Estimates suggest that roughly 1 in 10 of the world’s population live in extreme poverty. Most of which are infected with one, or more, neglected tropical disease(s) (NTDs). NTDs continue to be a major threat to life for those in several African, Asian, Pacific and Latin American countries. In recent years, there have significant developments in treatments and strategies to tackle it and towards the elimination of neglected tropical diseases. But is it enough? Can we truly eliminate them?

In this blog, we’ll be exploring the history of neglected tropical diseases, outlining what progress has been towards eliminating them, the actions being taken by global disease institutions and the plans for the future.

A history of neglected tropical diseases

Neglected tropical diseases as a term was coined by Peter Hotez et al. to set clearer distinctions between NTDs and HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria.

Termed a ‘chronic pandemic’, they are a spectrum of bacterial, fungal, parasitic and viral infections prevalent in topical and sub-tropical regions – most common in areas where people have no access to clean water or safe, hygienic methods of disposing of human waste.

NTDs are sometimes defined as a ‘high burden’ of disease measured in disability-adjusted life years. For context, it is estimated that 26-48 million years have been lost to these diseases and that approximately one billion people are currently affected with 350,000-500,000 dying from them each year.

Obtaining precise figures is incredibly difficult as most diseases progress slowly. Also, symptoms can be insidious and are often not diagnosed until the later stages of disease progression. This is due to the fact that affected individuals typically don’t have the financial resources to access health care. Therefore, a large number of cases go completely unreported.

Types of NTDs

There are 20 diseases to battle in the elimination of neglected tropical disease:

• Lymphatic Filariasis
• Onchocerciasis
• Buruli Ulcer
• Chagas Disease
• Dengue and Chikungunya
• Guinea-worm Disease
• Echinococcosis
• Foodborne Trematode Infections
• Sleeping Sickness
• Leishmaniasis
• Leprosy
• Mycetoma
• Rabies
• Scabies
• Schistosomiasis
• Soil-transmitted Helminthiases
• Snakebite Envenoming
• Taeniasis and Cysticercosis
• Trachoma
• Yaws

What progress has been made?

Throughout the years, there have been increased, targeted efforts to administer care and treatment to the most heavily affected areas and communities of NTDs. These efforts can be catogorised as: preventive chemotherapy, vector control, veterinary public health, as well as improvements to water, sanitation and hygiene.

Preventive Chemotherapy

This is a disease control strategy used in communities and wider territories where NTDs are prominent, focusing on the effective and safe delivery of drugs for targeted groups. Preventive Chemotherapy has proven very effective in decreasing the harsh symptoms of disease; inhibiting permanent impairments and reducing chronic pain.

This has been used to combat NTDs such as onchocerciasis, lymphatic filariasis, dracunculiasis, schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted helminthiases, and trachoma.

Vector Control

A large number of NTDs are vector-borne. Effective vector egology involves implementing measures to target vectors that transmit pathogens that cause infectious diseases. Vectors include flies, ticks, bugs, and mosquitoes.

Measures to combat vectors include insecticide-treated nets as well as improved water, sanitation, and hygiene. There are increased developments to increase the quality, effectiveness, and availability of vector-reducing equipment for the billions of people that harmful pathogens can affect.

Veterinary Public Health

This approach aims to improve the health and hygiene of animals in environments prone to NTDs to better the health and well-being of people. Safer living environments for animals are a contributing factor in preventing the transmission of diseases from animals to humans.

Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene

Most vectors for NTDs inhabit environments with unsafe water and inadequate sanitation and hygiene practices. Notably, the safe storage of water, and the effective treatment of stagnant water, are critical factors in reducing exposure to disease-transmitting vectors.

What does the future look like?

The future seems optimistic for the elimination of NTDs – predominantly Lymphatic Filariasis, Onchocerciasis and Trachoma, with healthy progress being made in combating skin NTDs such as Scabies and Yaws. Resultingly, the numbers of new cases are at an all-time low in the history of neglected tropical diseases.

New treatments, such as fexinidazole – an oral treatment – are now approved for use and exciting technologies for diagnostics and monitoring and in development. Additionally, other worldwide factors that contribute to the prevalence of NTDs have reduced, too. Since 2000, the number of people living in extreme poverty has declined rapidly; less than 750 million people now live below the World Bank poverty level of $1.90 per day.

Most recently, future initiatives have been revised to ensure sustainable and effective plans are in play on a global scale. In 2020, the World Health Organisation (WHO) approved a roadmap for the elimination of NTDs in 2021-2030. However, COVID-19 had an unprecedented, devastating impact on the world and is, in itself, an NTD. COVID-19 has since had a major disruption on the programmes for mass drug administration and other wider NTD control measures.

