7 Tips for Proper Oral Care

Poll your friends about what physical characteristics they find most attractive. The majority will include a "nice smile" at the top of the list. While a set of pearly whites is certainly aesthetically pleasing, poor oral health can put you at risk for a variety of chronic conditions.

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, periodontal disease, or gum disease, is linked with type 1 and type 2 diabetes and osteoporosis. What's more, the Journal of Periodontology confirmed findings that people with periodontal disease are at a greater risk of cardiovascular and respiratory disease. The most alarming fact: more than 75 percent of American adults have some form of gum disease.

Ensuring your smile remains healthy and intact is a matter of managing your day-to-day care. By following the tips below you'll provide your teeth with the TLC they deserve:

1. Brush your teeth twice a day. Yes, it may sound obvious. But not everyone follows the American Dental Association's (ADA) recommendation that brushing should take place twice a day and with an ADA-accepted fluoride toothpaste.

2. Brush properly. To get your chompers as clean as can be, follow the ADA recommended method:

Place your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle against the gums.  Move the brush back and forth gently in short strokes. Brush the outer tooth surfaces, the inner tooth surfaces, and the chewing surfaces of the teeth. Use the "toe" of the brush to clean the inside surfaces of the front teeth, using a gentle up-and-down stroke. Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.

3. Floss. Again, something your dentist has told you over and over; however, few Americans actually do it. Decay causing bacteria still remains between teeth where the toothbrush cannot reach. Using floss or an interdental cleaner will help remove bacteria, food particles, and plaque that linger under the gum line.

4. Clean and replace your equipment. If possible, store your toothbrush in the upright position and allow to air dry before using. Try not to cover your toothbrush. Keeping it in a case will only promote bacterial growth. After three months of use, replace.

5. Quit smoking. Smoking plays a significant role in many cases of chronic gum disease. For smokers, quitting is one of the most important steps toward regaining peak oral health.

6. Watch your diet. Sugar has always been billed as a tooth's worst enemy. Though true, it's not the whole story. Foods and juices high in acid can also cause enamel erosion, which can weaken teeth and cause cavities.

7. Visit your dentist. Gingivitis can be a silent disease. Many people have it yet remain totally unaware. By visiting your dentist one or twice a year, you can address and prevent any pressing issues.

Tooth care is more than a cosmetic endeavor. Ensuring your oral health also works to prevent structural damage as well as chronic conditions, such as diabetes and respiratory and cardiovascular disease. If you have any questions concerning your current oral health practices, consult your dentist.

Sources: 

American Dental Association
http://www.ada.org/

University of Maryland Medical Center
http://www.umm.edu/

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Food Allergies and Autism

If you have a child who has been diagnosed with autism and also suffers from food allergies, you may wonder if there's any relationship between these two serious conditions. In fact, some research does indicate that a link between food allergies and autism exists, yet the findings aren't consistent and exactly how the two topics relate seems to be a subject of great debate.
Food Allergies and Autism
A study published in the May 2009 Journal of Current Allergy and Asthma Reports makes reference to the fact that stomach ailments are indeed a common symptom of children who fall on the spectrum of autism disorders. But the researchers have questioned whether the two conditions are inter-related or if they could simply be two separate yet co-existing conditions.
Leading this effort are scientists from the New Jersey Medical School, who reviewed earlier research that found that food allergies did play a role in some, but not all, of the common gastrointestinal symptoms experienced by children with autism. They also looked at different alternative and complementary treatment options used and provided an overview of the risks and benefits of these approaches in an effort to help guide practitioners on the best way to address such issues.
The Vaccine Piece
It's also worth noting that some researchers have explored whether the MMR vaccine can be to blame for causing an adverse reaction that triggers both food allergies and autism. This concept was first raised in 1998 by a researcher named Andrew Wakefield, who did see a significant cause and effect relationship in this area. Yet his research findings were later retracted by some of his colleagues because a conflict of interest existed that could have skewed his results. Further, two studies published in the British Medical Journal in 2002 that delved into the topic were unable to confirm that any relationship existed between this vaccine and the conditions in question.
What You Can Do About Food Allergies and Autism
While all of the conflicting information about food allergies and autism can be quite confusing, it can be helpful to take a step back and remember that regardless of whether a connection exists, all children (with and without autism) are at risk for food allergies and may benefit from avoiding certain foods. To this end, a trial and error approach may work best when determining what type of diet is most appropriate for your child's needs. It can also be a good idea to consult with an allergist and determine whether your child may suffer from any serious food allergies that could put him at great risk.
Sources:
British Medical Journal
http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/full/325/7361/419
http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/abstract/324/7334/393
Current Allergy and Asthma Reports
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19348719
Cambridge Center for Behavioral Studies
http://www.behavior.org/AUTISM/index.cfm?page=http%3A//www.behavior.org/AUTISM/ahearn.cfm
The Journal of Pediatrics
http://www.jpeds.com/article/PIIS0022347605001897/fulltext

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What to Do When You're Having an Asthma Attack

If you suddenly found yourself in the middle of a full-blown asthma attack, would you know what to do? The answer to that question could be the difference between life and death.
If you've been diagnosed with asthma, you've probably worked with your doctor to develop an asthma action plan that provides important steps to help you prevent and treat this chronic respiratory condition. Most asthma action plans also include a list of warning signs that can alert you when you're heading into an attack so you can respond right away. This plan can be crucial in an emergency because it spells out exactly what to do and when.
Some of the common signs of an asthma attack include coughing, wheezing, trouble breathing, and extreme tiredness. If you use a peak flow monitor to follow changes in your breathing, you may also find that your lung capacity drops by about 50 percent.
As soon as you notice any asthma attack symptoms, respond immediately. Some steps your doctor may recommend for treating a mild asthma attack include: Using your fast-acting relief inhaler to try to open up the tight airway muscles to let air flow freely again. Waiting for a minute and see if you feel any better. Repeating the inhaler dosage if you still feel symptoms.Calling your doctor right away if the discomfort persists.
While many asthma attacks can be effectively managed at home without ill effects, if you're prone to life-threatening asthma attacks or find yourself suddenly experiencing more severe symptoms, it's crucial to call 911 to summon emergency medical care right away.
Some warning signs that can signal a life-threatening asthma attack include:
A peak flow reading that continues to drop even after using your fast-acting relief medication.Blue fingernails or lips.Trouble talking.Difficulty taking a breath.Pulling in your neck, chest, or ribs when you try to breathe.Nostrils flaring with each breath.
Remember that if left untreated, an asthma attack can be fatal. By working closely with your doctor and taking the proper precautions to prevent and treat the symptoms, you should be able to effectively manage your condition and keep it from getting out of hand.
Sources:
"Asthma." National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. US Department of Health & Human Services/National Institutes of Health, n.d. Web. 30 March 2011.
"Asthma Attack." Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER), 6 Jan. 2011. Web. 30 March 2011.
"Asthma: Learning to Control Your Symptoms." American Academy of Family Physicians. Familydoctor.org, Jan. 2011. Web. 4 April 2011.
"What to do in an Asthma Attack. Winning with Asthma." Steps to a Healthy Minnesota, n.d. Web. 30 March 2011.

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