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6 unhealthy oral habits that damage teeth

6 unhealthy oral habits that damage teeth

Taking care of teeth is critical not only for maintaining dental health but also for enhancing one’s appearance. Moreover, having well-shaped, pearly white teeth can make one’s smile more alluring. To ensure the teeth stay healthy and in good condition, one has to develop good dental habits such as brushing and flossing daily. Additionally, one has to steer clear of certain unhealthy certain unhealthy habits that can damage teeth quickly. Here are some examples of such habits:

Biting nails
Nails are made from a strong and abrasive material called keratin. Chewing on them for too long and too frequently can cause cracking of teeth and enamel erosion in the long run. Additionally, biting nails frequently can cause one’s jaw to undergo positional issues. If ignored, the habit can cause long-term issues such as jaw dysfunction and temporomandibular joint disorder.

Apart from damaging one’s jaw, the nail-biting habit can also introduce harmful bacteria into the mouth, which can cause bad breath and decaying of teeth.

Chewing on inedible objects
In many instances, people, out of habit, involuntarily chew on objects like pencils, paper, spoon ends, pens, and other objects that are not supposed to be chewed or consumed. Sharp and conical objects can cause damage to one’s teeth and gums. One should avoid chewing on inedible objects as that not only causes teeth cracking and gum injuries but also leads to bleeding in the mouth. Moreover, there is always the risk of chewing on foreign objects and inadvertently swallowing one. This may cause choking and a series of dangerous health problems and even prove fatal.

Not maintaining toothbrushes
It is important to remember that the toothbrush is the only non-edible object that is used regularly. Therefore, it is critical to maintain toothbrushes so that their usage can be prolonged. Brushes tend to collect millions of bacteria from one’s mouth over a period of time. So, if the brush is not washed and maintained regularly, one can leave themselves vulnerable to bacterial infestation in the mouth. This can result in a range of issues, such as bad breath, yellowing of teeth, oral infections, and other similar dental problems. Using unclean brushes can cause cavities just as frequently as not brushing one’s teeth daily.

For these reasons, it is essential to maintain brushes every day and replace them as soon as they become unfit for usage in terms of hygiene.

Grinding and clenching teeth
Clenching one’s mouth and grinding teeth are common habits many people indulge in when angry, nervous, or afraid, and even while napping. Certain bite or sleep disorders in people can give rise to the development of this unhealthy habit. Nevertheless, grinding one’s teeth and clenching one’s gums can be harmful to one’s oral health. This habit can cause teeth and gum injuries, jaw soreness, and a strong, persistent headache in people. To avoid these issues, it is advisable for individuals to consciously reduce the number of times they grind or clench their teeth throughout the day to zero.

Using toothpicks incorrectly
Toothpicks are quite useful for removing tiny food particles stuck in the tooth gaps in the mouths. However, despite their effectiveness, dentists and other healthcare experts generally advise to avoid using toothpicks for cleaning teeth after every meals. This is because most people tend to use toothpicks incorrectly.

Sticking a toothpick between one’s teeth or gums incorrectly and without the necessary gentleness can cause bleeding in the gums. Additionally, over time, regular use of these tools leads to crooked and unshaped teeth, and something may even cause alignment issues. Therefore, one must try to use toothpicks in the right way or completely avoid them.

Not brushing teeth regularly
This is arguably the most obvious mistake one can make to debilitate oral health. Brushing acts as a regular way to cleanse one’s entire mouth (including the tongue, the upper and lower zones, and the area where the tongue meets the throat. It also keeps the teeth free of filth and bacteria. Not following a regular brushing routine (twice a day) can cause an onset of bacteria on the teeth as well as other parts of the mouth.

Some other unhealthy oral mistakes include snacking regularly, sucking thumbs, and opening packages with teeth.

