insulin, after a few days this will seriously damage your health and eventually you will die.

"So if you have a needlephobia on top of that, it's very challenging to get around.

"In the short term, you'd have to work with the person with diabetes, to get a compromise to give them insulin."

Up until last year, there was an alternative for diabetics called exubera, an insulin inhaler used by 600 people until its withdrawal due to poor sales.

But there is still the SQ-pen, a small device that fires a high-pressure dose of insulin which penetrates the skin. This removes the need for a needle aspect, but can still be quite painful when used several times a day.

Taking A Bite At Foreign Dentists

2008-01-09T19:25:00.000-08:00

Most travellers dread a visit to a clinic in a foreign land.
Increasingly, however, many Scottish visitors to Poland are making this the focus of their trip.

Long queues for access to dentists back home, cheap flights and bargain prices for treatment have produced the phenomenon of the dental tourist.

Marilyn Gardiner is in this group. Frustrated by what she describes as long waits and poor service near her home in Aberdeenshire, she booked herself into a clinic in Warsaw.

She is now on her ninth trip.

Mrs Gardiner said: "The shortage of dentists in the north east of Scotland means that the waiting lists for seeing a dentist are incredibly long.

"One could have to wait two or three months even under the standard system and we were just not satisfied with that."

At the IQ Medica centre in Warsaw they say most of their foreign patients come from Scotland.

Head of the clinic, Dr Thomas Foik, is not a fan of Scottish dental care.

He insists Polish teeth are generally in better condition.

That is because of what he describes as the ease of access to services compared to the inconsistency of NHS treatment.

Asked why Polish dentistry is proving so popular amongst Scots, he said: "Usually our prices are for high quality materials and they are usually compared on the internet with Scottish prices for low cost materials.

"To do the same thing as we do here in Scotland or Great Britain would be three to five times more expensive."

Be cautious

Polish dentists have a good reputation and are often in demand by the NHS.

Those who choose to stay home are expecting a boom - the number of dental tourists is expected to increase by 20% in the next year.

If this trend increases then it could prove a threat to private practices in Scotland.

Mrs Gardiner is confident in the quality of the work she has received

The British Dental Association (BDA) urged those thinking of travelling abroad for treatment to be cautious.

They warned that if any complications develop when patients are home they may find Scottish surgeries wary of taking them on.

Dr Kieron Fallon, from the BDA, said: "You may find that dentists here would be reluctant to take on responsibility for extensive treatment that was done another dentist, particularly one overseas.

"That is one of the potential problems, finding aftercare in this country for treatment that was done abroad."

However, patients such as Marilyn Gardiner are not worried about that.

She is confident in the quality of the work she has received and believes the effort involved in travelling abroad is less stressful than the inconvenience of waiting for treatment in Scotland.

HOW TO OVERCOME DENTAL FEAR

2007-12-24T02:11:00.001-08:00

First thing you can do is to realize that your dental fear can be overcome. Fear is a learned behavior which, therefore, can be unlearned. Patient-centered behavior modification that treats you as a whole person, not as a set of teeth can help you overcome your fears. This will obviously take a team approach between you and your dentist and his/her staff. Communication is the key. You must feel comfortable expressing your fears and concerns and have a sense that you are being listened to. If you feel that the Dr. and/or staff if not genuinely concerned and listening, then absolutely feel comfortable with seeking out referrals to other offices. You should never compromise the level of communication that you feel is necessary to give you a sense of control over your situation in the dental office. Modern dentistry with a compassionate dental team can be truly painless. You can desensitize yourself to your fears if you take the first step and allow the right team to help you overcome your fears.

A Sense of Control-

Explanation and clarification of any and all procedures proposed is your right as a patient. If you have a question about a particular procedure, ask it! Empower yourself with the knowledge to alleviate fear of the unknown. You should have input into treatment decisions and choices. You should be honest with your dentist regarding how much treatment you think you can tolerate at first. As you build confidence in yourself and trust in the team that is caring for you, the length of your appointment and the amount of work accomplished will increase.

A Signalling System should be established allowing you to stop for any reason, whether it be because you need more anesthesia, want to rinse out, or simply need a two second break. The most common signal is raising your hand.

Never be Embarrassed

If you have been ridiculed in the past for your behavior or if you are embarrassed by your present dental condition caused by your neglect, please express yourself honestly and give your present dentist a chance to understand your concerns and show you that they care. You will be amazed at the wealth of treatment options that you might not have thought were possible. With modern dentistry, it's never too late to recreate a new smile!

Relaxation Techniques

If you feel tense in the chair, the easiest way to relax is through forms of physical relaxation. A relaxed body promotes a clear and relaxed mind. The human body cannot be physically relaxed and mentally anxious at the same time! The brain won't process these feelings simultaneously. Physical relaxation methods are easier to accomplish at first as compared to cognitive ones, so practice forms of physical relaxation first.

