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Everything you need to know about bad breath

Bad breath affects an estimated 25 percent of people. There are a number of possible causes of halitosis, but the vast majority come down to oral hygiene.
It is also known as halitosis or fetor oris. Halitosis can cause significant worry, embarrassment, and anxiety but it is relatively easy to remedy.

Fast facts on bad breathHere are some key points about bad breath. More detail and supporting information is in the main article.

• Bad breath is estimated to affect 1 in 4 people globally.
• The most common cause of halitosis is bad oral hygiene.
• If particles of food are left in the mouth, their breakdown by bacteria produces sulfur compounds.
• Keeping the mouth hydrated can reduce mouth odor.
• The best treatment for bad breath is regular brushing, flossing, and hydration.
  

What is halitosis?Although bad breath is associated with certain diseases, oral hygiene is the most common cause.Bad breath is a common problem that can cause significant psychological distress. There are a number of potential causes and treatments available.Anyone can suffer from bad breath. It is estimated that 1 in 4 people have bad breath on a regular basis.Halitosis is the third most common reason that people seek dental care, after tooth decay and gum disease.Simple home remedies and lifestyle changes, such as improved dental hygiene and quitting smoking, can often remove the issue. If bad breath persists, however, it is advisable to visit a doctor to check for underlying causes.
TreatmentThe best method to reduce halitosis is good oral hygiene. This ensures that cavities are avoided and reduces the likelihood of gum disease.It is recommended that individuals visit the dentist for a check-up and cleaning twice a year.The dentist may recommend a toothpaste that includes an antibacterial agent or an antibacterial mouthwash.Alternatively, if gum disease is present, professional cleaning may be necessary to clear out the build-up of bacteria in pockets between the gums and teeth.

CausesPotential causes of bad breath include:
Tobacco: Tobacco products cause their own types of mouth odor. Additionally, they increase the chances of gum disease which can also cause bad breath.

Food: The breakdown of food particles stuck in the teeth can cause odors. Some foods such as onions and garlic can also cause bad breath. After they are digested, their breakdown products are carried in the blood to the lungs where they can affect the breath.

Dry mouth: Saliva naturally cleans the mouth. If the mouth is naturally dry or dry due to a specific disease, such as xerostomia, odors can build up.

Dental hygiene: Brushing and flossing ensure the removal of small particles of food that can build up and slowly break down, producing odor. A film of bacteria called plaque builds up if brushing is not regular. This plaque can irritate the gums and cause inflammation between the teeth and gums called periodontitis. Dentures that are not cleaned regularly or properly can also harbor bacteria that cause halitosis.

Crash diets: Fasting and low-carbohydrate eating programs can produce halitosis. This is due to the breakdown of fats producing chemicals called ketones. These ketones have a strong aroma.

Drugs: Certain medications can reduce saliva and, therefore, increase odors. Other drugs can produce odors as they breakdown and release chemicals in the breath. Examples include nitrates used to treat angina, some chemotherapy chemicals, and some tranquilizers, such as phenothiazines. Individuals who take vitamin supplements in large doses can also be prone to bad breath.

Mouth, nose, and throat conditions: Sometimes, small, bacteria-covered stones can form on the tonsils at the back of the throat and produce odor. Also, infections or inflammation in the nose, throat, or sinuses can cause halitosis.

Foreign body: Bad breath can be caused if they have a foreign body lodged in their nasal cavity, especially in children.

Diseases: Some cancers, liver failure, and other metabolic diseases can cause halitosis, due to the specific mixes of chemicals that they produce. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can cause bad breath due to the regular reflux of stomach acids.

Home remediesOral hygiene is the key to most bad breath issues.

Other lifestyle changes and home remedies for bad breath include:

Brush the teeth: Be sure to brush at least twice a day, preferably after each meal.

Floss: Flossing reduces the build-up of food particles and plaque from between the teeth. Brushing only cleans around 60 percent of the surface of the tooth.

