Natural Remedies To Heal Gums

But there’s more to getting that beautiful smile than caring for your pearly whites. That’s right, don’t forget those gums! Diseases and gum conditions such as gingivitis and periodontal diseases can also have a negative effect on your perfect smile. And so can gum recession.

What Is Gum Recession?

Gum recession occurs when your gums start to wear away or pull back from your teeth, revealing more of your tooth’s root. This creates gaps between your teeth and gums where bacteria can build up. Often gum recession is a sign of a gum disease.

There are lots of causes for gum recession such as periodontal disease, hormonal changes, pregnancy, grinding or clenching your teeth, and even brushing your teeth too aggressively.  Excessive brushing can be dangerous to your gums!

There are some signs you can watch for to clue you in on whether you have gum recession or not. The main sign is simply being able to see the roots of your teeth exposed. Some other symptoms include swollen gums, gum bleeding, sensitivity of teeth, and bad breath.

Natural Remedies For Gum Recession

If you fear you have gum recession, or to take preventive care against it, try out some of these natural remedies!

Aloe Vera 
Natural aloe vera gel can help relieve you of receding gums. Aloe vera is also known to help with periodontal disease and gingivitis. Simply spread it on your toothbrush and massage your gums with it before brushing.

Oil Pulling
Oil pulling is an old dental care technique that is still incredibly effective. Simply get some sesame, coconut, or sunflower oil and swish it around in your mouth for 10 to 20 minutes. It keeps your gums pink and healthy, and inhibits bacterial and plaque formation. It’s also known to help reduce risk of gingivitis. 

Green Tea
This beverage is more than just relaxing and delicious, it promotes healthy gums! Green tea can reduce inflammation, limit bacteria growth, and prevent periodontal diseases. And as an extra bonus, it’s a soothing drink that you can easily add to your daily routine. 

Lemon Oil
Lemon oil is an amazing antibacterial and antiseptic. It can be used as a mouthwash to enhance gum health. Lemon oil has also shown to protect against candidiasis, which is a parasitic fungus that can sometimes cause thrush. 

Eucalyptus Oil

Another powerful antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory oil that your gums will thank you for! Eucalyptus oil can prevent tooth decay and oral diseases. 

Clove Oil
Clove oil is also anti-fungal, antioxidant, and antibacterial. It’s a great cure for receding gums, and can also have a numbing effect. 

Fruits And Vegetables
We know fruits and veggies are great for the figure, but did you know they are also helpful for your teeth. Studies show that those who eat more fruits and vegetables have better overall oral health! 

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.                                    PS- THOSE INTERESTED IN RECIPES ARE FREE TO  VIEW MY BLOG-                                                                                           https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/       
                                                                                                                                                                      FOR INFO ABOUT KNEE REPLACEMENT, YOU CAN VIEW MY BLOG-                                                  https:// kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com/           
                                                                           FOR CROCHET DESIGNS                                                                                                                                                                                                  https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com  

Oral cancer

What Is It?

Oral cancer affects the lips, gums, tongue, roof of the mouth, insides of the cheeks, or the soft floor of the mouth under the tongue. It’s called “oropharyngeal” when it affects your tonsils, upper throat, or soft palate, where the roof of the mouth meets your throat.

Symptoms

You may not notice any. But the most common one is a sore inside your cheek or lip that won’t heal. You might feel a lump or see a patch of red or white in your mouth. Other signs are mouth numbness, pain, bleeding, or weakness, as well as voice changes, ear ringing, and a sore throat that won’t go away. Teeth or dentures might get loose for no clear reason. But these also could be signs of less serious problems. Tell your doctor if you notice any symptoms so they can help you figure out the cause.

Who Gets It?

Women and people older than 45 are more likely to get oral cancer, though it can happen at any age. Those with fair skin are more likely to get cancer of the lip. And some studies show that people with weaker immune systems, which happens with age or a long-term illness like HIV, get oral cancers more often.