In COVID-19’s wake, there is a serious risk that NTDs may resurface in areas where effective elimination had occurred before the pandemic. Now, the true success of controlling, eliminating, and moving towards the eventual eradication of neglected tropical diseases, will depend on us overcoming resource constraints to properly actualise the roadmap.

Our ears are remarkable, delicate instruments. Yet, in our daily routines—from our fitness regimens to our sleep habits and personal hygiene—we often unknowingly put them at risk. The cumulative effect of certain actions can damage the delicate ear canal and, over time, lead to preventable hearing loss. Protecting your hearing isn’t just about avoiding loud noises; it’s about cultivating smart habits. This guide explores common pitfalls and provides practical, evidence-based strategies to protect your ears for years to come.

While this article offers essential guidelines, personalized care is irreplaceable. For individuals who are active, frequently exposed to noise, or have specific concerns, consulting an Audiologist Santa Monica can provide tailored advice and proactive hearing health strategies.

1. The Cotton Swab Myth: Rethinking Ear Cleaning

Earwax (cerumen) is not dirt—it’s your body’s natural defender. This waxy substance lubricates the ear canal, traps dust and debris, and possesses antibacterial properties. Critically, the ear is self-cleaning; skin migration naturally moves old wax outwards.

• The Risk: Inserting cotton swabs (Q-tips) pushes wax deeper, creating impactions that can muffle hearing. Worse, it can scratch the sensitive canal skin or, in a sudden movement, perforate the eardrum.

• The Safe Alternative: Simply wipe the outer ear with a damp cloth after a shower. For a feeling of cleanliness, use a couple of drops of over-the-counter ear drops designed to soften wax weekly. If you suspect a blockage, seek professional removal instead of probing.

2. Exercise & Entertainment: Managing Volume During Workouts

Matching your run to a motivating playlist is a great boost, but it poses a hidden danger. Outdoor exercisers often crank the volume to overcome ambient noise from traffic, wind, and footsteps. This sustained loud noise damages the irreplaceable hair cells in your inner ear.

• Headphone Choice Matters: In-ear earbuds (like many pods) sit closer to the eardrum and can require less volume than over-ear headphones in quiet settings, but in noise, the temptation to over-amplify is high. Consider bone-conduction headphones or noise-cancelling over-ear models, which block external noise so you don’t have to compete with it.

• The Golden Rule: The “60/60 rule” is a great start: listen at no more than 60% volume for no more than 60 minutes at a time. A simpler test: if someone an arm’s length away can’t get your attention while your music is on, it’s too loud.

3. Water Exposure & “Swimmer’s Ear” Prevention

For many, swimming and showering are harmless. However, trapped moisture in the ear canal creates a warm, dark breeding ground for bacteria, leading to otitis externa, commonly known as swimmer’s ear.

• Proactive Protection: Use custom-fitted swim molds or silicone earplugs if you’re a frequent swimmer. After water exposure, tilt your head to drain water and gently dry the outer ear with a towel or a hairdryer on the lowest, coolest setting held at least a foot away.

• Avoid DIY Solutions: Don’t use alcohol or hydrogen peroxide routinely without medical advice, as they can dry out and irritate the sensitive skin of the canal.

4. Neglecting Hearing Protection in Loud Environments

Beyond headphones, daily life is filled with potential hazards: lawn mowers, power tools, live concerts, and even busy city streets. Consistent exposure to sounds above 85 decibels (dB) can cause gradual loss.

• Make Protection Habitual: Keep a pair of high-fidelity earplugs (which reduce volume evenly without muffling) on your keychain or in your bag. They are essential for concerts, sporting events, and noisy commute.

5. The Overlooked Link: Stress and Jaw Clenching

Bruxism (teeth grinding) and jaw clenching, often stress-related, can put immense pressure on your temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which sits just in front of your ears. This can lead to tinnitus (ringing in the ears), a feeling of fullness, and even referred ear pain.

• Mind-Body Connection: Practices like mindfulness, stress management, and addressing sleep issues can help. If you wake with jaw pain or headaches, see a dentist to discuss a potential night guard.

Building a Lifetime of Healthy Hearing

Protecting your ears is an integral part of your overall wellness. It requires moving beyond myths (like the need for aggressive cleaning) and adopting a mindful approach to your sonic environment and habits. Schedule regular hearing check-ups as you would vision or dental exams. Early detection of any shift in your hearing is key to effective management.

For a comprehensive evaluation, especially if you engage in high-risk activities or have existing concerns, seeking an Audiologist Santa Monica is the most direct path to personalized care and cutting-edge preventive solutions.

