Health

FDA Recommends using Physical Sunscreen over Chemical

Published

5 years ago

July 16, 2019

Dermatologists and Food and drug Administration continue to advise Americans to apply sunscreen. Generally only one in 5 Americans develops cancer. But applying sunscreen reduces the risk. And sunscreen also reduces premature aging, wrinkles and sun spots.

Even though all of us pay little attention to the harm sun does us, we apply sunscreen. And sunscreen, or a sunbed cream (zonnebankcreme) is one of the staple cosmetics everyone uses. So, the FDA proposed a regulation that manufacturers have to provide more data about the safety of certain sunscreen ingredients. And they also requested the details of how much absorbing capacity do these chemicals have, and how they have any effects on the body.

There are two types of sunscreen. One is the physical sunscreen. It sits on the skin and reflects the UV rays. And it contains chemicals like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. People with sensitive skin must use physical sunscreen. And these sunscreens leave a white residue on skin like applied by cricket players on field. Physical sunscreens are more natural than the next type- Chemical sunscreen.

The chemical sunscreens absorb the UV rays from sun rather than reflecting it. And they have ingredients like Oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate, octinoxate. These sunscreens do not leave a white residue and are more cosmetically elegant.

The FDA claims that Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are the safest ingredients for skin. Which means that physical sunscreen is safer. But that does not mean chemical sunscreens are hazardous. It only means that the FDA does not have more information on their level of safety.

If the ingredients on your sunscreen pack concerns you, then check for titanium dioxide and zinc. But if there are other ingredients then you can use a physical sunscreen. You can also use physical barriers like an umbrella, a long sleeve shirt, and a hat. You can use shades for your eyes too. The sun is most powerful in the time frame of 10 am to 2 pm.

It is always better to consult a dermatologist for sunscreen for your skin.

Health

9 Simple Steps to Dealing with a Broken Tooth

Published

2 months ago

February 14, 2024

Michelle Langton

Credit: freepik via Freepik

It’s movie night, and you have an obligatory bowlful of popcorn balancing on your lap. You toss a handful of popcorn and — crack — you unknowingly bite down on a kernel with the full power of your jaw.

Lightning strikes your mouth as you realize this humble kernel broke your tooth.

Now what?

Besides pausing the movie and spitting out your mouthful of popcorn and tooth, you might not know your next steps.

What should you do, and how can you pay for it? Find the answers to these questions and more below:

1. Save the Pieces

If possible, save any broken pieces of the tooth. Your dentist might need these pieces.

2. Rinse Your Mouth

Gently rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area. Avoid using hot or cold water, as it might aggravate any exposed nerves.

3. Control Bleeding

If you bleed, apply gentle pressure to the area with a clean cloth or gauze. You can also use a cold compress on your jaw or cheek to reduce swelling.

4. Contact Your Dentist

Reach out to your dentist immediately. Explain the situation and try to schedule an emergency appointment. Many dentists reserve slots for urgent cases. If they don’t have a spot available, look at specialty emergency clinics in your area.

5. Get Over-the-Counter Pain Relief

Broken and chipped teeth can hurt, so take some over-the-counter pain relievers to help manage this pain until you can see your dentist.

6. Check Insurance Coverage

Review your dental insurance policy to understand coverage details. Some policies may cover emergency procedures, while others may have limitations.

7. Discuss Payment Options

If cost is a concern, discuss financing options with your dentist. Some dental offices offer flexible arrangements that give you a break. If you qualify for these plans, you might be able to push out your due date to coincide with your payday. You may even be able to break up your total outstanding amount over several payments.

8. Take out a Personal Loan

If you’re just shy of what you need to cover your emergency dental expense, consider going online to scope out personal loans. A personal loan may fill in for savings in urgent situations. You can quickly visit a website like MoneyKey to see what you need to apply. If approved, a personal loan gives you the means to pay for your visit upfront and pay off what you owe over time.

9. Consider Urgent Care Clinics

If your financial situation is such that you can’t afford a personal loan’s payments, reconsider your choice of dentist. Some dental practices apply a sliding scale to their services so that they can provide immediate care at a lower cost for at-risk individuals.

Next Steps: Thinking About the Future

So, you’ve managed to repair your tooth and pay the bill, too. What’s next? Make sure you hit these three goals soon. They can help you prevent another broken tooth in the future!

Stay on Top of Dental Hygiene: Brush at least twice a day and floss once a day — these simple habits can protect your teeth over time.
Schedule Regular Checkups: Keeping up with regular cleanings can also help you prevent future dental emergencies.
Build an Emergency Fund: Sometimes, accidents happen. Consider building an emergency fund specifically for unexpected dental emergencies.