Stretch marks aren’t a medical concern, but they are something that most people find to be aesthetically unpleasant. Following this, many individuals choose to remove these marks surgically in order to restore their appearance to something that they’re happy with. So can hormones cause stretch marks?

There are many different plausible causes for stretch marks, and determining the source of your own might help you to treat your own. One of the more common sources for the formation of stretch marks is the production of the stress hormone cortisol.

Can Hormones Cause Stretch Marks?

If you’re suffering from stretch marks, take a look at this guide that describes some of the elements surrounding this procedure in cosmetic dermatology. 

What Are Stretch Marks?

Stretch marks, or striae, are indented streaks that appear on the abdomen, breasts, and other areas of the body. There is the potential for these marks to appear almost anywhere on the body, and they are oftentimes the result of the skin being stretched past its point of comfort, which creates an abnormal appearance.

Overall, stretch marks aren’t painful or medically concerning but appear in a way that most people don’t like. Fortunately, many stretch marks don’t require treatment and will fade over time. On the other hand, many will never disappear completely without some type of treatment.

Severe stretch marks can impact one’s self-esteem and emotional health, so if you’re suffering from these side effects, it doesn’t hurt to investigate your treatment options so that you can restore your appearance and stop worrying about these elements. It likely will end up saving you a large amount of stress in the long run.

Symptoms of Stretch Marks

Stretch marks can appear in many different ways. They often depend on the contributing factors that have led to the development of the marks. Some of the more common appearances that stretch marks can take include the following:

· Bright streaks that fade away

· Streaks that cover large sections of the body

· Streaks of the following colors: pink, red, discolored, blue, black or purple

· Indented streaks or lines on the abdomen, hips, breasts, buttocks, or many other places on the body

The symptoms of stretch marks can vary wildly from patient to patient. In rare cases, stretch marks can cover wide parts of the body, mostly as a reaction to corticosteroid medications and rare conditions such as Cushing syndrome.

Although stretch marks aren’t medically concerning, you should look into medically treating your stretch marks if they cause you sufficient mental or emotional distress. Consulting with your physician should be able to help you create a treatment plan and identify your best path forward.

Causes of Stretch Marks

At its root, the primary cause of stretch marks is the stretching of the skin. How severe they are depends on several different factors, including your genetics, the degree of stress on your body and skin, as well as the presence of various hormones such as cortisol.

Cortisol is a stress hormone that is produced by the adrenal glands in situations of stress or heightened activity. This stress hormone has the potential to negatively impact many elements of the skin, including its elasticity.

Fortunately, many stretch marks will naturally fade over time, meaning that many individuals won’t have to resort to more serious treatments to deal with their own problems. However, there are many different treatment options available for those who wish to deal with their own medicine.

Risk Factors for Stretch Marks

Stretch marks can develop on anyone’s skin, but there are certain risk factors that can make their appearance more likely. Some of the more common risk factors that lead to the development of stretch marks include:

· The use of corticosteroids

· Exercise and the use of anabolic steroids

· Genetic disorders such as Cushing syndrome or Marfan syndrome

· Receiving breast enlargement surgery

· Rapidly weight gain or loss

· Rapid growth in adolescence or childhood

· Pregnancy, with special levels of risk occurring during the third trimester.

· Being prone to developing stretch marks in your personal or family history

You can discuss with your physician which risk factors might have a part to play in the development of your own stretch marks. This can help the two of you develop a plan to treat your own effectively.

Your Trusted Resource for Cosmetic Dermatology

Epione Beverly Hills is one of the best resources you have for your various needs for cosmetic surgery. If you have visible stretch marks that you would like to have removed, take a look at our website and contact us to schedule an appointment to discuss your non-surgical stretch mark removal. 

Sleep apnea is associated with a variety of health considerations, including oral health issues. Interestingly, some dental problems can contribute or even cause sleep apnea. In this article we will talk about the connection between dental health and sleep apnea. We will also answer the question: “How treating sleep apnea improves oral health?” 

Why Is Sleep Apnea Dangerous

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder associated with breath interruptions during sleep cycles. The danger of sleep apnea is that it disrupts oxygen flow to the lungs. This can increase blood pressure, strain the heart, negatively influence energy levels and mental performance throughout the day. Needless to say, these side effects have long-term health complications. 

