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From an infant, you will no doubt have had the importance of brushing your teeth twice a day drummed into you by your parents and other adults around you. In adulthood, there is a general tendency to neglect your teeth, gums, and overall dental welfare, and this will, in time, be to the severe detriment to your oral health and your overall health in general.

Here are the five things you should be doing to protect your teeth and gums.

1.   Interdental Cleaning

Neither regular nor electric toothbrushes are able to accurately reach all the way in between individual teeth, and interdental cleaning is vital in ensuring your entire mouth is free of unwanted debris and food particles.

Studies have shown that, on average, brushing alone only cleans 60% of your mouth. Therefore, investing in a good quality set of interdental brushes and dental floss will ensure the rest of your mouth is just as clean.

Flossing once or, ideally, twice a day significantly reduces the chance of contracting gingivitis, will remove and help to prevent plaque, eliminate bad breath, and can even whiten your teeth themselves. If you feel your teeth are not improving, professional, experienced, and independent dental practices such as northwickmanordental.co.uk offer the highest standards of teeth whitening and other cosmetic dental procedures.

2.   Choose Your Food Carefully

There are numerous types of food and drink you should avoid in your quest for stronger and improved oral health, which include, but are by no means limited to:

• Carbonated Drinks
• Citrus Fruits
• Dried Fruits
• Bananas
• Cakes and Pastries
• Hard-Boiled Sweets

The best foods for your teeth and gums are cheeses, especially mature types such as cheddar and swiss, chicken, and other lean meats and nuts, as the calcium and phosphorus needed to remineralize teeth are present in them all. Alternatively, green vegetables that are high in calcium, such as spinach and broccoli, are also good for your oral health.

3.   Stop Smoking and Drinking

Smoking is now universally accepted as an extremely unpleasant and detrimental habit to both the inside and outside of your body, and it is particularly destructive to your teeth and gums.

Essentially, smoking substantially weakens your immune system, which inevitably makes it harder to fight off mouth infections and gum disease. The more cigarettes you smoke and the longer you have smoked, both significantly increase the chance of periodontal disease.

Individuals who regularly indulge in binge drinking and smoking cigarettes are at a significantly greater risk of developing tooth decay, gum disease, oral lesions, and even oral cancer. Alcohol’s drying effect on the mouth has been proven to contribute to the formation of plaque which can then trigger an inflammatory response in the gums. Once your gum tissue softens, the likelihood of losing one or more teeth is significantly increased.

Stop smoking and drinking now and protect your teeth and gums from serious problems in later life.

If you want to protect your teeth and gums, make sure to do the three main things as detailed above.

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Reports show that an estimated 500 million people around the world meditate. Many experts believe the number is actually a great deal higher than the records indicate. This practice has been around for thousands of years, and cultures across the globe have developed their own forms of meditation. It’s believed to provide a long list of health benefits, including reduced stress and anxiety. Meditation can alleviate depression, relieve many types of pain, and lead to an overall improved state of mind. Some practitioners insist it can also help foster immunity and battle inflammation, among other advantages.

Creating the Perfect Place for Meditation

Virtually everyone is capable of meditation. Of course, the right conditions have to be in place for it to be effective. Not just any space will suffice, and putting your heart and mind into the practice is the key to success. Take a look at the following tips to help you create your perfect space for meditation.

1) Use Aroma Oils

Scents can have powerful effects, but maintaining just the right olfactory indulgences isn’t easy. This is especially true in homes with pets. Using diffusers and Aroma Oils can be an effective way to drive out off-putting smells and replace them with pleasant ones. Relaxation and positive energy are essential when meditating, so aromas that foster those elements are recommended. Lavender, jasmine, vanilla, lemon, and peppermint are known for their relaxing powers. Many of those aromas can also be invigorating and induce a sense of positivity, so they’re particularly suited to meditation.

