07:26 Wednesday 22 February 2017

As a local dentist and mum-of-two, Elaine Clavell-Bate understands just how much parents want to help their children protect their perfect smiles. Elaine says: "It's really important for our kids to get into healthy dental routines and learning good habits early will help set them up for a lifetime of great oral health."

Here's Elaine's advice on how you can help your children keep their healthy smile.

Brushing

The advice is to brush children's teeth for two minutes last thing at night and for two minutes at one other time of the day.

You should supervise your children's brushing until they are at least six-years-old.

Disclosing tablets are great tool for parents to check that kids are brushing effectively. These are chewable tablets that stain plaque pink so children can see the areas they need to brush better. Speak to your dentist or hygienist about their use and always Vaseline their lips first otherwise their lips will be pink too!

You should start brushing your children's teeth once the first tooth comes into their mouth. Use a fluoridated toothpaste containing no less than 1000ppm fluoride. Preferably over 1350ppm fluoride if possible.

For children under three years of age, only a small smear of toothpaste should be used, children over three should have a small pea sized amount on their brush.

It can be difficult to encourage young children to brush their teeth. But brushing can be made fun. Children really love colourful or character toothbrushes and there are lots of apps that can make brushing more interesting.

Playing their favourite song can help as can using a novelty two minute timer.

With our two young boys we encourage them to brush for the first minute then we take over for the second.

Tooth brush charts are a great help especially if they come with sticker rewards.

Children can use mouthwash from the age of seven providing they can spit out well and you can be sure that they wont swallow the rinse.

But remember mouthwash should not be used straight after brushing, nor should you or your child rinse with water after brushing. Toothpaste should be left on the teeth so encourage your child to spit out the excess toothpaste but not rinse.

Children from the age of 12 years-of-age can start cleaning in between their teeth, usually with floss or dental tape. They can see their dentist or hygienist to be shown how to effectively and safely clean between their teeth. This is especially important if they have crowded teeth or have braces on.

The kit

Toothbrushes should be replaced when the brush bristles are splayed or at least every 3 months.

Try to use a toothbrush with a small head and medium texture bristles. Either electric or manual, the main thing is to encourage them to brush for 2 minutes - the brush isn't as important as effective brushing.

Diet

We would encourage all parents not to add sugar to any food or drink. For very young children a free flow cup should be encouraged from 6 months and we advise that bottles be stopped if possible by 12-months-old.

Encourage water rather than juice especially in between meals and keep sugary food and drinks to a minimum.

Parents should try to reduce the frequency of sugary food. When children get sweet food and drink try to keep that food to with a meal rather than letting them snack on it between meals. This reduces the number of sugar attacks on the teeth.

Starting with good habits from a young age is important, it's much harder to change to a healthier low sugar diet than it is to start that way.

Using stickers or presents such as magazines or football cards as treats and rewards can be a useful way of avoiding sweets. Suggest this to family members and anyone who looks after your children too.

The obvious high sugar snacks to avoid are sweets, chocolate, biscuits, cake and sugary drinks. But you should check the sugar content of all snacks to make sure there are no hidden sugars. Dried fruit such as raisins are high in sugar and stick in children's teeth and can cause decay.

If you are unsure if your child's diet is high in sugar you can always record a diet sheet. This means writing down everything that your child eats and drinks and the times they have the food and drink for twp week days and one weekend day. Always be totally truthful and try to pick a week that is representative of their normal diet. (None of us would choose Christmas week to do this! )Take the sheet with you to your dental or hygienist appointment and discuss the content with them. They may be able to identify problem areas and suggest alternatives.

Coming to the dentist

Parents should get baby and child dental advice as early as possible so take your baby with you to your own check ups and make sure they are having their own appointments by the age of two.

Even if you feel your child may not be cooperative the dentist can give advice - it is important that your child is comfortable in the surgery from a young age.

If your child is nervous about attending the dentist encourage them to attend for regular check ups and don't put pressure on them to comply fully at first. They may just want to talk to the dentist or have their teeth counted while they sit on a parent's knee. We encourage toddlers to bring their favourite teddy and they can give their teddy their own dental check up using our mouth mirrors.

Eventually they will gain confidence. Generally the younger they start attending regular check ups the less nervous they are. Going to the dentist will become as normal as going for a haircut.

