Healthy, white teeth are embellishments to a smile, so missing a tooth or two can be a matter of concern for many. Dental implants help one gain replacements for their lost teeth, completing one’s smile. With a 98% success rate, these implants are becoming increasingly popular nationwide, and many find them better alternatives to dentures, which aren’t permanent fixtures. If one’s teeth start to exhibit certain signs, it’s probably time to consider dental implants. 1. Cracked or broken teeth Cracked or broken teeth usually can be fixed, but in advanced cases with too much damage, the teeth must be extracted. In such cases, one may want to opt for dental implants to replace the extracted teeth, not only for aesthetic purposes but also to avoid pain and discomfort when biting something hard or crispy. 2. Periodontitis This condition involves severe gum inflammation, which might cause infection. This infection may spread to the bones and other tissues in the oral cavity, especially if the condition isn’t diagnosed early. In advanced cases of periodontitis, the infected teeth need to be extracted and may be replaced by dental implants. 3. Problems with chewing Chewing difficulties may be caused by several factors, including misaligned teeth, a gap where a tooth may have been extracted previously, and dentures that don’t fit well.

Psoriasis is an inflammatory condition that causes scaly patches on the skin. Although it is a chronic condition with no known cure, there are a few ways to manage its symptoms with treatment and home remedies.  But  for effective long-term management, psoriasis must be diagnosed early.  That’s why one should visit the doctor immediately after developing the symptoms. The signs mainly differ depending on the type of psoriasis a person has. Raised, inflamed patches of skin One of the most common types of psoriasis is plaque psoriasis, which leads to raised patches on the skin. These patches are usually red but can sometimes be purple or silver. They result from inflammation of the skin and can be very itchy. Plaque psoriasis patches mostly develop on specific body areas, such as the elbows, knees, trunk, limbs, and scalp. When the patches develop on the scalp, the condition is called scalp psoriasis. Around 45 to 56 percent of psoriasis patients have scalp psoriasis. Flaky skin When psoriasis develops on the scalp, individuals may notice dead skin flakes in the region. These flakes are mostly silvery white. Individuals unaware of the condition may mistake these flakes for dandruff. It is important to note that the flakes caused by psoriasis are very different from those caused by dandruff.

Prurigo nodularis is a type of disease that causes firm bumps or nodules on the skin. It is usually associated with other underlying skin issues, insect bites, bacterial infections, or health concerns like HIV, kidney failure, liver or thyroid disease, or even diabetes. Although more common in adults in the 40–69 age group, it can affect people of all ages. But, the condition is treatable, and recognizing its symptoms can help make the management easier. Warning signs Prurigo nodularis is not a hereditary or contagious disease. It affects both males and females, causing skin issues in one or more  parts of the body .  To avoid complications , it is important to recognize and address these signs as soon as one notices them. 1. Bumps on the skin One of the most obvious signs of prurigo nodularis is bumps on the skin. The bumps are usually thick, dry, and crusty on the top and can itch quite often, even at night,  which can disrupt  sleep. The number of bumps can vary, and one may find them scattered across the body or in just certain patches of skin. The size of nodules can range from a few millimeters to more than three centimeters across,  which is  about 0.2–1.2 inches.

Prurigo nodularis is a type of disease that causes firm bumps or nodules on the skin. It is usually associated with other underlying skin issues, insect bites, bacterial infections, or health concerns like HIV, kidney failure, liver or thyroid disease, or even diabetes. Although more common in adults in the 40–69 age group, it can affect people of all ages. But, the condition is treatable, and recognizing its symptoms can help make the management easier. Warning signs Prurigo nodularis is not a hereditary or contagious disease. It affects both males and females, causing skin issues in one or more  parts of the body .  To avoid complications , it is important to recognize and address these signs as soon as one notices them. 1. Bumps on the skin One of the most obvious signs of prurigo nodularis is bumps on the skin. The bumps are usually thick, dry, and crusty on the top and can itch quite often, even at night,  which can disrupt  sleep. The number of bumps can vary, and one may find them scattered across the body or in just certain patches of skin. The size of nodules can range from a few millimeters to more than three centimeters across,  which is  about 0.2–1.2 inches.