2) Decluttering Is Crucial

Numerous studies show that clutter can be detrimental to people’s health. Clutter tends to collect dust, dander, pollen, and other allergens, so it can lead to stuffiness, sore throats, runny noses, headaches, sneezing, coughing, and wheezing. At the same time, it exacerbates anxiety, depression, and stress. Minimize the clutter in your meditation zone to promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

3) Minimize Space for Maximum Success

One of the primary goals of meditation is to maintain a strong, positive flow of energy. Energy should build and circulate throughout the space. Because of that, it’s best to choose a small space as your meditation area. This helps keep the energy concentrated.

4) Turn Down the Lights

Bright lights are not conducive to a meditative environment. They can cause you to be jittery and anxious. They may also overload your senses and break your focus and concentration. Those are precisely the opposite of the effects you want to achieve.

5) Keep It Clean

We’ve already mentioned that clutter should be eliminated, but that’s only one factor to consider. It’s important to keep your meditation space clean in other ways as well. Dust and vacuum regularly to keep dirt at a minimum. Simply knowing the area is free of dirt and grime will promote relaxation and positive energy.

Making the Most of Your Meditation Sessions

Meditation offers a long list of benefits in terms of promoting physical, mental, and emotional wellness as long as it’s carried out in the right way. Choose a small space with little clutter. Keep the area clean, and use aromatherapy to help boost relaxation and positive vibes. Keep the lights turned low or turn them off altogether. You could also use scented candles to create a more suitable atmosphere. Overall, the goal is to eliminate negativity and encourage positive energy.

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Consumers need to do a little research when they get a prescription. Physicians don’t always know whether the drug is good for you. Perhaps they don’t have time to check, but they should.

Drug overdoses are the major cause of accidental deaths in the U.S. Nonetheless, pharmaceutical companies lobby physicians and lawmakers to keep certain drugs on the market. They want to make money at patients’ expense. A drug can interact with another medicine you’re taking. Likewise, a prescription may not be healthy for your medical condition. Consumers who’ve been hurt by a prescription should consult with an injury lawyer. Here’s a look at 10 drugs, or categories of drugs, to be wary of.

#1 Cold and Flu Medicines

This category includes aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, and decongestants. These medicines are sold over-the-counter (OTC), but stronger versions are prescribed.  They can cause major health problems. Indeed, acetaminophen is the leading cause of inquiries to Poison Control Centers. These products can cause liver damage if taken in large quantities. Finally, some of the medication suppresses the immune system.

#2 Anti-Depressants

This category includes Zoloft, Prozac, Paxil, and Luvox. The drugs are commonly used to fight depression. They alter the mood by changing the levels of serotonin in the body. There are 15 side effects, including weight gain, increased depression, and suicidal thoughts in some patients. Unfortunately, the medicines may increase anxiety.

#3 Bromocryptine

Bromocryptine is used to alter some of the symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease. The medicine is dangerous because it can cause circulatory collapse. Further, the drug is associated with sudden onset of sleep, which can cause traffic accidents, etc.

#4 Semi-Synthetic Opioids

These prescriptions are used to treat pain and include Percocet, Vicodin, and Oxycontin. These drugs are used as painkillers and can be highly addictive. Some persons can’t help but mix them with alcohol and other substances. They become very dangerous when breathing is suppressed.

#5  Anticoagulants

Patients must be careful using drugs to prevent blood clots. Some of the most popular include warfarin, xarelto, and heparin. This class of drugs contributes to serious health issues like strokes, pulmonary embolisms, and deep vein thrombosis.

#6 Clarithromycin

This antibiotic treats some bacterial infections. However, the FDA issued a warning that the antibiotic can cause heart problems. Using clarithromycin increases the risk of cardiac death later in life by 27 percent.

#7 Clozapine

This antipsychotic is prescribed for patients with schizophrenia. However, clozapine contributes to heart issues such as myocarditis. It’s even more dangerous when combined with alcohol. It’s also associated with serious intestinal problems.