Tobacco Use

Almost 90% of those who get cancer of the head or neck, including oral cancer, use tobacco or spend time around secondhand smoke. The form doesn’t matter -- it could be cigarettes, cigars, snuff, or chewing tobacco. Pipes may be special offenders, particularly in the area where the lips meet the pipe stem. People who use marijuana may also be more likely to get the disease.

Alcohol and Oral Cancer

Booze can raise your odds for the disease, specifically if you drink a lot (more than a drink or two in a day) on a regular basis. And if you use tobacco as well, your odds go up more, especially after age 50. 

A Link to HPV?

You typically get human papillomavirus (HPV) through sex, including oral sex. There are many types of the virus, some closely linked to cancer. There is some evidence that the infection leads to cancer at the base of the tongue or in the tonsils. A vaccine for HPV may protect against the types that cause oral cancer, but scientists don’t know for sure. To lower the chances you’ll get the virus, use condoms or dental dams each time you have sex.

Diagnosis

Doctors and dentists usually find oral cancer during routine checkups. If they notice signs of a problem, they’ll look carefully inside your mouth and throat, sometimes with a special lighted tool, and may feel your jaw and neck for lumps or patches. If they find something, a test called a biopsy will usually help them confirm or rule out cancer.

Biopsy

It’s often the only sure way to know whether a lump is cancer. Your doctor removes a small piece of tissue to send to a lab for testing. He might use a needle, a scraping tool, or do minor surgery to cut out a piece of tissue. Your dentist might use a simpler method at first: a small brush to gather cells from a suspicious spot. In this case, if the lab finds cancer, you’ll need a more traditional biopsy to confirm it. 

HPV Test

Your doctor could also test the biopsy tissue for HPV. The result helps your doctor figure out the extent of your cancer and the best treatment options. People with cancers linked to this virus tend to do better than those with other types of cancer.

Imaging Tests

Doctors can use different tests to look at the organs and structures in and around your mouth. They include X-rays, MRI, CT scans, ultrasound, and PET scans. By themselves, they can’t diagnose your cancer, but your doctor might use one or more of them to look for a tumor, see how well treatment is working, or check if cancer has come back. 

Surgery

It’s often the first treatment doctors try, especially when your disease is in the early stages. Your doctor will try to remove the tumor as well as an area, or margin, of tissue around it to be sure that all the cancer cells are gone. In some cases, this could mean cutting out part of the tongue, jawbone, or roof of the mouth. You may need more surgery later on to make those areas look and work well again. 

Radiation and Chemo

Radiation uses high-energy particles to kill cancer cells or slow their growth. In chemotherapy, drugs in the form of pills or injections travel through your bloodstream to target cancer cells. You might get one or both treatments, depending on the type of cancer and how long you’ve had it. Even if you have surgery, you may need one or both of these treatments to help ensure cancer doesn’t return.

Can You Prevent It?

A few basic health habits can lower your chances of getting oral cancer.

• Stay out of the sun. Too much is linked to lip cancer. Cover up with hats and sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher.
• Don’t use tobacco, and limit the alcohol you drink.
• Brush, floss, and go to the dentist regularly. It makes you less likely to get cancer, and it also helps you catch it early when it’s easier to treat.
• Eat a healthy diet with plenty of vegetables and fruits. A lack of vitamin A -- found in oily fish, milk, eggs, spinach, carrots, and beef liver -- could lead to certain oral cancers.                     
  THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.                                    PS- THOSE INTERESTED IN RECIPES ARE FREE TO  VIEW MY BLOG-                                                                                           https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/       
                                                                                                                                                                        FOR INFO ABOUT KNEE REPLACEMENT, YOU CAN VIEW MY BLOG-                                                  https:// kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com/           
                                                                             FOR CROCHET DESIGNS                                                                                                                                                                                                  https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com  

Warning Signs of Vitamin C Deficiency

Most people have trouble keeping their diet in check and many don't meet their recommended daily levels of essential nutrients. In fact, according to a study completed at the University of Illinois, many Americans fell short of consuming enough vitamin C. But getting enough of this essential vitamin is important for our overall well-being. In fact, high blood levels of vitamin C may be the ideal nutrition marker for overall health.