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4 healthy foods for nursing mothers

Mothers who have recently delivered babies don't have sufficient nutrition due to the loss of blood and lactation. As a result, they have to carefully choose foods that are rich in calcium, carbohydrate, unsaturated fat, iron, folic acid, protein, and vitamins B6, B12, C, and D. Thankfully, healthy foods and supplements can help them regain strength and supply breastmilk to their newborns. The top four superfoods that can help nursing mothers include: Bananas Bananas are less expensive, available throughout the year, and considered a superfood for nursing moms. They are rich in nutrients, healthy carbs, vitamin B, antioxidants, and phytonutrients. Bananas are also abundant in potassium, calcium, and pectin, a source of energy. Experts claim that having a banana every day can help moms regain the energy they need to take care of the baby and breastfeed. Potassium is crucial for maintaining fluid balance in the mother's body and aids in the rampant transmission of nerve impulses.  Bananas can also aid in regulating blood pressure. It can prevent constipation, aid in regular bowel movements, and promote healthy gut bacteria. These fruits can provide about 1/4th of the vitamin B6 required for nursing moms, which is crucial for hemoglobin production and fighting antibodies. However, avoid bananas if you have allergies, a bout of cough and cold, or diabetes. Mothers can eat bananas after any meal or even add them to smoothies or pancakes as part of a meal. Fatty fish Fatty fish are naturally rich in vitamin B12, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin D. Fish like salmon and sardines are one of the few food sources of vitamin D, which is essential for mothers and their infants. A deficiency of vitamin D in infants, though uncommon now, can lead to weak and deformed bones. These fish also contain DHA, a type of omega-3 fatty acid essential for an infant's brain and heart development. DHA can be naturally found in breast milk if a mother eats fatty fish, eggs, or red meat. Omega-3 acids can also help in preventing postpartum depression. Mothers can choose from freshly caught fish, buy from verified farms, or use canned salmon. However, ensure that you have salmon or sardines twice a week to get its benefits and increase the production of breastmilk production. Homemade stock Soups and broths are wholesome and satisfying meals for nursing mothers. The most significant advantage of broths or soups is you can make large quantities and freeze them. The first three months can be hectic for new moms, which is why broths are perfect. They are nutritious, time savers, and can instantly replenish nutrients and strength. Mothers can use the bones and cartilage of chicken or lamb for meat broths. However, slow-cook them as the soup will have time to absorb all the nutrients and minerals from the meat and bones.  On the other hand, vegetarian mothers can make soups and broths of various vegetables and lentils. Bell pepper, carrots, celery stalks, french beans, lentils, mung, cottage cheese, and peas are ideal ingredients for vegetarian soups. Broths and soups can also help deal with postpartum depression and help regain bone density. It can also help reduce joint pain and strengthen joints right after childbirth. Leafy green vegetables It is widely known that green leafy vegetables contain multiple nutrients like vitamin A, C, E, and K, fiber, minerals, calcium, and antioxidants. Spinach has a high concentration of phytoestrogens and iron. When a nursing mom increases the intake of spinach, it raises the estrogen level and helps stimulate milk production. Phytoestrogens also help in regulating and reducing cholesterol and blood sugar levels. They are low on calories; hence, you do not have to worry about gaining weight. One serving of green leafy vegetables daily is the recommended quantity for nursing moms.  Mothers can also eat broccoli and Swiss Chard, which are high in calcium and iron. The daily calcium requirement for nursing moms is about 1,300 milligrams a day. Kale or collard greens also can supply about 20% of the daily calcium requirement. Moms can also have milk and yogurt to ensure they receive the necessary supply of calcium. They can add greens to salads, smoothies, soups, or casseroles. Cigna breast pump Cigna is a global health service company that offers health, pharmacy, dental and supplemental insurance, and Medicare plans. You can get 100% of Cigna's insurance for hospital-grade and standard electric breast pumps with a prescription from your physician, midwife, or nurse practitioner. Cigna also covers the cost of renting a heavy-duty hospital-grade breast pump if a standard breast pump fails. Elvie Free Elvie, one of the brands covered by Cigna with a doctor's prescription, has introduced a revolutionary, silent wearable breast pump that women can discretely fit in their clothes. It is a wireless breast pump that can be operated through a smartphone. This easy-to-use pump can be used confidently and without any hassle. Since it is silent, it can be used anywhere without any disturbance or the need for privacy. Moreover, there are no tubes or pipes. It consists of five easy-to-assemble and clean components that make pumping clean and safe. If you're a new mother who wants to try out breast pumps, give this a try after consulting a doctor. 