Also read: 10 Perfect Hairstyle Ideas for Summer. While styling your look, remember that products like strong-hold hairsprays should be applied carefully, avoiding the inner ear area to prevent irritation.

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Your brain is well equipped to protect you, especially in the presence of very real (or even imagined) stress. The initial response to a stressful situation results in energy that helps you react to the threat you perceive. It is part of what makes the anxiety or stress you experience occasionally motivate you to take on an important task, study for a test, or take a new job.

Stress is caused by external stimuli, while anxiety is an internal response to stress. Even though stress is inevitable, humans are well equipped to endure a long period of stress and anxiety. Poorly managed stress or chronic anxiety, on the other hand, can severely affect emotions, memory, and overall health.

COVID-19 – the disease caused by the novel coronavirus – and the information overload it has resulted in has caused stress and anxiety to skyrocket worldwide. The complex human brain is endowed with a unique ability to imagine threats to health and the myriad ways this virus can harm. Most COVID-19 recover and experience only mild or moderate symptoms like body aches, fever, and cough. Above all, it is the uncertainty about its effects on individuals’ physical, financial, and social health (and those close to them) that creates this unprecedented level of stress and anxiety.

Also read: What Is Ginger Water?

Stress And Anxiety: A Look Back At Their Mode Of Action

Our human ancestors had to resort to a fight or flight response to survive in their inhospitable world. In a state of fear or stress, a charge of adrenaline prepared them to flee danger or defend their territory and stay. In our modern societies, this process is seldom necessary for survival.

Stress sets off chain reactions that first start in your protective brain. When you perceive an incident as terrifying, the tonsils – two almond-shaped masses each located in a hemisphere of the brain – kick in. These two complex cells help regulate the survival instinct (fight-or-flight response), emotions, hormone secretion, and memory.

Studies suggest that the tonsils also participate in the process of anxiety. It is believed that the tonsils of people with an anxiety disorder are hyperreactive. The tonsils are part of a more extensive network within the central nervous system that regulates the physiological effects of stress and anxiety.

The body’s stress response system is designed to switch when needed and switch off as the threat subsides. Feeling anxious or stressed is part of this quick process that helps us stay alert when in danger. On the other hand, persistent stress or anxiety can be problematic and affect physical and mental health.

The ongoing global pandemic is conducive to a lingering sense of stress. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the potential effects of the COVID-19 crisis on your health, both mental and physical, and to find ways to deal with the stress and anxiety you feel.

Information Overload Contributes To Stress And Anxiety

In our modern world, we are no longer content to rely on the Internet for the sole purpose of work or study; it is used today as a means of entertainment, meeting, and contact with people, and as a source of the information world. It is accessible at your fingertips, 24 hours a day.

For many people, a good morning ritual begins with reading the newspaper, checking social media messages and posts, glancing at the TV news, or listening to the radio. However, you have to ask yourself if this is the right way to start the day.

Most people have never lived through a global pandemic as dire as that of COVID-19. A tiny virus invisible to the human eye has abruptly changed the way of life for almost everyone, causing a global health and financial crisis, inspiring fear of an unknown future.

Recognize the signs of stress

We all get stressed out from time to time, but it’s everyone’s reaction to stress and anxiety that makes all the difference. The symptoms of persistent and poorly managed psychological and physical stress are very numerous. Here are a few examples:

• Increase or decrease in activity or usual energy
• Difficulty sleeping or relaxing
• Rapid heartbeat
• Frequent headaches
• Gastrointestinal discomfort
• Change in appetite
• Increased vigilance
• More irritable or angry feelings
• Excessive worry
• Feeling sad or depressed
• Feeling tired
• Inability to have fun and have fun
• Preference for solitude
• The feeling of anxiety or fear, or confusion
• Difficulty making decisions or having clear ideas
• Increased or reduced consumption of alcoholic beverages or tobacco or abuse of medication or illicit drugs

Long-term activation of the body’s stress response system can increase the risk of severe health problems. Therefore, it is essential to recognize the signs and symptoms of stress and take the necessary steps to manage it before it gets out of hand.

Take Care Of Yourself

At all times, finding new ways to decompress and have stress-free time every day is essential for your long-term health. It is especially crucial during a global pandemic.

The anxiety and worry about everything that is going on in the world and the possible repercussions on aspects of our lives are quite understandable. Most importantly, remember to listen to your body and emotions and get what you need when you need it. Strive to be hopeful and celebrate your successes, no matter how small, express your gratitude and love, and don’t hesitate to seek professional help when needed.