Clean dentures: Anything that goes into your mouth, including dentures, a bridge, or a mouth guard, should be cleaned as recommended on a daily basis. Cleaning prevents the bacteria from building up and being transferred back into the mouth. Changing toothbrush every 2 to 3 months is also important for similar reasons.

Brush tongue: Bacteria, food, and dead cells commonly build up on the tongue, especially in smokers or those with a particularly dry mouth. A tongue scraper can sometimes be useful.

Avoid dry mouth: Drink plenty of water. Avoid alcohol and tobacco, both of which dehydrate the mouth. Chewing gum or sucking a sweet, preferably sugar-free, can help stimulate the production of saliva. If the mouth is chronically dry, a doctor may prescribe medication that stimulates the flow of saliva.

Diet: Avoid onions, garlic, and spicy food. Sugary foods are also linked to bad breath. Reduce coffee and alcohol consumption. Eating a breakfast that includes rough foods can help clean the back of the tongue.

If breath odor persists despite controlling these factors, it is recommended that an individual visits a doctor for further tests to rule out other conditions.

Info supplied by Medical News Today

5 Easy Steps to a Flatter Stomach at Home!

The science of Elim Spa Products from South Africa

MediHeel 

A facial for your feet

While the beauty industry has seen several recent innovations in products and technology for facial beauty and cleansing, not many breakthroughs have occurred in the nail industry — that is until Elim Spa Products stepped in to change manicures and pedicures.

Pedicures generally rely on filing and blading the nail, but Elim’s MediHeel pedicure chemically breaks down protein bonds on the skin to remove dead skin cells, leaving a smoother foot than traditional pedicures leave.

Elim’s products, from South Africa, also focus on PH balance to improve the appearance of the skin. Foot scrubs  are now obsolete with Elim’s Alpha-Hydroxy Exfoliant with wax beads. The exfoliant also features anti-bacterial and anti-fungal spa additives to replace a foot soak and leave the foot clean.

MediHeel also features a non-slip cream for massages. This easy-to-spread cream dries on the skin to stop any slipping after treatments. And, finally, a gold-dusting finishes off the new MediHeel procedure. The dust is put on the feet and legs and features fine fragrances to leave its user feeling like a goddess.
Introducing MediHand by South African Spa brand Elim

Achieve younger looking hands and nails with a new, modern approach

Elim Spa Products are about to change the way you perceive the traditional manicure experience. The brand originated in Cape Town, South Africa ten years ago and is currently making waves all over the world.  With it’s innovative product line that offers effective results that are instantly visible, offering rejuvenated and younger looking skin. The Anti-ageing manicure you never knew you needed.  

Often the first place to show signs of ageing are the hands, with tell tale signs such as age-spots, wrinkles and veins that can rear their ugly head at any given time. Luckily Elim is on hand, quite literally, with a 4-step treatment to help achieve younger looking hands with conditioned nails using the Elim approach. MediHand aims to combat dry skin and rejuvenation concerns and the treatment is very much focused on obtaining results whilst not compromising on experience.

The benefits of receiving an Elim MediHand treatment include powerful active ingredients which penetrate the skin deeper and faster to ensure the skin is immediately hydrated. Hydro-Thermal exfoliators are used to enable the skin to be able to achieve maximum absorption and the full product range is fragranced with the finest scents that ensure a sensorial experience every step of the MediHand journey.

Want to find out more or buy your Elim Product simply click https://www.elimspaproducts.com/?ap_id=Essentialsforwomen

5 foods that can help keep you warm during the cold snap

As well as knowing where your woollies are as the colder weather goes nowhere, fast, make sure you know which foods could be good winter warmers too...

As the temperature drops - again - we look to traditional warming foods like soup and stews to help keep the chills at bay.