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7 disadvantages of applying for disability benefits

Disability benefits provided under Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can serve as a lifeline for people with physical or cognitive impairment. Such benefit systems basically dispense monthly income to people with disabilities and those who contribute the same through taxes. Moreover, they may also receive Medicare benefits. However, such programs come with certain limitations, which may or may not address all the diverse needs and challenges of people with disabilities. Strict definition of disability Social Security only benefits people with a severe impairment that renders them unable to work and support themselves or their families. Disability benefits are only for those who can't do any substantial, profitable work. Such strict definitions may often ignore other aspects of disability, like partial or short-term disability. There are two main criteria for qualifying for SSDI. First, one should have worked long enough and paid significant Social Security taxes to qualify for SSDI benefits. Second, one should prove an inability to work at a gainful employment for at least 12 months due to any physical or mental disability. So, one can only get the benefits if one can't do the current job at all. Apart from this, there are also other non-medical requirements. Cannot receive government help if the disability cannot be explained Benefits like SSI and SSDI protect disabled individuals under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) law, but one must be able to define the disability in detail. These include medical documentation and other proofs. It can be easier if the disability is noticeable, for example, when someone is using a wheelchair or is notably blind or deaf. However, it might be difficult for others suffering from issues like learning disabilities, neurological conditions, or mental health issues like PTSD. Possibility of discrimination Revealing a disability may sometimes have certain implications, like limiting one's choice of education or work. Stringent laws like the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and ADA offer strong protection, but discrimination may still occur, and personal relationships may get strained. May lose out on Medicaid benefits Those who qualify for and receive SSDI benefits may lose their Medicaid benefits. Medicaid covers a wide range of medical needs of individuals with severe disabilities, but qualifying for that is also tricky. Medicaid benefits are based on medical necessity and income, and any increase in income can disqualify someone from them. SSDI will increase one's income and can affect their Medicaid eligibility. On top of that, Medicare benefits only kick in after 24 months of SSDI eligibility. So, losing Medicaid due to SSDI could leave someone without health insurance for some time. The complicated process of application There are several federal rules that apply to the SSDI benefits, making the process complex and time-consuming. On average, it takes about 360 days for applicants to get an eligibility hearing, and only about a third of the applicants actually qualify. If the applicant remains unapproved, one may undergo an appeal process requiring different steps. In such a case, having a lawyer can help one expedite the process and also get a strong appeal in case of denial. Pays less than other private disability insurance policies Monthly SSDI benefit payments may not cover all of one's expenses. One may receive an average payment of $1,171 and a maximum of $2,687 even if one contributed more than that to Social Security. Additionally, these payments could be subject to taxes, especially if one's spouse earns. On the other hand, private disability insurance can provide up to 60% of one's pre-disability income tax-free. It is mainly for those who bought the policy on their own, and it also offers more flexibility that can suit one's lifestyle and budget. So, relying entirely on SSDI benefits may not fully meet one's financial needs. Time-consuming process Even if one qualifies for the benefits on paper, one must prove that they qualify for monthly benefits, and the application and other processing may take a long time. So, to see the money reflected in one's bank account, there may be a waiting period of several months. For disability benefits, the country is also seeing a significant backlog, and millions of people are on the waitlist. It can delay the process, leaving one without income for many months.

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