I remember staring at my reflection in 2019, feeling utterly defeated. My skin—once clear through my teenage years—had rebelled in my late twenties with a constellation of red, angry bumps. Dermatologists prescribed creams that bleached my pillowcases and antibiotics that upset my stomach. The “solutions” felt worse than the problem. It wasn’t until I visited my grandmother in rural Greece and saw her simple olive oil and honey routine that I realized: maybe the answers weren’t in fancy bottles, but in returning to basics. This journey led me to research, experiment, and finally develop the three-tiered approach I share below—one that healed my skin and transformed how I think about skincare altogether.

Understanding What “Natural Therapy” Really Means

First, let’s clear up the confusion. “Natural therapy” doesn’t mean abandoning science or modern medicine. It means:

1. Working with your body’s systems, not against them

2. Addressing root causes, not just symptoms

3. Using minimally processed ingredients with proven historical use

4. Recognizing that skin health reflects total body health

Important Disclaimer First: I’m not a dermatologist. The information here comes from personal experience, scientific research, and consultations with both Western dermatologists and traditional herbalists. If you have severe acne, cystic breakouts, rosacea, eczema, or any concerning skin condition, see a professional first. Natural methods work best for mild to moderate issues and maintenance.

Method 1: The Internal Foundation—What You Can’t See Matters Most

My dermatologist Dr. Anjali Mahto once told me: “You can spend hundreds on topical treatments, but if your gut is inflamed, your skin will be too.” She was right.

The Gut-Skin Axis: Real Science, Not Woo

Research published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology shows that 54% of acne patients have altered gut flora. Here’s how to fix it:

Step 1: The 14-Day Inflammation Reset
I did this religiously for two weeks and saw more improvement than in six months of topical treatments:

Morning:

• Warm water with lemon (not if you have acid reflux)

• Probiotic-rich food: Sauerkraut, kimchi, or kefir (1/4 cup)

• Omega-3 source: Ground flaxseed or chia seeds (1 tbsp)

Throughout Day:

• Green tea instead of coffee (caffeine spikes cortisol)

• Avoid: Dairy, refined sugar, processed foods (yes, even that protein bar)

Evening:

• Bone broth or miso soup (heals gut lining)

• Fermented vegetables with dinner

• Magnesium supplement (aids sleep and reduces inflammation)

What I Noticed: By day 10, the deep, painful cysts along my jawline had stopped appearing. The existing ones began healing without scarring.

The Hydration Myth-Buster

“Drink 8 glasses of water” is incomplete advice. Here’s what actually works:

The Electrolyte Balance Trick:

• Add a pinch of Himalayan pink salt to your water bottle

• Include cucumber, celery, and watermelon in your diet (they’re “wet” foods)

• Herbal infusions count: try nettle leaf (rich in silica) or horsetail tea

My Hydration Test: Press your skin on the back of your hand. If it snaps back immediately, you’re hydrated. If it tents slowly, you need fluids and electrolytes.

Stress: The Silent Skin Saboteur

When I was preparing for my wedding, my stress acne was so bad my makeup artist gasped. Here’s what finally worked:

The 5-Minute Cortisol Reset:

1. Morning sunlight exposure (within 1 hour of waking)

2. Box breathing: 4 seconds in, 4 hold, 4 out, 4 hold (repeat 5x)

3. Adaptogens: Ashwagandha or rhodiola (consult your doctor first)

4. Evening digital sunset: No screens 90 minutes before bed

Method 2: Topical Wisdom—Ancient Remedies with Modern Understanding

Forget complicated 10-step routines. My skincare cabinet now has fewer than 10 items, most edible.

The Three-Ingredient Facial That Changed Everything

Nightly Routine (takes 3 minutes):

1. Oil Cleanse with Jojoba:

• Why it works: Jojoba mimics skin’s natural sebum

• How-to: Massage 1 teaspoon onto dry skin for 60 seconds

• Rinse with lukewarm water on a microfiber cloth

2. Raw Honey Mask (2x weekly):

• The science: Hydrogen peroxide content + antimicrobial properties

• Important: Must be raw, unpasteurized honey (I use Manuka or local raw)

• Leave on 10 minutes while you brush teeth/shower

3. Aloe Vera Seal:

• Fresh from the plant if possible (break off a leaf)

• Or 100% pure aloe gel without alcohol

• Apply while skin is slightly damp

The Results: Within 3 weeks, my skin barrier repaired itself. No more tightness after washing, reduced redness, and fewer breakouts.

