Research suggests that smiling has several health and mood-boosting benefits. And it takes only 14 muscles to smile! But unfortunately, yellow teeth, crooked or misaligned molars, and common oral hygiene mistakes make people insecure or self-conscious about their smile. The good news is that simple changes in nutrition and daily lifestyle can help one achieve whiter teeth and restore that beautiful smile. Here are five dentist-recommend tips for getting that perfect smile. Use clear aligners Even a few crooked teeth or misaligned molars can force a person to hide their beautiful smile. And braces are just another painful hassle to endure. So, why not use clear aligners? These are designed and molded to fit the upper and lower jaws perfectly without being noticed. Though expensive, clear aligners have proven helpful in correcting individual molars with minimal pain and effort. Try teeth-whitening home remedies Many home remedies help people achieve whiter and healthier teeth. Oil pulling is a popular remedy where one vigorously swishes coconut oil inside the mouth to remove the teeth-yellowing bacteria. Alternatively, baking soda boasts natural teeth-whitening properties and can be brushed onto the teeth with a soft bristle toothbrush. Even eating crunchy fruits and vegetables rich in fiber can help rub away plaque with every bite.

Stained teeth may make an individual feel self-conscious about the way they look. They may also refrain from smiling for the same reason. As a workaround, people resort to oral care procedures like teeth whitening. Studies also show that about 67% of individuals in the country have tried some type of procedure, including at-home kits, to whiten their teeth. However, the constant use of these products may do more harm than good, and here are five reasons why. Loss of tooth enamel The enamel is a shell that protects the teeth from any damage. However, the constant use of teeth-whitening products may lead to tooth enamel erosion. The lack of this outer tooth covering may make one more susceptible to tooth decay. And since at-home whitening products are not as effective as the ones available at the dentist, people may overuse them, leading to severe enamel erosion. Uneven whitening A person who whitens their teeth at home without proper guidance might find that the process is not completed evenly. These products may also be unable to get between the teeth because of their inferior quality. Following the process, the individual might notice patches or stains on some parts of the teeth, while other regions look brighter and stand out.

Depression is a mental health condition that impacts one’s way of thinking, behavior patterns, and daily functioning. If left untreated, clinical depression may manifest in the body and lead to other health issues like gastrointestinal problems, cardiovascular diseases, and more. To manage the condition, a health expert may evaluate a person’s general health to determine whether they are depressed and suggest personalized treatments. Some warning signs of depression that necessitate professional help are listed below. Irritable mood Some milder symptoms of depression include irritability and restlessness, which may worsen and lead to angry outbursts, low tolerance levels, anxiety, or aggressiveness. Fatigue or loss of energy Depression can exhaust a person mentally and physically without any significant lifestyle changes. The condition can also bring feelings of weariness, lack of energy, and inexplicable tiredness. Feeling helpless and unworthy On an emotional front, the disorder might cause a person to assume responsibility for circumstances beyond their control. A depressed individual frequently loses the drive to carry out daily tasks which they otherwise carry out effortlessly. One may also experience low self-esteem, excessive self-blame, and feelings of despair. Mood swings, inability to see one’s capabilities or feeling like the situation may never improve are other common indicators of the condition.

Migraines are a type of headache that can trigger a severe pulsing sensation or throbbing pain on one side of the head. It is one of the most common neurological conditions and affects over 47 million individuals nationwide. And while most people are familiar with the facts about migraines, others have misconceptions about the condition. Here are the nine most common debunked myths to help individuals be more mindful of the condition. The primary cause is stress Stress is a common migraine trigger, but it is not the underlying cause. The condition is caused by structural, genetic, and chemical changes that make the brain more sensitive to headaches triggers, including stress. They are a terrible headache People believe that migraines lead to only bad headaches. However, they may experience other symptoms such as dizziness, digestive problems, hypersensitivity to lights and sounds, and nausea. The attack lasts for a few hours Contrary to the myth, the pain caused by a migraine and its duration may differ from person to person. For example, some might experience symptoms for a few hours, while others might suffer from the effects of the condition for up to three days. Increased prescription offer better relief Prescriptions might help with pain relief, but taking more than the recommended dosage can have serious side effects.

