Good oral hygiene is critical to ensuring healthy teeth and gums, and maintaining fresh, clean breath. Brushing, flossing and good oral hygiene keep your mouth clean and your teeth strong. They also help minimize or eliminate oral infections and diseases such as:
tooth decay
periodontal disease
toothaches and abscesses
canker sores
cold sores.
But keep this in mind: regular oral hygiene is not just... Read more >
The esophagus is a tube of smooth muscle that transports food from the throat to the stomach. The esophagus starts immediately after the epiglottis, a tissue flap that prevents food from entering the lungs, and ends at the gastroesophageal junction, where the esophagus meets the stomach. The lower esophageal sphincter prevents acidic stomach contents from damaging the esophagus.
Normally, a thick lining of... Read more >
Stomach problems are an all too common facet of modern day living. Most of us at some time during our lifetime experience the discomfort of diarrhea, nausea, vomiting or abdominal cramps, that are associated with a wide range of common stomach disorders. Stomach problems range from mild stomach upset and indigestion to more troublesome conditions such as peptic ulcers and stomach cancer, not to mention the odd... Read more >
Intestinal disorders can occur anywhere along the length of the gastrointestinal tract, from the mouth to the anus. The process of breaking down food begins in the mouth and continues in the stomach and small intestine. The small intestine is also where the body absorbs nutrients. The large intestine runs from the small intestine to the anus and is also responsible for the absorption of nutrients and water.Common... Read more >
Anorectal problems range from mild cases of hemorrhoids to serious conditions such as fecal incontinence and inflammation of the rectum. People are often embarrassed to discuss anorectal problems with their health professional. As anorectal problems can be serious, overcoming this embarrassment can be important.
The Anus and Rectum
The anus is located at the end of the digestive system, and is approximately an... Read more >
The gastrointestinal tract (GI tract) is a very long hollow tube that stretches from a person’s head to the end of their body. The GI tract’s purpose is to break down carbohydrates, proteins and fats.
The GI tract is a far-reaching system that includes parts of the:
esophagus
gallbladder
large intestine
liver
mouth
pancreas
pharynx
salivary glands
small intestine
stomach.
Each... Read more >
Dry mouth, or xerostomia, is a condition in which your body slows down your production of saliva, a substance naturally produced by the body. The main role of saliva is to keep your mouth clean and healthy by washing away debris and food particles in your mouth between meals and brushings, thereby reducing halitosis, or bad breath.
However, when your body significantly reduces its saliva production, it... Read more >
Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a disease of the large intestine characterized by inflammation of the lining of the intestinal tract and rectal bleeding. It falls into the category of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Ulcerative colitis is a chronic disease that comes in waves or "flare-ups." The most common symptoms of a flare-up are bloody diarrhea and abdominal pain. Excessive blood loss can lead to fatigue as a... Read more >