HealthBeat Oct. Week 2

HealthBeat This month’s feature topics are

Chiropractic & Dental Health

HealthBeat October: Chiropractic & Dental Health

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Dental erosion basics

our smile is the front door to your body; the first thing many people notice and often judge. Regular trips to the dentist are the best way to ensure your oral health is at its best, but sometimes daily habits sabotage our mouths.

Learn the effects of enamel erosion and the steps you can take to prevent the condition in between visits to the dentist.

The Oral Health Foundation (OHF) defines dental erosion as the loss of tooth enamel caused by acid attack.

Enamel is the shell of the tooth which acts as a protective layer of sensitive dentine beneath. As teeth begin succumbing to erosion, it’s common for them to appear stained or yellow. This is because the white coating of enamel is wearing down and the paler dentine is becoming more prevalent.

Causes of erosion

It may surprise you that each time

you ingest something acidic, tooth enamel becomes softer for a period.

Eventually, saliva will begin to balance the acid content and it will return to its normal state. The problems begin when the attacks happen too often and your mouth doesn’t have enough time to repair itself, causing small amounts of enamel to be brushed away.

Here are some tips from the OHF that you can use to prevent the issue from becoming a serious problem: • Chew sugar-free gum after meals, especially if you cannot brush right away.

• When consuming acidic drinks, avoid swishing it in your mouth. Use a straw to help them reach the back of your mouth without contacting teeth.

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• Finish meals with cheese or milk to balance acids from other items.

Treatments

For the best results, dental erosion should be addressed at the first sign of trouble. Usually, a dentist can simply apply a filing to a tooth and repair the damage. However, if the problem persists, the only option may be replacing damaged teeth with veneer.

Usually, regular check-ups and advice from a dental team can create a solution before the issue is able to cause any permanent damage. Don’t be afraid to contact your professional if you suspect you are suffering from the early stages of dental erosion.

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HealthBeat October: Chiropractic & Dental Health

How to keep back pain at bay

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ack pain is a part of life for many people. The American Chiropractic Association says 31 million Americans experience low back pain at any given time, and experts estimate that up to 80 percent of the population will experience back pain at some point in their lives. WebMD says back pain is the second most common reason people visit the doctor.

Back pain can take on various forms, ranging from a dull ache to a sharp pain. Some may experience intermittent back pain, while others may have chronic back pain. The causes can be considerable, from injury to underlying medical conditions. Alleviating back pain — or preventing it in the first place — involves understanding the common causes and taking appropriate actions.

Try exercise

Routine exercise is not guaranteed to eliminate back pain, but it can make it less frequent, advises doctors at Harvard Medical School. Low back pain due to muscle strain or muscle spasm can be tamed by exercise. Yoga, or a similar stretch-based exercise, can be very effective at alleviating back pain. Yoga relaxes muscle tension and expands range of motion in the joints. It also can build muscle strength.

Maintain proper posture

Slouching over computers or looking down at phones while texting may be doing damage to the back. Work ergonomically and take breaks to stretch. Sit up straight in chairs and try to keep a straight back while walking as well.

Shed some pounds

Extra pounds at the midsection can shift the center of gravity and put strain on the lower back, advises WebMD. Try to stay within a range of 5-10 pounds of your ideal weight.

Don’t smoke

The Arthritis Foundation says research shows a high prevalence of spinal stenosis and back pain among smokers. It is believed that smoking can damage blood vessels that supply blood to the back. Smoking is also bad for the bones and is a risk factor for osteoporosis.

Try a different sleeping position

Talk with a doctor about the best position for sleeping to ease up back pain. It may include being on your side with knees pulled up, or placing a pillow under your knees if you’re a back-sleeper.

Lift cautiously

Always bend at the knees and use the legs to lift items. This can help you avoid straining your back.

Back pain can be overwhelming, but with some strategies a person can reduce his or her propensity for pain.