#8 Benzodiazepines

This class of drugs is used to treat anxiety. Lorazepam, valium, and xanax are included in this group. The drugs can depress breathing when used improperly. They’re particularly dangerous when combined with opioids and alcohol.

#9 Calcium Channel Blockers

This category of drugs is prescribed for hypertension. The drugs cause less muscle contraction in the heart. A recent study shows people taking higher doses of calcium channel blockers have a greater chance of death than someone taking beta-blockers.

#10 Methotrexate and other Chemotherapeutic Agents

Methotrexate is used to fight certain types of cancer. Further, it’s commonly prescribed for rheumatoid arthritis patients. Methotrexate causes liver and kidney toxicity, lung disease, and other health issues.

Consumers should investigate a drug before using it. There are many sites online that check for drug interactions. Be your own health advocate.

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It is estimated 3.5 million children and teens begin orthodontic treatment each year. In the past, there were few options, and some people shied away from getting braces because they did not want to have a mouth full of metal. Today, there are other options that are more discreet and comfortable. With clear aligner trays, individuals can receive the orthodontic treatment they need, without irritation and embarrassment.

What Are Clear Aligners?

Spark Aligners are made of a durable material and use attachments to create a force that moves the teeth in the desired position. These aligners are similar to other brands and can be used to treat a wide array of orthodontic issues, including overcrowding, overbites, underbites, crossbites, and gaps.

Because they are clear, they blend in with the teeth and are barely noticeable to others. People of all ages feel more confident seeking orthodontic treatment when they do not have to go through uncomfortable adjustments and wear metal brackets and wires in their mouths.

10 Benefits of Clear Aligners

Many people who need orthodontic care want to know about all the options available to them. Years ago, all options included metal. Today, there are clear plastic aligners that are available to treat many orthodontic issues. The following are some of the benefits of these aligners.

1. Clear aligners are much more comfortable to wear than traditional braces because there is no metal. These aligners mold to the teeth and do not interfere with talking like metal braces sometimes can.

2. One of the biggest benefits people notice with clear aligners is no one else can see them. Once they are put in place, they allow the gums and teeth to shine through, making them practically invisible.

3. With clear aligners, there are no dietary restrictions like with metal braces. Individuals can eat anything they want because the aligners can be removed while eating.

4. Another benefit of wearing clear aligners for orthodontic treatment is the ability to perform oral hygiene practices. The aligners are removed while individuals floss and brush, allowing them to care for their teeth.

5. When individuals are treated with aligners, there are fewer orthodontic appointments and they are shorter. There is no need for adjustments.

6. Some people will find their treatment period is shorter than with metal braces. Clear aligners can sometimes move the teeth faster.

7. The edges of the aligners are highly polished and smooth, for better comfort. There are no uncomfortable wires poking in a person’s mouth.

8. Yet another benefit of clear aligners is the material does not cause staining. Metal braces can sometimes cause stains on the teeth that remain after treatment.

9. These aligners offer two times the tooth contact, making them more effective at moving teeth than some other clear aligners. They are highly effective and can produce the same results as metal braces.

10. The aligners are removed and discarded every two weeks, so there is a fresher mouthfeel. Teeth remain cleaner and free of bacteria.

Scheduling a Consultation Is the First Step

Individuals who need orthodontic care should schedule a consultation appointment with the orthodontist to learn if they are a good candidate for clear aligners. The treatment process is fairly straightforward and is comparable to that of metal braces, in terms of results. With these aligners, people can overcome their teeth alignment issues, for more attractive smiles.

Conclusion

Now, there are more options available than ever before for orthodontic care. With clear aligners, a person’s smile can begin to transform right before their eyes. By following the instructions of the orthodontist, these treatments will be highly effective.

CBD items are becoming more and more common in the United States, Canada and Australia.

This has to do with a wave of medicinal hemp legalization that is happening in various states. As these substances become more popular, people are slowly starting to realize that CBD products might help them deal with some nagging medical issues.

