ARE THEY REALLY SAFE? The Truth About Essential Oils If you’ve ever visited a spa or tried a “natural” perfume, then you’ve probably been exposed to essential oils. These fragrant oils are derived from plants and have become a fad among health nuts, yoga practitioners, and even chefs. Many devotees believe that a few drops of oil added to a diffuser, mixed with food, or rolled onto the wrist can do just about anything, like reduce anxiety and ward off the common cold. In 2019, the global essential oil market was valued at more than $7 billion, and sales are expected to soar above $14 billion by 2026. But there’s a catch: Some doctors now warn that essential oils are not a panacea — and they’re not as safe as they seem. WHAT DO THE EXPERTS SAY? According to Rose Ann Gould Soloway, a clinical toxicologist at the National Capital Poison Center, essential oils can be safe and beneficial. However, they have harmful side effects when misused. Many oils can cause rashes and even poison users if they’re swallowed or rubbed directly onto the skin. In addition to this, incorrectly breathing in an essential oil can cause pneumonia.
might make: They either overuse essential oils with their children or they apply them the wrong way. When essential oils are concerned, proper application and amount can make a life-or-death difference. Nutmeg oil, for example, tastes delicious in food but can cause hallucinations and even comas when mishandled, and eucalyptus oil, which can soothe a cough, can also cause seizures if ingested. Another example is sage oil; it has beneficial applications, but even small amounts can make a child very ill. HOW CAN YOU USE OILS SAFELY? If you use essential oils or oil-based products, it’s vital that you follow the instructions that come with them and keep bottles of pure oil locked away from your kids and pets. When you’re using oils topically, dilute them with a barrier substance like a non-essential oil, lotion, or aloe jelly; and when you’re inhaling them, use a waterless or water-based diffuser. Finally, when in doubt, do your research! The American Botanical Council’s HerbalGram journal, AromaWeb.com, and databases like ScienceDirect and PubMed Central are great resources. Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital also offers an expert safety guide for using oils on kids
HOW ARE ESSENTIAL OILS MISUSED? When it comes to essential oils, there are two big mistakes people
The Facts About Tooth Decay What It Is and What You Can Do About it
Tooth decay is the second-most common disease after the common cold. Cavities, also called dental caries, are damaged layers in the outer tooth layer: the enamel. Cavities form due to a mix of bacteria, frequent snacking, sipping on sugary or acidic drinks, and poor brushing habits. Decay is directly related to dental plaque. This sticky, colorless film that covers the teeth is made of bacteria, food particles, and saliva. As plaque builds up over a period of 24 hours, it begins to harden, forming tartar or calculus. The bacteria in plaque converts sugars found in foods into acids. If left unchecked, the acids erode enamel and cause damage. This erosion starts out as white spots on the teeth. The white spots appear as the enamel begins to break down causing demineralization. On X-rays, we call these “watch” areas.
Early erosion can be stopped or reversed with proper brushing, flossing, and fluoride use. Fluoride helps strengthen enamel, making it more resilient to plaque. If a white spot is allowed to progress, it becomes a cavity. It will then need to be cleaned and filled. Cavities can progress through the enamel to the second layer of the tooth, called dentin. This type of decay can lead to tooth sensitivity, specifically to hot and cold food and drink. Dentin decay may require a crown or cap over the tooth to repair. If the decay progresses even further to the innermost layer of the tooth, the pulp, the result can be significant pain. A root canal and crown are often required at this stage in order to remove decayed material and restore health to the tooth.
abscess can form. This is an infection deep within the tooth. Abscess symptoms can include fever, swelling, and radiating pain. This usually requires a root canal and in more extreme cases, a tooth extraction.
Here are a few simple ways to keep tooth decay at bay:
• Keep up with regular dental visits to detect decay in its earliest stage. • Brush and floss at least twice a day using fluoride toothpaste (couple this with in-office fluoride varnish). • Limit sweets — sugar interferes with saliva as it works to keep the mouth clean. • Chew sugar-free gum made with xylitol — xylitol is a sugar alcohol that occurs naturally in some plants and activates salivary glands to help inhibit the growth of bad bacteria. — Corliss Robinson, RDH
Decay can get so bad that bacteria can enter the interior of the tooth. If this happens, an
2 — SignatureSmilesOH.com
Made with FlippingBook Online newsletter