Examples of physical relaxation are Diamphragmatic Breathing, Progressive Muscle Relaxation, and various methods taught in yoga . There are numerous books and sources for these methods. If you induce relaxation in the presence of the stimuli that normally induces your fears (the dental environment), the fear response will be greatly diminished over multiple exposures and you will gradually desensitize yourself to these fears as you build confidence. The memories of traumatic visits will be replaced with more innocuous ones and this less threatening environment coupled with your relaxation methods will help you eliminate your fears.

Distraction

As you get more comfortable in the dental environment, you can engage in various distraction techniques that many offices have. The use of a Walkman or Discman is a common technique. Many offices now are equipped with Virtual Reality-like glasses that provide both visual and auditory distraction by allowing you to view videotapes through these glasses while having dental work done. We only suggest using distraction techniques once you have established some trust and confidence because your ability to communicate will be compromised, although it is easy to stop any of these devices if need be.

Predictable Pain Control

Modern dentistry has many new techniques with regards to the administration of local anesthetics to block any possibility of pain. There are many people who have anatomical or biologic variations that do require more individualized techniques in order to predictably achieve proper local anesthesia. This variation must be respected and communicated to your dentist. All injections should be given slowly . The needle itself is not the major cause of discomfort, but in fact, it is the pressure and volume of the fluids being injected that causes the discomfort. There are also great differences in the types of tissue in various locations anatomically and from person to person that must be considered when administering injections. There are even computer-controlled machines that are now available to standardize the injection process and make it more predictable than the conventional hand-held syringe. (See section on "The Wand".)

COMMUNICATE, EMPOWER YOURSELF WITH KNOWLEDGE AND TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR FEARS!

Denture Demonstration

2007-12-24T01:01:00.001-08:00

Nothing Best Than This.

Crown Demonstration

2007-12-24T00:59:00.001-08:00

Crown Is Mandatory After Root Canal Treatment.

TOOTH PASTE MAY NOT REMOVE MORE PLAQUE

2007-12-18T02:31:00.000-08:00

Brushing your teeth without toothpaste may remove more plaque than using the popular minty, fluoride enhanced pastes and gels, according to a new study.

Although millions of Americans wake each morning and squeeze a glob of paste onto their toothbrushes as part of their morning routine, researchers said there may be no benefit for plaque removal by using the products. Plaque is the sticky, bacterial buildup that accumulates on teeth and must be removed daily to prevent tooth decay. Brushing and flossing is the method recommended for maintaining good oral health.

Researchers from The Netherlands studied 36 people who used manual toothbrushes and standard toothpaste. The subjects allowed plaque to build up on their teeth for 48 hours. Researchers then supervised their toothbrushing. Toothpaste was used on one side of the participant's mouth while no paste was used on the other. The subjects brushed for a total of 2 minutes and researchers then examined their teeth.

They found that use of toothpaste accounted for a 50 percent reduction in plaque, but teeth that were brushed without toothpaste had a 56 percent reduction in plaque. Researchers concluded that brushing without toothpaste was more effective in removing plaque from the front surface of teeth. The mechanical action of brushing (moving the brush up and down or sideways) may have been the main factor in determining effectiveness of plaque removal, they said. However, brushing teeth with fluoride toothpaste is recommended by dentists as an important component of good daily dental hygiene and to fortify and strengthen teeth to prevent tooth decay.

Dental Reception Video Preview

2007-12-17T20:21:00.001-08:00

Informative Video,Have A Look.

STEM CELLS

2007-12-12T21:30:00.000-08:00

Stem cells are thought to hold huge potential for treating a wide range of disease and disability.
Scientists around the world are working on techniques to refine stem cell therapy.
However, their use is mired in controversy.

What are stem cells?

Most adult cells in the body have a particular purpose which cannot be changed.
For instance, a liver cell is developed to perform specific functions, and cannot be transformed to suddenly take on the role of a heart cell.
Stem cells are different. They are still at an early stage of development, and retain the potential to turn into many different types of cell.

Why are they so useful?

When a stem cell divides, each new cell has the potential to either remain a stem cell or become another type of cell with a more specialised function.
Scientists believe it should be possible to harness this ability to turn stem cells into a super "repair kit" for the body.
Theoretically, it should be possible to use stem cells to generate healthy tissue to replace that either damaged by trauma, or compromised by disease.
Among the conditions which scientists believe may eventually be treated by stem cell therapy are Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, heart disease, stroke, arthritis, diabetes, burns and spinal cord damage.
Stem cells may also provide a useful way to test the effects of experimental drugs.
It is also hoped that studying stem cells will provide vital clues about how the tissues of the body develop, and how disease takes hold.

