Friday, November 25, 2011

How to Help Your Older Adult Get Out of Drug Abuse?

It is often known that people get used to alcohol and drug abuse for many reasons. Even older adults get addicted to drugs and suffer from serious health issues. In spite of their weak health conditions, they often get used to drugs. With lower metabolic rates, the illegal drugs and their metabolites retain in their body for a longer time making them sensitive to serious and long-term health effects. However, it is necessary for you to help them turn away from drug abuse. Go through to know some tips for achieving this.

More often older people use drugs when they are left alone at home. So, make sure that you do not leave them alone. Try to spend time with them and talk about your worries about their substance abuse. Explain them that using drugs and alcohol at that age is really harmful to their health. If possible, ask them to go to doctor visits. Otherwise try to consult the doctor yourself and seek suggestions on how to quit the substance abuse problem in the older adults. Schedule meetings with healthcare professionals to provide counseling for them. Also, motivation and encouragement from family helps to turn them away from substance abuse.

Advise drug-free and alcohol-free activities for them. For instance, take them for a walk along a park in the evenings. Give support and encourage them to make time for grand children, family gatherings, friends and other extracurricular activities. Design an established daily routine which includes activities that promote healthy living and thereby reduce the adverse effects of substance abuse.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Causes of White Spots on Gums

Like white spots on teeth, some people suffer from white spots on gums too. There are many causes for formation of white spots on gums and they range from allergic reactions to oral cancers.

Growth of fungus called Candida on the gums is the most common cause of formation of white spots. It is seen in every individual and is controlled by the natural friendly bacteria present in the mouth. However, the bacteria may get weakened with drugs or antibiotics and this may avoid the control of Candida growth. With this, the fungus flourishes and white spots appear on gums.

Leukoplakia is the other major cause of white spots on gums. It is a condition where white patches are developed on the mucus membranes. More often people using tobacco face this problem. White plaque is formed anywhere in the mouth, inside the cheek, on the gums, under the tongue, on the roof of mouth or below the lips. Certain spots appeared on the gums may be cancerous while some others may not. However, some may indicate a pre-cancerous situation which is a result of chronic irritation. More often, tobacco smokers suffer from chronic heat irritation from the cigarette or pipe and develop leukoplakia.

It is also found that people using teeth whiteners experience white spots on gums. This may be because of the contact of hydrogen peroxide present in any kind of bleaching gel with the gums. Even, salivary gland inflammation is considered to cause white spots on gums. Redness and inflammation of gums is also seen in this case. Sometimes, development of bony growth in jaw are thought to cause white spots on gums. In this case, the protrusion of bone makes the gums appear white but actually no white spots are formed. Some white spots on gums may be cysts filled with fluid. They may also be canker sores. Whatever may be the reason of white spots, it is necessary to consult a dentist immediately and get right treatment.

How to Prevent Tooth Plaque?

Dental plaque is a layer of bacteria and its byproducts deposited on the surface of the tooth and gums. This is to be removed immediately without which many dental problems like tooth decay, tooth loss, gingivitis and periodontitis may result. Prevention of tooth plaque is, therefore, important. Here are some tips which help in plaque removal.

  • The foremost thing to be done to clean the plaque is to brush regularly after each meal or twice a day. However, you should use soft, round-tip bristled toothbrush. Proper attention should be given to the space where the teeth and gums meet. Remember to use fluoride toothpaste.
  • Regular flossing at least once a day is necessary to remove any plaque deposited in the oral cavity. This removes food particles and any other trapped particles along with plaque from the areas where the toothbrush cannot reach.
  • Professional dental cleaning from a dentist helps to remove plaque and tartar.
  • Interdental cleaning aids also help in preventing tooth plaque. Antiseptic mouthwashhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifes, dental picks, oral irrigators, dental fillings and so on are some of the treatment options for plaque.
  • Dental sealants which are the protective barriers attached to the surface of the teeth also serve better options for removing dental plaque. Dental sealants include a thin and plastic coating which are painted on the chewing surfaces of the teeth ensuring protection from tooth decay and cavities.
  • Controlled diet with limited sugary or starchy foods should be maintained. It is very much necessary to avoid excessive intake of sticky foods.

Following these tips is very much necessary to prevent dental plaque. Any negligence of these simple issues end you up in complicated dental problems costing you a lot.

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Reasons to Use Small Dog Carriers

It is often difficult for pet owners to leave their small puppies at home when going out for a weekend. This is often a problem for people who live in apartments. So, they ensure to take them along by choosing small dog carriers.

When taking a small dog to the dog park or beach, it may not behave properly while in the vehicle. It may jump on to the driver or the gears disturbing the driver and other passengers. This may be one of the reasons for some car accidents. So, purchase a dog carrier to make sure that the pet kept in it is calm and safe. This also assures the driver to drive safely without any disturbances. A dog carrier is a right option to take your pet to the veterinarian's clinic. Many other animals will be there in the clinic and your dog may get frightened. Or some other furious ones may attack your pet. So, in order to assure that no such issues arise, keep your pet in the small dog carrier.

Pet travel by flight considers many issues as all airlines do not accept pets. However, some allow pets to travel but with many restrictions. Special airline-approved carriers should be preferred to travel dogs by plane. While some dogs are kept in a cargo, some others which are small enough to be carried with you can be placed in a small dog carrier.

Various sizes, designs and styles of small dog carriers are available. It is only your responsibility to choose the right one suitable for your dog. While some prefer bag models, some others opt purse carriers, some choose backpacks and strollers. Consider the size and weight of your dog and choose the right carrier.