Symptoms of Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea, as any other illness, should be diagnosed by your doctor. However, there is a list of symptoms that, if present, can prompt you to consult a specialist. You might suffer from sleep apnea if the following happens during sle:

• Loud snoring
• Gasping for air
• Interruptions in breathing 
• Waking up with a headache and/or dry mouth
• Trouble staying asleep

Also, there are symptoms associated with sleep apnea that can be present during the day:

• Decreased energy levels and fatigue
• Decreased concentration and forgetfulness
• Irritability
• Anxiety and depression (especially in women)
• Asthma exacerbation, or bed-wetting in children

Oral Health Issues Associated with Sleep Apnea

Deep and sufficient sleep is crucial for the health of the whole body. Sleep Apnea disrupts sleep cycles, resulting in all sorts of problems. Some illnesses that might develop as a result of sleep apnea include: 

Bruxism (teeth grinding and jaw clenching)

You might not know that you grind your teeth and clench your jaw at night, because it happens involuntarily when you are asleep. Indicators that you have bruxism might include:

• Headaches, jaw and neck pain
• Erosion of teeth surfaces
• Cracked, chipped and even broken teeth
• Sore spots inside the mouth
• Lips, mouth and throat dryness upon awakening

Some of these symptoms can be spotted only by your dentist. That is why we recommend having regular checkups at the dental office. Diagnosing a problem at an early stage increases the chances of successful treatment.

TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder

Temporomandibular joints connect the lower and the upper jaws. Symptoms of TMJ disorder include:

• Jaw pain
• Head, neck and shoulders pain
• Difficulties chewing
• Clicking sounds in the jaw joints
• Locked jaw or inability to open or close your mouth for a period of time

Mouth Breathing

Snoring and gasping for air caused by sleep apnea go hand in hand with breathing through your mouth instead of your nose. This leads to mouth and throat dryness and tooth decay. It also increases the risk of mouth sores, gingivitis (gum inflammation), and gum disease.

How Treating Sleep Apnea Improves Oral Health

We recommend getting a professional opinion as soon as possible if you suspect you might have sleep apnea. Your dentist might suggest ways to alleviate the some symptoms of sleep apnea, making its negative effects on oral health less pronounced.

Possible courses of action for treating negative consequences of sleep apnea for oral health can include:

• Your dentist might refer you to a specialist who can prescribe CPAP treatment. A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine generates pressure with the help of a small and quiet motor. The air is taken in through a filter, pressurized, and delivered via a tube to the mask worn by a patient during sleep.
• Orthodontics treatments might be used to fix teeth and bite misalignment. This can reduce strain in the jaw joints, reduce neck and back pain.
• Dental mouthpiece can be used in managing teeth grinding and jaw clenching habits. In fact, this is an extremely effective way to improve sleep and oral health. Ask your dentist to recommend a mouthpiece that is suitable for you. 

Sleep apnea treatment and available dental treatments for problems associated with sleep apnea, can noticeably improve oral and overall health. The risks of tooth decay and gum disease can be significantly reduced as well. This can have a positive influence on the heart and digestive system, as these are two organs weakened the most by dental infections.

Make an Appointment Today

As we mentioned before, untreated sleep apnea can be associated with a big range of cardiovascular (hypertension, atherosclerosis), brain (stroke, brain damage, cognitive dysfunction), metabolic (diabetes, obesity), and systemic (depression, anxiety) issues. Normal sleep is extremely important for staying healthy and having a good quality of life.

Make your first step towards improving your sleep and dental health today by making an appointment at our office. We are looking forward to welcoming you at Smiles of Arcadia. 

Implants are a fantastic modern solution for people who need to replace their natural teeth. Tooth loss can occur due to many different factors, but regardless of the reason, it causes significant inconvenience in daily life. Dental implants can be used to replace one tooth or as many as the whole set of 32 teeth. If you are considering choosing implants as a dental restoration option, you might be wondering: how do full mouth implants feel? Below we will answer this question and talk about the procedure of dental implants in our dental office.

What is Full Mouth Implants Dental Restoration?

Full mouth implants solution does not mean that you will have screws for all 32 teeth inserted in your mouth. Typically, 4 or 6 implant posts are used per arch. This number is sufficient for supporting full fixed arch or prosthetic teeth. 

The Procedure Of Full Mouth Implants

If there are still some natural teeth in your mouth that you need to remove in order to get the full mouth implants for dental restoration, it will be done as a first step. The procedure of getting full mouth implants starts with a scan and checking your medical history to make sure that you are eligible for receiving dental implants and that your mouth will be able to heal successfully. Then a customized treatment plan is made. Choosing the shape, size, and shade of your future implants is the next step.

