Yellow Tongue Disease

February 5th, 2012
Yellow Tongue Disease

A healthy tongue is pink or reddish in appearance. When a person experiences changes in the color of his tongue, it can be very alarming. However, a yellow tongue is generally harmless, according to the Mayo Clinic. A yellow tongue is not a disease, it is a symptom of another condition that causes tongue to appear yellow.

  1. Canker Sores

    • Canker sores are small sores that can appear anywhere in the mouth, including the tongue. They can be whitish or yellow in appearance and are more common in women than in men. According to the National Institutes of Health, the causes of canker sores include injury to the tongue, emotional stress and some food allergies. Sometimes, canker sores appear with no known cause.

    Nasal Congestion

    • Nasal congestion is a common cause for a yellow tongue, according to the Mayo Clinic. This normally happens because nasal congestion causes a person to breath through her mouth rather than her nose, causing saliva to evaporate, making the tongue drier than normal. This allows some bacteria to grow rapidly and give the tongue a yellowish appearance.

    Poor Oral Hygiene

    • Most people realize the importance of brushing and flossing teeth every day in order to keep them healthy and strong. However, food and drinks that cause bacteria to flourish on the teeth can also cause bacterial growth on the tongue. Brushing the tongue as part of daily oral hygiene can prevent bacteria from building up on the tongue and giving it a yellowish coating.

    Poor Health Habits

    • Poor health habits can cause the tongue to have a yellowish appearance because of an increase in the amount of bacteria on the tongue. Eating or drinking sugary foods or beverages can promote bacterial growth on the tongue. Smoking or chewing tobacco can reduce saliva production. Saliva helps clear away harmful bacteria, so a reduction in the amount of saliva in the mouth can lead to increased bacteria on the tongue.

    Treatment

    • Yellow tongue is considered harmless and usually will not require a visit to the doctor or dentist. Basic treatment and prevention include brushing the tongue when you brush your teeth. If yellow tongue persists, the Mayo Clinic recommends rinsing the mouth with a solution of five parts water/one part hydrogen peroxide, followed with a clear water rinse to help get rid of a yellowish color on the tongue.

How to Get Cosmetic Dentistry Financing

January 18th, 2012

Cosmetic dentistry can be a drain on your bank account and coming up with the cash to pay for brand new pearly whites can be downright impossible. Even having dental insurance is no guarantee since many cosmetic procedures aren't covered, such as veneers, bonding, implants, orthodontic braces, and dentures. Follow these steps to help you finance a perfect smile!

Difficulty:
Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

  • Your Social Security Number
  • Your Driver's License Number
  • Other Personal Information
    • 1

      Establish which services your dental insurance will cover (if you have a dental policy), and how much of those you will be expected to pay out of your pocket. Prior to performing the procedure, your dental provider should give you a print-out of your treatment plan that outlines each step of the procedure process and an estimate for those procedures. Your treatment plan may include x-rays, cleanings, and other services that may be covered under your dental plan. Subtract any insurance-covered costs from the total estimate. This will be the amount you need to finance.

    • 2

      Ask your dental provider if they offer in-house financing. Most offices have a financial manager who will explain their terms. Be aware that even though a down-payment may not be required using this method, sometimes the loan bears a high interest rate, larger monthly payments than a finance company would charge, or both. Of course this is not always the case but be prepared to ask questions about anything you are unsure of.

    • 3

      Apply directly to a health care finance company. This can be done by going to their website and applying on line or calling the company and requesting a credit application. Application to these lenders can usually be made right from your dentist's office as well. You will be required to show identification and sign relevant forms by both the finance company and your provider.

    • 4

      Be prepared. The application for cosmetic dentistry is very similar to a credit card application, so be sure you have access to any personal information you will need. This includes your social security number, references, account numbers, employment information, and earnings. If you have less than perfect credit, you may need a co-signer to ensure the loan approval.

    • 5

      Apply with a second lender if the first one doesn't cover the full cost of the services you need. It may be necessary to obtain two or three small loans to cover with the full amount.

    • 6

      Read the fine print. Interest rates can vary depending on your credit and other factors. Know the total amount you will be repaying and if the lender offers ways for you to save money, such as no interest payment plans. Also, be sure you know how long you have to repay the loan. Lenders usually offer 3, 6, and 12 month payment plans, and some even offer extended payment plans that allow you to repay the money under a longer payment plan.

Tips & Warnings

  • If possible, pay part of the procedure costs in cash and then finance the rest to avoid paying excess interest.