Dental implants help people improve the appearance of their teeth. They also help one chew better, speak more clearly, and do the things a regular set of healthy teeth does.  But   dental  implants require frequent care to ensure they work as intended in the long run.  Using these oral healthcare devices improperly, such as cleaning them with the wrong tools or ignoring oral hygiene, could cause them to deteriorate quickly and lead to unnecessary hassle. Being unaware of the options A common mistake is not researching the options before getting dental implants. One should speak to their healthcare provider, such as a dentist, to learn about the types of dental implants available, such as full-arch and single-tooth implants. Getting a partial implant might be better than replacing multiple teeth if the problem is not too severe. After assessing all their options, individuals can decide on the type they want. One could also enquire if the existing teeth could be saved with treatment. Instead of permanent implants, the   dentist may sometimes recommend dentures or adhesive dental bridges that can be removed. Not communicating healthcare  history While getting dental implants, people often hide certain healthcare information, such as ongoing treatments or past dental procedures.

Pulmonary fibrosis is a rare disease that causes scarring in the lung tissues, causing breathing difficulties. On the other hand, Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a life-threatening, chronic, progressive disease of mucus glands. It primarily affects the respiratory system and digestive systems of young and adults. It can also affect the sweat glands and reproductive system. Both are lung diseases but have very different symptoms. Both diseases are progressive and chronic and eventually lead to fatalities. Impact of pulmonary fibrosis Pulmonary Fibrosis (PF) causes lung scarring, making it thicker and less elastic. As a result, patients with PF cannot take in enough oxygen while breathing. The scarring may also affect the air sacs, a lace-like structure that supplies oxygen to the capillaries, absorbs carbon dioxide and releases it during exhalation. Scarring in the air sacs prevents the lungs from expanding, preventing one from taking deep breaths, which directly limits the amount of oxygen that can enter the blood.  Allergens, side effects of prescription treatments, pollution, and family history, are said to be the causes of pulmonary fibrosis. Unfortunately, there is no definitive cure for the disease. However, the symptoms can be managed with treatments and lifestyle changes. And since it is a progressive disease, it mostly leads to fatalities.

Water is a vital component that supports the body’s functioning on almost every level. For instance, it ensures optimal oxygen supply to different organs, provides energy, regulates internal temperature through perspiration, lubricates the joints, and facilitates other essential functions that promote one’s overall well-being. But unfortunately, most people overlook this basic need of the body in their busy schedules and fail to drink adequate amounts of water, which turns out detrimental in the long run. Side effects of insufficient water intake The required daily water intake can vary from person to person depending on their age, activity level, and other factors. However, the recommended amount is 2.7 liters for women and 3.7 liters for men. A person’s body may not show signs of thirst on not meeting this requirement. However, it can lead to several complications over time. In most cases, these complications are mistaken for other health concerns but are actually the side effects of a lack of water intake. Below are a few immediate and long-term side effects of drinking insufficient water: Dehydration Dehydration occurs when the body loses more water through vomiting, diarrhea, or sweating than it receives. This can lead to imbalances in bodily functions and cause physical symptoms like dizziness and a dry mouth.

The lungs perform several vital functions, such as oxygenating the blood to maintain the functioning of other organs in the body. But the lungs might be susceptible to disease or infection due to genetic and environmental factors. When at risk of lung diseases like cancer, doctors prescribe treatments and certain lifestyle changes, such as making better food choices to improve lung health and prevent diseases. So, here are the best foods for improving lung health: Beetroot Adding beetroot to meals is one of the best ways to improve lung health. The colored roots and greens of the beet plant contain compounds such as nitrates, which can help relax the blood vessels, improve oxygen uptake, and reduce blood pressure. Further, the nutrients in beetroots may also help improve lung function in those with health conditions like COPD and pulmonary hypertension—a type of high blood pressure. Apples The lungs are susceptible to oxidative stress, which may result in inflammation of the airways. Apples are rich in antioxidants, including vitamin C and the flavonoid quercetin, which could reduce such stress and improve lung function. Eating apples has also been associated with a lower risk of asthma. Five or more apples per week can also help reduce the risk of developing COPD.  Dark chocolate A bar of dark chocolate can improve lung health as it contains cocoa, which is rich in flavonoids that act as antioxidants.