Targeted Treatments That Actually Work

For Hormonal Breakouts (chin/jawline):

• Evening primrose oil internally (1300mg daily)

• Spot treatment: Tea tree oil diluted 1:4 with argan oil

• Warm compress with chamomile tea bags

For Redness/Rosacea Tendency:

• Cold green tea compress (steep, cool, apply with cotton)

• Oatmeal mask: Ground oats + yogurt + honey

• Azelaic acid from grains (this is a natural acid that’s clinically proven)

For Dry/Dehydrated Skin:

• “Slugging” with pure squalane (from olives, not sharks)

• Avocado mask: Mash 1/4 avocado + 1 tsp honey

• Humidifier at night (changed my winter skin completely)

What to Avoid (The “Natural” Traps):

• Lemon juice directly on skin (photosensitivity + acid burn risk)

• Baking soda (destroys skin’s pH barrier)

• Undiluted essential oils (can cause chemical burns)

• Toothpaste on pimples (contains ingredients that irritate)

Method 3: Lifestyle Integration—Where Healing Really Happens

Exercise: Not Just for Weight Loss

When I started hot yoga (reluctantly), I noticed something unexpected: my post-workout glow lasted hours, not minutes.

The Sweet Spot for Skin:

• 30-45 minutes of moderate exercise

• Sweat but don’t drown: Light perspiration is cleansing

• Immediate rinse: Shower within 30 minutes of finishing

• Yoga specifically: Inversions increase blood flow to face

My Routine:

• Monday/Wednesday: Vinyasa yoga

• Tuesday/Thursday: Brisk walking outdoors

• Friday: Dance (just in my living room!)

• Weekend: Rest or gentle stretching

Sunlight: The Careful Balance

After years of sun avoidance (and vitamin D deficiency), I learned smart sun exposure is crucial.

The Safe Sun Protocol:

1. 10-15 minutes morning sun (before 10 AM)

2. Face exposed, body covered or in shade

3. No sunscreen during this window (blocks vitamin D production)

4. After 15 minutes: Apply mineral sunscreen or cover up

Vitamin D Levels: Get tested! Optimal is 40-60 ng/mL. Mine was 18—no wonder my skin wasn’t healing properly.

Sleep: The Ultimate Skin Treatment

During a stressful period when I was averaging 5 hours of sleep, my esthetician gently said: “No cream can fix sleep deprivation.”

The Skin-Sleep Connection:

• 10 PM – 2 AM: Peak human growth hormone release (skin repair time)

• Cool room temperature: 65-68°F ideal

• Silk pillowcase: Reduces friction and absorbs less product

• Sleep position: Back sleeping prevents creases and breakouts

My Pre-Sleep Ritual:

1. 9 PM: Last sip of water

2. 9:30 PM: Gentle yoga stretches

3. 10 PM: Lavender oil on wrists, magnesium supplement

4. 10:15 PM: Read actual book (not Kindle)

5. 10:45 PM: Lights out

The 30-Day Natural Skin Reset Plan

Weeks 1-2: Elimination & Observation

• Remove dairy, refined sugar, processed foods

• Simplify skincare to cleanse + moisturize only

• Track skin, energy, digestion in journal

• Daily 10-minute walk in morning light

Weeks 3-4: Introduction & Customization

• Add one fermented food daily

• Introduce targeted treatment (choose one: honey mask, aloe, etc.)

• Begin stress-reduction practice

• Adjust based on what’s working

Month 2: Maintenance

• Reintroduce foods one at a time (notice reactions)

• Establish consistent routine

• Monthly “skin date” to assess progress

When Natural Isn’t Enough: Signs You Need Professional Help

See a dermatologist if:

• Cystic acne that doesn’t respond after 3 months

• Sudden adult-onset acne (could be hormonal imbalance)

• Signs of infection (pain, heat, spreading redness)

• Suspected rosacea or eczema

• Anything that makes you feel self-conscious or painful

Integrative Approach: Many dermatologists now support combining natural methods with treatments. Mine prescribed topical azelaic acid (derived from grains) alongside my dietary changes.

Budget-Friendly Natural Skincare

The $50/Month Plan:

• Jojoba oil: $15 (lasts 3 months)

• Raw honey: $10

• Aloe plant: $5 (keeps growing!)

• Green tea: $5

• Fermented foods: $15

DIY vs. Buy:

• Worth DIYing: Face masks, cleansers, toners

• Worth buying: Sunscreen, vitamin C serum (stable formulations)

• Splurge: High-quality probiotics, organic produce

Real People, Real Results

Maya, 34: “The gut healing changed everything. After antibiotics ruined my digestion, my skin was awful. Bone broth and probiotics cleared 80% of my acne.”

Alex, 28: “I thought natural meant ineffective. Then I tried the honey mask. My inflammatory acne calmed down in days when prescriptions had failed.”

Priya, 41: “Stress management was key. Once I started meditation and adaptogens, my rosacea flares decreased dramatically.”

Common Questions (From Real Readers)

Q: How long until I see results?
A: Gut/skin cycle is about 28 days. Give any change at least one full cycle.