Keep in mind that products such as CBD eye drops will not always produce the same results for different people. The potential improvements are affected by various factors such as age, sex, current condition, dosage, etc.

At this moment, there is only one hemp-based drug on the market, and that’s Epidiolex, which is used for certain types of seizures. Otherwise, these products are generally considered wellness items.

CBD mints are another hot cannabidiol product that you can use everyday. This article explains everything about CBD mints and how they work.

Now, let’s talk about medicinal hemp and its potential benefits.

What is CBD?

CBD is a substance that can be found in the hemp plant. It belongs in the category of cannabinoids, a group of chemical compounds that interact with the endocannabinoid system.

We still have a lot of questions about this system. But, based on the initial data, it is theorized that the endocannabinoid system is something that can regulate mood, appetite, sleep, and various other functions within the body.

When we say that something is a “CBD product,” that doesn’t necessarily mean that it only has CBD.

These substances may have various other ingredients and components like other cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, vitamins, and minerals. Perhaps this is the main reason why medicinal hemp has such a potent, wholesome impact on the human body.

Today, these products come in various shapes and forms. You can even buy CBD hemp oil for dogs or CBD bath bombs.

Most of these items are creating by extracting cannabidiol oil from the hemp plant and infusing it in an item of choice. Depending on the administration type and specific product, the list of potential benefits can vary.

What are the potential benefits?

Our knowledge of CBD products is still somewhat limited because there are a lot of questions to be answered. For example, we are somewhat uncertain regarding interactions between the endocannabinoid system and CBD.

Most of our data is based on anecdotal evidence. According to it, medicinal hemp can be used to reduce muscle soreness and discomfort, to increase energy, promote healthy sleep, improve appetite, improve regenerative and protective function, and so much more. You might even encounter some improvements that are not on the list.

Generally speaking, these products are wellness items that should boost the overall functionality of the body. Even if you’re unable to address a specific problem, you will likely be better off with cannabidiol than you were before it.

Are CBD products safe?

A lot of people still believe that medicinal hemp items are unsafe and that you could get high by using them. This is completely false.

When talking about its psychedelic potential, we need to mention that hemp is nothing similar to cannabis. Unlike cannabis or marijuana, which is the most popular recreational drug, you cannot get high when consuming hemp products.

This is because, unlike cannabis, hemp barely has any THC. THC is a psychedelic substance that is common for cannabis but is only present in traces within hemp.

In terms of other potential problems, we need to mention that medicinal hemp is unlikely to cause any serious side effects. If you do experience some issues, they will likely be mild. The potential side effects also vary based on the administration method.

If you’re using a CBD topical, you might notice minor skin irritations or rash. If you use edibles, you might experience dry mouth, drowsiness, change in appetite.

Where to buy CBD products?

There are a lot of stores in the US that sell high-quality medicinal hemp items. When looking for the right provider, you should focus on reputable shops that have all the necessary documentation.

You should pay close attention to COA for the products. You might also want to check if the company abides by all the US FDA rules and regulations.

Author’s bio: Nikolay Stoyanov is the owner of the #1 CBD marketing agency in the United States. It offers high quality SEO and content writing services to hemp and cannabis brands around the world.

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A large number of people put a huge amount of effort into losing weight in a healthy positive fashion and achieve their goal. This is, however, for many out there, only the first step in a process of improved health and wellbeing. This article looks to provide a few cosmetic tips to feel and look great after weight loss.

Weight loss and changes to the body

Weight loss affects the body in more ways than the bathroom scale is able to tell. Facial skin and hair are the two most common aspects of the body to show some of the additional effects of weight loss. Regardless of the amount of weight lost, the facial skin losing tone and body are most readily apparent on most people. With the improvements in cosmetic and non-intrusive methods of skin and hair regeneration and restoration these side effects can easily be dealt with. 