  Vitamin C: Why You Need It

 

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant. But, it is also essential for many other reasons too. In fact, Vitamin C has been found to:
 

• Help prevent cancer and enhance the effect of cancer-fighting drugs
• Lower the risk of stroke and heart disease
• Quell inflammation in the body, lowering the risk of gout and other inflammatory conditions
• Promote healthy skin and collagen formation
• Slow aging, naturally
• Assist the body in the absorption of minerals, including iron
• Lower stress levels
• Boost the immune system
• Improve physical performance                
  Are You at Risk of Vitamin C Deficiency?
   
  In extreme cases, severe vitamin C Deficiency is known as scurvy (a disease characterized by bleeding gums and loss of teeth) - however, this is pretty rare nowadays. Nevertheless, research has found that many people do have low levels of this vitamin, so much so that the researchers found that 31 percent of the US population does not meet the estimated average requirement for vitamin C. Certain people, though, are more at risk for being deficient in this vitamin than others. This includes:
   
• Those dependent on drugs and/or alcohol
• Individuals on highly restrictive diets
• Individuals who do not eat fruits and vegetables daily
• Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis sufferers
• Those with a medical condition which affects their ability to digest and absorb food
• People who smoke - as smoking affects the absorption of vitamin C from foods
• People who eat less of a varied diet
• Pregnant and breastfeeding women

Vitamin C Deficiency: The Warning Signs

If you are concerned that you might be deficient in vitamin C, here are some signs and indications you should be on the look-out for:

1. Easy bruising 

 Bruising is a natural response to certain injuries - usually a fall or a knock. It is caused when small blood vessels near the skin's surface (capillaries) break and leak red blood cells. In certain situations, bruising is to be expected. Yet excessive or unexplained reddish-purple marks on the skin may point to a lack of vitamin C in the diet, due to weakened capillaries. Even minor deficiencies of vitamin C can lead to increased bruising. If this often happens to you, try to increase your dose and see if it has an effect. Studies show that consuming more vitamin C has been found to reduce the effects of bruising. 

 

2. A wound that takes long to heal

Look into your diet if you have cuts and scrapes that are slow to heal. Vitamin C is essential to the formation of collagen in the skin. This connective tissue helps bind a healing wound, therefore a lack of it can lead to slow healing. Vitamin C also acts as a powerful antioxidant and immune system booster, both of which encourage faster healing. 

3. Swollen, bleeding or inflamed gums
Swollen or bleeding gums or recurrent mouth ulcers are often linked to low levels of vitamin C. Collagen plays an important role in supporting gum health, however, it is estimated that gums turn over at least 20 percent of their collagen every day. Consuming vitamin C is therefore vital for healthy teeth and gums. Low levels are also linked to gum disease - ranging from gum inflammation to soft tissue damage. Low vitamin C can progress if not addressed, which can eventually lead to scurvy.

4. Dry or splitting hair and nails

Strong nails and a shiny head of hair are often good indicators of a healthy, balanced diet. However, if they appear to be dry and splitting, it may indicate a deeper problem. Vitamin C usually makes its way into organs and tissues first before moving to the hair. So, low levels of the vitamin may cause you to have more than just a bad hair day. Vitamin C is also vital for the absorption of iron, a deficiency which can cause chronic hair loss and slow hair growth, as well as brittle and concave nails. 

5. Red, Rough or Dry Skin
Rough and dry skin, caused by a lack of collagen is one of the first signs of scurvy. Low levels of vitamin C are also linked to a common, yet harmless skin condition known as keratosis pilaris, characterized by small, hard bumps on the upper arms, thighs, buttocks, and face. Adding vitamin C to your diet can greatly improve skin tone and texture. Studies also show that diets high in vitamin C provide better skin and less wrinkling. Vitamin C can also offset the damage caused by the sun's UV rays. 