Q: What about hormonal acne?
A: Natural methods support hormone balance but won’t override significant imbalances. Consider seeing an endocrinologist.

Q: Can I wear makeup during this process?
A: Mineral makeup is fine. Avoid heavy foundations that clog pores. Always double cleanse at night.

Q: What if I break out from oil cleansing?
A: You might be using the wrong oil. Try squalane (light) instead of coconut (comedogenic for many).

More Than Just a Checkup: 6 Health Insights Your Dentist Sees at a Glance

When you settle into the dentist’s chair, you’re there for clean teeth and a cavity check. But from a professional’s perspective, that routine exam is a revealing window into your overall health. Your oral cavity is a living ecosystem, and its condition can send up early flares for systemic issues you might not even be aware of yet. Dentists are trained diagnosticians, and what they observe can go far beyond plaque and gingivitis.

Here are 6 health secrets your dentist can often detect just by looking in your mouth.

1. Nutritional Deficiencies & Disordered Eating Patterns

Your mouth is often the first place a nutritional imbalance shows up.

• The Clues: Unexplained, chronic sores at the corners of the mouth (angular cheilitis) can signal deficiencies in B vitamins, particularly B12, riboflavin (B2), or iron. A pale, smooth, or painful tongue (glossitis) can also point to B12, folate, or iron deficiency. Most notably, severe enamel erosion on the back of the front teeth is a classic, telltale sign of frequent exposure to stomach acid, which is strongly associated with eating disorders like bulimia or chronic, severe acid reflux (GERD).

• Why They Know: This erosion pattern is distinct from decay caused by sugar. The acid from the stomach is far more potent than dietary acid and strips enamel in a specific, recognizable way that dentists are trained to identify and approach with sensitivity.

2. The Early Signs of Diabetes

Dentists can be frontline detectors for metabolic conditions like diabetes.

• The Clues: Unusually red, swollen, and bleeding gums (gingivitis) that don’t respond well to standard professional cleaning and home care. Persistent, recurring gum infections or abscesses, and slow wound healing after an extraction. A persistent dry mouth (xerostomia) can also be a related symptom.

• Why They Know: High blood sugar impairs the body’s ability to fight bacterial infections, including those in the gums. It also reduces saliva flow, which is the mouth’s natural cleanser. When a dentist sees aggressive gum disease in a patient with otherwise good oral hygiene, diabetes becomes a key suspect.

3. High Stress & Anxiety (Beyond Just Grinding)

Everyone knows stress can cause teeth grinding (bruxism), but the signs are more nuanced.

• The Clues: The obvious sign is worn, flat, or chipped teeth. But look deeper: hyperkeratinized lines (raised white ridges) on the inside of the cheeks, or scalloped impressions along the sides of the tongue from constantly pressing against the teeth. Severely receding gums with notched grooves at the gumline (abfractions) can also be caused by excessive clenching force.

• Why They Know: These are physical manifestations of chronic, subconscious oral habits. While they ask about grinding, they’re also looking for these secondary, corroborating signs that indicate your body is holding significant tension, which can impact everything from headaches to jaw joint (TMJ) health.

4. The Risk of Osteoporosis

Bone density isn’t just about hips and spine; it starts in the jaw.

• The Clues: Unexplained or rapid gum recession not solely linked to aggressive brushing or gum disease. Loose teeth without significant periodontal infection, or changes in the fit of dentures or bridges as the underlying jawbone reshapes and resorbs.

• Why They Know: The jawbone (alveolar bone) that holds your teeth is susceptible to the same metabolic processes that affect the rest of your skeleton. On a dental X-ray, a dentist can assess the density and quality of this bone. Significant bone loss around teeth, especially in postmenopausal women, can be a red flag prompting a discussion about bone health with a primary care physician.

5. The Toll of Acidic Diets (It’s Not Just Sugar)

Sugar gets the bad rap, but dietary acid is a stealthy enamel destroyer.

• The Clues: Thinning, translucent edges on the front teeth, and a general loss of enamel luster, making teeth look dull or yellow (as the darker dentin layer shows through). Erosion is often most visible on the chewing surfaces of molars and the tongue-side of front teeth.

• Why They Know: The erosion pattern from dietary acid (like from daily sparkling water, citrus fruits, sports drinks, wine, and vinegar-based foods) is different from cavities. It creates smooth, shiny lesions. Dentists can often pinpoint your beverage habits—like a daily lemon water routine or a diet soda habit—simply by the location and appearance of the wear.

6. Systemic Inflammatory Conditions

The mouth is intimately connected to the body’s immune response.

