Author: Jim Brewer

Common Causes of Gum Disease

Those who suffered from it know how bad gum disease is: puffy, swollen and painful gums, occasional bleeding during tooth brushing…However, many people ignore the first signs of it and only start worrying when pain is constant and their teeth start moving. By that time, they may risk losing one or several teeth.

At the same time, there are lots of misconceptions concerning gum disease, as well as unproven cures and treatments for it. The truth is that if herbal teas and essential oil were effective, most dentists would be out of business. This does not mean that proper mouth hygiene can help prevent or mitigate the effects of gum disease. But the final word belongs to the dentists.

So, Is Gum Disease Preventable?

The answer is yes and no. Opting for a healthy diet and brushing, flossing and using mouthwash every day will help a lot. But sometimes, even the most careful person can develop gum disease.

To help understand why it is so, we prepared a list of common causes of gum disease:

  1. Plaque Buildup

Plaque represents the accumulation of food residues in difficult areas around the teeth. It is mainly caused by lack of flossing and using mouthwash after brushing the teeth. As  plaque accumulates, it can attack sensitive and weakened areas of the gums (especially in case of overly vigorous tooth brushing).

dentist Littleton CO

This is why frequent teeth cleaning by the best dental practice is necessary. The over the counter teeth whitening kits do not remove plaque effectively and completely. You need a professional teeth cleaning with specialized devices and substances.

  1. Hormonal Changes

Gum disease can be triggered by hormonal changes women experience during the period and in pregnancy. This is why dental care is an extremely sensitive issue for pregnant women.

Many women experience puffy and red gums during pregnancy. It does not always mean that they suffer from gum disease. However, it is better to be safe than sorry. Check with your dentist regularly.

  1. Smoking or Chewing Tobacco

Tobacco is one of the most detrimental effects to health. We will not refer to the long list of life threatening conditions that are directly linked to tobacco. For the purposes of this article, we will only say that frequent tobacco use can cause gum disease.

At the same time, tobacco stains the teeth, giving them an unappealing and unhealthy yellow aspect.

  1. Unhealthy Diet

Lots of sugars and not enough vitamin C and liquids are bad for your teeth and gums. Sugar attacks the enamel of the teeth and causes cavities. And lack of vitamin C makes the gums frail and prone to disease.

  1. Prescription Medication

Some drugs prescribed for preexisting conditions cause your mouth to feel dry due to reduced production of saliva. This is not only inconvenient, but also dangerous for your health. Dry gums are more vulnerable to bacteria and gum disease.

  1. Genetic Inheritance

In some cases, gum disease is passed from parents to children. It is not fully clear how it happens, and what gene is responsible for this. If you know several family members with gum disease, you should take extra care to prevent its onset.

Where and How Can You Buy CBD Products Safely?

The temptation is high. In many of the states where recreational and medical CBD is allowed by the law, the industry itself might be booming, but it’s not yet regulated. Even though there are a lot of online sellers boasting that their products are the best and safest out there, you’ll find that this isn’t entirely true. In fact, experts have tested some of these so-called CBD products and found the trace amounts of CBD are less than specified in certain brands, while others are even unsafe to use due to the present of harmful substances.

best dispensary near me for quality CBD

The Importance of Buying from the Right Brands

Now, don’t be scared. There are lots of great sources out there, like the best dispensary near me,  where you can buy high quality, high concentration CBD oil and other products that are entirely safe. However, for that you’ll have to do some research and have a little patience before you find the best distributors. Failing to do so can cost you dearly.

The most important reasons for finding the right brands include the following:

  1. You have to be sure that it’s a safe source. Some sellers are just out to get a quick buck, and they won’t care if their buyers get hurt in the process. So they may be willing to sell unsafe CBD products just to lower the cost of preparing them.
  2. While other sellers and manufacturers have a stronger moral code, they might sell products that are virtually useless in terms of the concentration of CBD they contain. This is especially problematic if you need CBD oil for treating a certain ailment that might require a specific dosage.
  3. It can be risky to use a formula that hasn’t been tested. Even with the best intentions coming from the manufacturer and distributor, their customers can still be at risk from new CBD formulas that haven’t been tested in a lab and might entail unknown side effects.