6. Frequent nosebleeds

If you experience frequent nosebleeds don't dismiss an inadequate diet as the underlying cause. More often than not, nosebleeds occur when small and fragile blood vessels burst. Adequate vitamin C intake, though, decreases their fragility. 

7. Poor immune function
The immune system is what helps the body protect itself against infection and disease. Consuming a diet rich in vitamin C can promote better functioning of the immune system as several cells rely on this vitamin to perform their tasks. Being deficient in vitamin C can, therefore, lead to a reduced resistance against certain pathogens. Vitamin C may also reduce the duration of the common cold (despite popular belief, it does not ward it off, rather, it affects its incidence or severity). 

8. Swollen and painful joints

Pain and swelling in the joints caused by inflammatory arthritis may be another sign that you need to check your vitamin C intake. A study in 2004, found that people with low levels of vitamin C were three times more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis than those whose diets included foods rich in the vitamin. 

9. Fatigue or depression
The two could be a result of many underlying illnesses and causes. However, one such cause may be a lack of vitamin C intake. Research has indicated that there is a link between vitamin C deficiency and psychological states. Most hospitalized patients with suboptimal vitamin C levels demonstrate a perceived improvement in mood after taking a supplement, by up to 34 percent. 

10. Unexplained weight gain

Not having enough vitamin C in the bloodstream can lead to an increase in body fat and waist circumference. A study conducted in 2006 at the Arizona State University found that the amount of vitamin C absorbed by the body directly affects its ability to use fat as a fuel source during both exercise and when at rest.

The four-week study was conducted on 20 obese men and women who were put on a low-fat diet which contained 67 percent of the recommended daily allowance of vitamin C. In a random order, some of the participants were given a 500mg vitamin C capsule each day, or a placebo. It was found that those with low concentrations of vitamin C in their blood had higher body fat mass. Yet a steady amount of vitamin C concentration in the blood resulted in the ability to oxidize fat by 11 percent. 

What you eat therefore plays an important role in your vitamin C intake.  For Vitamin C rich foods, see my next post.

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.                                                                                                                                                                                                             PS- THOSE INTERESTED IN RECIPES ARE FREE TO  VIEW MY BLOG-                                                                                           https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/   

FOR INFO ABOUT KNEE REPLACEMENT, YOU CAN VIEW MY BLOG-                                                                                                    https:// kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com/                              

FOR CROCHET DESIGNS                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com

 

•  

8 Health Tests That Every Man Should Perform

There are many things that can happen between visits to the doctor, and the fact that more than a few men tend to skip the recommended annual physical examinations reinforces the need to raise their awareness of their bodies. There is a possibility that you actually feel fine while your body undergoes dangerous changes, so it is important that you familiarize yourself with 8 simple tests you can do independently that will help you identify and prevent the development of various diseases.

1. Test the testicles

According to the cancer specialists, testicular cancer is most common among men aged 20-35, with about 120 new cases occurring each year. Because this is an uncommon disease, many men tend to ignore the various symptoms, while pre-screening can lead to preventive treatment that can cure 90% of the cases. Common symptoms of testicular cancer are lower back pain for no apparent reason or coughing up blood. 

2. Check for hair loss

Although the hairline sometimes retracts when age starts to work its magic, if your hair falls in patches and clumps when showering or brushing it, stress is probably the culprit. A male health expert, explains that stress hormones can cause white blood cells to attack hair follicles, leading to hair loss, and beyond the fact that massive hair loss is frustrating, chronic stress can increase the risk of heart disease and even reduce memory, which is why it is important not to ignore abnormal hair loss, and to take advantage of the different methods of relieving stress.
3. Check urine flow
If you experience difficulty when urinating, don’t just assume it’s a shy bladder, as this may be a sign of prostate cancer. This is because the prostate surrounds the upper part of the male urethra, so if it swells or grows, it may cut off the flow of urine, which disrupts the current and may make it difficult for you to urinate. Therefore, if you’ve noticed some difficulty when relieving yourself, you should see your doctor and get the necessary tests. 