But as well as a bowl of soup or a hot cuppa, other foods could help keep you toasty. According to Chinese medicine, certain 'yang' foods affect our internal temperature by heating and invigorating us, pushing blood and energy to the surface of the body during the digestion process.

While such theories aren't backed up by modern science, if you're looking to warm yourself up, it won't hurt to try these.

1. Chilli

Hot chilli peppers contain the compound capsaicin, which gives them their spicy kick. Capsaicin is also used in topical pain-relieving creams, and can cause a burning or stinging sensation when first applied to the skin – just like the heat you feel when you eat chilli peppers.

Protein from the beans in chilli-con-carne can help you build muscle, and the tomatoes and onions in the dish are rich in antioxidants which help keep you healthy too.

2. Onions

Onions are used in traditional Chinese medicine, as a chi - or energy - tonic, to help increase perspiration, and tackle illnesses brought on by cold weather. The idea is that they encourage energy to move to the body's surface to help keep you warm.

3. Ginger tea

If you're thinking of warming up with a cup of tea, try adding ginger root to your brew. Ginger is thought to have thermogenic properties that can keep you warm, and some believe it may also boost metabolism and promote blood flow.

4. Turmeric

Turmeric, the spice that gives curry powder and mustard its deep yellow colour, is rich in antioxidants and has long been used for healing in India.

It's seen as one of the best warming herbs because it's thought to tighten tissues and absorb excess moisture. As well as the heat it helps give to spicy foods like curries, turmeric milk or turmeric tea are hailed as excellent warming drinks too.

5. Porridge

Traditionally, a steaming bowl of porridge is thought to be one of the best winter warmers, as well as being a healthy food because oats can help lower 'bad' LDL cholesterol, which collects on the walls of your arteries. But oats are another Chinese 'yang' or warming food, and are thought to help keep you toasty by mopping up excess dampness inside the body.

By Lisa Salmon  3 May 2018 - 11.46am

What you need to know about Tattoo Removal

Listen, we may or may not have made a regrettable decision in our youth, and if you are the not-so-proud owner of some regrettable ink you are certainly not alone! 

– Are tattoos permanent?

There are many people who get permanent tattoos inked onto their body’s only to want it removed, for whatever reason, later down the line. The good news is that laser removal techniques can eliminate your tattoos with minimal side effects so you won’t have to live with it for the rest of your life.

– How does tattoo removal work?

Lasers remove tattoos by breaking up the pigment colors of the tattoo with a high-intensity light beam. Black tattoo pigment absorbs all laser wavelengths, making it the easiest to treat. Other colors can only be treated by selected lasers based upon the pigment color.

– How many treatments are needed?

Depending on the size and color of your tattoo, the number of treatments will vary. Your tattoo may be removed in two to four visits, though it may take as many as 10 more sessions. You should schedule a consultation, during which time they will evaluate your personal situation and advise you on the process.

Treatment with the laser varies from patient to patient depending on the age, size, and and whether the tattoo was created by an amateur or a professional. The color of the patient’s skin, as well as the depth to which the tattoo pigment extends, will also affect the removal technique.

– Is tattoo removal safe?

Thanks to newer technology, laser tattoo removal has become much more effective with very little risk of scarring, because of it’s unique ability to selectively treat pigment involved in the tattoo. 

Dip vs Gel vs Acrylic Nails – Pros and Cons

Nothing makes the hand feel more beautiful than a perfect manicure. Manicure adds elegance to just about any hands just as a makeup adds beauty to the face, especially when applied in front of the right mirror.

When it comes to fingernails, you have lots of options for beautifying them. You can choose the traditional style of painting them over with bright colors or go with the modern style of varying nail lengths and topping it all with beautiful colors.

There’s no limit to what you can do. Be creative enough, and you’ll always end up with beautiful nails each time you visit the manicurist.

Dip, Gel, and Acrylic are some of the most popular manicures to beautify your nails. Though applied on the same surfaces – these manicure materials are very different from one another and come with different pros and cons.