Look for Trustworthy Companies That Provide a COA

The good news is that regulated lab tests exist that can help determine a certain product’s CBD content as well as the presence of other ingredients and their dosages. The sellers who test their CBD products will receive a COA (Certificate of Analysis), which can basically tell you that the product was tested by an independent third party, and that it has passed the test. The result is that you can buy it with peace of mind that you’re getting the quality that you wanted.

A COA is accompanied by a pdf file that provides you with the result of the analysis and the full disclosure of the contents of your newly purchased CBD product. Using the unique batch number that is provided with the COA (since each product is tested in batches), and comparing the results of the tests performed on that particular batch with the claims of the seller, you can determine whether the dosage and refinement of the product is actually the one that’s advertised. You will then know whether or not the brand is safe and that you can purchase it without any real issue.

What Does an Oral Surgeon Do?

An oral surgeon, also known as an oral and maxillofacial surgeon is a specialist who treats dental problems and other health issues that affect the mouth and the maxillofacial area, including the bones of the jaw, the face, the cheeks, even the forehead as well as the soft tissue in the mentioned areas. The procedures performed by oral and maxillofacial surgeons often involve surgical interventions to remove growths and teeth or to treat various types of injuries to improve function and appearance.

The Education of Oral Surgeons

Oral surgeons study a lot. After high school, they undergo 2-4 years of undergraduate training, then 4 years of dental study, followed by 4-6 years of residency, during which they obtain a medical degree and they specialize in one or multiple fields of oral surgery, such as cosmetic facial surgery, craniofacial surgery or pediatric maxillofacial surgery.

The Work of Oral Surgeons

Oral surgeons most often treat patients who have been referred to them by general dentists or primary care doctors who make the initial diagnosis and consider the patient’s problem to require more specialized treatment. The conditions that are often treated by oral surgeons include the removal of severely damaged or unrestorable teeth, the treatment of affections of the oral cavity, such as obstructed salivary glands that need removal, ulcers and wounds in the mouth, jaw surgery for the realignment of the teeth, the restoration of the face after facial injuries, biopsies for diagnosing tumors as well as cosmetic dental procedures. One of the most common and most frequent interventions and treatment that oral surgeons perform is dental extractions and the implementation of dental implants.

oral surgeon Castle Rock

Oral surgeons have various workplaces to choose from – they can work in hospitals, medical centers or they can have their own individual practices. The office of an oral surgeon is very similar to the office of a general dentist, but it is equipped with more specialized tools for cutting and removing teeth. Very complicated surgical interventions are performed in general anesthesia, so the offices of oral surgeons are fitted with equipment and tools for performing the anesthesia and for monitor the patient’s condition during and immediately after the surgery.

The Skills Required of a Great Oral Surgeon

Beside extensive professional knowledge, oral surgeons are required to possess a wide set of other skills and abilities as well. A good oral surgeon – always search for the best oral surgeon Castle Rock has to offer – is a personable and compassionate person who can understand the worries and the concerns of the patient and is willing to explain why the procedure is necessary and how it will be performed. Oral surgeons also need outstanding dexterity as well as physical strength, especially in the arms and the hands – dental extractions often require considerable strength and the mouth has lots of difficult to reach areas that require the doctor to take up awkward positions. Complicated oral surgery can also take long to perform, so a good oral surgeon needs to be in excellent overall physical condition and to be able to concentrate for prolonged times.

Information about Keeping Your Skin Hydrated

Proper hydration is essential for the proper functioning of all bodily organs as well as for a healthy, beautiful and youthful complexion. The level of skin hydration depends on lots of factors, from skin type and lifestyle to the typical environment one spends the longest time in, age and the cosmetics used on the face, but whatever your age and circumstances, there are lots of skincare and lifestyle measures that you can implement to ensure that your skin stays hydrated – here are some.

Hydrate from the Inside

The best and healthiest way to give your skin the amount of moisture it needs is to ensure the proper hydration of your entire body, by consuming sufficient healthy liquids. Whether you eat soups or prefer to drink herbal teas, water and freshly squeezed juices from fruits and vegetables, the results will be instantly visible on your skin – it will regain its elasticity, some of the already existing wrinkles will diminish, others will disappear and your entire complexion will become fresher and healthier.

