The Health IDEA

Understanding the Surprising Physiology and Psychology of Yawning

3/10/2020

Comments

Why We Yawn

Yawning is a natural part of everyday life, yet this simple phenomenon has some rather curious and mysterious features. To help you learn more about yawning, Dr. Sujay Kansagra, a sleep health consultant for Mattress Firm and the director of Duke University’s Pediatric Neurology Sleep Medicine Program, offers answers to some of the most commonly asked questions.

Learn more by reading the full Medium article here or see below.

Comments

What You Should Know Before Your Next Outpatient Procedure

3/9/2020

Comments

Important Patient Education on Preparing for Any Outpatient Surgery

With nearly 50 million outpatient surgeries performed in the U.S. each year and the increasingly complex nature of the procedures, patients need to know several important details when having surgery without an overnight stay in the hospital. Here's what you need to know and do to reduce the risks associated with any surgery.

Learn more by reading the full Medium article here.

Comments

What You Need to Know About Emergency Air Ambulance Transportation

3/6/2020

Comments

When Minutes Are Critical, the Answer is in the Air

Emergency air medical services can play a vital role in transporting patients who have experienced a medical episode such as a stroke, heart attack, burn- or trauma-related accident including motor vehicle accidents or workplace injuries. Learn the full story on emergency air ambulance transportation service in the full Medium article here.

Comments

3 Surprising Facts About Toothpaste You Probably Didn't Know

3/2/2020

Comments

Brushing your teeth is something you probably do not think about much. But, the history of toothpaste is fascinating. Who thought of it first, for example? What are the ingredients? Read on for more interesting information about toothpaste.

How Old It Is

Like a surprising number of things people think are new, toothpaste has been around for a long time. Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans used tooth powder to clean their teeth. These powders were made of pulverized bones, the burnt hooves of oxen, eggshells, and oyster shells. A type of toothpaste whose ingredients were unknown was created in the 9th century by an Iraqi named Zirab. In the late 18th century, a toothpaste called Sosekiko was used in Japan.

Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide toothpastes, which are still used today, came into being in 1900. Even before this, in 1895, fluoride started to be added to toothpastes to give extra protection to the teeth, according to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. However, the use of toothpaste didn’t outstrip the use of tooth powders until the Great War in 1914.

How Strict the Standards Are

According to Murfreesboro Family Dentistry, the American Dental Association has very strict standards for what they qualify as acceptable for toothpaste, and any medical claims are fully supported by legitimate scientific and medical studies. A toothpaste that is certified by the ADA has to have fluoride, be free of substances such as sugar that can lead to tooth decay, have ingredients that have been known to support oral health, and be scientifically shown to be safe and effective. Staff members at any dental clinic will be able to answer questions about which toothpaste is best for you and your smile.

Why Fluoride Is Used in Toothpaste

Fluoride is a compound made from fluorine and another element. In toothpaste, that element is often tin or sodium. Ironically, fluorine is one of the nastiest elements on the periodic table. Pure fluorine is rarely found in nature, and if it is found, it is difficult to handle safely. This is because fluorine is an "unhappy" atom, which means it will bond to almost anything. It will even eat through glass! But, when it is joined with another element, it becomes "happy" and is extremely stable. Fluoride is used in toothpastes because it promotes the growth of enamel in the teeth. The loss of tooth enamel, or demineralization, can cause tooth decay. Fluoride’s ability to support enamel is also why it is put in drinking water.

People have been finding ways to keep their teeth attractive and healthy for thousands of years whether through powders or paste. The next time you brush your teeth, pause a moment to remember and be grateful for the history that has given you your pearly smile.

Read More Here: What's the Deal with Oral Health?

Comments