Are there different types of stem cell?

Yes. Scientists believe the most useful stem cells come from the tissue of embyros.
This is because they are pluripotent - they have the ability to become virtually any type of cell within the body.
Stem cells are also found within adult organs. They have not taken on a final role, and have the potential to become any of the major specialised cell types within that organ.
Their role is to maintain the organ in a healthy state by repairing any damage it suffers.
It is thought their potential to become other types of cell is more limited than that of embryonic stem cells. But there is evidence that they are still relatively "plastic".
Can they be easily grown in the lab?

Large numbers of embryonic stem cells can be relatively easily grown in culture.
However, adult stem cells are rare in mature tissues and science is still working on ways to grow them in the lab in sufficient numbers.
This is an important distinction, as large numbers of cells are needed for stem cell replacement therapies.

Adult stem cells do have one big advantage. It should theoretically be possible to take stem cells from a patient, grow them in culture, and then transplant them back into the patient without fear that they would be attacked by the body's immune system.

Is the use of stem cells controversial?

Very. Campaigners are vehemently opposed to the use embryonic stem cells.
These cells are typically taken from lab-created embryos that are just four or five days old, and are little more than a microscopic ball of cells.
However, opponents argue that all embryos, whether created in the lab or not, have the potential to go on to become a fully fledged human, and as such it is morally wrong to experiment on them.
They strongly advocate the use of stem cells from adult tissue.

Are there safety concerns?

Yes. Some researchers fear that it is possible that stem cell therapy could unwittingly pass viruses and other disease causing agents to people who receive cell transplants.

There is particular concern that stem cells are currently cultivated using nutrients taken from animal sources, and that these could harbour diseases which could be passed on to humans.

Some research has also raised the possibility that stem cells may turn cancerous.

Coffee " Protects Female Memory"

2007-12-12T21:18:00.000-08:00

Caffeine may help older women ward off mental decline, research suggests.
French researchers compared women aged 65 and older who drank more than three cups of coffee per day with those who drank one cup or less per day.

Those who drank more caffeine showed less decline in memory tests over a four year period.

The study, published in the journal Neurology, raises the possibility that caffeine may even protect against the development of dementia.

It might be that caffeine could slow the dementia process

Dr Karen Ritchie
French National Institute for Health and Medical Research

The results held up even after factors such as education, high blood pressure and disease were taken into account.

Caffeine is a known psychostimulant, but this study appears to suggest its effects may be more profound.

However, lead researcher Dr Karen Ritchie of the French National Institute for Health and Medical Research warned against jumping to premature conclusions.

She said: "While we have some ideas as to how this works biologically, we need to have a better understanding of how caffeine affects the brain before we can start promoting caffeine intake as a way to reduce cognitive decline.

"But the results are interesting - caffeine use is already widespread and it has fewer side effects than other treatments for cognitive decline, and it requires a relatively small amount for a beneficial effect."

The study, which involved 7,000 women, did not find that caffeine consumers had lower rates of dementia.

Women 'more sensitive'

Dr Ritchie said: "We really need a longer study to look at whether caffeine prevents dementia; it might be that caffeine could slow the dementia process rather than preventing it."

She said it was not clear why the protective effect did not seem to apply to men.

"Women may be more sensitive to the effects of caffeine. Their bodies may react differently to the stimulant, or they may metabolize caffeine differently."

Rebecca Wood, chief executive of the Alzheimer's Research Trust, said that with no cure for Alzheimer's disease yet available, research into possible protective factors was important, particularly as the disease is expected to become more common.

She said: "This study does not suggest that caffeine actually lowers rates of dementia in women, but since memory seems improved, it may be that it is slowing it down.

"However, research over a much longer period is still needed to establish fully what the affects of caffeine are in both men and women and whether it could reduce a person's risk of dementia or slow down its progress."

Dr Susanne Sorensen, head of research at the Alzheimer's Society, said drinking coffee and tea had both been tipped as possible ways of delaying the onset of dementia.

However, she said: "These types of studies are complex because coffee and tea drinking can be linked to so many other social and life style factors."

Wisdom Tooth Extraction - Jaw Bone

2007-12-12T17:41:00.001-08:00

How to Properly Brush and Flosh Your Teeth

2007-12-12T17:25:00.001-08:00

Amazing Video Showing Brushing And Flossing.

Root Canal Demonstration

2007-12-12T02:50:00.001-08:00

This is a great video which tells about Root Canal treatment in detail

DENTAL SEALANTS

2007-12-11T20:15:00.000-08:00

Dental Sealants can play an importnat role in preventing the tooth decay.

What are dental sealants?

