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Top 5 Common Myths about Arthritis

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Top 5 Common Myths about Arthritis

Common Myths

Many are surprised to learn that arthritis comes in more than a few forms. Instead, arthritis is a broad term that includes various joint inflammation and pain diseases, the most prevalent osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Further, this condition affects around 50 million people and 300,000 children worldwide. Many misconceptions and false beliefs persist, even if you know this. If you are worried about Portland arthritis, check the following myths:

1.      Arthritis only affects the elderly.

Though it is more frequent among the elderly, arthritis may strike at any age. One analysis of the US National Health Interview Survey indicated that over half of all persons aged 65 and above had a medical diagnosis of arthritis.

Researchers found that 7.3% of individuals in the 18–44 age bracket and 30.3% of adults in the 45–64 age bracket were diagnosed with arthritis. People in their 20s to 40s are at higher risk for developing RA.

2.      Growing older means growing arthritis. Arthritis is inevitable, and you can’t do anything to stop it

Although genetics play a significant influence in determining whether or not you will get arthritis, getting it as you get older is by no means a given. “Many kinds of arthritis are considered to originate from a mix of hereditary susceptibility and an environmental trigger,” writes the Arthritis Foundation. The chance of acquiring the condition may be lowered by adopting good lifestyle behaviors, including avoiding smoking, managing stress effectively, engaging in regular physical activity, and eating a balanced diet.

3.      Rest is the most effective arthritis therapy

People with arthritis may benefit from movement—so long as they engage in the appropriate motion. Most cases of joint stiffness may be alleviated by stretching, and regular exercise is always beneficial. Blood flow increases and the joint’s tissues are gently stretched, preventing atrophy.

Many people might benefit from losing weight and suffer from arthritis. Weight loss, no matter how minor, may profoundly affect the health of your weight-bearing joints, your posture, and other essential body mechanics.

4.      When joint problems appear, you should wait to see whether they go away

False! You save more than just your joints with early detection and treatment. Rheumatoid arthritis is mainly linked to heart disease and other health problems. Early diagnosis and therapy may reduce the risk of irreversible joint and organ damage, but only if the correct form of arthritis is treated. To get to the bottom of your joint pain, schedule an appointment with your primary care physician, and be sure to detail your symptoms, including any relevant background information, such as family history and previous joint injuries.

5.      Arthritis is not a significant health issue

In the United States, 54.4 million people live with arthritis and its associated pain and suffering. Arthritis also has a significant monetary impact, with nearly $300 billion in annual expenses. A cure for the condition is not yet available, although efforts are underway to treat and eliminate it.

Although arthritis is common, there is still much to learn about it. However, by keeping an active lifestyle and eating a healthy, balanced diet, you may lower your chance of developing arthritis and decrease the advancement of the disease if you already have it. Discussing treatment alternatives with your physician is essential if you or a loved one is experiencing discomfort due to arthritis. You also should know any myths you might come across. 

HEALTH

Dental Sedation 101: How Does It Work? Why Do You Need One?

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Dental Sedation 101: How Does It Work? Why Do You Need One?

Visiting a dentist can be scary and may lead to fear and anxiety. You may have heard stories from your friends saying dental procedures are painful, or you have had negative experiences with your previous dentist. Also, some dental treatments may scare you away, and you’d prefer struggling with a toothache to visiting a dentist.

Thankfully, efficient and painless dentistry is now available through sedation. Dental sedation, also known as sedation dentistry or sleep dentistry, is the use of medicines and relaxation procedures to help patients feel calm and comfortable during dental treatments.

If you’re about to undergo dental sedation, knowing how they work and why you need them is vital when preparing for sedation services. This lets you know what will work best for you and helps you mentally prepare for your procedure. Fortunately, this article discusses how sedation works and some of the reasons why you might need one. Read on.

How Does Dental Sedation Work?

Dental sedation is primarily administered in three ways. The type of sedation you go through will depend on various factors, including your anxiety level, health history, and personal preferences. The three types of sedation include:

  1. Oral Sedation

This is the most common type of sedation dentistry that doesn’t require injections. Your dentist will prescribe a pill approximately an hour before your appointment. These drugs work by minimizing the activity in the section of the brain in charge of fear and anxiety. When your time for treatment reaches, you’ll be fully relaxed and ready for the procedure.   

  • Intravenous (IV) Sedation

In this method, your dentist will insert a fine needle into a vein in the back of your hand or arm. They then connect the needle to an intravenous tube that administers sedatives instantly into your bloodstream. With this option, you may have minimal insight into your surroundings and minimal memory of the technique. Thus, IV Sedation is ideal for people with severe dental phobia.

During your treatment, your dentist will always check your blood pressure, oxygen levels, heart rate, and pulse rate to ensure you don’t have any adverse reactions to the sedative. In case of anything, they may adjust your dosage or use reversal drugs.

  • Nitrous Oxide Sedation

This type of sedation is a mixture of oxygen and nitrous oxide. This sedation, also known as ‘laughing gas,’ will be administered by your dentist using a mask. The gas you inhale enables you to create euphoric feelings in the process. Additionally, it relieves anxiety and pain, allowing you to relax and stay comfortable during the dental treatment procedure.

Why Do You Need Dental Sedation?

Dental sedation can be administered in three ways. The type of sedation you go through will depend on various factors, including your anxiety level, health history, and personal preferences. The three types of sedation include: 

  1. To Relieve Anxiety

One of the most significant reasons you need dental sedation is to relieve anxiety. Being nervous can make you avoid or delay going to the dentist until you experience severe pain and discomfort, which can lead to complex methods to repair and restore your teeth. With dental sedation, you overcome your fears and anxieties and obtain the necessary attention to solve your dental issues.

  • To Reduce Pain

Most people don’t want to visit dental clinics because they don’t want to feel pain during dental procedures. Dentists are well-versed in various types of sedation and will help you to remain cozy and relaxed throughout your treatment. They’ll tailor the procedure and administer sedatives to address your requirements and ensure you don’t feel pain.

  • To Lower Gag Reflex

A gag reflex is an automatic throat closing when you try swallowing an awful object. The primary goal of the gag reflex is to contract the throat to hinder you from choking. This is good because it prevents any item from going down your throat during dentistry.

During a dental procedure, however, the gag reflex can be an obstacle. Your dentist may sometimes want to go deep inside your oral cavity, but the gag reflex may hinder that. Dental sedation paralyzes this effect, allowing dentists to go as deep as they want without any hindrance and making the process faster.

  • To Trigger Anterograde Amnesia

The phobia you may be having can be due to former unpleasant dental experiences that increase with each visit. This is especially true if you feel any discomfort.

Anterograde amnesia is a condition that lowers your ability to remember and keep new information. Dental sedation triggers this condition, preventing your brain from establishing new memories during the dental procedure. When your brain doesn’t remember what happened during treatment, it won’t make you panic, reducing the fear you may have on subsequent visits.

  • To Streamline Dental Procedures

Dental treatments like root canals and fillings can be painful without sedatives and anesthetics. As a patient, you may squirm in the chair when your dentist is working on your teeth, interfering with the process. Thankfully, with dental sedation, you remain calm as you won’t feel any pain and won’t interfere with the method. As a result, your dentist can work faster and more effectively without fearing how you’ll react.

Conclusion

Dental issues are common but treatable when you seek medications early. However, most people postpone or delay appointments due to anxiety and fear of the procedures.

Fortunately, sedation dentistry alleviates your worries, anxiety, and pain. It also enables you to remain calm and comfortable during your treatment. With this, you have no reason to live with a decaying tooth or receding gums, but you can go for painless treatments and restore your smile.

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