Five Unbelievable Facts about Allergies

  The  immune system in our bodies acts as a defense mechanism against all kinds of foreign substances. When the immune system registers a threat in the form of ‘allergens’, it takes action in order to remove them from our body, even if they are partially harmless. Itchy eyes, a runny nose and raw/sore throat are some of the allergic reactions caused by allergens. Even though there is no cure for most allergies, there are certainly preventative measures one can take to ensure minimal harm.

Facts about Allergies

Here are five interesting and unbelievable facts about allergies that you may not have come across:

1. More than 7 million children and a staggering 17 million adults are affected by asthma in the United States alone. Even though there is a small chance that you may grow out of asthma with age, adults are still the major sufferers as there is currently no cure. At best, asthma symptoms can only be controlled to a certain extent in adulthood.

2. In 2007, Jasper Lawrence purposely infected himself with hookworms by walking near latrines barefooted in the hopes of curing his asthma. It worked like a miracle which led him to devote his entire life to hookworms.

3. A protein known as ‘Lipid Transfer Protein’ has the tendency to cause rashes and irregular heartbeats. Surprisingly, the element with most LTP is beer. As a nation, with over 87% alcohol consumers, being allergic to beer is rather ironic; however, the threat is real and existential.

4. It is possible to be allergic to one of the most common survival elements known to man, water. There are over 100 such cases registered. The last registered cases were two individuals who developed serious rashes and hives after coming into contact with water. Drinking water did not give rise to any complications, although showering was a slight problem.

5. Being lactose intolerant is an unfortunate condition many folks have to deal with. Milk is an essential nutrient, particularly for growing children. Many people dislike milk regardless of being allergic to it which is understandable, but being allergic to cheese is just plain sad! Nobody should have to give up on cheese!

If you have allergies get in touch with us today. Call (828) 438-1930 if you are in Valdese. We offer allergy testing and treatment for all patients and will make sure you walk out satisfied.

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Hide Imperfect Teeth With Porcelain Veneers in Lincoln Park NJ

Don’t let your dental imperfections inhibit your confident smile for one more day. Porcelain veneers are a fantastic solution for a range of cosmetic dental issues. Interested in a beautiful smile transformation? We’ve listed practically everything you need to know about porcelain veneers in Lincoln Park NJ below.

Porcelain Veneers: How They Work

How do porcelain veneers work? It’s simple — they cover up your dental imperfections, much like a smile redo. Chipped, cracked, stained, unevenly textured, and oddly shaped teeth are remade with porcelain veneers.

Veneers are wafer-thin coverings made of dental porcelain. They are easily customized to match the precise size, shape, and color that you desire. (After all, not everyone wants to flash a super-white, chiclet smile.) To allow your veneers to lie flush with the rest of your smile, a bit of tooth enamel is removed from the surface of the affected teeth. Each veneer is securely bonded on top. Once you’ve had a dental veneer placed, you will always need something covering your tooth.

Procedure for Porcelain Veneers

The porcelain veneer procedure is completed in two to three visits to Comprehensive Dental. The first appointment is for putting together your treatment plan and preparing your teeth for the placement of your veneers. You wear temporary veneers between the first and second appointment, or while your permanent veneers are manufactured. Once they are ready, you get the chance to preview your new smile. The veneers are placed after you give your final OK. In all, the treatment takes two to three weeks.

Benefits of Porcelain Veneers

Patients who choose dental veneers for their smile transformation enjoy a range of benefits. Some of the most apparent advantages of porcelain veneers include…

• Porcelain veneers are a minimally-invasive treatment
• Veneers are customizable to meet your smile desires
• Multiple imperfections are repaired in one treatment
• Dental veneers can eliminate the need for orthodontics
• Porcelain is highly resistant to stains from highly-pigmented foods and beverages
• Dental veneers can last for years with proper maintenance

Porcelain Veneers Compared to Dental Crowns

Wondering about the difference between veneers and dental crowns? Both remake the appearance of a damaged tooth, but a dental crown also restores the strength of your tooth. Porcelain veneers are reserved for making cosmetic improvements. Teeth that are weak, worn, or have other structural issues may be best served by a dental crown. Your cosmetic dentist in Lincoln Park NJ can help you understand which is right for your smile.

Learn More About Dental Veneers Today

Are you interested in making significant cosmetic improvements to your smile? Consider porcelain veneers from your dentist in Lincoln Park NJ. Contact us to discuss cosmetic dentistry today!

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The Top Signs Of Gum Disease and When to See a Dentist Right Away

The Top Signs Of Gum Disease and When to See a Dentist Right Away It is always a big mistake not to take gum disease seriously. In fact, scientists have linked the advanced form of gum disease, or periodontal disease, to a host of serious health problems […]

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Here’s Why You’ve been Brushing Your Teeth Wrong the Entire Time

Brushing your teeth was probably one of the first oral health related things you might have learned as a child. However, many of us have been unknowingly brushing the wrong way, unless our parents happen to be qualified dentists.

Fear not – we’ve identified some common brushing mistakes people make, so you can avoid them and enjoy healthy, well-protected teeth for years to come.

You’re Brushing Your Teeth Too Hard

Some folks just brush way too fast in order to make it to school or work before the clock strikes 9. It’s also believed that if you brush your teeth extra hard, it will remove every last speck of food and plaque between each tooth; unfortunately, this isn’t true as on the contrary, brushing too hard can cause real damage to your teeth enamel. Pushing down hard on your teeth while brushing can not only wear out the enamel but also tear your gums, causing unwanted inflammation.