Dental sealants are the plastic coating which is bonded on the tooth surface to give a smooth finish, prevent tooth decay and food lodgement.

Do everybody need Dental sealants?

No,it varies from person to person.If patient is having deep grooves on the back teeth i.e especially molars ,then dental sealants are placed.Sometimes bristles of brush cannot reach the surface of the back teeth, as a result bacteria keep on accumulating on the surface and progress to tooth decay.

Sealants make the tooth surface smooth and prevent the attack of bacteria.So,those who are having deep fissures or grooves,they need dental sealants.

What is the procedure of applying dental sealants on the tooth surface?

1) Firstly,dentist will clean the area around the teeth ,so that bonding of sealant should be strong.

2) Then the tooth will be properly dried and isolated with the help of cotton gauge to prevent contamination with saliva.

3) Tooth is then etched with an etchant.This gel gives the tooth a frosty appearance which helps in proper bonding of the sealant

4) After few seconds tooth is washed properly and dried again.

5) Now apply the sealant on the groove carefully.While applying take care tooth should be properly dried.If its contaminated with saliva,then the sealant will come out very fast.

6) After applying the sealant tooth is cured with blue light.This activates the catalyst in sealant which helps it to set.

7) After curing ,sealant is finished with the help of smooth rubber burs if needed.

This whole procedure is painless.So,if you are suffering from deep grooves and fissures ,get it done as soon as possible to have a perfect smile on your face.

Obesity 'Raises Gum Disease Risk'

2007-12-10T17:23:00.000-08:00

Obesity is linked to a range of health problems

The rise in obesity may be going hand-in-hand with increases in severe gum disease, US research suggests.
As many as 40% of adults worldwide have periodontal disease, and tests on mice hint that obesity makes us vulnerable to the bacteria which cause it.

Boston University scientists reported in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences that fat mice had a "blunted" immune system.

This may mean obese humans are more at risk from all bacterial infections.

The importance of the current findings is underscored by the facts that millions of people worldwide are affected by this infection every year and the universal prevalence of obesity has reached epidemic proportions

Boston University researchers

Links between gum disease and other more serious illnesses continue to emerge.

There have even been suggestions of a relationship between gum disease and heart disease risk.

However, the immune changes which might be responsible for this remain poorly understood.

The Boston University study looked in more detail at levels of important immune system chemicals produced by normal, lean mice, and their obese counterparts, when confronted with the P. gingivalis bug that causes periodontal illness.

Both types of mouse had bacteria-infused material wrapped around their gums to see if the disease took hold.

Tests revealed that the obese mice had higher levels of P. gingivalis in their mouths, and were suffering more bone loss around their teeth, one of the most common side-effects of the infection.

In addition, the obese mice had lower levels of certain immune system chemicals normally released by the body to help fight infection.

Obesity 'epidemic'

The researchers wrote: "These data indicate that obesity interferes with the ability of the immune system to appropriately respond to P. gingivalis infection.

"The importance of the current findings is underscored by the facts that millions of people worldwide are affected by this infection every year and the universal prevalence of obesity has reached epidemic proportions."

They said that while their experiments suggested that obesity made the body more vulnerable to gum disease bacteria, it was possible that this "blunting" of the immune system might mean it was more vulnerable to other bacterial attacks.

Dr John Taylor, a senior lecturer in molecular immunology at Newcastle University's School of Dental Sciences, said that his own work was beginning to show strong connections between periodontal disease and type II diabetes, an illness which can arise in obese patients.

He said: "We found that periodontal disease was often of the more aggressive form in patients with diabetes.

"It is possible that obesity may be compromising the immune response, leading to increased susceptibility to periodontal disease."

IMMEDIATE DENTURES

2007-12-03T16:43:00.000-08:00

Nowadays Immediate Dentures are quite catching up in dentistry from aesthetic point of view.

Things to be taken care of before the Immediate Dentures are fabricated-

1) General health of the patient is considered.
2) For the success of this treatment, health of supporting teeth is more important.
3) Any surgeries if required are done prior to the extraction.
4) Last but not the least patient should be informed priory about the cost.

PROCEDURE

In immediate dentures, an impression is taken before the extraction of teeth. Teeth to be extracted are marked on the cast. Those very teeth are removed with the help of BP blade on the cast itself and are sent to the lab for the fabrication of bridge.
On the second appointment when patient comes for the extraction, teeth are removed from the oral cavity. Patient is asked to wait for 30 minutes, so that bleeding stops. As soon as bleeding stops bridge is placed with the help of dental cements.

ADVANTAGES

1) Aesthetics- If front teeth are extracted then immediate dentures is a good option as far as aesthetics are concerned.
2) Least Compliance- In this after extraction, bridge is placed in oral cavity, so patient compliance is less.

