TO IMPROVE YOUR DIGESTIVE HEALTH Herbalism: A Natural Solution
Herbalism, a plant-based medicine, can be used to heal and improve your body’s functions. This medical practice is thousands of years old and dates back to the ancient Egyptians, but qualified herbalists continue to use herbal medicine today. Through the use of a variety of plants (roots, flowers, and leaves), herbalism can help improve digestion and provide other benefits for your circulation, mood, energy, and stamina. Digestion is an important part of your body’s functions. Poor digestion can result in diarrhea, constipation, nausea, heartburn, gas, or bloating. Other well-known conditions, such as Crohn’s disease and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), involve problems with digestion. Each of these symptoms and conditions can significantly impact a person’s well-being and daily life, but the proper use of herbs can help people reduce or ease these symptoms and support digestive health. The National Institute of Medical Herbalists states, “Many herbs are known to act directly on the digestive tract — bitters, for example, may stimulate acid and enzyme production, fennel and other aromatic herbs prevent bloating, but this is only part of the story.” If left untreated, poor digestion results in the inflammation of the
digestive tract. When it comes to decreasing the risk of inflammation and other symptoms, a medical herbalist will consider a person’s total
health when putting together the herbs needed for treatment.
Many herbs can help your digestive system function well and stay healthy. Here are a few you can include in your daily meals or use when you have an uncomfortable gut feeling, according to TraditionalMedicinals.com. • To calm the nerves: chamomile, lemon balm, and lavender • To relieve cramping: ginger and fennel • To alleviate constipation: dandelion leaf and root tea
For more information about herbalism and how it can benefit your health, visit the National Institute of Medical Herbalists at NIMH.org.uk.
You may not have heard the term bruxism before, though it’s a very common condition. Our Streetsboro hygiene Therese is here to answer all your questions about what bruxism is and how we can treat it as well as help relieve your headaches and jaw pain along the way. WHAT IS BRUXISM? Bruxism is a condition in which you grind and/or clench your teeth. If you have bruxism, you may unconsciously clench your teeth when you’re awake (awake bruxism) or clench or grind them during sleep (sleep bruxism). Bruxism is sometimes referred to as TMJ because it is directly related to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which is responsible for the movements of the jaw. Frequent clenching and grinding can stress the whole system and cause the joint to be aggravated and out of place. Bruxism Q&A With Our Hygienist Therese
HOW COMMON IS IT? It is very common. As many as 1 in 3 adults suffer from TMJ related issues on a consistent basis. It can become a problem at any age. WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS? Sometimes there are no noticeable symptoms, but often, wear marks are visible on your teeth. When symptoms do occur, they can include headaches, tension in the back of the neck, clicking and popping of the joint, limited opening, pain when chewing or with extended opening, and sensitive teeth (due to gum recession which can be caused by the trauma of grinding and clenching). Worn down enamel on the teeth can also cause sensitive teeth. DOES IT GO AWAY? There may be times in life where you clench or grind your teeth less often, but it usually does not go away without intervention. As you continue to stress the muscles and joints, your bite actually gets stronger over time and grinding becomes more destructive to the teeth and TMJ.
HOW DO I TREAT IT? Many people think of an occlusal guard, aka a nightguard, because traditionally that is what dentists have used over the years. In recent years, it has become apparent that this is not the best treatment. At Signature Smiles, we make a custom deprogrammer, which differs from an occlusal guard in many ways. It is smaller and stronger, so it lasts much longer than a typical guard. It is also a more custom fit to ensure the most optimal bite as you sleep. Another advantage is that the user wears it from canine to canine. Since it does not cover all the teeth, it is more comfortable. A deprogrammer protects your muscles, joints, and teeth from the trauma of clenching and grinding. Over time ,you are less likely to attempt to clench or grind. Many people notice a huge improvement in headaches and neck tension as well as the other symptoms listed above. We believe in using the latest technology and providing our patients with the best care possible!
Please call the office to schedule a consultation if you think you may be clenching and grinding.
2 — SignatureSmilesOH.com
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online