There are several treatments available to help prevent your children's teeth from decaying such as fluoride varnish and sealants. Your dentist or hygienist will advise you on when fluoride varnish should be applied to teeth and when sealants should be placed.

If your child needs treatment don't be scared to ask your dentist as many questions as you feel you need to. If your child is worried about treatment let your dentist know.

For young children there are books about cartoon characters visiting the dentist and these can be useful.

The dentist will fully explain each treatment and talk you and your child through every stage. It is important that you and your child feel in control and knowledgeable about the treatment as this will help to reduce any anxiety.

Elaine Clavell-Bate is a dentist and clinical lead at Clavell-Bate dental practice in Whalley. She has been a dentist for 11 years.

Read more:
Everything you need to know to protect your kids' teeth - Blackpool Gazette

Mediterranean diet may decrease pain associated with obesity Science Daily "We found that a healthy diet explained the link between weight and pain and specifically that seafood and plant proteins such as peas and nuts and beans were key," said Emery, who is a member of Ohio State's Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research. and more »

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Mediterranean diet may decrease pain associated with obesity - Science Daily

Energetic and earnest, sweet and punchy self-described "slop-pop" duo Diet Cig is nothing if not endearing. In "Tummy Ache," the first single from the band's upcoming debut Swear I'm Good At This, singer and guitarist Alex Luciano wields this undeniable charm while singing about the challenges of carving out her own space in a notoriously bro-heavy scene.

"Tummy Ache" gains its power from being both brash and vulnerable; Luciano boldly asserts that she doesn't "need a man / to hold my hand." Later, she wonders: "What if we never figure it out / what if I'm always talking too loud?"

The video for "Tummy Ache" stars young participants from the Willie Mae Rock Camp for Girls and Girls Rock Philly, two programs aimed at musical education and empowerment for girls. While the lyrics to "Tummy Ache" may be ambivalent, the video itself signals nothing but confidence and joy. Campers eat junk food in sparkly makeup, gather at a rock club to craft "Trans Lives Matter" and "Defend Planned Parenthood" signs, before showing off their shredding skills on stage. It's a near-utopian space of grrrl power, music and community.

Luciano laments that "it's hard to be a punk while wearing a skirt." But from the looks of it, it can be pretty fun, too.

Swear I'm Good At This comes out April 7 on Frenchkiss Records.

Go here to see the original:
First Watch: Diet Cig, 'Tummy Ache' : NPR - NPR

Dr. Luke, accused of fat-shaming, says Kesha's kin outlined diet

NEW YORK DAILY NEWS

Updated: Tuesday, February 21, 2017, 8:51 PM

The music producer accused of abusing and fat-shaming pop star Kesha says it was the singers family and handlers who wanted to keep her off junk food, according to court papers.

After Keshas camp released emails last week from producer Dr. Luke criticizing her for breaking her "diet plan" by drinking a Diet Coke, Luke countered that the whole weight-loss initiative was her idea.

"Kesha and her managers know full well that they are mischaracterizing this conduct as 'abuse' because Kesha, her managers, and others in Keshas life, frequently discussed her weight and dieting practices and not in the most flattering of terms," Luke said in a reply filed in court Tuesday.

At issue are dueling lawsuits between Kesha, 29, and Luke, whose real name is Lukasz Gottwald, over Keshas contract with Luke and allegations that the producer raped and drugged her.

Emails of Dr. Luke ripping Kesha's weight introduced into suit

Luke also denied claims he threatened Kesha to get her to sing particular lyrics for the song Crazy Kids.

But Luke says he asked a prominent third-party writer to provide alternative lyrics specifically to address Keshas concerns.

Lawyers for Kesha, whose real name is Kesha Sebert, could not be reached for comment.

Kesha has scored two number-one singles, "Tik Tok" and "We R Who We R."

Lady Gaga roped into new Dr. Luke suit against Kesha

She has been trying to get out of her six-album deal with Sony and Luke.

Continue reading here:
Dr. Luke responds to fat-shaming claims by saying Kesha's family, managers outlined her diet, court papers show - New York Daily News

Candida is a fungus that can grow in the human body.

A condition called Candida Overgrowth Syndrome is said to occur if levels in the gut become too high.

But is it actually a real condition, and does diet play a role? This article explores the current research.