DISADVANTAGES

1)Discomfort- For 1 or 2 days, patient will feel discomfort at the site of extraction and may also feel pain, but that can be overcome with the help of medicines.
2) Difficulty in chewing-Patient may feel uncomfortable while chewing, but that can be overcome if patient takes soft diet for few days.

Humanoid robot teaches dentists to feel people's pain

2007-11-28T06:09:00.000-08:00

TOKYO (AFP) - Japan's future dentists may soon be able to better appreciate patients' pain by training on a humanoid robot that can mumble "ouch" when the drill hits a nerve.

The robot, resembling an attractive young woman with long black hair and a pink sweater, also can listen to instructions and react to pain by moving her eyes or hands.

A group of robot and computer makers presented the high-tech dental patient in Tokyo at the 2007 International Robot Exhibition, a four-day technology showcase that opened Wednesday.

The medical simulation robot, named "Simroid," is designed to be used for clinical training at dental schools, said Tatsuo Matsuzaki, an official at robot maker Kokoro Company Ltd., which developed the body and control system.

The 160-centimeter (five-foot-three) robot can say "it hurts" and frown when it feels uncomfortable from the dental drill.

"Because it's so real, dental trainees can see patients' feelings and will be able to develop good skills as they treat it, not as an object, but as a human being," Matsuzaki said.

"The point is that we can share people's pain without hurting people," Matsuzaki said.

Naotake Shibui, a professor at Nippon Medical School, which introduced the robot in September, said Simroid can help dentists "learn how to communicate with patients."

"Treatment technique is important but it's also important to feel what it's like to be a patient," he said.

Advantages of Dental Implants Over Dentures or a Bridge

2007-11-27T22:02:00.000-08:00

Every way you look at it, dental implants are a better solution to the problem of missing teeth.

- Esthetic Dental implants look and feel like your own teeth! Since dental implants integrate into the structure of your bone, they prevent the bone loss and gum recession that often accompany bridgework and dentures. No one will ever know that you have a replacement tooth.

- Tooth-saving Dental implants don't sacrifice the quality of your adjacent teeth like a bridge does because neighboring teeth are not altered to support the implant. More of your own teeth are left untouched, a significant long-term benefit to your oral health!

- Confidence Dental implants will allow you to once again speak and eat with comfort and confidence! They are secure and offer freedom from the irksome clicks and wobbles of dentures. They'll allow you to say goodbye to worries about misplaced dentures and messy pastes and glues.

- Reliable The success rate of dental implants is highly predictable. They are considered an excellent option for tooth replacement

Dental Implants

2007-11-27T22:00:00.001-08:00

What Dental Implants Can Do?

Replace one or more teeth without affecting bordering teeth.
Support a bridge and eliminate the need for a removable partial denture.
Provide support for a denture, making it more secure and comfortable.

Types of Implants in Use Today

Endosteal (in the bone): This is the most commonly used type of implant. The various types include screws, cylinders or blades surgically placed into the jawbone. Each implant holds one or more prosthetic teeth. This type of implant is generally used as an alternative for patients with bridges or removable dentures.

Subperiosteal (on the bone): These are placed on top of the jaw with the metal framework's posts protruding through the gum to hold the prosthesis. These types of implants are used for patients who are unable to wear conventional dentures and who have minimal bone height.

Smoking leads To Wrinkles

2007-11-27T19:44:00.000-08:00

Question- How does smoking lead to wrinkles?

Answer- Smoking causes narrowing of the blood vessels in the outermost layers of your skin. This impairs blood flow to your skin, depleting it of oxygen and important nutrients, such as vitamin A. Smoking also damages collagen and elastin — fibers that give your skin its strength and elasticity. As a result, skin begins to sag and wrinkle prematurely.

Smoking doesn't only cause wrinkles on your face. A 2007 study found that smoking is associated with increased wrinkling and skin damage on other parts of the body, including the inner arms.

In addition, repeated exposure to the heat from burning cigarettes and the facial expressions you make when smoking — such as pursing your lips when inhaling and squinting your eyes to keep out smoke — may contribute to wrinkles.

Conclusion- Quit smoking .Besides this it has many more sideeffects which can even lead to death.

Ways to help teens stay smoke-free

2007-11-27T19:22:00.000-08:00

Teen smoking can become a lifelong habit. Help your teen resist that first puff. Here's how.

Teen smoking might begin innocently enough, but it can become a lifelong habit. In fact, most adult smokers began smoking as teenagers. Your best bet? Help your teen resist taking that first puff. These tips can help.

-Understand the attraction. Sometimes teen smoking is a form of rebellion or a way to fit in with a particular group of friends. Some teens light up in an attempt to lose weight or to feel better about themselves. Others smoke to feel cool or independent. To know what you're dealing with, ask your teen how he or she feels about smoking.