• The Clues: Certain types of persistent oral ulcers, lesions, or unusual patterns of inflammation that don’t fit the profile of common canker sores or gum disease. Conditions like Lichen Planus (a network of white, lacy lines on the cheeks or gums) or geographic tongue (smooth, red patches) can sometimes be linked to systemic autoimmune or inflammatory conditions.

• Why They Know: While these oral conditions don’t always mean a systemic disease is present, they can be the only visible sign. A knowledgeable dentist recognizes these as potential indicators and may recommend further evaluation by a specialist to rule out connections to conditions like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or certain autoimmune disorders.

Your Mouth is a Health Dashboard

The next time you visit your dentist, remember: you’re getting more than just a cleaning. You’re receiving a mini-physical for your mouth that offers invaluable clues about your holistic well-being. An open, honest conversation with your dentist about your health history and habits empowers them to connect these dots, providing care that protects not just your smile, but your entire body. Never hesitate to share changes in your health—it’s the key to the most accurate and comprehensive care they can provide.

Drug Relapse!

When you have already made the decision of opting for a healthier and peaceful life without any weakness towards substance abuse, relapse is one of the toughest challenges you are going to face in your journey of quitting drugs.

The journey is not at all easy; however, with the help of drug rehabilitation and detox centers, your journey will be much easier. If you are looking for a detox center, you should have a look at https://www.oceanrecovery.com/.

Top Tips To Prevent Drug Relapse

As we have mentioned earlier, relapsing is one of the toughest things you have to overcome when you have decided to quit substance abuse. Here are some effective tips, which you should try to combat the relapsing period.

Avoid Temptations

The very first and major thing you have to do is avoid or ignore temptation. It is the temptation and greed which make us do wrong things. So you have to be very careful about all those negative feelings.

In order to avoid temptations, you should stop going to places where there is a chance of relapsing, or also stop spending time with those people who are into substance abuse or Drug addiction. You also have to learn to control your feelings here.

Create A Schedule

When you are recovering or have completed the recovery process, you need to pay some extra attention to creating a proper schedule. From waking up in the morning to going to bed at night, your life should have a proper schedule.

When you engage yourself with the daily activities and schedules like having your meals at the proper time, doing some exercise, indulging in meditation, and going for a refreshing walk, you will be able to stay away from drug relapse.

Change Your Environment

Your surrounding environment plays a huge role in developing any sort of addiction and also takes part in your recovery journey. The way the circumstances have made you dive into substance abuse or drug addiction, the same way it can get you a new life.

Here you also have to be willing to change the environment and have to change it. For example, if the job pressure is your reason for addiction, you can switch to another place, where you will have job satisfaction and peace of mind.

Do Not Panic

Panic triggers any type of addiction or substance abuse. Whether it is alcohol, drugs, or smoking, when you will panic, you will end up with the old addiction without even noticing it. So, panic is one of your major enemies in your recovery journey.

In order to deal with panic, you can try meditation and other healthy activities. If required, consulting with a professional psychiatrist is also a great option to overcome the fear or panic. Always believe in yourself and stop panicking.

Eat Healthily

Your eating habit is another thing you have to pay attention to. Any type of substance abuse affects your health and eating habits. So when you are recovering from it, you also have to develop healthier eating habits.

It will not only help you to keep up with the recovery process, getting a healthy body and mind but also help you in avoiding drug relapse. You have skipped the nutrition part during your addiction time; now it is time to repay it.

Exercise

As we have mentioned earlier, having a proper schedule will help you in your recovery journey. In the same way, exercise plays a huge role in dealing with drug relapse. Along with your physical health, exercise also helps you maintain a healthy mental condition.

Apart from that, exercise creates positivity within us. That positivity will help you to deal with tough situations in a wiser way. As a result of it, you will not only be able to handle situations better and stay healthy but also be able to combat relapsing.

Build A Support Network

Substance abuse recovery is not a matter of joke. Thus, having some moral support always makes the entire journey easier and a little less painful. When you are recovering, you need to make sure that you surround yourself with the right supportive people.

Here, we also have some responsibilities to offer the moral support a patient is required. We should help them get a support network, which will be with them no matter what. This support network will also help you overcome drug relapse.

Go With Meaningful Activities

The basic thing when you are changing any bad habit is to replace it with other better activities. It is also applicable here in your substance abuse recovery process. Instead of your old abuse habit, you should go with some meaningful activities.

For initial volunteering in a rehabilitation or detox center is actually an excellent idea. Here you will be able to help those people who are also struggling with drug abuse, just like the way you used to. Assisting them in their recovery will bring meaning to your life and help you get a better life without relapsing.

Avoid Complacency

Above all, you can not let the importance of your entire recovery fall to the wayside. In spite of strong rehabilitation treatment and the bunch of initial motivations, the stress of life can ruin everything and anything in just a snap.