The Candida genus includes more than 20 species of yeast that areable to cause infections in humans (1).

Its commonly present in the digestive tract and mucous membranes of the nose, throat and reproductive organs.

The most common species is Candida albicans (C. albicans), which is estimated to be present in the mouth or throat of up to 40% of healthy adults (2).

About 70% of healthy adults also have yeasts, mainly Candida species, in their guts (large intestine or bowel)(3).

Summary: Yeasts of the Candida genus are common in the digestive tract and mucous membranes of healthy adults. Some species of Candida can cause infections.

Candida does not cause problems most of the time.

However, sometimes yeasts can multiply rapidly and greatly increase in numbers. This is called yeast overgrowth and can lead to infection.

Yeast overgrowth in the gut can cause a variety of unpleasant symptoms. This has been termed Candida overgrowth syndrome.

Candida albicans on human small intestine mucosa ( 3000-fold magnification) (3).

Its also referred to as:

While numerous books and diet plans claim to cure the condition, the very existence of Candida overgrowth syndrome is controversial.

It first gained attention in 1984 after the publication of a book by William Crook titled The Yeast Connection: A Medical Breakthrough.

According to Crook, use of antibiotics causes yeast overgrowth (4).

As he explained it, antibiotics kill good bacteria in the gut that usually keep C.albicans in check. With the good bacteria no longer around, Candida is able to multiply and weaken the immune system.

Infections can develop more easily with a weakened immune system. Of course, an infection is typically treated with antibiotics, fueling this cycle.

This theory of Crooks has never been proven mind you.

Summary: Candida overgrowth syndrome is a controversial condition that some suggest is caused by overgrowth of Candida yeast in the gut.

Some types of Candida infection are well known and described in the medical literature.

Candida infection in the mouth or throat is called thrush. Candida infection of the vagina is commonly referred to as a yeast infection.

More serious infections can occur when Candida enters the bloodstream. This is known as invasive candidiasis. However, most cases occur in hospital or nursing home patients who have weakened immune systems.

There is no scientific evidence that these infections are caused by Candida overgrowth in the gut.

Summary: Infections of the mouth, throat, vagina and bloodstream can be caused by Candida. However, there is no evidence linking these infections with Candida overgrowth in the gut.

The following symptoms have been attributed to Candida overgrowth syndrome (4, 5):

One issue here is that many illnesses or infections could cause these wide-ranging symptoms. They are not specific to Candida overgrowth.

According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, these symptoms are essentially universal. That is, most sick patients probably complain of at least some of them.

Furthermore, there is no scientific evidence to date showing that Candida overgrowth is capable of causing these symptoms.

Summary: Symptoms attributed to Candida overgrowth are not specific and could be caused by a variety of conditions.

Since Candida yeast is present in the majority of people, simply testing for its presence is not useful.

Only one published study has tried to find out whether a set of symptoms or tests could be used to diagnose Candida overgrowth. The researchers could not find any physical or laboratory difference between patients who believed they had Candida overgrowth and those who didnt (6).

This is in line with what Crook says.

In his book, he suggested yeast may be identified as the cause only when no other conditions are discovered. In other words, yeast would be diagnosed as the cause by ruling out other potential culprits.

Additionally, according to Crook, diagnosis of Candida overgrowth could only be made if the patient responded to a suggested treatment (4).

That is, if symptoms go away following treatment, then Candida must have been the problem.

Summary: There are no laboratory tests or other tests to diagnose Candida overgrowth syndrome.

Many diet books claim to treat or cure Candida overgrowth, including Crooks.

Some claim they will provide seemingly miraculous results and can help you recover from Candida in 60 days.

Perhaps the most-well known is the Candida Diet. Here are the typical recommendations:

Unfortunately, there is no evidence that following a so-called Candida diet is helpful in treating a candida overgrowth.

Anyone that swaps refined carbohydrates, added sugars and processed foods for whole foods will feel better and experience better health.

Its no surprise then that patients may feel better following such a diet.

Summary: There is no evidence that a specific candida diet will alleviate symptoms of Candida overgrowth.

The benefit of dietary change is unproven.

But what about the recommendations to take a nutrition supplement?

Keep in mind that Candida is a normal resident of the gut in the majority of healthy adults. Unless a patient has invasive candidiasis, there is no reason to try to reduce Candida.

