Discusses lupus, an autoimmune disorder. Focuses on systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Covers symptoms and how it is diagnosed. Covers treatment with medicines like corticosteroids, NSAIDs, and antimalarials. Discusses the importance of good self-care.

You may get nosebleeds during pregnancy. That's because there is more blood flow to the tissue inside the nose (mucous membranes) when you are pregnant. There are things you can do to help prevent nosebleeds, such as using a humidifier. Follow the directions for cleaning the machine. You also have more blood flow to the...

What is oral cancer? Oral cancer is the growth of abnormal cells in any part of the mouth or lips. Most oral cancers start in the lining of the lips or mouth where you have thin, flat cells called squamous cells. This type of cancer may also be called oral cavity cancer or oropharyngeal cancer. What puts you at risk...

Discusses hepatitis C, a disease caused by a virus that infects the liver. Covers causes and symptoms. Includes info on the two phases, acute and chronic. Includes info on cirrhosis. Covers treatment with antiviral medicines and surgery.

Gives an overview of thumb-sucking, how it is treated, and how to support a child.

A mandibular repositioning device (MRD) is sometimes used to treat obstructive sleep apnea and snoring. The device pushes the jaw forward. This makes the airway larger and improves airflow. The MRD also reduces the chance that tissue will collapse and narrow the airway when you breathe in. You wear the device every...

What is bad breath? Everybody has bad breath from time to time, especially first thing in the morning. Saliva has a cleaning action that helps reduce or get rid of bad breath. When you have less saliva, bacteria can grow, causing bad breath. The flow of saliva almost stops during sleep. Many other things can cause bad...

Fluoride is a mineral that helps prevent tooth decay. It is added to local water supplies, toothpastes, and other mouth care products. Fluoride controls bacteria and makes teeth stronger and more resistant to decay. Fluoride also helps repair teeth that have already been slightly damaged by plaque. The amounts of...

Describes root canal surgery in detail. Covers what to expect after surgery, why surgery is done, and how well it works. Lists risks involved.

Hypnosis is a state of focused concentration during which a person becomes less aware of their surroundings. Hypnotherapy is the use of hypnosis to treat physical or psychological conditions. During a hypnotic state (trance), a person may be more likely to accept suggestions that can help change their behavior. A...

After 8 years of trying to quit smoking, Nate was sick of it—literally. His throat hurt so much from smoking that he said to himself, "This is stupid." He tossed his pack of cigarettes to a friend and hasn't looked back. Nate started smoking in his teens with friends from school. After 2 years of smoking, he'd had...

What is von Willebrand disease? Von Willebrand disease is a bleeding disorder. When you have this problem, it takes longer for your blood to form clots, so you bleed for a longer time than other people. Normally when a person starts to bleed, small blood cells called platelets go to the site of the bleeding. These cells...

Discusses benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). Distinguishes between dizziness and a feeling of spinning (vertigo). Covers how it is diagnosed. Discusses treatment with head exercises (Epley and Semont maneuvers) and medicines.

Several oral devices have been tested to help treat people with sleep apnea or snoring. A device called a mandibular repositioning device pushes the jaw forward, improving airflow. Changing the position of the lower jaw enlarges the airway and decreases the chance that it will collapse when you inhale. Other oral...

Sjögren's syndrome (say "SHOH-grins") causes your body's defense, or immune, system to attack the glands that make moisture. The condition affects your tear and saliva glands and sometimes other parts of your body. Your eyes and mouth get very dry. Sjögren's also may cause you to be very tired and to have pain in your...

Many babies and young children calm themselves by sucking their thumbs. While most children will stop on their own, some continue past the age of 4 or 5. Prolonged thumb-sucking can lead to dental and speech problems. With lots of love, encouragement, and a few simple steps, you can help your child break their...

What is an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD)? An implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) is a small, battery-powered device. It can fix an abnormal heart rate or rhythm and prevent sudden death. The ICD is placed under the skin of your chest. One or two wires (called leads) connect the ICD to your heart...

Your child's primary teeth usually begin to break through the gums (erupt) at about 6 months of age. This is called teething. Teeth break through the gums in a certain order, typically from the front to the back of the mouth. Lower teeth often appear 1 to 2 months before the corresponding upper teeth. A change in the...

Looks at the importance of good dental health habits. Suggests when and how to brush and floss.

These are the tests you may need and how often you should have them. The tests may vary depending on whether you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes. A1c blood test. This test shows the average level of blood sugar over the past 2 to 3 months. It helps your doctor see whether blood sugar levels have been staying within your...

Bronchoscopy is a procedure that allows your doctor to look at your airway through a thin viewing device called a bronchoscope. During a bronchoscopy, your doctor will examine your throat, larynx, trachea, and lower airways. This procedure may be done to diagnose problems with the airway, the lungs, or the lymph nodes...

A dental sealant is a strong liquid-plastic material that helps protect teeth from plaque. Plaque is a thin film of bacteria that sticks to teeth. The bacteria in plaque use sugars in food to make acids. These acids can damage the tooth's surface and cause tooth decay. The sealant is put on the chewing surfaces of the...

Discusses taking aspirin to prevent a first and second heart attack for people who have coronary artery disease. Covers aspirin therapy to help lower risk of a stroke. Discusses if aspirin therapy is for you. Looks at things to avoid while taking aspirin.

The unconscious act of grinding your teeth is called bruxism (say "BRUK-siz-um"). This usually occurs at night during sleep. Bruxism has been observed in people of all ages, including young children. It is a contributing factor in temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). Like daytime teeth clenching, bruxism is often...

Describes a test you can do at home that will show how well you're brushing and flossing your teeth. Covers over-the-counter products that can be used to identify plaque. Covers how to do the self-exam and what results mean.