Eosinophilic esophagitis is a chronic immune-mediated inflammatory condition that affects the esophagus. It is the muscular tube that connects the throat and the stomach. This condition is characterized by the accumulation of specific WBCs in the esophageal lining. The gathering of eosinophils is triggered as an allergic reaction to certain foods, therefore, knowing the following foods that could trigger the condition and worsen EoE symptoms is important. Let us learn which foods one must avoid. Chocolate Usually considered a healthy dessert, eosinophilic esophagitis patients must avoid chocolate because of its theobromine content. It relaxes the lower esophageal sphincter or LES and allows the stomach acid to flow back up the esophagus. This can cause inflammation and irritation of the esophagus, further worsening EoE symptoms. Tomatoes Tomatoes are acidic and are a part of several everyday foods. Their acidic nature and tomato seeds can irritate the esophageal lining and may cause flare-ups in patients with eosinophilic esophagitis. Citrus fruits Fruits like oranges, lime, grapefruits, and other citrus fruits can irritate the lining of the esophagus. It can also elevate the immune reaction in the body of an EoE patient. This can further complicate the patient’s condition and increase the severity of their symptoms.

The mood disorder that can cause sadness and disinterest in almost everything is known as depression. It can lead to a lot of physical and emotional issues. If left untreated, it can lead to the patient not being able to see any point in living, or worse. This mood condition can be treated with the right medication if diagnosed correctly. Treatment for depression In most cases, people with depression can find help from a psychologist, psychiatrist, or other mental health professionals. If required, patients are prescribed medications that can help fight the condition. Below is a list of some antidepressants that are known to be effective: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) This is a very safe form of antidepressant. It is prescribed by most doctors because this medicine does not have many side effects. Tricyclic antidepressants This type of antidepressant is prescribed only if aforementioned medication is not helpful. It has some side-effects, some of which can be serious. Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) This is another effective type of medicine that the patient can use. The most common ones are venlafaxine (Effexor XR), duloxetine (Cymbalta), levomilnacipran (Fetzima), and desvenlafaxine (Khedezla, Pristiq). Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) This one is offered by doctors in case other medicines fail to help.

A brain disorder that leaves your body impaired. That is how one would define Parkinson’s disease. It results in one’s body trembling and becoming extremely stiff, almost rendering the person immobile. The person finds it extremely difficult to walk, balance himself, and coordinate his brain to do body movements. The condition aggravates with time and leads to several other problems like behavioural changes, irregularities in sleep patterns, depression, and memory failure. Here are some ways in which you can prevent the occurrence or aggravation of Parkinson’s disease: Consume fresh and raw vegetables Vegetables contain B vitamin folic acid in large amounts. It has proved to be very effective when it comes to reducing the risk of Parkinson’s disease. Make sure that fresh and preferably boiled vegetables form a large part of your diet. Green vegetables like spinach, Brussels sprouts, collard greens, and broccoli are known to be rich sources of B vitamin folic acid. It is not difficult to procure these vegetables from the market. If you have a garden, you can grow most of these there. Make green tea your choice of beverage The fact that green tea is healthy is well-known. Apart from having antioxidant properties, it helps vastly in safeguarding the body against several harmful diseases.

While taking medications for any pain, like backache, toothache, or headache, might offer instant relief, you should know that they often have some long-term side effects. As an alternative, some simple home remedies and certain foods can help alleviate pain. The natural treatment options and foods mentioned below are effective ways to manage pain. That said, it is advisable to seek medical advice before you make any lifestyle changes. Hot water bath This is an excellent therapy to alleviate pain affecting the bones, muscles, and tendons. Soaking in hot water helps relieve joint aches and lower back pain. If the pain results from anal fissures, open sores, or hemorrhoids, soaking the hindquarters in warm water can relieve irritation, itching, and spasms in the sphincter muscle. Doing this twice or thrice a day is best for effective pain management. You can also add a few tablespoons of Epsom salt to the water. Epsom salt helps with muscle aches by relaxing tense muscles and reducing inflammation. Turmeric Turmeric is often used to add flavor and yellow color to dishes. It is an excellent home ready to alleviate pain, as it contains curcumin, an antioxidant that protects the body from damage-causing free radicals.