Also, try not to hold your brush too tightly – holding it with an iron grip will likely lead to sawing away aggressively at your teeth, which again, can cause premature enamel wear and tear. Use a toothbrush that’s easy to grip and practice holding it gently but firmly while brushing.

You Brush Your Teeth Right after Eating

If you have been brushing your teeth right after finishing meals, chances are your teeth enamel may have partially worn off. Many people think that brushing after meals is the right way to go about it, but the truth is, the acid in your food eats away your enamel faster if you brush right after eating or drinking beverages. Instead, wait at least 30-45 minutes before brushing.

You’re Using the Wrong Toothpaste

Toothpastes with whitening agents are not a solution to whiter teeth. Their composition can be too harsh on your gums. It’s better to avoid these completely and choose a fluoride-based toothpaste instead. You can try teeth whitening if you want whiter teeth.

You’re Not Keeping Your Toothbrush Covered

Although it’s a common practice to leave your toothbrush exposed, but do you know that it can act as a breeding ground for all kinds of bacteria and dust particles.  And, the next time you use it, you are transferring all those nasty dust particles and bacteria right into your mouth. Get in the habit of keeping your toothbrush covered once you’re done with brushing your teeth.

You Multitask While You Brush

Multitasking  is actually a great way of doing two things poorly at the same time. You may like to scroll through your Twitter feed or check your emails while you brush but this is certainly not the right way to clean your teeth. You probably won’t be able to do either too effectively. Put that smartphone aside, stand in front of a mirror so you can see what you are doing. Now you’re in a perfect position to give your teeth the cleaning they deserve!

You Don’t Brush Your Tongue

Your teeth are not the only thing in your mouth that require thorough cleaning. Make sure not to skip your tongue, inner cheek surfaces and the roof of your mouth, as these areas are hotspots for bacteria accumulation, which also happen to be a major cause of bad breath.

Timely visits to a professional dentist like Dr. Marjan Askari are mandatory in order to take care of your dental health. Book your appointment now by calling The Smile Institute in Brookline, MA, at (617) 860-6333 and receive the best advice on how to keep your teeth and gums healthy for life.

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Why Tooth Extraction Isn’t as Bad as You Think

Many people still believe tooth extraction to be an unnecessary and dangerous procedure. Owing to my personal experiences, however, I can assure you there’s no ‘danger element’ involved and it is a very important procedure to go through in order to avoid a number of tooth-related complications […]

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Ways to Overcome Gum Disease

  Gum disease usually starts in areas of your mouth that you’re not properly brushing or keeping clean. Due to not observing good hygiene, a fine film of bacteria builds up on your teeth, causing inflammation in your gums. One of the first symptoms to appear...

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The Link Between Ear Pain and TMJ

One of the most significant links  in the human body is the link between ear pain and TMJ present just below the ear. The temporomandibular  joint is a disc that connects your lower jaw to the rest of your skull. This joint is responsible for many essential functions such as jaw movement, talking, chewing, even inhaling etc. All in all, it’s an important part of our facial structure. This joint can sometimes hurt due to a number of reasons, and the pain, if not taken care of, may lead to facial complications such as ear pain and movement restriction. These complications can be symptoms of a TMJ disorder.

Understanding the Relationship between Ear Pain and TMJ

The TM joint and jaw muscles have the same nerve pathways that control muscle movement and performance. The muscle that is responsible for the size of the eustachian tube controlling air pressure, is affected by the same nerves controlling the jaw muscles. So if a problem arises in the jaw muscles, one can expect the ear muscles to be affected as well. This is why TMJ patients feel that their ear is clogged and stuffy, often accompanied by a numbing, ringing sound because of the pressure change caused by those muscles. Other symptoms of TMJ are the constant headaches and jaw pain that can occur while doing the simplest of tasks such as talking and chewing. Migraines, vertigo and numbness of the fingertips are also other indicators of a TMJ disorder. Not only that, people suffering from TMJ will have that constant ringing in their ear known as tinnitus, which is considered very distracting and unnerving because jaw movement can cause a change in the intensity and pitch of the ringing.

What is the Solution?

There are some home remedies you can use to decrease the pain. However, if it is persistent then it is important to visit a doctor.

Use Soft and Easily Chewable Food

Usually dentists including Dr. Jones will recommend that you stop eating hard-to-chew food which can put an unnecessarily strain on your jaw muscles. This includes hard vegetables, hard fruits, chewing gum, hard crusted bread or stubborn red meat. Avoid these so that no unwanted strain is put on the jaw causing your ears to start ringing again.

Antihistamines and Muscle Relaxants

Anti-histamines and anti-inflammatories are prescribed by almost every doctor as they help a lot in removing any swelling or inflammation in either your gums or your jaws. Muscle relaxants help a lot in giving much needed relief to the muscles. You need to take a proper course of anti-inflammatory medication so that all the inflammation is gone completely and no other complications arise. If you are still in the dark about what the relationship between ear pain and the TMJ is, please do not hesitate to give us a call on (828) 438-1930. Dr. Bruce Jones will be more than happy to provide you with the best oral care and quality advice in Valdese.

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