The exposure of the cement of the tooth causes sensitivity, which could be reduced by toothpastes that have ingredients such as fluoride, which can help.
By JUDY SIEGEL-ITZKOVICHWHETHER IT’S with an electric toothbrush or a manual, the most important thing is to remain diligent in cleaning plaque off teeth.(photo credit: MCT) I am a 28-year-old woman. My teeth have generally been in good shape, but recently I developed a cavity and went to the dentist. He drilled and put in a white filling.But weeks later, I found that almost all my teeth hurt. I went to another dentist for a second opinion. She said that I suffered from receding gums and advised me to use Sensodyne toothpaste and to stop using an electric toothbrush, which I have been using since I was a teenager. I was surprised, because I thought electric toothbrushes were recommended by experts. The first dentist didn’t say anything about receding gums. Do they cause gums to recede? Is there a way that electric toothbrushes can be used so they do not cause damage to the gums? – I.S., Jerusalem Prof. Jonathan Mann, head of community dentistry at the Hebrew University-Hadassah School of Dental Medicine, answers: In order to diagnose any dental problem, one would first need an X ray and a clinical examination. Under the assumption that the problem of the patient’s tooth sensitivity is caused by gum recession, the reason could be inflammation of the gums (gingivitis or periodontal disease) or excessively aggressive tooth-brushing.The exposure of the cement of the tooth causes sensitivity, which could be reduced by toothpastes that have ingredients such as fluoride, which can help. But one ingredient might help one patient and not another.Electric toothbrushes are recommended – as long as they are not used in an aggressive manner. Though many dentists recommend electric toothbrushes, some prefer the mechanical toothbrush. The main aim of a toothbrush is to decrease the amount of plaque on the teeth while avoiding any trauma to the gums. I personally do not advocate one method only. All are acceptable if finally the teeth are clean.The manicure that I have been having every three weeks involves a layer of acrylic over the natural nail, followed by several layers of a gel nail polish. In between each layer, the hand is placed in a small drying apparatus, which dries each layer in 30 to 60 seconds. Recently I have heard that the drying apparatus is based on ultraviolet technology, which dries the nails quickly. Can this kind of manicure damage the natural nail? Does the drying apparatus expose the hands to UV damage? – K.M., Jerusalem Veteran Jerusalem dermatologist Dr. Julian Schamroth replies: The ultraviolet light that manicurists use is probably the same UV light that dentists use to harden an acrylic tooth filling. In short doses of several minutes, it is completely harmless. However, the acrylic and glues that manicurists use are well known to cause a contact or allergic dermatitis. If the skin around your acrylic nails is dry and scaly, I suggest you have the acrylic nails removed.I was advised by a breastfeeding counselor to take a “natural herb” called moringa oleifera, sold in health food stores, to increase my milk supply. But I wonder whether it is safe for the baby and for me. Can an expert comment? – R.L., Petah Tikva Pharmaceutical consultant Howard Rice comments: Moringa oleifera is very widely used and considered safe by some researchers, but only if the leaves are used and not the root and its extracts. I would, however, be cautious if it is taken while breastfeeding.These lower parts of the plant may contain a toxic substance that can cause paralysis and death. It has been recommended to increase milk production, but there isn’t enough information to know if it is safe for the nursing infant. Therefore, it is best to avoid moringa if you are breastfeeding.It is probably unsafe if used during pregnancy, as chemicals in the root, bark or flowers can make the uterus contract, and this might cause a miscarriage. ■Rx for Readers welcomes queries from readers about medical problems. Experts will answer those we find most interesting. Write Rx for Readers, The Jerusalem Post, POB 81, Jerusalem 91000, fax your question to Judy Siegel-Itzkovich at (02) 538-9527, or email it to jsiegel@jpost.com, giving your initials, age and place of residence.
if(catID != 151){
var cont = `Take Israel home with the new Jerusalem Post Store
