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What are Dental Fillings?

Dental fillings are artificial substances that are used to fill in the holes or gaps in the enamel of decayed, broken or damaged teeth.

8 Oct 2013

The dental pulp is the innermost part of the tooth. It is housed inside the hard chamber of the tooth which is composed of enamel and dentine. This hard casing around the pulp protects it from infection by microbes present in the mouth.

8 Oct 2013

What is Tooth Enamel?

The tooth is one of the hardest structures in the vertebrate body and is used to break down food for the digestion process.

8 Oct 2013

What is Toothache?

Toothache refers to pain in and around the teeth and jaws and is one of the most common symptoms of dental caries or tooth decay. Toothache may also be a symptom of gingivitis, periodontitis, impacted wisdom teeth, ulcers, sinusitis or dental abscesses.

8 Oct 2013

What is Macroglossia?

The term macroglossia refers to an enlarged tongue. The condition has numerous causes and is most commonly seen in children and young adults. Macroglossia is usually diagnosed based on the appearance of the tongue.

8 Oct 2013

What is Malocclusion?

While occlusion refers to the proper alignment of teeth in the upper and lower jaws so that they fit together to create a healthy "bite," malocclusion refers to a disruption of this alignment and incorrect relation between the upper and lower teeth.

8 Oct 2013

What is Dentin / Dentine?

Dentin or dentine is a layer of material that lies immediately underneath the enamel of the tooth.

8 Oct 2013

What are Dentures?

Dentures are the removable false teeth that are used to replace teeth that have been lost due to tooth decay or injury amongst other causes. Dentures are created to fit snugly with the shape and size of the wearer's jaws and sit across the gums to replace the missing teeth.

8 Oct 2013

What is Cementum?

Cementum is the calcified or mineralized tissue layer covering the root of the tooth which sits inside the gum socket.

8 Oct 2013

What is Ankyloglossia?

Ankyloglossia is a congenital condition commonly known of as "tongue-tie," where the thin band of tissue (lingual frenulum) attaching the middle part of the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth is unusually small and tight, hampering free movement of the tongue and restricting the mobility of the tongue tip. The condition may first be noted by parents within a few weeks of birth, particularly as it interferes with breastfeeding.

8 Oct 2013

Fecal Microbiota Transplantation

The human intestine contains at least 10^14 bacteria, with hundreds to thousands of different species, which exist in harmony with their host. The role of this intestinal flora, or microbiota, in maintaining the health of an individual is increasingly being appreciated.

3 Oct 2013

What is Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD)?

Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) is a form of personality disorder that is estimated to affect around 1% of the American population, with men twice as likely to develop the disorder than women. The exact cause of OCPD is not understood but it is thought that children growing up in severely authoritative environments may be more prone to the condition. In addition, there may be a hereditary element to the condition.

1 Oct 2013

What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is essentially a form of psychotherapy or counselling that may benefit people with mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder and panic disorder. This form of therapy cannot cure mental health problems but can help an individual to cope with the symptoms in a more positive way. The therapy also helps individuals to modify their thought patterns and behaviour in a way that helps them lead a life that is as normal as possible.

1 Oct 2013

What is Dust Mite Allergy?

Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm, Dust mite allergy is a common allergy triggered by dust mites present in the home. The allergy can cause severe reactions in people of any age.

29 Sep 2013

What are Pet Allergies?

Pets are present in over half of all households and having a household pet is especially popular in the developed world, with cats and dogs the two most commonly chosen pets. However, allergies to material shed from a pets body can be a dampener for some.

29 Sep 2013

What is Prickly Heat?

Prickly heat or heat rash describes a cluster of small itchy red blisters across the skin that cause a burning or prickling sensation. Also known of as miliaria, the rash occurs as a result of blocked sweat glands. Obese and overweight individuals are susceptible to prickly heat as are babies and small children due to their under developed sweat glands.

26 Sep 2013

Symptoms of Slapped Cheek Syndrome

Slapped cheek syndrome is a viral infection affecting children aged between 3 and 15 years. Infection with parvovirus B19 causes the condition. This virus is an airborne virus transmitted in much the same way as the cold or flu virus, through inhalation of infected droplets suspended in the atmosphere as a result of infected individuals sneezing or coughing. After inhaling the virus, a child usually takes around a week or two to manifest symptoms.

24 Sep 2013

Diagnosis and Treatment of Slapped Cheek Syndrome

Slapped cheek syndrome or fifth disease is a viral infection most commonly affecting children aged between 3 and 15 years. Diagnosis is usually based on symptoms and clinical features which most commonly involves the appearance of a distinct blotchy red rash across the cheeks accompanied by a sore throat, fever, headaches and upset stomach.

24 Sep 2013

What is Slapped Cheek Syndrome?

Slapped cheek syndrome is a viral infection that mainly affects children, although it can affect individuals of any age.

23 Sep 2013

Symptoms and Diagnosis of Tooth Decay

One of the most prominent symptoms of tooth decay is toothache. This, however, occurs only when the decay has progressed to an advanced stage and eaten away at the hard tooth enamel and into the inner pulp of the tooth where the blood vessels and nerves are contained.

23 Sep 2013