Avoid Whatever Can Dry Your Skin

Your environment and your lifestyle choices also influence the moisture contents of your skin. Spending prolonged periods in air-conditioned rooms, sleep that is insufficient in terms of quality or quantity, consuming coffee and alcohol and smoking are all known to be hard on the skin, depleting its nutrient contents, depriving it from its natural elasticity and ultimately drying it.

Use the Right Cosmetic Products

Give your skin the boost of moisture that it needs with the right nourishing and moisturizing skincare system. The first step in choosing the right products is identifying your skin type – dry complexion needs a different skin care approach than normal, oily or combination skin. You can find lots of online information about how to find out your skin type, but if you want to be sure, you can talk to your dermatologist or your beautician and ask them to test your skin.

squalane oil

Once you have identified your skin type, your task is easy: check out the products available in your nearby drugstore or order your skincare system online and use the products every day. The system should include a gentle cleanser as well as moisturizer creams for the day and for the night. For extra dry skin, consider using moisturizing squalane oil. If you need some skin refreshment to use while you are on the go, pick a facial spray – these great, modern inventions are used for pulverizing a light moisturizing liquid on the face whenever you feel like it.

Make Your Home Skin-Friendly

Air conditioning and heating dry the air and while heaters and AC units are indispensable appliances in homes, offices and public buildings, spending too long in such dry environments dries the skin, too. To combat the harmful effects of dry air, install a humidifier in your home – these modern pieces of home electronics either pulverize water into the air or they heat water until it is transformed into vapor and they release the vapor into the air. Moisturizing the air in your home will have beneficial effects not only on your skin – it will make the air in your home healthier to breathe, it will reduce the risk of developing respiratory illnesses and it will also improve your sleep.

A Simple Explanation Of What A Chiropractor Does

Best Chiropractor Denver CO Services

More and more frequently, chiropractic care is proposed as an alternative to various treatments for conditions like disc hernia, spondylosis etc. It is a non-invasive and painless method that many people heard about but few have actually documented about it.

 

What is chiropractic therapy and in which cases is it recommended?

Chiropractic comes as a non-surgical method of treating nervous system or musculoskeletal disorders. Attention often falls on proper handling of the spine, but also of the structures around it, using both hands and dedicated instruments.

Because the role of the spine in the body is vital, it is very important to be preoccupied about keeping it in good shape. When spinal nerves are irritated, the physiological state becomes abnormal, and this translates into disturbed functions of the nervous system. The most common manifestations are symptoms of numbness, pain, but also reduced muscle power.

 

Who is practicing this therapy?

The vertebral column can be injured in different areas, from thoracic and lumbar to sacral, cervical or coccidian. The best chiropractor Denver CO professional will know exactly what strategies to apply in every situation, depending on the severity of the situation.

They also know that back pain can have multiple causes: adopting an inappropriate posture for longer periods of time, obesity, sedentary work, office work without breaks, pregnancy, car accidents – they all can be responsible for the degeneration of intervertebral discs. Chiropractic can provide relief of symptoms and it may also treat some of the causes. By proper manipulation, pressure on the spinal nerves can be released. It is usually about the mechanical impulse method, which involves the movement and mobilization of the vertebrae in question.

Unfortunately, not all chiropractic practitioners have the required qualifications and certifications, so you need to choose your therapist carefully, only after you know exactly in which hands you put your health into.

 

Career requirements

A chiropractor needs a degree in the field of chiropractic, because a license is required in very state, in order to practice this therapy legally and professionally. These specialists must have clinical experience and sometimes a residency is also required.

Their education must start with going to a chiropractic college and acquire pre-medical undergraduate college education; it includes courses in biology, chemistry, psychology, physics, as well as specific lab work. The length of the professional study is 4 or 5 years – a long period, precisely because chiropractic uses intricate adjusting techniques, therefore clinical training is essential in learning how to evaluate and care for patients properly. Chiropractic education is approved by the Council on Chiropractic Education, which is an accrediting agency, recognized by the Department of Education.

Chiropractic is not a mumbo-jumbo practiced by individuals who had an epiphany that they can make a little massage and put people`s spine discs into their place, so you should always check the therapist`s certifications before starting such a treatment.

A chiropractor`s certification and licensure is managed by the NBCE (National Board of Chiropractic Examiners), and also by every state; as such, requirements may vary, depending on your location.