So, here you have to avoid complacency. After a hectic and stressful week, take a break from all those stresses. Every time you choose not to work actively on recovery, you are actually adding to a buildup, which will increase your craving.

Practice Mindfulness

Just the way you are scheduling your daily activities, indulging yourself in volunteering activities will help you in your recovery journey; practicing mindfulness is another one you should go with. Opt for meditations.

You also can select anyone from a  wide range of techniques of practicing meditation—some short exercises, which will help you in focusing on physical presence, breathing exercise, or environment. Concentrate on how a few breaths feel.

Get A Healthy Life

Keep all these things in your mind when you are working on recovery from drug abuse. These tips will help you to keep your cravings at bay, and you will be able to fight against relapsing. Quit on substance abuse and get a healthier life.

Early Warning Signs of Periodontal Disease

Knowing early signs of periodontal disease can save your teeth and gums from serious damage.

Periodontal disease refers to gum problems. The milder form is called gingivitis, which refers to gum inflammation. If this becomes more severe, patients develop periodontitis.

While a dentist is trained to manage most oral health conditions, you may be referred to a periodontist if you have clear signs of gum disease. A periodontist has greater expertise on gum conditions and is the most suitable healthcare professional to manage gingivitis and periodontitis.

Many Sydney periodontics can provide an accurate diagnosis and effective management of gum disease.

But for now, let’s take a look at what gingivitis and periodontitis are and how you can identify them early on.

The early signs of gingivitis

Gingivitis begins with inadequate cleaning of the mouth. When people forget to brush, floss, and use mouthwash regularly, a layer of bacteria and food accumulates over their teeth. This is called plaque.

Over time, plaque hardens into what’s called tartar, which is difficult to clean. Because people are unable to get rid of tartar, bacteria continue to proliferate inside the mouth. These bacteria produce acid, which damages enamel, the hard, white layer of teeth that shows when you smile.

Acid and bacteria lead to gum inflammation (or gingivitis). The earliest signs of gingivitis include gums that bleed while brushing or red, swollen, and inflamed gums.

The good news is that gingivitis is reversible. If you want to catch periodontal disease early on, you must catch it at this stage.

Gingivitis can be reversed by ensuring adequate cleaning of the mouth. Basic dental hygiene practices include:

• Brushing two times a day
• Flossing
• Regular mouthwash use
• Consistent and regular dental check ups

You can try improving your oral hygiene and see if symptoms of gingivitis disappear. If they don’t, you must seek medical attention because long-term, untreated gingivitis will turn into periodontitis.

And periodontitis is a word you don’t want to hear from your dentist.

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What is periodontitis?

In contrast to gingivitis, periodontitis is not reversible. And this is the main difference between the two conditions.

If you neglect bleeding gums for too long, the gum line can start receding. This means that the layer of bone and gum tissue over the teeth starts shrinking, which creates small pockets in the area. These pockets can accumulate bacteria and other debris, leading to even more inflammation and damage.

Chemicals released by bacteria and the body’s immune response to them both lead to gum and bone resorption around the teeth. As more and more gum tissue is destroyed, teeth begin to loosen in their sockets and eventually fall out.

Periodontitis is the most common cause of fallen teeth in adults.

Signs that can help you identify the condition early on include:

• Shrinking gum tissue
• Persistent bad breath, which reflects bacterial presence inside the mouth
• A change in how your teeth fit together when you close your jaw
• Loosening of teeth

Factors that increase your risk of gum disease

Although plaque is the primary driver of periodontal disease, various health conditions can increase your risk of disease development.

It’s important to be aware of these conditions because if you have them, you need to watch out for early signs of gum disease more closely compared to an average person.

These factors include:

• Family history — if someone among your close relatives has gingivitis, your risk is increased.
• Cigarette smoking
• Anticholinergic drugs, which reduce saliva production. Saliva normally protects your teeth and gums by washing away (and killing) harmful bacteria.
• A compromised immune system due to an illness like HIV. This predisposes you to oral infections, which can lead to gum disease.
• Pregnancy, menstruation, puberty, and menopause. All of these are associated with massive hormonal fluctuations, which may lead to gingivitis.

Takeaway

The two main periodontal diseases are gingivitis, which is mild, and periodontitis, which is advanced.

Early signs of gingivitis include painful, red, and swollen gums or gums that bleed during brushing. You want to catch periodontal disease at this stage and visit a periodontist because it’s still reversible at this point.

If gingivitis progresses to periodontitis, you’ll notice loosening of your teeth and a receding gum line. At this point, the disease is irreversible and immediate medical attention is required.

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