4. Check the oral cavity and gums

Examination of the oral cavity

If you experience a bulge or sore growing on your gums, tongue or lips, which doesn’t disappear for a while, don’t assume that it’s just a canker sore, since there is a possibility that this is a symptom of oral cancer. Other symptoms that may occur with cancer are pain or bleeding in the affected area, pain that radiates to the ears and obstruction of speech or difficulty swallowing. Various studies have shown that oral cancer is twice as common in men as in women, so it is important to be alert, and if you notice an abnormal bulge, don’t hesitate to make a doctor’s appointment. Also, your dentist is also able to check for tumors and such during a routine dental exam.

Examination of the gums

Whenever you clean your teeth with dental floss, you should be vigilant and notice whether your gums are swollen, sore or bleeding, or if the gums have receded and reveal the root of the tooth. Don’t overlook these various signs, since gum disease is a serious risk to the health of men and can even serve as a warning of more serious health problems. Therefore, if your oral self-examination suggests gum disease, consult your dentist as soon as possible.

5. Chest examination

If you think that this type of examination is for women only, think again. Men’s chests also contain breast tissue which means they are also at risk for breast cancer. Dr. also points out the importance of self-examination of the male breast, also because breast cancer is more dangerous and fatal in men than in women, and also because early detection may increase the effectiveness of the treatment needed later.
The Dr. claims that the test is so simple, there is no justified reason to skip it; Once a month while showering, feel your chest and look for lumps or breast size changes. If you’ve identified anything suspicious, make an appointment and see your GP so that they’ll be able to refer you for further necessary tests. It is also important to note the importance of family medical history since one in five men with breast cancer has a relative who has had the disease in the past.

6. Check waist circumference

Fat belly works like a factory, and 24 hours a day it produces inflammatory juices that may increase the risk of diabetes and heart disease. Dr. adds that measuring the fat around the abdomen can be the most important test for men, and it can be done very easily. All you have to do is take a tape measure and measure the size of your lower abdomen - if the result is more than 37.5 inches, or 95 centimeters, you are at risk of developing serious health problems. You should repeat the test once a month and, if necessary, approach a nutritionist to help you build a nutrition plan that is best suited for you while incorporating physical activity as well.

7. Check your heart rate

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in both men and women, with men at a higher risk than women. A study has shown that 89% of sudden cardiac events, such as heart attacks, occur in men.
It turns out that a quick and simple self-examination can measure your heart health; you can take a pulse test at rest by placing your index and middle finger on the opposite wrist and measuring your pulse by counting for 10 seconds. After counting the number of beats, multiply the number obtained by 6. A healthy person should have a normal pulse rate of between 60 and 100, and any deviation beyond this range may indicate cardiovascular problems. You should also pay attention to the interval between beats, since irregular heart rate may indicate atrial fibrillation or other serious heart problems. Repeat this test at least once a month.

8. Take a count of your moles

Skin cancer is common in both men and women, with men at twice as much risk as women. Therefore, once a month be sure to perform a self-examination to look for new or older moles, which will allow you to detect early symptoms of possible cancer and receive the necessary treatment. If any mole has changed size, color, or has become irregularly shaped make sure you see a dermatologist as soon as possible.
Remember: these tests are designed to work hand in hand with professional treatment and not replace it! Check with your doctor and keep them informed of any unusual findings or significant changes in your body.  

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.                                                                                                                                                                                                      PS- THOSE INTERESTED IN RECIPES ARE FREE TO VIEW MY BLOG-                                                                                           https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/   

FOR INFO ABOUT KNEE REPLACEMENT, YOU CAN VIEW MY BLOG-                                                           https:// kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com/                              
FOR CROCHET DESIGNS                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       https://my crochet creations.blogspot.com