Health

Does the U.S. Need Universal Healthcare? Thoughts on Universal Healthcare from Democratic Presidential Candidates and Twitter

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Many Americans are not satisfied with the current health care system. Before on this site it has been argued how the U.S. is in need of a single-payer health care system, see the post The Cost of Health Care in the U.S. compared to Other Countries. Many democratic presidential candidates in 2020 have come out in favor of universal healthcare. Also looking through tweets on Twitter one can see that many in the U.S. are also in favor of universal healthcare. However, a single-payer health care system does not go far enough and should also include dental care. As has been discussed in the post ADA Breaking Down Barriers to Oral Health for All Americans: Repairing the Tattered Safety Net Americans are increasingly finding it difficult to pay for dental care. Dental care is also intimately tied to health care. … Read more

What is Kratom and Is It Legal in San Diego?

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Kratom is a tropical tree whose consumption is expected to leave mind-altering effects on its users. The media describes it as a natural, mild, pleasant, and a solution for opioid addiction. Opioid addiction after wisdom teeth removal has been discussed before, see for example the post Persistent Opioid Use After Wisdom Teeth Removal. Even though kratom has benefits, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned consumers about its harmful and deadly risks. The FDA believes it is as dangerous as heroin, LSD, marijuana, and ecstasy. Furthermore, the treatment for this substance should be taken as serious as other addictive opioids. Why is Kratom Growing in Popularity? Kratom, also known as Mitragyna Speciosa, is native to Southeast Asia. Farmers and rubber trappers used to consume Kratom to seek additional energy. Some people have suggested that it may improve the feeling of well-being, … Read more

Taking Antibiotics Before Dental Visits Unnecessary in the Majority of Cases and May Cause Serious Side Effects

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Whether or not someone should or should not take any antibiotics prior to dental visits such as wisdom teeth surgery is often a question that comes up. The purpose of doing so would be to potentially prevent an infection from developing from teh dental procedure. Research spearheaded by a group at the University of Illinois at Chicago shows that in the majority of cases antibiotics given before dental visits are not needed and instead can lead to serious side effects. The researchers presented results in October 2019 during IDWeek 2019, which is the Infectious Diseases Society of America’s annual meeting conducted in Washington, DC. The researchers also presented results in an article titled “Assessment of the Appropriateness of Antibiotic Prescriptions for Infection Prophylaxis Before Dental Procedures, 2011 to 2015” published on May 31, 2019 in JAMA Network Open (Suda et … Read more

Preventing Tooth Decay: Five Simple Dental Care Tips

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Everyone hates going to the dentist and yet, most of us neglect our oral hygiene. Oral hygiene doesn’t require a lot of time and effort, but it does require consistency. You need to spend less than 10 minutes every day to prevent tooth decay and save yourself a whole lot of money and pain! Tooth decay is a slow process so it’s not too late to start paying attention to your oral hygiene. A regular dental care routine is essential for healthy teeth. You may have seen fancy dental gadgets in the store, but you don’t really need them – just a toothbrush and floss is enough to keep tooth decay at bay. Here are 5 simple ways to prevent tooth decay: 1. Brush Twice a Day Most of us are so tired by the end of the day, that … Read more

Benefits of Chairside Teeth Whitening

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Everybody wants a picture-perfect smile. Chairside or professional teeth whitening can increase the aesthetic allure of your teeth far more than over-the-counter whitening products can do. Because of advancement in modern technology, teeth whitening has become simpler, easier, and more affordable. Remember that nothing can substitute professional teeth whitening treatment. While you may find a lot of teeth whitening products online or in drug stores, you don’t have a guarantee that these will work and give amazing results. In this post, you’ll learn the benefits of professional teeth whitening. Your Safest Option Teeth whitening treatments don’t typically present any significant safety concerns. Whether teeth whitening is performed at home or in our office, dentists ensure a safe environment for patients. A dentist can help you right away if ever you experience issues, such as discomfort and extreme sensitivity. Also, a … Read more