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Enameloplasty is a cosmetic dentistry procedure that reworks the shape of the teeth by removing small amounts of tooth enamel. This is also known as odontoplasty or dental contouring. During this procedure, the dentist essentially files or sands down surfaces of the teeth to correct chipped teeth or to improve the symmetry and appearance of your smile. A pain-free, noninvasive alternative to veneers, enameloplasty is a popular cosmetic approach. If you’re thinking about having this done, it’s crucial to understand the basics of how it works, its side effects, and what recovery looks like, which this article will cover....

Esophageal cancer symptoms can include difficulty swallowing, regurgitating food, heartburn, weight loss, and a persistent cough. Less common symptoms such as hiccups, pneumonia, or enlarged lymph nodes in the neck and above the collarbone may occur if esophageal cancer has spread. Many people takes steps to address the symptoms of esophageal cancer—say, by consuming more soft foods—without getting a formal diagnosis. Having an awareness of the potential symptoms of this disease can help prompt you get evaluated as early as possible....

Parkinson’s disease (PD) traditionally involves prescription medication, physical therapy, and, on occasion, surgery. Using essential oils can be used as a complementary therapy to benefit people living with PD by easing some symptoms associated with the condition. This article will discuss research on essential oils and which oils are potentially beneficial for people with Parkinson’s disease. What Is Parkinson’s Disease? Parkinson’s disease (PD) is caused by a decrease in the production of dopamine....

If you ever notice pesky dark strands that may resemble anything from a simple speck to a cobweb drifting across your vision, what you’re probably seeing is what’s known as a floater. Floaters are formed when some of the vitreous (the jelly inside of your eye) clumps together. What you’re actually seeing is the shadow this makes on the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. While eye floaters are common as you get older, they usually are nothing to worry about....

Fainting, also known as syncope, is a temporary loss of consciousness that most commonly occurs due to a sudden drop in blood pressure, resulting in a lack of oxygen to the brain. Most cases are non-life-threatening and resolve on their own. But, sometimes, fainting may signify a more serious health problem. In addition, it’s possible to fall during an episode of syncope, increasing your risk of injury and medical complications....

Hives and eczema both involve itchy skin rashes and are related to allergies. While they may share some similarities, these two conditions are distinct in their symptoms, underlying causes, and treatment. This article will discuss the key differences between hives and eczema in their symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment. Symptoms Hives, also called uticaria, are red, itchy bumps or welts on the body. Most of the time, hives go away within a few days to weeks, but some people experience chronic hives that last more than six weeks....

Inflammation occurs in the presence of an agent, infection, or event that can hurt the body. With HIV specifically, it’s a far more complex issue insofar as the condition has both a cause and an effect. On the one hand, inflammation occurs as a direct response to the HIV infection itself. On the other, a chronic inflammation—one that persists even when a person is on HIV therapy—can inadvertently cause damage to normal cells and tissues unaffected by HIV....

New research is shedding light on how the COVID-19 pandemic could be intensified by another ongoing public health concern: the obesity epidemic. Key Takeaways Obesity is a risk factor for severe COVID infection, hospitalization, and death. This may be due to an impaired immune system.Historically, infectious disease vaccinations on people who are overweight or obese have been less effective in preventing illness.Pfizer’s vaccine trials enrolled people with obesity and found the vaccine effective in this group....

Joint manipulation is a manual therapy that involves applying force to your spinal or peripheral joints to help them move better. The goal of joint manipulation therapy is to lessen pain and improve range of motion. Physical therapists (PTs) and chiropractors may use this technique to help you move and feel better after an injury or illness that causes loss of functional mobility. This article will explain joint manipulation and how it’s applied, as well as provide insight into whether the technique is safe for you....

When you have lung cancer, having access to high-quality health care is vitally important. Access to care is defined as “the timely use of personal health services to achieve the best health outcomes.” Health insurance helps people access the lung cancer care they need from primary care physicians and cancer care specialists, but it isn’t the only factor that contributes to access. Available transportation and local healthcare resources also contribute to a person’s ability to access care....

Metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, and prediabetes each independently increase the risk of type 2 diabetes. Although they have some similarities and a few overlapping features, each condition has its own diagnostic criteria and they rarely cause any symptoms. If you have been diagnosed with metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, or prediabetes, you can reduce your chance of developing diabetes with a combination of dietary modification, exercise, and/or medication. And if you have been diagnosed with diabetes, you can substantially decrease the harmful effects of the disease with lifestyle changes and medical care....

Migraine with brainstem aura, or MBA (formerly known as basilar migraine or basilar-type migraine) is a subtype of migraine with aura characterized by pain in the back of the head on both sides. It can be excruciatingly painful and frightening, as many of the symptoms it causes, such as loss of balance and slurred speech, are similar to those of a stroke. Very rarely, migraine with brainstem aura is associated with seizures or coma....

For most individuals who menstruate, occasional period blood clots are normal and nothing to be concerned about. That said, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, and other conditions can cause blood clots to appear in your period blood too. One sign of an abnormal blood clot is that it is the size of a quarter or larger. (Normal period blood clots are about the size of a dime.) This article explains what period blood clots are made of, how they form, and signs that they may not be normal and need to be evaluated by a healthcare practitioner....

Pink eye is a pink or red appearance of the conjunctiva of the eye. The conjunctiva is a layer of tissue that covers the white part of your eyeball and your inner eyelid. Pink eye also is called conjunctivitis, a term that is commonly associated with viral conjunctivitis. There are different types of pink eye, but many types may look similar. It’s often hard to know what is causing pink eye without seeing a healthcare provider....

A pinched nerve occurs when the tissue and muscle that surrounds a nerve presses on the nerve itself. This disrupts the nerve’s ability to function properly. Spinal nerves and peripheral nerves (in the limbs) are prone to being pinched. Typical symptoms are pain, tingling, numbness, and weakness. This article will explain the symptoms of pinched nerves, what causes them, and how they are diagnosed. It will also discuss possible complications and treatment options....

Having trouble sticking to your plan to eat healthier? Finding it hard to commit to a weight loss diet for more than a week or so? The cause of your struggle may not be just a lack of willpower. In fact, your menstrual cycle may be to blame. Menstrual Cycle 101 Your menstrual cycle is a complex interaction between two structures in your brain and your ovaries. A very sensitive feedback loop controls the timing of estrogen and progesterone production by your ovaries which causes you to ovulate and menstruate at regular intervals....

In medicine, levels of care refer to the complexity of the medical cases doctors treat and the skills and specialties of the providers. Levels are divided into four categories. Primary care is when you consult with your primary care provider. Secondary care is when you see a specialist such as an oncologist or endocrinologist. Tertiary care refers to specialized care in a hospital setting such as dialysis or heart surgery. Quaternary care is an advanced level of specialized care....

Reactive airway disease (RAD) is a term used to refer to respiratory conditions in which the bronchial tubes in the lungs overreact to an irritant, triggering wheezing and shortness of breath. These include asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and certain bronchial infections. Varying Definitions Reactive airway disease originally was called reactive airway dysfunction syndrome. This term was coined by American pulmonologist Stuart Brooks in 1985 to describe an often chronic lung condition mimicking a severe form of COPD caused by a single toxic inhalation of smoke, fumes, or corrosive gases....

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory condition that causes the immune system to attack healthy joints. Certain types of exercise help reduce joint pain and stiffness occurring with this condition. Staying active can also help combat fatigue, maintain strength, and keep bones strong. This article discusses types of exercise that can help improve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Exercises for Rheumatoid Arthritis A well-rounded exercise program for rheumatoid arthritis should include stretching, aerobic conditioning, and strengthening exercises....

At first, the signs and symptoms of scarlet fever will basically be the same as those of strep throat—high fever and sore throat, among others. After a day or two, a red, body-wide rash and other signature symptoms, such as skin pigmentation and what’s known as “strawberry tongue,” will develop. Since scarlet fever is very contagious and uncomfortable, it’s important to seek treatment as soon as you notice any indications of the infection....