Health News and Scoops

Before whitening your teeth, make sure you have know some important information about the process involved, finding professionals qualified to perform the procedure, and possible side effects.

A teeth whitening products contain peroxide as a main ingredient. It is responsible for bleaching the enamel of your teeth to make them whiter. However, when considering whether or not to get your teeth whitened, make sure you know these important facts:

Process involved

The enamel, which is the first layer of your tooth, is the visible portion when you smile. It is generally clear or semi-translucent. The dentin, which is found below the enamel, is usually yellow. Sometimes the dentin is gray, black, or brown. To be able to whiten the dentin of your tooth, a peroxide solution is applied onto the enamel. This process open the enamel pores and allows the solution to penetrate through to the dentin causing it to lighten and eventually will show a whiter tooth. There are several whitening methods available, including:

* professional in-office bleaching–This method is offers the most favorable whitening benefits in a shorter time period. Although, this is the most expensive option available, this method is done under the direct supervision of your professionally trained dentist. It is best to look for a dentist near you. If you live in New York City, then a Manhattan teeth whitening professional is what you need.
* professional take-home whitening-Tthese are whitening kits prescribed by dentists and are also available in dental clinics. These kits contain highly concentrated peroxide solutions and provide exceptional whitening results in 1 to 2 weeks of use.
* over-the-counter bleaching–the most affordable option. This is the choice of many because apart from the cost, there are many selections of over-the-counter whitening products such as toothpastes, trays, gum strips, floss, and mouth rinse.

Options for people not qualified for this procedure

There are people unable to undergo a tooth whitening procedure. Under certain conditions, the use of any type of whitening product is prohibited when:

* your teeth have restorations such as crowns, fillings, inlay, onlay and veneers.
* your teeth have internal staining, discoloration due to developmental conditions, and teeth that underwent a root canal procedure.
* your teeth are naturally gray or brown because they may not have the desired whitening effect. However, those with yellow teeth typically show best results.
* you are a nursing or pregnant mother because there is not enough research to support whether or not the chemicals used in the procedure are safe for you or you baby.
* there is hypersensitivity of the teeth.

Possible side effects

Tooth whitening products are considerably safe to use. In fact, most users have been satisfied with these procedures and products. However, some individuals may have experienced any of these side effects:

* hypersensitivity during or after the procedure.
* chemical burn, which is also called soft tissue irritation.
* teeth that do not whiten after the procedure.

To have a better understanding on electrical muscle stimulation or EMS, it is helpful to know the following important information basing on its: definition, applications, and FDA regulation.

Your friend tells you about Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) that has been helping her tone her abs and so does your relative trying to prevent muscle atrophy. So what really is EMS? Here are important facts you need to know about Electrical Muscle Stimulation for better understanding:

Definition

Electrical muscle stimulation, otherwise known as neuromuscular electrical stimulation, is the method by which muscles are made to contract using controlled electrical impulses. Pads are adhered to your skin direct (SF7) to the muscles that need stimulation. These pads act as the terminal where electrical impulses go through. Different degrees of electrical impulses are given to different muscles as fibers are not the same among all muscles, causing them to react differently to different stimuli. Different patterns are also applied to particular muscles to achieve different results. For example, some programs or patterns will improve your endurance, while others will help you resist fatigue.

Applications

It was Luigi Galvani during the late 1700s who showed that current can acutally cause activation of muscles. Many researches and experiments were made from then on in an effort to come up with the electrical properties that can cause the movement of muscles. Studies were also made to understand the different applications and uses of EMS. To date, EMS is used for rehabilitative and therapeutic purposes, as well as for training and aesthetic functions.

• Rehabilitative and therapeutic. EMS is popularly known to prevent muscle atrophy or decrease in muscle mass. It also helps in rehabilitating patients who have undergone serious injuries, stroke, or major surgeries. EMS basically aims to recover impaired muscle functions brought about by the said conditions, without affecting the patient’s appearance. It helps relax muscle spasms and increase range of muscle motion. In addition, EMS can result to a more balanced mood in the same way as exercising does, thus making it helpful for those individuals with mild depression.

• Training. EMS devices are also known, since it has been studied in the 20th century, to help in the training of athletes by allowing them to gain more force and endurance through a series and pattern of muscular contractions.

• Aesthetic. Electronic muscle stimulation can benefit you in the same way as exercising does, but not to the extent that your muscles will increase its size as effected by strength training or even weight lifting exercises. Like what EMS belts do, as flex belt, it can tone and help shape your muscles. Although not proven, many claim that EMS devices can also help you lose weight, together with proper diet and exercise by burning calories in specific areas of your body targeted by EMS.

FDA regulation

All electrical muscle stimulation devices sold in the market are controlled by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). EMS devices are categorized into two types under FDA’s control, namely over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription EMS devices. OTC devices are those mainly for personal use to tone muscles, while prescription EMS devices are those whom you are required of a prescription to get one for therapeutic purposes. This particular type of EMS devices usually require the supervision of a licensed physical therapist to ensure proper application. Devices that do not go through them are considered to be illegal and can be dangerous for personal use. There have been reports of shock, electrocutions, burns, and interference with other devices. FDA makes sure that these devices are properly designed and made to be safe and effective for different applications.

Electrical muscle stimulation has been a great discovery that answers certain medical, training, and aesthetic concerns. If you are planning to get one for yourself, make sure you know your goal, so you will know if using EMS device can actually help you. Make sure that you choose an EMS device that has passed the standards of and is accredited by FDA to make sure it is effective and safe to use.