Health Help
Q I’m suffering from acid reflux. How can I treat it?
For many people who suffer from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), eating can be a less-than-happy experience. Acid reflux deals with the backwards flow of acid from the stomach to the oesophagus. Normally, the muscle at the bottom of the oesophagus remains closed and only opens to allow food and liquid through it to the stomach. When this muscle is weakened or not working properly, it can open at random times, resulting in a backward flow of stomach acid into the oesophagus, resulting in discomfort and pain. Over time, the inflammation can break down the oesophageal lining causing ulcers and other complications. Common symptoms are belching, burning and pressure in the upper abdomen, cramping after a meal, and halitosis. Common causes of GERD include a hiatal hernia, obesity, slumped posture, pregnancy, poor diet, smoking and stress.
Many people rely on over-the-counter anti-acid medications to soothe the pain and discomfort of acid reflux. But, a body that suffers from GERD is a restricted body that is not functioning properly. Since your entire body is controlled by your nervous system – an intricate web of nerves that makes everything in your body function in a specific way – any sort of interference can lead to dysfunction and health problems.
Your Gonstead Chiropractor believes that a spine and body free from dysfunction and restriction is a body that can function optimally. Through regular visits, Gonstead Chiropractic can help treat GERD by helping you to manage a healthy weight, strengthen the spinal muscles through adjustments, and correct joint dysfunction or restrictions by ensuring proper functions of the whole body.
Academy of Chiropractic Clinic #02-27 Riverside Point, 30 Merchant Road 6438 5051 | accsing.com
Q My child’s teeth are growing in crooked. Should I be worried?
Often, when the first baby teeth are lost, the new adult teeth appear to be in a strange position, which can be concerning for parents. The lower-front teeth are usually the first baby teeth to fall out, followed by the upper-front teeth. Sometimes, the lower adult teeth come through on the inside, while the lowerfront baby teeth are still in position. This can look like “shark teeth” and many parents also find this worrying. However, adult teeth usually come forward nicely into position once the baby teeth have fallen out; luckily, it’s only a short amount of time until they come forward if there is enough space.
Having said that, a lack of space at the front is an issue that does need to be addressed, as it can cause the upper and lower teeth to rotate and become crowded. It can also delay the eruption of some teeth, as teeth have to fight for space and jostle for position.
There are a few different causes of crowding of the front teeth. Habits like thumb-sucking and pacifiers can change the shape of the upper and lower jaws. Other times, teeth are large in relation to jaw size, or there may be a genetic predisposition to crowding. An x-ray called an OPG can be helpful to see how the un-erupted teeth are positioned and to check if there are any missing adult teeth. This is like a panoramic scan of the upper and lower jaws and children usually tolerate it very well.
It’s important to have a dentist monitor the situation, as there are some very good options for early intervention. A common treatment is removable expanders to create more space in the upper or lower jaw, or both. The appliances are adjusted at home and work very effectively to make space for the crowded teeth. They’re sometimes so effective that future orthodontics aren’t required at all! Every time your child has a dental check-up, the dentist will check how the teeth meet together, continue to monitor the growth and advise on the best stage to refer or treat if necessary.
Smilefocus
#08-02/03 and #08-07/08 Camden Medical Centre,
1 Orchard Boulevard
6834 0877 | smilefocus.com.sg