Dip nails

Dip falls somewhere between Acrylic and gel manicure. Unlike Acrylic, manicure dip does not make use of any special chemicals to help it harden. And compared to Gel manicure, it does not require the special UV rays necessary for curing.

Dip manicure to so many ladies out there is the perfect manicure. And one can easily understand why – it’s straightforward to apply, an ideal DIY and easy to remove. It’s setting process is quite straightforward and above all its last longer and doesn’t chip easily.

Dip Manicure Application

Dip polish is quite easy to apply. There are lots of DIY dip polish packages in the store. You can quickly grab one and make them beautiful.

Dip polish application involves applying a base and then dipping them in powder. The powder adds the colors, and they come in different colors and shines.

Chipping, though very unpleasant is something we’ve all faced one time or another. Dip lasts up to 2 weeks without chipping off. Though when applied you might want to be extra careful. Dip, unlike Acrylic, is not attached to the finger as an extension, you may wear it for the length of time it takes for your finger to grow up to a new length.

Dip nails fall somewhere between Acrylic and gel manicure. It does not have the ‘strong’ rigidity of an Acrylic Manicures but not as flexible as a gel manicure; it lies in the grey area. The dip is made from both Acrylic and gel and as such comes with the property of both. It is in a way flexible enough to feel almost like the natural fingernails.

Gel

They give you lots of options – you can choose to make them slender, longer or strengthen it.

They require UV rays to harden. It does not cure under normal lighting conditions and as such cannot be used without a nail lamp. Hopefully, there are options and if you’re wondering whether to pick a UV or a LED one, there’s a hybrid solution: UV LED nail dryers.They are very similar to Acrylic, but whereas Acrylic is rigid, it is flexible and has a more natural look to it than an Acrylic nail, plus – it’s more expensive.

 Application Process

To extend them with gel, you’ll need to apply a nail tip for the required length. After that, you can then apply the three layers of gel, starting with the base coat, polish color, and top coat. Each of these steps will be cured under a UV lamp for 2-3 minutes.

Though gels are more expensive than Acrylic, they don’t last long. Often gels will last between 10-14 days before needing your attention again. Though you can easily extend this to a 30 days lengths if you are careful enough to file off nails once they outgrow your manicure.

They offer a level of flexibility. They are not as rigid as Acrylics and at the same time are not as flexible as the natural nails.

Acrylic

 They have been around for a long time and often regarded as the first of new nail manicure trends. They are commonly used to extend nail lengths or even make them more slender.

With Acrylics, you get a lot of options to beautify your nails. It comes in different color varieties and shines. Acrylic does not have the same natural look as other manicures and is very rigid.

Application Process

The acrylic application involves the same three stages as a gel application: base coat, polish color, and top coat. Though unlike gel applications, it does not require the use of UV rays for its curing process. It makes use of glues and other chemicals to keep it in place.

Though cheaper, often lasts longer. Typically, they usually last longer than two weeks and may even last up to a month with proper maintenance.

Unlike gel or dip nails, Acrylics are very rigid. This is because they include the use of liquid monomer and a powder. When these sets, a hard nail results which are inflexible.

Dip nails can are the best of both worlds. They have a natural look to them, are a little more flexible than gel nails, last longer and are easy to fix. But you cannot use dip nails to extend your nails or give them that slender look you may want.

Gel nails are often flexible and have a natural glossy nail look but are more expensive.

Acrylics lack the natural look and flexibility of natural nails like the dip or gel manicure but are cheaper. They can be used to extend and also last longer than other dip or gel manicure.

 Wrapping Up

Whether you go for a dip, gel or acrylic based manicure, keep in mind that there are pros and cons of each one and it’s really up to you what route you want to go. We’re sure you have questions and would love to hear them out in the comments below!

By

 Michael Smith

 -

April 28, 2018

10 Natural Ways to Whiten Teeth at Home

These are suggestions and to be used as recommended!