The cosmetic treatments that all who have been through weight loss for whatever reason should consider important are:

Facial masks and moisturizing

As you lose weight the body’s water levels drop as well, and this can easily adversely affect the moisture levels in the skin. Depending on how much weight you have lost, the reduction in fat under the skin may lead to a lot of saggy skin and not just on the face. Use of the skin specific, appropriate moisturizing face masks and gels are a great way to increase moisture levels directly in the facial skin. Keeping hydrated is also recommended as part of the overall moisturizing process. Having the right internal and external hydration will go a long way to allowing the skin to readjust and naturally tighten. Use all over body moisturizers as well as face masks and drink a lot of water to improve the natural tautness and flexibility of the skin.

Hair regeneration or restoration

Many who have gone through a process of weight loss notice a change in their hair, either loss of thickness or color and volume. The main cause of this during or after weight loss is the reduction of nutrients and vitamins available for the hair as the overall diet changes. Improved hydration as aforementioned will help to provide cells with the fluids required for nutrient transfer and delivery. However, if the hair loss is severe, it is worth having a full check-up to ensure there are no underlying health issues as the hair is a great signifier of issues in the body. There are also simple ways of hair restoration in Newport Beach, CA – these are non-invasive, non-surgical and will encourage and promote the natural growth and regeneration of your hair. Having a full head of hair after weight loss will be important to feel and look good, as well as keeping you mentally healthy.

Many studies note the changes to mood that occur as a result of weight loss and by ensuring that you feel good about yourself and have a little pampering with the treatments above you will be able to stay focused on your overall goal, with a smile on your face.

Losing weight has many positive effects on your health, increased energy, and a reduced risk of many diseases such as heart disease and depression. The positives of weight loss do indeed outweigh the negatives but to avoid any of the side effects of weight loss to hair and skin the aforementioned treatments will go a long way to making you look and feel your best.

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Many of us are guilty of not taking the time to look after our skin as much as we should. When you get home from a busy day at work, the last thing you can feel like doing is following a long and complicated skincare routine. However, our skin works hard every single day while working as a layer to protect us from all external elements. Therefore, it is crucial that you stay on top of your skin health just like you would the rest of your body.

You should remember that the skin is the largest organ in the body, and if you want your skin to continue to protect you as you get older, then here are some suggestions of simple but effective ways that you can improve your skin health.

Eat Well

Many people underestimate the impact that eating the right foods can have on our skin. It can be all too easy to focus on the products you apply to your skin on the outside, but what you consume on the inside will also make a considerable difference. Therefore, we recommend that you include as many skin-healthy foods into your diet as possible. These foods include mangoes, tomatoes, kale, and soy. Mangoes, for example, contain antioxidant properties that can help to look after the essential aspects of your skin, like collagen.

Keep Stress Levels Low

We have all been there when we are feeling nervous about an event or night out, and then a few days before, one of the worst spots you’ve ever had appears right in the middle of your face! This is because research has identified a link between stress and skin issues. High stress levels have also been linked to more severe cases of acne. So, we recommend that you take the time to find some de-stressing and calming activities that you enjoy, such as meditation or yoga. They may work wonders on your skin.

Include CBD Products in Your Routine

In recent years, more skincare brands than ever before have been including CBD into their products so that consumers can reap the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits that CBD can provide. This is especially important to those who suffer from skin concerns, such as acne and psoriasis.  CBD Skincare Products can also help to boost your skin health as well as offer rejuvenation to the appearance of your skin.

Get Enough Sleep

We have all heard of beauty sleep, but it is a lot more important than many people realise. This is because as we sleep, our bodies are given the opportunity to rest and replenish after a long and tiring day. For your skin, this is the opportunity to produce new collagen which helps to prevent your skin from sagging. Not getting enough sleep can have visible adverse effects on your skin, such as dark circles around your eyes, and an uneven skin tone. The best news is that unlike many other skin care tips and advice, getting enough sleep is completely free of charge.