2018 Colorado Medicare – Finding the Right Plan

Do you need to find the most suitable Colorado Medicare plans for your budget and healthcare needs? Getting informed about Medicare and the available coverage plans, as well as the best types of coverage you can choose in the Colorado area can be easy as long as you take things one step at a time.

 

Before knowing where and how to signing up for medicare in Denver at your assisted living home, it is essential to have a clear picture of the Medicare plans available and to select the ones that best suit your needs.

 

An Overview of Medicare Plans

 

Before signing up for Medicare plans in Colorado, it’s important to know what you’re dealing with. There are a total of four parts of Medicare, each dealing with a specific type of health insurance policy:

 

  • Part A provides you with assistance for dealing with hospital and facility costs;
  • Part B covers additional medical costs for services not available with Part A;
  • Part C offers customized health insurance plans through private insurers, providing help with hospital and medical costs, as well as much more;
  • Part D is strictly associated with prescription drugs.

 

Local insurance companies in Colorado have a variety of plans available especially when it comes to Part C and D coverage. They can help you get nearby affordable healthcare assistance through networks of doctors and healthcare facilities that are covered by your Medicare plan.

 

Also, it is essential to read up on Medicare Advantage plans, which offer the same advantages as Original Medicare (Parts A & B), as well as many others. With Medicare Advantage, you can cover not only basic hospital and medical costs, but also dental, hearing, vision related services, as well as prescription drugs – all at an affordable cost.

 

Steps to Take for Signing Up

 

Once you’ve read up about each part of Medicare and how they could help you, it’s time to determine your healthcare needs. Determine what doctors and pharmacies you’d like to get coverage for, and also look at special help that might be included for disorders or health problems you might be struggling with.

 

The next step should be to evaluate the special Medicare plans available for the Colorado area. Whether you need assistance with Original Medicare, or you want a specific coverage plan for Part C or D, you will get the support and assistance you need even at a short notice.

 

Finally, after making sure you understand the specifics and costs associated with Colorado plans and the differences between Medicare plans – such as PPO, HMO or PFFS plans – then enroll in your preferred plan. If you need Part A and B coverage, enroll through Social Security. Alternatively, if you require a Medicare Advantage plan get in touch with local Colorado private insurers to talk about your options.

 

You should also inquire with the experts at your assisted living in Denver. When it comes to getting the most out of Colorado Medicare plans, these recommendations should help you to make the best choices regarding the specific plan to choose, the coverage options to go with and the steps to take for signing up as conveniently as possible.

Choosing Better Dental Health – Which Toothpaste is the Best for Specific Purposes?

dental care

Are you looking to find out which toothpaste is the best one you can use? With so many brands available out there today, it can be difficult to pinpoint one toothpaste that stands above all others. However, with a little research, a visit to the dentist and your own discernment, you can easily find an affordable, well-designed toothpaste that will fit your needs to a T.

Finding Out What You Need

Which toothpaste is the best you can find? More importantly, is there such a thing as the “best” toothpaste of all? According to many experts, it is almost impossible to determine an exact brand or product that will be of help in every situation. This is mainly because each toothpaste has its own strong and weak points, and none of them are equipped to erase every dental problem you might run into.

So how do you find out which one is the best toothpaste for you? That one is not so difficult:

  1. First you have to go to the dentist and find out whether you have any specific problems such as fluoride deficiency, gingivitis, sensitive gums or a weakened enamel.
  2. Next, your Lakewood family dental professional will recommend a type of toothpaste to use based on his/her findings, as well as a treatment or surgery that might be required.
  3. At this point, it’s up to you to either get the recommended toothpaste or find one that does the same thing but better.

As you can see, it’s as easy as 1-2-3, although the last step will definitely present you with certain challenges. So let’s see if we can help you out in making a more informed choice regarding the toothpaste that works best for you.

Select Your New Toothpaste

Based on reviews and Lakewood family dental expert recommendations, there are a number of toothpaste products that stand out as being of superior quality depending on the area they address. Sensodyne is probably the best toothpaste you will find for sensitive teeth, while Tom’s of Maine toothpastes are known for their fluoride formulas, which can help you replenish your own fluoride reserves in case of deficiency. Finally, if you’re looking for the best general use toothpastes, most people will guide you to Colgate or Crest Pro-Health products.