- Ask which of your teen's friends smoke. Applaud your teen's good choices, and talk about the consequences of bad choices.

-Say no to teen smoking. You may feel as if your teen doesn't hear a word you say, but say it anyway.

-Tell your teen that smoking isn't allowed. Your disapproval may have more impact than you think. In one study, teens who thought their parents would disapprove of them smoking were less than half as likely to smoke as those who thought their parents wouldn't care.

-Set a good example. Teen smoking is more common among teens whose parents smoke. If you don't smoke, keep it up. If you do smoke, quit — now. Ask your doctor about stop-smoking products and other ways to quit smoking. In the meantime, don't smoke in the house, in the car or in front of your teen, and don't leave cigarettes where your teen might find them.

-Explain how unhappy you are with your smoking and how difficult it is to quit.
Appeal to your teen's vanity. Smoking isn't glamorous. Remind your teen that smoking is a dirty, smelly habit. Smoking gives you bad breath. Smoking makes your clothes and hair smell, and it turns your teeth yellow. Smoking can leave you with a chronic cough and less energy for sports and other activities you enjoy.

-Do the math. Smoking is expensive. Help your teen calculate the weekly, monthly or yearly cost of a pack-a-day smoking habit. You might compare the cost of smoking with electronic gadgets, clothes or other teen essentials.

-Expect peer pressure. Friends who smoke can be convincing — but you can give your teen the tools he or she needs to refuse cigarettes. Rehearse how to handle tough social situations. It might be as simple as, "No thanks, I don't smoke." The more your teen practices this basic refusal, the more likely he or she will say no at the moment of truth.

-Take addiction seriously. Most teens believe they can quit smoking anytime they want. But teens become just as addicted to nicotine as do adults, often quickly and at relatively low doses of nicotine. And once you're hooked, it's tough to quit.

-Consider this: Of adolescents who've smoked at least 100 cigarettes, the American Lung Association reports that most would like to quit but are unable to do so.

-Predict the future. Teens tend to assume that bad things only happen to other people. But the long-term consequences of smoking — such as cancer, heart attack and stroke — may be all too real when your teen becomes an adult. Use loved ones, friends or neighbors who've been ill as real-life examples.

-Think beyond cigarettes. Smokeless tobacco, clove cigarettes (kreteks) and candy-flavored cigarettes (bidis) are sometimes mistaken as less harmful or addictive than traditional cigarettes.

-Hookah smoking — smoking tobacco through a water pipe — is another alternative sometimes touted as safe. Don't let your teen be fooled. Like traditional cigarettes, these products are addictive and can cause cancer and other health problems. Many deliver higher concentrations of nicotine, carbon monoxide and tar than do traditional cigarettes.

-Get involved. Take an active stance against teen smoking. Participate in local and school-sponsored anti-smoking campaigns. Support bans on smoking in public places.

If your teen has already started smoking, avoid threats and ultimatums. Instead, be supportive. Find out why your teen is smoking — and then discuss ways to help your teen stop smoking, such as hanging out with friends who don't smoke or getting involved in new activities. Stopping teen smoking in its tracks is the best thing your teen can do for a lifetime of good health.

Oral health problems to report to your dentist

2007-11-27T19:19:00.000-08:00

Call your dentist promptly if you develop any of the following signs and symptoms that may suggest oral health problems:

Red, tender or swollen gums
Gums that bleed when you're regularly brushing and flossing
Gums that are pulling away from your teeth, which may make your teeth seem longer
Pus around your teeth and gums when you press on the gums
A bad taste in your mouth
Loose teeth
Changes in the way your top and bottom teeth touch
Changes in the feel of your dentures
Sensitivity to hot and cold

Tips For Healthy Teeth

2007-11-27T19:17:00.000-08:00

Oral health:

Tips for proper dental care
Get daily dental care tips and learn ways to protect your oral health. See which symptoms should prompt a call to your dentist.
Don't take your smile for granted. Maintain good oral health by practicing regular dental care habits and reporting problems to your dentist promptly. Clean your teeth daily and see your dentist one to two times a year to prevent gum disease and other oral health problems.

Brushing for oral health

Follow these tips on how to brush your teeth:

Brush your teeth at least twice a day and ideally after every meal, using fluoride-containing toothpaste.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush — it's gentler on your gums.
To brush properly, hold your toothbrush at a slight angle against your teeth and use short back-and-forth motions.
Brush the inside and chewing surfaces of your teeth.
Brush your teeth for about two minutes each time you brush.
Brush your tongue.
Avoid vigorous or harsh scrubbing, which can irritate your gums.
Replace your toothbrush every three or four months, or sooner if it becomes frayed.
Consider using an electric toothbrush, especially if you have arthritis or other problems that make it difficult to brush well.