In fact, according to one group of scientists, eliminating intestinal yeasts is not generally advised (3).

In saying that, many nutrition supplements claim to kill Candida in the gut and/or alleviate symptoms of Candida overgrowth.

However, only probiotics and coconut oil have some (weak) scientific evidence to back up their claims.

One study found that premature babies given Lactobacillus rhamnosus (a bacterial probiotic) for 12 months were significantly less likely to have Candida in their guts (7). Twenty-three percent of babies given the probiotic had Candida, compared to 48% of those given a placebo.

No published studies have looked at probiotics and Candida overgrowth in adults though.

Then there is coconut oil, which has been shown in lab studies to have antifungal activity (8).

Additionally, one study in mice found those fed a diet extremely rich in coconut oil (50% of total calories) had lower levels of C. albicans in their guts than those fed other types of fat and oil (9).

The authors suggested that coconut oil could potentially be used in humans to reduce C. albicans in the gut, but it remains to be tested.

Summary: Emerging research shows that certain probiotics and coconut oil may be effective in reducing Candida in the gut. However, whether that is beneficial for most peopl is not known.

Antifungal medicines have also been suggested as a potential treatment.

One high-quality study looked at the use of Nystatin, an antifungal medicine, in women complaining of Candida overgrowth symptoms. Nystatin was no better than placebo at reducing symptoms (5).

In fact, theres no published evidence showing that Nystatin or any other antifungal medicines alleviate Candida overgrowth in the gut.

Furthermore, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology states that the long-term use of antifungal medicines is potentially dangerous because it could produce resistant species of C. albicans or other disease-causing fungi (4).

Summary: Antifungal medicines have not been shown to reduce symptoms of Candida overgrowth. In fact, long-term use of these medicines could be dangerous.

Scientists have shown that C. albicans in the gut can move through the lining of the intestine and into the bloodstream (10).

This is the case in invasive candidiasis.

Because of this, some believe that Candida overgrowth is the cause of increased intestinal permeability, better known as leaky gut syndrome.

However, this is currently an untested theory and we cannot make strong assumptions.

Whats more, leaky gut syndrome presents as a symptom in numerous conditions unrelated to Candida overgrowth.

Summary: There is no evidence that Candida overgrowth causes leaky gut syndrome.

Symptoms associated with Candida overgrowth are similar to those of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and fibromyalgia.

A small study of 20 patients found C. albicans was present in the stool of 60% of CFS patients suffering from severe symptoms (acute phase) compared to only 30% of CFS patients without symptoms (remission) (11).

However, C. albicans was also present in the stool of 53% of healthy control subjects (without CFS) in that study similar to the acute CFS patients. So its unlikely that C. albicans caused CFS in those patients.

Additionally, a controlled trial looking at whether yeast-containing foods affect CFS symptoms found no effect. Patients on a low-sugar, low-yeast diet had no improvements in fatigue or quality of life compared to those on a regular healthy diet (12).

Combined, this evidence suggests it does not cause CFS.

Summary: There is no clear evidence that Candida causes chronic fatigue syndrome. A low-yeast diet also did not improve symptoms in patients with CFS.

According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, the concept of Candida overgrowth syndrome should be regarded as speculative and unproven unless supported by competent research.

And from the current evidence, there is no proof that if it is a real condition it is directly responsible for other health issues or disease.

It makes sense then thatno specific candida diet or antifungal medicine can help treat it. In fact, no treatment has been shown to consistently eliminate symptoms, which makes me even more skeptical.

If youve experienced long-term symptoms associated with Candida overgrowth, talk to your doctor first. There are many potential causes of such symptoms, and more serious issues must be ruled out.

This post originally appeared on Diet vs Disease asCandida and Diet: Splitting Fact from Fiction

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

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Candida and Diet: Splitting Fact from Fiction - Care2.com

Life & Style Weekly

Mama June Reveals Her Best Diet Tips Find out How She Slimmed Down! Life & Style Weekly June "Mama June" Shannon went from not to hot, and now she's dishing about how she did it! The former Here Comes Honey Boo Boo star wowed fans by shedding an impressive 150 pounds last year and she isn't stopping there! She's making her return ... and more »

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Mama June Reveals Her Best Diet Tips Find out How She Slimmed Down! - Life & Style Weekly