The way you can decide between these toothpastes is to evaluate all the most important points, and compare them. Ask for each toothpaste:

  • Does it fit the purpose recommended by my dentist?
  • Is it affordable enough for my current budget?
  • Is it provided by an established and trusted brand?
  • Are there any negative reviews, complaints or side effects that are associated with this toothpaste?
  • Do I like the flavor?

Based on these details, you can form a general profile of the type of toothpaste you want and use it as a blueprint to compare each of the aforementioned. You can then make an informed decision regarding the precise product you’d like to start using from then on.

Selecting the right toothpaste can take some time, but you will find it is completely worth it. If you really want to know which toothpaste is the best, the recommendations presented above should help you in deciding that for any particular issue you might want to prevent or treat.

Is Invisalign a Good Option for Older Adults to Use?

Is Invisalign a good option that surpasses what benefits most types of braces have to offer? And is it a good enough options for adults – especially older ones – to use in order to correct teeth that may have been misaligned for a long time? These questions are important to answer, if you’re between your 40s and 60s, and you are considering clear aligners like Invisalign.

According to Highlands Ranch dental professionals, there are many benefits to using Invisalign, whether you have a more pronounced misalignment to correct or a smaller one. However, knowing how to use the braces and figuring out whether or not they are good for you in particular is extremely essential to know.

Who Is Invisalign Normally Designed for?

Invisalign was primarily invented with teens in mind. If you’re an awkward teenager at school, and you want to avoid other kids staring at you, then wearing braces simply isn’t the way – no matter how much your parents and your dentist might be pestering you about it. However, with Invisalign, the one aspect that makes social interaction difficult for teenagers wearing braces will be eliminated entirely.

These clear aligners are designed to fit your teeth perfectly and gently realign them over a period of several weeks. As they do so, however, you’ll find the aligners are not all that visible. They are almost completely see-through, so that unless someone is looking closely at your teeth they won’t notice that you’re wearing them.

Moreover, Invisalign can be a good option for adults who are considering going on dates, trying to find a job, attending formal parties or going to other social gatherings where being presentable is an absolute must. Is Invisalign a good option for you if you’re dealing with any of these issues? The answer is absolutely yes!

Will Invisalign Be a Good Option for You?

happy couple smiling

So, will Invisalign be a good enough option for you as an older adult? This issue might not be as obvious as it would first seem, however, older adults over the age of 40 or 50 can gain just as much from using Invisalign as teenagers would. Let’s take a look at why:

  • First of all, 50 is the new 40, so if you’re close to that age, it’s not a good idea to consider yourself older. In fact, a lot of adults that age take excellent care of their appearance, so Invisalign would definitely be a big plus in your case as well.
  • According to most experts, Invisalign is as good an option if you’re 63 as it is when you’re only 13. While certain challenges might exist depending on each personal case in part, there is no real age limit that applies to the use of Invisalign aligners.
  • If you had some work done, such as bridges and dentures, then Invisalign treatment can be somewhat of a challenge. However, experts still regard it as being a possible treatment for misaligned and overcrowded teeth, even in such cases. However, you might want to talk to your orthodontist about the possibility of replacing some of the dental work you’ve had performed in the past.

So, is Invisalign a good option you can entertain in the event that you need realignment work? All in all, you’ll find that Invisalign can be really great if you’re an adult, and it will provide you with far better results and support than any other type of braces out there.

Why Get Tested for Low Testosterone? – the Symptoms of a Hormonal Imbalance and Health Consideration

man from Denver responding to male hormone replacement therapy

Testosterone is the male hormone responsible for the health and the proper functioning of numerous organs in the body, including the reproductive organs and for the development of numerous primary and secondary sexual characteristics – if you suspect that your health issues can be caused by the low level of testosterone in your body, but you would like to find out more about the symptoms before you contact a specialist  in low T Denver, here are a few details to tell you why get tested for low testosterone.

The Role of Testosterone in the Male Body

Testosterone is secreted by the testicles and it plays an essential role in the development of the male sexual organs. It is also the hormone that is responsible for the development of secondary sexual characteristics, such as strong body hair, increased muscle mass, bone density and muscle strength. In adulthood, testosterone is responsible for normal sperm count and sperm development and the healthy functioning of the prostate.

