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White or Pale Yellow Spots on Your Throat? - Causes, Treatments and Home Remedies

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White or pale yellow spots on your tonsils often mean your body is fighting something off. Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections are the usual suspects. Alongside those spots, you might have a sore throat, trouble swallowing, fever, or feel run down. Tonsillitis is a common cause. Viruses trigger most cases, while bacteria like Group A Streptococcus can lead to strep throat. Kids catch it easily, but adults aren't off the hook. Viral tonsillitis often clears within a week. Bacterial cases may need antibiotics and a bit more patience. Strep throat comes from the same bacteria and can show up with white streaks or pus on your tonsils. You might notice swollen lymph nodes, a sudden sore throat, or red spots on the roof of your mouth. A throat swab confirms the diagnosis, and antibiotics will clear the infection, though you need to finish the course to avoid complications. Oral thrush is another culprit, especially in babies, older adults, and people with weakened immunity. It ...

How to Lighten Dark Lips Naturally and Safely

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Having soft, pink lips isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s also a sign of healthy, hydrated skin. But if your lips are turning dark, you’re not alone. Dark lips are a common concern, and the good news is, it’s reversible with the right care. Keep reading to discover what causes lip pigmentation, how to treat it, and how to get your natural pink lips back. Why Do Lips Get Dark? Darkening of the lips can be triggered by a variety of factors. One of the most common is sun exposure —just like skin, lips can tan or darken when exposed to too much sunlight, due to increased melanin production. Other causes include: Smoking – Nicotine and tar stain your lips over time. Dehydration – Not drinking enough water or frequently licking your lips dries them out and leads to pigmentation. Allergic reactions – Certain toothpastes and lipsticks may cause irritation and darkening. Excessive caffeine – Too much coffee can stain your lips. Hormonal changes – Pregnancy, PCOS, and even...

Does charcoal toothpaste work? - Surya Dental Care

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Charcoal toothpaste has taken over social media, with influencers showing off bright smiles and promising instant teeth whitening. Pharmacies showcase sleek black tubes that promise “natural detox” and whiter teeth. But does charcoal toothpaste really work, or is it just another hype-driven trend? At Surya Dental Care, we see many patients curious about charcoal toothpaste, wanting to know if it’s worth using or just another product that sounds good in ads. A 2021 NCBI study found that charcoal toothpaste does not significantly whiten teeth beyond what regular fluoride toothpaste can do. While it might remove some surface stains, it doesn’t change the natural color of your teeth. So, if you plan to try it, it’s important to know what it can and cannot do. What Charcoal Toothpaste Actually Does Charcoal toothpaste uses activated charcoal, a fine powder made by heating carbon-based materials like coconut shells. It’s marketed as a product that can absorb toxins and lift stains from your...

Oral Allergy Syndrome: What You Should Know

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  Do you feel a tingling, itchy, or burning sensation in your mouth after eating certain raw fruits or vegetables? If so, you might be experiencing Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS) — a mild but bothersome allergic reaction triggered by your immune system. OAS typically affects people who have seasonal pollen allergies. That’s because proteins in some raw fruits and vegetables resemble pollen proteins. The immune system mistakes them for allergens, leading to reactions such as itching in the lips, throat, and even the ear canal. It’s most common in teens and adults and, thankfully, symptoms are usually mild and short-lived. Is OAS Serious? In most cases, no. OAS is more annoying than dangerous. However, if you experience severe symptoms like difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat, or low blood pressure — especially after eating nuts or seeds — seek emergency care immediately. Common Trigger Foods Different pollens react with different foods: Ragweed allergy : Banana, cucum...

Understanding Gingival Hyperplasia: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

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Gingival hyperplasia , often referred to as gum overgrowth, occurs when the gum tissue increases in size and begins to cover more of the teeth than normal. It can appear as swollen, puffy, or bulging gums and may affect a specific area or the entire gum line. Identifying the underlying cause is essential, as it helps determine the right treatment. This condition can result from poor oral hygiene, certain medical conditions, or as a side effect of specific medications. People who have difficulty maintaining oral hygiene — such as those with developmental disorders, stroke-induced disabilities, arthritis, or cognitive impairments like Alzheimer’s — are at a higher risk. One of the most common triggers of gingival hyperplasia is medication. Drugs like phenytoin (used to control seizures), cyclosporine A (for transplant patients), and calcium channel blockers (for heart conditions) are known to contribute to abnormal gum growth. If your gum tissue starts to swell after beginning a ne...

What Are Bohn’s Nodules in Babies?

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If you notice tiny white bumps along your baby’s gums, don’t panic. They’re likely Bohn’s nodules —harmless, pearl-like cysts that commonly appear in newborns. These bumps are not teeth, not infections, and most importantly, they don’t hurt your baby. How Common Are Bohn’s Nodules? Bohn’s nodules are seen in nearly 70 to 80 percent of full-term babies. They usually go unnoticed unless spotted during feeding or a pediatric check-up. These cysts are small, firm, and appear along the gum ridges—typically on the cheek or tongue side of the gums. Are Bohn’s Nodules Painful? No, Bohn’s nodules are not painful . Babies don’t even realize they have them. They don’t interfere with feeding or cause swelling or irritation. If your baby is fussy during feeds, it’s likely due to something else—like teething or reflux. Difference Between Epstein Pearls and Bohn’s Nodules While both are white bumps seen in newborns, their location and origin differ. Epstein pearls are found along the roof of t...

Subperiosteal Implants: A Smart Solution for Patients with Bone Loss

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Dental implants are widely regarded as the most effective and long-lasting way to replace missing teeth. With several types of implants available today, choosing the right one can significantly improve your oral health and overall satisfaction. One such type is the subperiosteal implant , especially useful for those with insufficient jawbone. If you’ve been told that you’re not eligible for traditional implants due to bone loss, continue reading to explore whether this option is ideal for you. What Is a Subperiosteal Implant? A subperiosteal implant is a type of dental implant that rests on top of the jawbone but underneath the gum tissue. Unlike endosteal implants , which are surgically placed directly into the bone, subperiosteal implants sit above the bone, secured under the periosteum — the thin layer of connective tissue covering the bone. This implant consists of a custom-designed metal framework that conforms to the shape of your jaw. Posts attached to this frame extend th...