Young woman holding toothbrush, looking in mirror, rear view

Signs of a Gum Infection

A gum infection, or periodontitis, occurs when bacteria present in dental plaque spread to the gums. MayoClinic.com notes that it is usually caused by poor oral hygiene. Periodontitis can lead to a gingival abscess, which occurs when pus caused by the disintegration of nerves and blood vessels forms in your gums.

Read more →

Home Remedies for Bleeding & Swollen Gums

Swollen and bleeding gums, caused by an accumulation of tartar under the gumline, can indicate gingivitis, a mild form of gum disease. According to Mayo Clinic, healthy gum tissue is pink and firm; if your gums are puffy, dusky red in color and bleed easily, you should see your dentist.

Read more →
essential oil

Is Peppermint Oil Antibacterial or Antifungal?

Peppermint is not only one of the world's oldest medicinal herbs, but it is also one of the most versatile. The essential oil -- derived from its leaves -- has long been valued by herbalists and natural healers for its wealth of therapeutic effects, including antispasmodic and pain-killing properties.

Read more →

Jaw Pain & Chest Pressure

Jaw pain and chest pressure are two of the classic signs of a heart attack, although the American Heart Association notes that jaw pain as a heart attack symptom is more likely to appear in women. Jaw pain and chest pressure can also indicate a condition called angina pectoris that results from coronary artery disease.

Read more →
Bulgur

What Are the Benefits of Bulgur Wheat?

Bulgur wheat is a staple of Middle Eastern cuisine, traditionally used to make tabbouleh and pilafs. Its satisfying, chewy texture and mild, nutty taste have made it popular in the United States as well.

Read more →

Does Swimming Exacerbate Meniscus Tear Pain in the Knee?

A meniscus tear is a rip in the cartilage inside your knee, often caused by a sudden, acute trauma, such as twisting your knee during sports. A degenerative tear -- which can happen during such everyday activities as walking or climbing stairs -- usually occurs as a result of aging or arthritis.

Read more →
Homemade mayonnaise

How to Grow Hair With Mayonnaise

Although everybody wants a luxurious, long mane of hair, it is not always easy to accomplish this. Hair--especially if it is dry, damaged, or brittle--can become ever shorter due to splits and breakage at the ends, creating the illusion that your hair simply won't grow.

Read more →
Woman Holding Toothbrush and Looking in Mirror

Factors Affecting Personal Hygiene

Good hygiene, or personal cleanliness, not only helps maintain a healthy self-image, but is important in preventing the spread of infections and disease. According to nursing textbook "Tabbner's Nursing Care: Theory and Practice,"

Read more →

Inulin & Weight Loss

Inulin, a naturally occurring soluble fiber obtained from the root of the chicory plant, is often incorporated into processed foods to add fiber, bulk and a sweet flavor. Inulin can give you a sensation of satiety, or fullness, without raising your blood-sugar levels or adding many calories.

Read more →

How to Take Care of Dry & Fine Hair

Caring for fine, overly dry hair can be frustrating. Dry hair lacks moisture, and can become brittle, porous, frizzy, dull and plagued by split ends. Often, dry hair has been damaged by chemical processing. With fine hair, individual hair shafts are thin in diameter.

Read more →

Normal Prostate Weight

Your prostate gland -- found at the base of your bladder -- is normally the size of a walnut. It can become larger with age, causing uncomfortable urinary symptoms such as the sensation of being unable to completely empty your bladder.

Read more →
Dry Crown thistles

Sand Burr Stickers and Skin Irritation

Sand burr, an unwelcome intruder in lawns and beaches throughout the Southern United States, is an annual grass that reproduces by burrs, or stickers. The burrs attach themselves to shoelaces, clothing, pet fur and even tires, and feature 1/4-inch spines that are sharp enough to penetrate skin.

Read more →

Are There Herbs That Can Help Ice-Pick Scars?

Acne -- an inflammatory skin condition featuring blackheads, whiteheads and pimples -- results from the clogging of your pores with skin oils, dead cells and bacteria. When inflammation goes deep enough, cystic acne can result.

Read more →
Woman applying cream on face

Enlarged Pores in Aging Skin

Enlarged facial pores can be unsightly. They create an irregular texture and tone that detracts from the smooth, glowing appearance of attractive skin. Large pores become more noticeable with age. Although the actual size of pores can't be reduced, various techniques can help you minimize their appearance.

Read more →
Portrait of a male doctor smiling

Dark Urine and Weight Loss

Dark urine and weight loss occurring together are symptoms that should not be ignored; both of these can indicate serious medical conditions, usually involving the liver or kidneys.

Read more →
Beautiful blonde woman enjoyment during drying hair

How to Repair Damaged Hair Without Cutting it

Sun exposure, chlorine, harsh chemicals in coloring, straightening and perming and heat stress from curling irons and blow dryers all conspire to make your hair porous, brittle, dry and dull. Those with fine hair tend to be most at risk, according to the health and beauty website Free Beauty Tips.

Read more →