On the day of the surgery, the necessary number of metal posts will be screwed into your jawbone, and a temporary set of teeth will be placed in your mouth. Typically, some time is allowed for the implanted posts to fuse with your bone and for the healing process. When this is done, a permanent dental restoration will be placed in your mouth.

How Do Full Mouth Implants Feel?

Dental implants are a very comfortable permanent teeth replacement solution. It has numerous advantages compared to, for example, dentures, when it comes to eating and maintaining oral hygiene. On top of that, dental implants look great. 

This being said, full mouth implants do not feel exactly like your natural teeth. The main difference between natural teeth and dental implants is that the latter, being fully artificial, do not have nerves. The absence of nerves means that dental implants can not feel pressure, changes in temperature, or pain. Having a full set of artificial teeth can feel unusual at first and might require some time to get used to. Typically it takes about 1 to 2 months to get used to having full mouth dental implants.

Dental implants are a considerable improvement in comfort compared to lack of teeth or to dentures. Another advantage of dental implants being artificial teeth is that they will not get cavities or require complicated treatments like, for example, root canal therapy. The only issue that can occur with full mouth implants is inflammation or infection around the 

Full Mouth Dental Implants Versus Dentures

Dentures

Dentures tend to allow only about 30% of the natural chewing force. This means that eating a lot of the foods you are used to becomes a big challenge or impossible. On top of that, the whole roof of the mouth is covered with dentures, meaning that a lot of the taste buds are blocked from experiencing the taste of food. 

Most dentures use suction to be attached to your gums. You can also use adhesive to help them stay in place. Dentures can sometimes get dislodged or fall out unexpectedly when eating, causing a lot of inconvenience, discomfort, or even pain to the patient. 

You have to take them out after every meal to clean. Also, you should take them out for the night  to store in water or a special solution.

Snapping Dentures

This dental restoration is supported by dental implants. When putting it in, it is literally snapped onto the implanted posts. This makes it more secure than the traditional dentures and gives you about 60 to 65 % of your natural chewing force. 

The snaps can wear out over time and typically have to be replaced every 1 to 2 years. Otherwise the dentures become loose and can start getting dislodged when eating too easily. This type of dentures is removable and should be removed and cleaned well after every meal. You can taste food better with this type of dentures, as they do not cover the roof of your mouth.

Full Mouth Dental Implants

The biting force with full mouth dental implants is the same as with your natural teeth. On top of that, they do not cover the roof of your mouth. The pressure from the bite is distributed evenly throughout the mouth. This means that you will be able to enjoy a wide range of foods without issue. 

When getting full mouth dental implants, everything is completely customizable: the color and shape of the teeth, and even the color of the part representing the gums. Dental implants are made from very strong materials, do not easily break, and tend to last 10 years on average. They are secure in your mouth, are not removable and do not ever shift around or feel loose. 

The cleaning process of full mouth implants is similar to that of real teeth. However, flossing is different and takes time getting used to. You will be taught how to properly care for your full mouth implants by your dentist.

Make an Appointment Today

Getting dental implants can be a big decision to make. But getting dental implants in Arcadia is a great option. In Smiles of Arcadia we will make sure to carefully examine your case and to suggest the best solution for you. Our dental implant specialists are looking forward to welcoming you to our office.

It should go without saying that having a healthy heart is vital to living life to its highest potential. Poor heart health has the potential to be highly debilitating and in its most intense degree, deadly. Below, we cover how to destress your heart.

However, there are many different ways that an individual can take their heart health into their own hands and try to improve it, in conjunction with the recommendations of cardiology doctors. Doing so can make the difference between having a healthy heart and developing issues down the line.

How to Destress Your Heart

If you’re considering the health of your heart and would like to stay on top of it any way that you can, take a look at this list of ways that you can help to destress your heart.

Stress and the Heart

Over time, stress has the potential to impact one’s heart health in profound ways. That being said, the exact science behind this can be somewhat difficult to pin down, as every individual’s experience of stress is somewhat different.

However, the effects of stress on the heart have the potential to impact the heart in severe ways, leading to a number of devastating consequences, including the following conditions:

• Heart disease
• Mood disorders
• Sleep issues
• Appetite issues
• Decreased energy

In addition, stress can influence one’s behavior, which can lead one to making decisions that are furtherly unhealthy for one’s heart. This includes drinking excessive alcohol, smoking, or eating unhealthy food. Thus, stress management becomes a balancing act between coping with stress and dealing with unhealthy habits.