  • Make your down payment as large as you can afford to lower your payments.

  • There are many companies that will finance your cosmetic dentistry and your dental provider may not be in their network. Find out which company your dentist, orthodontist, or prosthodontist uses.

Resources

  • Find a Dentist: American Dental Association
  • Photo Credit irum http://www.sxc.hu

Signs of a Ruptured Tendon

January 3rd, 2012
    • Tendon ruptures are often associated with weightlifting. Jonathan Kirn/Photodisc/Getty Images

      Tendons attach muscles to bones and can rupture due to a variety of reasons. Steroids injected into tendons can cause a rupture. Conditions such as gout, hyperparathyroidism and having type O blood can all cause tendons to rupture, though the most common cause is physical injury, often due to weightlifting or sports. Symptoms vary depending upon the part of the body injured. The most common tendon ruptures occur in the biceps, quadriceps and Achilles tendon, according to WebMD.

    General Symptoms

    • The sound or sensation of a loud pop is often associated with a tendon rupture. You may experience severe pain and swelling. Rapid bruising may also occur. The afflicted area may become weak or immobile.

    Biceps

    • The biceps proximal tendon is located at the top of the shoulder. An individual suffering from a ruptured proximal tendon may hear or feel a snap at the top of the shoulder and will be unable to raise the affected arm to the side with the palm up. Bruising, pain and tenderness will occur at the site of injury. A bulge may appear above the elbow, as well as a dent near the shoulder, according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS).

    Quadriceps Tendon

    • Quadriceps tendons connect the quad muscles in the front of the leg with the knee. The patellar tendon is located above the kneecap. An individual suffering from a ruptured quadriceps tendon may hear or feel a snap above the kneecap. An indentation may form above the kneecap. Bruising may develop rapidly, and the area may be tender and painful. You may find it difficult to walk, and your knee may buckle if you place weight on your injured leg, according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. Your kneecap may sag, and you may find it difficult to straighten your knee.

    Achilles Tendon

    • The Achilles tendon is located at the back of the foot above the heel. The tendon connects the calf muscle to the heel. An individual suffering from a ruptured Achilles tendon may hear or feel a snap or pop in the back of the leg above the heel. Pain, often severe, usually follows. Swelling above the heel will occur, and you may find it difficult to bend your foot downward. You will also be unable to stand on tiptoes with the affected leg.

Negative Effects of Peppermint Oil

December 25th, 2011
Negative Effects of Peppermint Oil
    • Peppermint is a good supplement to take for many reasons. Peppermint can help with dental problems, especially halitosis or bad breath. It can help relieve headaches and nausea, even during pregnancy. Peppermint contains menthol, which aids in clearing out the nose and chest. This is the active ingredient in many chest rubs used when you have a cold. It can help calm an upset stomach and aids in digestion. As with any herb however, there are negative aspects that can occur when taking in excess or when a pre-existing condition is present.

    Skin Problems

    • Peppermint can cause negative effects on the skin. It can cause a burning sensation and burn the eyes. Peppermint can cause hives, rashes and a purpling on the skin. In some cases, it also can cause ulcers and sores, especially in the mouth and face but also on hands, arms, and throat. For those with already hypersensitive skin, it can cause skin to be even more irritated. Some may experience more hypersensitivity on skin.

    Peppermint and Preexisting Conditions

    • If you have a pre-existing condition, peppermint can be a deadly in excess. All the normal side effects will be multiplied. Check with a doctor if you have liver disease, gall bladder problems or acid reflux. Peppermint can be transmitted to the baby while pregnant and through breast milk, giving your child side effects, so avoid it during those times. Gallstones can become worse when peppermint is taken. Those with diabetes should also take caution as well. Consult a medical professional before adding supplements to your diet.

    Internal Side Effects

    • Peppermint can relax the sphincter muscle and cause anal burning. It also can cause acid reflux, burning in the stomach, stomach upset, muscle tremors or headaches. It can also cause a slow heart rate. In excess, it can lead to brain damage, seizure and muscle weakness. It also can cause headaches, dizziness, heartburn and nausea.

    Menthol

    • Menthol, a main component in peppermint, has side effects as well. In children, strong menthol can cause choking. Menthol near eyes can cause burning and stinging. Swelling of the lips and tongue, chest tightness and swelling in throat can also occur. Trouble breathing is another common side effect if taken in excess. Menthol should be taken in moderation. In low doses, the negative effects are not as prevalent.