Symptoms that Indicate Testosterone Deficiency

While fluctuations in testosterone levels throughout life are considered to be normal (according to medical statistics, the level of testosterone in the male body decreases by 1% each year after the age of 40), there are numerous symptoms that, if they persist, can indicate underactive testicles and testosterone levels that are too low:

  • Erectile problems,
  • Decreased libido,
  • Loss of facial hair, of body hair,
  • Loss of body height,
  • Low sperm count or reduced sperm motility that can lead to the inability to conceive a child,
  • Fatigue and weakness,
  • Sudden, often unjustified mood changes that are not related to stressful situations or to the events that take place during the day,
  • Unjustified weight changes – weight gain or weight loss that are not related to changes in lifestyle and diet,
  • Male gynecomastia – the abnormal increase in the size of the breast tissue.

Low testosterone levels are also linked to the risk of developing heart diseases and they are known to influence male longevity as well – men with consistently low levels of testosterone have a shorter life expectancy than men with normal levels of the hormone.

Testing and Treatment Options for Low Testosterone

Testosterone levels are measured from the blood. If the results show a testosterone deficiency, the doctor will determine the best course of testosterone supplementation treatment. The most efficient options are the ones that deliver the active ingredient directly into the blood stream, such as the administration of testosterone in the form of external gels or creams, treatment with injections, skin patches or mouth patches that deliver testosterone. Oral testosterone, administered in the form of capsules or tablets is also available, but when ingested, the hormone supplement passes through the digestive tract, where it becomes partially decomposed – a process that decreases the efficiency of the treatment and burdens the liver.

Healthy testosterone levels are directly connected to the health of many organs in the male body, so the best answer to why get tested for low testosterone is this: because testing can help your doctor identify the cause to your problems and restoring the hormonal balance in your body is the way to restore your overall health and well-being

When Do Kids Need Braces and What Are the Most Important Concerns to Remember?

When do kids need braces and what are you supposed to do about their problem? For a lot of parents, these questions don’t arise until their children reach the age of 12-13. However, in some cases, dentists might recommend braces sooner or even later.

Depending on your child’s development, the details revolving around their use of braces will differ. To find out the ultimate answer to the question of when and whether your kids will need braces, it’s usually best to get in touch with a dependable orthodontics Littleton specialist and learn all about orthodontics, tooth development in children and the potential benefits and hazards that various types of braces might present.

Understanding Why Braces Might Be Necessary

teenage girl with dental braces

Your children might need braces for one of a number of different reasons. Their teeth might need realigning, or they may have a “bad bite.” As a parent, before considering the question of “when do kids need braces” you will have to address this concern first, figuring out all the important details regarding braces and why they are required in the first place.

There could be a difference in sizes between the top and bottom jaws. This is called “malocclusion” and it involves cases of overbite (when the top jaw is larger) and underbite (when the bottom jaw is larger than the top). Both these instances may warrant the use of braces, although depending on your child’s specific case, you will have to talk to a dependable pediatric dentist or orthodontist specialist in order to find out the specifics of what will be required.

Tooth and jaw problems can also be caused by losing baby teeth too soon. In such cases, aligners or braces will be required while the teeth and jawline is still in their formative stages. Accidents, sucking on thumbs and various other habits can also lead to such problems, so it’s important to take your child to the dentist from a young age, in order to gain insight on the potential concerns and how to deal with them before your child will even require braces in the first place.

At the first orthodontist visit, your orthodontist will examine the child’s teeth to find signs of overbite, overlapping teeth, misalignment or any other problems that could be resolved by wearing braces. Upon completing his investigation, the orthodontist will make a recommendation regarding the use of braces or regarding the need for other forms of orthodontic services and procedures that could work better.

When Will Your Child Actually Need Braces?

So, now that we covered the basics, let’s take a look at exactly when your child will require braces. The typical age of when a child will need braces is not one that can be determined on a whim. Your dentist will have to perform a thorough examination and determine the risks and benefits of a treatment using either traditional braces or aligners like Invisalign.

Most kids will definitely benefit from orthodontic visits as early as age 5-6. However, they will likely not have to start wearing braces until ages 10-13. Moreover, if you find a dependable expert, who can guide your kids throughout their early stages of dental development, the question of “when do kids need braces” will no longer apply to them, since their teeth will have developed naturally and correctly in the first place.