Ways to Destress the Heart:

1.  Exercise

Exercise is one of the best things you can do for your health in general, and it greatly improves your prospects for delaying the development of various health issues of the heart. The type of exercise that you choose to engage in is up to you. However, aerobic exercise is considered key for the maintenance of heart health. Jogging, swimming, and other types of exercise can help improve your blood pressure, strengthen your heart muscle, and help you maintain a healthy weight.

2.  Meditation

Meditation is another activity that can help you maintain a sense of equilibrium surrounding the health of your heart. There are many different styles of meditation available to try, and you don’t have to be an adherent to a particular religion to participate in them. Meditation has been shown to relax the body and the mind, and give individuals an edge in the health of their heart.

3.  Stay Positive

Staying positive has the potential to give you a boost in your heart health. Laughing and keeping a positive attitude has been shown to benefit one’s health in general, and reduce stress hormones, reduce inflammation in the arteries, and increase the beneficial types of cholesterol.

4.  Unplug

We are constantly barraged with various types of information in our modern world due to the fact that we have unlimited amounts of information at the end of our noses all of the time. Although this access to information and entertainment has many benefits, the stress it can induce can affect one’s health over time. Taking some time to unplug from television and your phone can be a big boost to your health in general and give you more time to focus on the things that are truly important in life.

5.  Find Ways to Destress

Sometimes, destressing can be a highly personal process and one that can be quite fun. Actively seeking out things that reduce your stress and make you feel better can involve many different things. This can include activities like the following:

• Listening to music
• Taking a bath
• Taking a long walk
• Picking up a hobby
• Focusing less on work

Of course, you’ll have many other options on your hands in terms of finding the things that destress you on a personal level. Brainstorming this with your physician is one of the things that you can do when you consult with your cardiologist.

The Top Cardiologist in Los Angeles

Setting up a consultation with a professional cardiologist can give you a head start on attaining optimal heart health. That’s why finding one that you connect with can be a key element of your long-term health plan. When it comes to the health of your heart, short cuts simply won’t do.

Apex Cardiology is the top cardiologist in the Los Angeles area, giving its patients the best treatment options possible to give them optimal heart health. If you want to talk with an expert about your heart health, then contact us today to schedule a cardiac stress test. 

A tummy tuck can provide a patient with a restored sense of confidence and happiness with their appearance. These elements have contributed to the procedure maintaining a high level of popularity over the years. Below, we cover our comprehensive tummy tuck recovery guide.

However, many who might be interested in receiving this procedure might not know what to expect out of the recovery process. This amounts to essential information, as it can have big effects on the patient’s quality of life moving forward.

Tummy Tuck Recovery Guide

If you have a tummy tuck planned, take a look at this guide that describes some of the elements of the recovery process with a Tummy Tuck in Beverly Hills. 

What Occurs During a Tummy Tuck?

By removing extra skin and strengthening loose or divided abdominal muscles, a stomach tuck treats loose skin in the abdominal area. This usually leads to a more muscular body. These operations are frequently incorporated into mommy makeover procedures since they are quite popular with women who want to tighten their muscles after giving birth.

The fact that stomach tucks can treat loose skin that is unresponsive to diet and exercise contributes to their popularity. This is frequently the case because simply decreasing more fat will not cause loose skin to naturally tighten again.

What is the Projected Recovery Time for a Tummy Tuck?

There are many different types of recovery scenarios that are possible in a tummy tuck. This is due to the fact that the recovery process is highly variable depending on your exact medical situation. Some of the factors that can influence how your recovery plays out include the following variables:

• The patient’s general health
• Post-surgery care options
• The patient’s age
• The type of tummy tuck that is performed

After your procedure is complete, your surgeon will be able to offer you a more specific timeline for your recovery process. Generally speaking, you can expect to feel more normal around the eight-week mark after your procedure.

Different Types of Tummy Tucks

Much of what will ultimately influence your recovery process is the exact type of tummy tuck that you receive. For example, if you get an extended tummy tuck rather than a mini tummy tuck, you can expect a much longer recovery process than from the latter.

Generally speaking, the more complex of a procedure that you undergo, the longer you can expect from your recovery process. If you know this prior to going in for treatment, then you likely will end up in a stronger position for both your initial procedure and the recovery process.

Steps in the Tummy Tuck Recovery Process

There are several stages to the recovery process regardless of what type of tummy tuck you receive. In addition, your surgeon will give you a set of safety precautions to undergo in order to ensure your speedy recovery.

