The Truth behind the Tooth

Brushing, flossing, and two yearly dental check-ups are believed to be standard for oral health care, but there are more health benefits to taking care of your pearly whites than most of us know.

Myth 1: The consequences of poor oral health are restricted to the mouth

Mothers-to-be do not realise that what they eat affects the dental development of the foetus. The baby is then more likely to suffer from tooth decay. Some data suggests that a lack of vitamins B6 and B12 could result in a cleft lip or cleft palate. Other oral problems can lead to growth problems or obesity. Carole Palmer a professor of Dental Medicine, says “If a child’s mouth hurts due to decay, he or she is less likely to be able to concentrate at school and is more likely to be eating foods that are easier to chew, but less nutritious”.

To help their children, parents can learn how to speak so their children will listen. They can learn to appreciate and support their children instead of reprimanding them. They can show them that they have time to consider their options and as loving and caring parents, help them make healthy decisions. They can take advantage of both and be a part of the lucky generation who listens, learns and loves wisely.

Statistics released by the Reproductive Health Research Unit in 2003, show that 17-18 year-olds account for 55% of all teen pregnancies in South Africa, and that 90% of people infected with HIV in Sub-Saharan Africa are between the ages of 10 and 19.
What’s even more surprising is that teens don’t regard condoms and contraceptives as importantly as they should, not for lack of education but because they fear that their family and even friends will find out. 80-90% of the time some form of alcohol or substance abuse is present and the teens would then participate in unprotected sex because it was ‘the spur of the moment’ or something that ‘just happened’.

All you need to know about school phobia and child anxiety.

Starting school for a child is quit daunting even crèche is at first, the new environment; the foreign people including teachers, classmates, other school mates and the challenge of making new friends (for some children) may lead to a suffering from child anxiety disorders.

It is normal for children to be scared on their first day of school but this soon weighs off, and in no time they’ve made a number of friends. But what if this persists and getting your child to school becomes a hassle or your child suddenly refuses to go to school? The cause of this may be school phobia when a child is terrified and refuses to go to school even the thought of school makes the child sick. The child clings on to their parent, throw tantrums and develop a habit of following parent around the house and develop sleeping problems. School phobia can also cause child anxiety disorder.

Pregnancy offers no protection for you or your baby from sexually transmitted diseases. In fact, the consequences can be a lot more serious and life-threatening if an expecting mother is infected with gonorrhea.

HIV and Syphilis are transmitted to the fetus by crossing the placenta. While gonorrhea isn’t able to do that, the bacteria can cause significant problems in a pregnancy.

Before and after pregnancy, gonorrhea can spread to the uterus and fallopian tubes and cause Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). This happens in about 10 to 40% of cases, but PID very rarely occurs during pregnancy.

Falling into a dark pit with the arrival of your new bundle of joy is the last thing you want, so before you do, here’s how to prevent it.For most women being pregnant is a time of great happiness and excitement. The anticipation of having your bundle of joy, involves many things including the really fun, girly stuff like buying baby clothes and decorating the nursery