Stop Clenching and Grinding Down Your Teeth!

2007-11-27T07:46:00.000-08:00

Teeth Grinding and Clenching

Bruxism is the clenching together of both the upper and lower teeth. Clenching can cause pressure on the muscles, tissues, and other surrounding structures of the jaw, and can cause jaw joint disorders, headaces, neck pain, jaw pain, ear pain, tense muscles, and excessive wear on the teeth. Collectively, these symptoms are referred to as "TMJ" problems (temperomandibular joint). Bruxism can cause damage to the temperomandibular joint (the hinge that connects the lower jaw to the upper jaw) if not treated. Bruxism is a common problem, it is estimated that 30-40 million Americans are affected by it.

A large number of people who clench also tend to grind their teeth. Grinding is when you slide your teeth over each other in a back and forth, sideways movement. Often the grinding is a subconscious behavior that is not realized by the bruxer. A partner or significant other is often the first to hear the noise of the bruxer's teeth grinding at night. If not treated, excessive grinding can wear down your teeth. The cause of bruxism is not completely known, but many agree that stress and anxiety play a major role.

Poem

2007-11-25T06:55:00.001-08:00

It doesn't matter how bad things might seem,

He always comes through, our faith to redeem.

God will not fail us in our times of pain.

He'll never forsake us, by our side He'll remain.

So when we find ourselves at a total loss

Or when the valley seems too wide to cross,

Just remember you're in His love and care,

Look over your shoulder, He's always there!

TOOTH DECAY

2007-11-25T06:14:00.000-08:00

TOOTH DECAY

Factor associated with the formation of tooth decay :

-When oral bacteria consume sugars, they start to produce the acids that cause tooth demineralization (tooth decay) within minutes.

Cavity prevention recommendation :

-The less sugar you consume, or the fewer number of times you eat sugary foods, or the

-Shorter the duration dietary sugars are allowed to remain in your mouth the less

exposure your teeth will have to the acids produced by oral bacteria.

-Use artificial sweeteners rather than natural sugars.

-Minimize the duration sugars are allowed to remain in your mouth. Brush and floss, or at least rinse, promptly after consuming sugary foods.

Factor in the formation of tooth decay :

The longer dental plaque has been present on a tooth's surface, the more capable it is of causing tooth damage.

How does tooth decay form?

Earlier we defined tooth decay is a location on a tooth where enough of its mineral
content has been lost that a hole has formed. The process by which this occurs is
called demineralization and it takes place because of the presence of acids on a
tooth's surface.

Where do the acids that cause tooth decay come from?

The acids that cause tooth demineralization (cavity formation) are produced by specific types of bacteria (mutans streptococci and lactobacilli) that live in dental plaque.These bacteria are living organisms just like we are. When we consume foods and beverages, we create waste products. Bacteria do the same thing. The bacteria that cause tooth decay utilize sugars (glucose, sucrose, fructose, lactose, or cooked starches) as their food source. The waste products created from digesting these sugars are the acids (especially lactic acid) that cause the demineralization of tooth enamel and dentin. Since the bacteria that live in our mouth eat when we do, as we ingest foods which contain sugars (such as soda, candy, milk, and even fruits and vegetables) these bacteria get a meal too. And within minutes they start producing the acids that cause tooth decay.

Cavity prevention suggestion :

Brush and floss often and effectively. Take the time to be thorough with your brushing and flossing.

Bad Breath

2007-11-25T03:55:00.001-08:00

Causes Of Bad Breath

- Alcohol consumption

- Stress

- Dieting

-medical conditions such as diabetes, duodenal ulcers, gastroesophageal reflux, hypoglycemia, kidney or liver malfunction, and respiratory disorders.

-The foods eaten also are a potential cause of halitosis. Certain foods, such as garlic, onions and certain spices are frequently cited as cause for a person's bad breath. Both vegetarians and those who eat large quantities of meat may develop bad breath due, in part, to the digestive process.

- A milk intolerance often is the cause of bad breath. Eliminate all dairy products and see if they are the culprit.

-Poor digestion, constipation, or bowel disorders may create gas which exits the mouth.

-Dental problems, especially periodontal disease and tooth abscesses, are often the cause of bad breath. These infected areas harbor large quantities of bacteria from the infection and foods eaten which have been allowed to putrify. Other dental sources are gaps between teeth or crooked teeth, both areas where food can be left to decay.

- Vitamin deficiencies, especially vitamin C and niacin, are the cause of some gum diseases.

Remedies

.Apple cider vinegar- Take a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar just before each meal. You may want to take it in a glass of water. This will aid your digestion.