One important precaution to take is to choose your surgeon carefully and ensure that you select a board-certified surgeon for your procedure. This can give you the peace of mind that your medical health is in the hands of a consummate professional. The stages of the tummy tuck recovery process include the following:

Immediately after surgery: 

After your procedure is complete, your abdomen will be covered in surgical dressing, and in many cases, there will be thin, small tubes that are placed around your surgical incision. This is a common part of the procedure and shouldn’t cause you any discomfort.

At home: 

You should set aside a couple of days to relax at home right after your surgery. You’ll be prescribed pain medication for your recovery and will likely experience some limited mobility. In addition, you likely will not be able to drive yourself home. You also will have difficulty with bending, lifting, and standing. Plan to take it easy and not exert yourself.

Daily maintenance: 

Your physician will give you a set of instructions to follow in terms of caring for your surgical area. This might include taking antibiotics and anticoagulants for a certain length of time. In addition, you should refrain from smoking tobacco, drinking alcohol, and imbibing any other toxic substances during your recovery period. This is because it has the potential to interfere with your healing to a high degree.

The Top Plastic Surgeon in Beverly Hills

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery Inc is one of the best and most thorough plastic surgeons in the Los Angeles area. If you need a tummy tuck performed with sensitivity and care, schedule a consultation with us today and find out why we’re the best plastic surgeon in Los Angeles.

Breast augmentation can help make an individual’s outer appearance more closely match their inner idea of how they should look. Its dependability and power have made it one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures available for years. Below, we cover our top 10 breast augmentation myths.

However, like many plastic surgery procedures, there are some unhealthy and inaccurate myths that are associated with this procedure. These myths can inhibit patients who might otherwise benefit from receiving this type of treatment.

Top 10 Breast Augmentation Myths

If you have breast augmentation planned or are just thinking about receiving this procedure, take a look at some of the myths you can discount from preventing you from seeking plastic surgery in Beverly Hills. 

1.  Breast Implants Need to Be Replaced Frequently

On the contrary, the materials that compose modern breast implants are designed to be highly resilient and can last for quite a long time. In general, you won’t need to replace them unless they suffer some kind of abnormal fissure, such as a rupture or leak. Engaging in regular checkups can help a physician detect abnormalities prior to any kind of issue arising.

2.  Saline Implants are Safer

Saline and silicone implants are both considered safe, and the choice mostly amounts to personal preference in terms of the feel of the implants. Each type of implant carries with it its own set of distinctive advantages. One advantage that comes with saline implants is that in the case of a rupture, the salt water that fills saline implants is completely natural.

3.  Breast Implants Can Create Health Risks

Breast implants are considered safe by the medical community and the FDA. Getting approved by the FDA requires passing rigorous tests. Over the course of decades of study, there have been very few associations made between breast implants and lasting health issues.

4.  Augmented Breast Appear Unnatural

The process that surrounds breast implants has been much refined over the decades. Patients can now expect to have more natural-looking results than what one’s stereotypical image of an individual with implants might look like. This opens up the opportunity for patients with various tastes to consider receiving this type of surgery.

5.  Implanted Breasts Can Impact Breastfeeding

This is a myth that has very little bearing in reality. Most patients receive breast implants at a young age, which allows the implants to integrate into their body prior to child-bearing age. A successful implantation should not interfere with normal breastfeeding.

6.  There are No Limits to Breast Implants

The goal of a breast augmentation process is to create the most satisfying and natural appearing results possible. This means that sometimes there need to be limits to the amount of growth and cup size that can be given to a patient for safety and aesthetic reasons. A patient’s height, weight, and breast size are contributing factors to this.

7.  Only Young Women Can Receive Breast Implants

It is true that younger women are the primary patients who receive breast augmentation, they aren’t the only individuals who receive this treatment. Many older women choose to receive this treatment after childbirth or as their bodies lose their tightness and youthful features.

8.  Breast Implant Surgery Can Be Performed by Any Plastic Surgeon

Like any complex plastic surgery, skilled specialists with a successful history of performing the procedure are to be sought out in order to create the best results. This is why vetting your surgeon prior to your procedure is highly important for any patient.

9.  Breast Augmentation Offers Immediate Results

There will be a clear difference in size almost immediately following your procedure. However, this doesn’t mean that the full bearing of your results will be completely apparent immediately following your procedure. Patients often have to wait a few weeks for the swelling from their procedure to completely subside and settle into their final appearance.

10. Larger Implants are Better

The best type of implant is the kind that fits and complements the form of the patient the best. In fact, the idea that breast implants need to be large in order to be successful is a slightly outdated conception. In fact, it’s more in vogue nowadays to produce more modest and natural-looking results in the implant process.

The Top Plastic Surgeon in Beverly Hills

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery is considered one of the best plastic surgeons in Southern California. If you have an interest in receiving breast augmentation in Beverly Hills and are curious whether or not you would benefit from this procedure, contact us today in order to schedule a consultation.

Teeth whitening can offer a patient a big boost in confidence by giving them a brighter and more radiant smile. It’s one of the most requested procedures in dentistry for this very reason. Below, we look at how long does teeth whitening last.

However, many who might be interested in receiving this type of dental work might not know how long they can expect their results. The good news is that, in general, a patient’s results can last for quite a long time if they’re well taken care of.

How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last?

If you have a teeth whitening procedure planned, take a look at this overview that describes how long you can expect your results to last.

What is Teeth Whitening?

Teeth whitening is a set of practices that can make one’s teeth appear whiter. Because having pearly white teeth is one of the most highly sought-after elements of our culture’s beauty standard, these procedures have become extremely popular.

There are many different types of teeth whitening procedures. Some can be bought over-the-counter, while others are applied in-office in the dental office. Each method has its own set of advantages. Some of the more popular types of teeth whitening procedures include:

· Whitening toothpaste

· Whitening rinses

· Whitening strips

· Whitening pens

· DIY whitening tray kits

· In-Office bleaching

· KoR teeth whitening system

· Laser teeth whitening

Your dentist can help to determine what will be the overall most beneficial for your particular situation during a consultation.

Intrinsic and Extrinsic Stains

Teeth stains come in a variety of forms that can damage and discolor teeth. The origins of these stains are divided into two categories: intrinsic and extrinsic. Whiter teeth can have a positive

Stains that start inside the enamel of your teeth are known as intrinsic stains. There may be instances of intrinsic discoloration in young teeth and gums. Additional causes of intrinsic staining include dental enamel thinning with age and exposure to fluoride. There’s a chance that it may also have hereditary roots.

Stains that appear on the outside of your teeth are known as extrinsic stains. Exposure to environmental factors that discolor teeth causes these stains. The most prevalent causes of these stains include coffee, smoking, and other staining agents.

Factors That Can Influence Your Longevity

Many of the things that can influence the longevity of your results are the very things that can impact the overall health of your teeth and cause staining in general. Taking note of the following can impact your teeth whitening results to a very large degree:

· The food and drink you consume: If you have a tendency to eat large amounts of sugary foods or foods that have a tendency to stain your teeth, you may impact your results and cause them to fade sooner rather than later. Colas, coffee, wine, and other substances are all examples of things that can influence this.

· The type of teeth whitening method you use: Whether you decide to go with at-home teeth whitening or in-office treatment can have an impact on the longevity of your results. In-office treatments are generally thought to last longer.

· The overall color of your teeth: The color of your teeth prior to your treatment can impact how long your results last. If you have darker-shaded teeth, you might need to return for more extensive treatments in the future.

· How old you are: As one ages, their teeth naturally begin to become more yellow. This means that if you receive teeth whitening treatment later in life, there’s a strong chance that your results won’t last for as long.

Professional vs. At-Home Whitening

One of the main benefits of in-office tooth whitening is that patients may usually see noticeable improvements faster. Nevertheless, even with this kind of tooth whitening, it usually takes several sessions to get the desired level of whiteness.

Furthermore, a lot of these sessions can be costly, and insurance frequently doesn’t cover them. To find out whether your operation will be covered, you might need to get in touch with your insurance company on your own.

Power bleaching and laser therapy are two of the main teeth-whitening instruments in a dentist’s toolbox. Before you get treatment, your dentist can decide which one is best for you during a screening session.

The Best Dentist in Arcadia

Premier Dental Esthetics is widely considered to be one of the best dentists in Arcadia. If you’re interested in receiving a teeth whitening in Arcadia and would like to discuss the prospect with a consummate professional, contact us today in order to schedule a consultation.

Dental sedation is a very helpful modern method that helps both the patient and the dentist. Some patients might experience acute anxiety during dental procedures. This makes the process extremely uncomfortable. On top of that, if the procedure is difficult or long, having the patient sedated can help the dentist to perform the procedure in a proper manner. 

Is Sedation Dentistry Safe While Pregnant?

Typically, sedation is considered safe for general patients. However, expecting a child is a delicate condition, and patients want to know if sedation dentistry is safe while pregnant. In this article, we will go through the possible concerns patients may have about the effects sedation can have on the unborn child. Also, the article will help you determine if sedation dentistry is right for you when you are pregnant.