.Baking soda- Brushing your teeth with baking soda (or a paste made with hydrogen peroxide) will help reduce the acidity in your mouth and make a less-friendly environment for the bacteria to grow.

.Hydrogen peroxide -The sinuses can become infected and cause bad breath. If this is your problem, the best treatment is using hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Use the drugstore variety, which is three percent, dilute it 50% with water and put five to ten drops in each nostril and sniff vigorously. It may burn a little. Do this twice daily and see if it helps. If it doesn't, your sinuses are not the problem.

.Salt Water- Gargling with salt water will help clean out bacteria, mucus and food particles on your tonsils or the back of your throat that may be causing your bad breath.

SUPPLEMENTS

-Vitamin B deficiency may be the cause of your bad breath, so try taking 50 mg of niacinimide with each meal, plus a high potency B complex tablet and 50 mg of B6 once a day.

-Vitamin C in divided daily doses of 1,000 to 6,000 mg will help rid the body of excess mucus and toxins that may be the cause of bad breath.

-Zinc A deficiency may be another cause; take 30 to 60 mg per day. Don't take more than 15 mg. of zinc for more than a week or ten days without medical supervision as high levels of zinc can interfere with the absorption of copper.

Oral Hygiene

-Practicing good oral hygiene is always important. There are three areas of concern in the mouth: the tongue, teeth, and gums. Brushing your teeth, flossing, and cleaning your gums, followed by rinsing thoroughly, will help minimize the problem by removing the buildup of bacteria. The tongue may be loaded with decaying food particles and bacteria that cause bad breath. Brushing or scraping your tongue first thing in the morning and before bed will help eliminate the problem here. By removing the buildup of decayed material, a major breeding ground for bacteria, you will reduce your plaque as well.

- Get your teeth cleaned and any cavities filled. Plaque and cavities are a great breeding ground for the bacteria that cause bad breath.

- Try brushing your gums and tongue after meals.

- Brush your tongue twice a day with a toothbrush soaked in chlorhexidine (an antibacterial agent).

- Swish water around in your mouth after each meal or snack. This will reduce the food particles or drink residue (primarily sugar) that may lead to your bad breath.

- Although mouthwashes will solve some of the immediate problems, you must get at the root of the cause. Mouthwashes in general are only a temporary mask for the problem, and their effects last only half an hour or so. Gargle with an antiseptic mouthwash. Try to find a mouthwash that has as little alcohol as possible, as the alcohol will make the problem worse! Also, frequent use of a mouthwash with more than 25% alcohol has been linked to an increased incidence of oral cancer. For a non-alcoholic mouthwash, use a mixture of 50% hydrogen peroxide (3% solution) and 50% water, and swish it around for 30 seconds and expectorate.

Your saliva is important in the fight against bad breath as it suppresses bacteria that cause it. Anything that reduces the saliva output, such as alcohol, antianxiety drugs, smoking, stress, and medications such as decongestants and diuretics, allows the microorganisms to proliferate.

How fast does it take to heal from wisdom teeth surgery?

2007-11-21T20:17:00.000-08:00

It all depends on the procedure adopted during extraction,because sometimes positioning of teeth is so critical, you have to apply more force and to do bone cutting in that case it will take around 10 days to heal,otherwise 1 week, if you are taking care of post opeartive instructions well and proper dosage of antiobiotics and pain killers.

If I have a few teeth missing in the back of my mouth does that make me any less attractive?

2007-11-21T19:42:00.001-08:00

Ufcourse it will,because if you are not having your back teeth,slowly and slowly your cheek will start getting dipped inside which will give you much older look.

If you use dental chewing gums on a regular basis, do you think they really help prevent plaque?

2007-11-21T19:36:00.000-08:00

Yes,you can chew dentalchewing gums like Orbit etc.because they do not contain sucrose as a sweetener,besides they contain Xylitol which is a substitute of former.Thats the reason it will not harm your teeth and will help to remove plaque.

How long should I use a toothbrush before throwing it out?

2007-11-21T19:29:00.000-08:00

When the bristles of the toothbrush flares,its the indication for you to change your toothbrush.

Are lemons good for taking stains off of teeth?

2007-11-21T19:14:00.000-08:00

You should never use lemon directly on the teeth.If you are suffering from any gum problem you can take vitamin C tablets after the advice of a doctor.If you are suffering from stains on the teeth,get your teeth cleaned,i.e scaling,maximum of the problem will resolve.If stains are not removed with scaling it means they are intrinsic stains,then bleaching paste or whitening paste will not give maximum benefits,may be your teeth will become little lighter to existing shade.

What is Periodontitis?

2007-11-21T16:50:00.000-08:00

This article has explained the Periodontitis at its best,nothing better than this. You can just click the link below.

http://www.healthscout.com/ency/68/254/main.html