What Is Sedation Dentistry

The main focus of sedation dentistry is to alleviate stress and pain during dental procedures. The levels of sedation depend on the individual needs of the patient and on the length and difficulty of the procedure. There are different types of sedation:

Oral conscious sedation

Medication for this type of sedation usually comes in a pill form. Typically, a patient takes the medication an hour before the procedure. You might expect feeling sleepy or actually falling asleep after taking the medication. But it is easy to wake the patient up, and they can communicate with their dentist without any issues. Patients have to make sure that they have someone to drive them back home after the procedure, as the medication can temporary affect memory and motor skills. 

Intravenous sedation

IV sedation is a deeper form of sedation than oral conscious sedation. The medication is delivered into the bloodstream through an IV line. The dosage of the medication can be adjusted at any point during the procedure if necessary. Also, reversal medications can be used if need be. Typically, after receiving IV sedation, patients fall asleep and later have almost no memory of the procedure. This method is usually used in cases of very long and complicated procedures or if the level of anxiety is unbearable for the patient.

Nitrous oxide (also known as laughing gas)

The medication is delivered by inhaling nitrous oxide through the mask. You can expect the calming effects to start in 3 to 5 minutes. The amount of sedation can also be adjusted during the procedure. After the dental procedure, the patient receives oxygen to remove nitrous oxide from their body, which happens quite quickly. Usually, this method does not have any effects once the procedure is over, and the patient can drive home by themselves.

Your general health condition and medical history will determine the choice of sedation appropriate for you.

Is Sedation Dentistry Safe While Pregnant

Even though there are different opinions on sedation dentistry during pregnancy, some doctors advise against using this method when pregnant. In fact, sedation has not been proven safe for pregnant patients. The concern is that some of the chemicals contained in sedation medication might pass through the placenta. This can result in developmental issues in the unborn child. 

The stage of pregnancy can also determine if you can have sedation in cases when it is unavoidable. Usually, the second trimester is considered to be the safest time to undergo sedation. Undergoing sedation during both the first and third trimesters can cause problems with development and labor. 

Dental Treatments While Pregnant

There are still options to alleviate the pain during dental procedures while pregnant. Topically applied numbing medications are safe to use for both you and the child.

On top of that, preventative dentistry is a big help when it comes to pregnant patients. Pregnancy brings a lot of hormonal changes to the body. There is also a possibility of higher carbohydrate consumption and an increased amount of acid in the mouth caused by morning sickness. These lead to weakening of the tooth enamel and to cavities and tooth decay. Make sure to constantly maintain good oral hygiene to avoid acid and food debris collecting in your mouth. This can ensure that complex treatments will not be necessary while you are pregnant.

It is a good idea to see your dentist regularly while pregnant to have checkups and cleanings that are totally safe for pregnant patients. These preventative measures will help you avoid health complications caused by tooth decay and infections.

Make an appointment with one of our qualified dentists at Smiles of Arcadia to ensure your and your unborn child’s health.

Hands are one of the most visible and exposed parts of the body. Given their vast set of utilitarian purposes, it shouldn’t surprise that these appendages are some of the most vulnerable parts of the body to the affects of aging. Why do hands age so quickly?

Why Do Hands Age So Quickly?

Many people would implement higher levels of hand care if they knew the best way to approach this type of care. If you’re concerned about trying to keep the effects of aging away from your hands, then take a look at this overview of the subject with relation to cosmetic dermatology.  

Differences in the Skin

The skin of the hands is much more delicate than the skin on our faces. However, the hands receive almost as much sun exposure as our faces, and we feel the effects of this exposure much more severely than the latter body part.

Age spots, fine lines and wrinkles can all start to appear on the skin of one’s hands much more quickly than on other parts of the body. For this reason, the hands can oftentimes appear older than the rest of an individual.

Sun Damage

The hands are a part of the body that is prone to sun damage. This is partially because individuals have a tendency to neglect to protect this part of the body from solar rays with sunblock and the like. Over time, the sun wil definitely impact the appearance and health of the skin of your hands.

Vigorous application of SPF sunblock is one way to protect your hands against the harmful rays of the sun. Reapplying sunblock to your hands after they get wet will help to apply continual protection to them.

Weathering the Elements

Constant exposure to the elements can make the skin of one’s hands appearance – well, weathered after some time. The hands are one of the parts of the body most exposed to this type of problem.

Cold temperatures, strong winds, ice, and snow, as well as artificial weather-producing conditions such as air conditioning and central heating, can all impact the health of the skin of the hands. Small steps such as wearing gloves when outside can make a difference, as can applying moisturizer frequently.

Excessive Movement

On the face, expressions such as frowning and smiling can eventually produce fine lines and wrinkles on one’s appearance over time. The hands are also prone to such sensitivities, though from a much different range of motions.

Typing, gripping, lifting and shaking are tend to impact the hands more and more as time goes on. These types of aging indications tend to increase as time goes on, and one age in another way. This is partially due to the fact that the skin loses much of its elasticity and ability to recuperate from this type of gradual wear and tear.

Day to Day Wear and Tear

Even outside of the stresses taken on by the hands by day-to-day movements, these appendages are prone to other types of stressors as time goes on. The skin of the hands is exposed to large amounts of chemical and substantive materials over the course of the day. This includes things like handwashes, sanitizers, and other materials that are applied to the skin.

Even regular application of soap can dry the skin of the hands and make things like fine lines and the like appear more prominent. Being diligent about applying moisturizer and other skincare products while performing household chores can help you stay on top of these types of subtle changes in your appearance.

Insufficient Skincare

The skin needs to be cared for, otherwise it will inevitably suffer in some form or fashion. Usually, the skin of our faces is given the most attention, with copious amounts of beauty products being directed at preserving the vivacity of this part of the body.

There are plenty of beauty products for the hands, but due to the excessive wear and tear that can be applied to the hands, as well as the amount of washing that is applied to them over the course of the day, means that these can often be washed away accidentally. For this reason, it’s important to stay mindful of where and how you’re giving your hands the care they need.

The Best Plastic Surgeon in Beverly Hills

Epione Plastic Surgeon is one of the best resources for plastic surgery for discerning clients in LA. If you’re interested in receiving a consultation to see how you can improve the appearance of the skin of your hands with non-surgical hand rejuvenation, contact us today in order to schedule a consultation.

A stress test shows how your heart performs, including how well blood flows through your heart. The test is a diagnostic procedure that measures your heart during periods when it is forced to work harder than usual. Stress tests reveal a lot of information that can help your medical provider better understand your heart health. You may wonder, how often should I get a stress test? Below you will find helpful information about if and how often you should be tested.

How Often Should I Get a Stress Test?

In many cases, people do not ever need to get a stress test. However, if you do, it’s important to follow your cardiologist’s recommendations when it comes to your heart health. If you need to get tested, your doctor determines when and how often you should be retested. In many cases, a retest is not necessary. This is because a stress test is often performed to diagnose your heart-related symptoms. Once diagnosed, cardiology doctors use the information from the stress test to create a comprehensive treatment plan.

Reasons to Get a Stress Test

A nuclear stress test is an effective tool used by cardiologists. It can reveal helpful information about your heart-related issues. Below are some of the reasons you may need a stress test.

Symptom Evaluation: 

A stress test is beneficial if you have symptoms of a heart-related issue. A doctor will recommend a stress test if this is the first time you have had symptoms. Additionally, if you were previously diagnosed with a heart-related issue and your symptoms have gotten worse, a stress test is a beneficial tool. Common symptoms that indicate the need for a stress test include chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, lightheadedness, fatigue, and heart palpitations. A stress test is valuable as it can reveal the heart issue and indicate if further testing is required.

Treatment Determination and Assessment: 

A stress test can assess your heart-related symptoms and help your doctor determine which treatment is right for you. Additionally, a stress test can be later used to determine if that treatment is working. A stress test can help manage your heart health, including diagnosing the issue and assessing the effectiveness of your current treatment. In some cases, patients with heart conditions have to stop certain activities. This is generally not permanent, but it is necessary until the heart issue is resolved. Because of this, a stress test can determine whether you can return to your normal activities.

Assessment Tool For High-Risk Patients: 

If you are high risk for cardiovascular disease, a stress test may be necessary to initially evaluate your heart function. Risk factors include patients with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, smoking, lack of exercise, an unhealthy diet, excess alcohol consumption, or a family history of premature heart disease. Early intervention is key when it comes to managing your heart health. Those at a higher risk need to consult with medical professionals early and regularly to ensure optimal health.

The Importance of Heart Health

Your heart health is critical to your overall health. In fact, your heart is your body’s lifeline as it is responsible for distributing blood all throughout your body. A healthy and efficient heart ensures optimal cardiovascular and overall health. However, issues with your heart can impact your daily life and long-term health. If you have a family history of heart health issues or have any symptoms of heart problems, contact a medical professional right away. A cardiologist can help diagnose and treat your condition. They can also help you with preventative measures to ensure your heart stays healthy.