5 bad habits that can trigger heartburn

It is a known fact that too much sugar can be devastating for your health. When blood sugar is high, the body produces more insulin, which can lead to several health complications, including prediabetes and diabetes. So, you must cut down on sugar. Choosing healthy snacks and increasing fiber and probiotic intake can help. Moreover, regular exercise is essential. Here are a few tips to lower sugar intake and manage blood sugar levels naturally.

Avoid carbohydrates
A high intake of carbohydrates has a substantial impact on blood sugar levels. The body breaks down carbohydrates into sugars like glucose, which enters the blood. While the body requires glucose for energy, an excess can be harmful. As the amount of glucose increases, so does the amount of insulin produced by the body, leading to a greater risk of lifestyle disorders. Some foods with an abundance of carbs to stay away from are potato chips and donuts.

Control your portion size
If you are dealing with frequent blood sugar spikes, monitoring portion size can help. When you eat a large meal, blood glucose increases suddenly. To avoid this, eat smaller meals. You can opt for five to six small meals per day instead of two or three large ones. Use smaller plates, eat slowly, avoid going to restaurants, and keep a food journal. This will not only help manage high blood sugar but also reduce calorie intake, which has several benefits.

Consider foods rich in fiber
Fiber helps slow the digestion of carbohydrates and sugar absorption, gradually controlling blood sugar. Unsurprisingly, many people with type 1 diabetes can manage their condition better by including more fiber in their meals. Some foods high in fiber are fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. However, remember that too much fiber can also be a problem. Speak with a doctor to determine the right amount based on your condition.

Drink plenty of water
Drinking sufficient water helps keep blood sugar levels in check by flushing out excess sugar through urine. It helps rehydrate the blood, reduce the risk of diabetes, and lower blood sugar levels. But always drink plain water or zero-calorie drinks to manage high blood sugar. Reaching for sugar-sweetened beverages to quench your thirst can be counterproductive. It can raise blood glucose and increase the risk of diabetes. Artificial sweeteners in some drinks can also cause imbalances in gut bacteria, which can further cause poor blood sugar control. Besides managing blood sugar, water prevents dehydration, helping prevent several other ailments.

Opt for whole foods
Since whole foods are not processed or refined, you should add more to your meals to keep sugar levels in check. Opt for whole fruits, whole grains, vegetables, legumes, and meat that is free of additives and other artificial substances. Also, avoid ultra-processed foods, such as soft drinks, chips, sugary cereals, and fast food.

Avoid sugary desserts
Most desserts offer zero nutritional value and are loaded with sugar. They spike blood sugar levels and leave you feeling tired and hungrier. Items like cakes, donuts, pies, and ice cream are not meant to be had regularly as they can cause health concerns. Choose alternatives like fresh fruits, dark chocolate, Greek yogurt, and baked fruit with cream to satisfy your taste buds.

Choose full-fat foods
These days, many stores sell low-fat varieties of foods like yogurt, butter, and salad dressing. However, you may be surprised to learn that these have more sugar and sometimes more calories than full-fat alternatives. So, when you feel the need to cut down on sugar intake, go for full-fat foods. The fat content in these items is comparatively less harmful and makes you feel full. 

Check the sugar levels in canned foods
Canned foods contain a lot of added sugar, so you should avoid them as far as possible. It is better to choose fresh fruits and vegetables instead of canned varieties because they have natural sugars, which can satiate your sugar needs. When at the grocery store, always check the labels of packaged items and buy those that use terms like “no added sugar” and “packed in water” to ensure healthy eating.

Make exercising a part of your routine
Besides good eating habits, focus on exercising to control high blood sugar. Regular exercise can help maintain physical fitness and increase insulin sensitivity. This means your body’s cells can effectively use the sugar in your bloodstream. Further, exercise helps the muscles to use blood sugar for contraction and energy. As a part of a healthy routine, you can also go for regular checkups before and after exercising. It will show the difference in metabolism and help you understand how your body reacts to different exercises to control blood sugar levels.

Follow a good sleep schedule
Getting enough sleep is necessary for good health. If you have poor sleeping habits, your blood sugar levels can increase. Sleep deprivation can also cause a spike in the stress hormone cortisol, which can upend the body’s blood sugar management. Further, it can cause an increase in appetite.  Hence, those with high blood sugar must follow a good sleep schedule. 

The above points demonstrate that excessive sugar consumption can harm your health. Other than a spike in blood sugar levels, sodas, sweets, and other processed food can cause diabetes, tooth decay, and even cancer and heart disease. So, they should be completely avoided. To control high blood sugar,   engage in healthy practices like sleeping well, exercising regularly, following a balanced meal plan, drinking enough water, and more. You can live a happy and healthy life in the long run by changing your food habits and lifestyle. Be mindful of what you eat, and do not hesitate to talk to a doctor if you feel the need. 

To support healthy aging, it is important to prioritize nutrition and lifestyle. Eating well-balanced meals can help one stay energized, get all the nutrients required for performing daily activities, and reduce the risk of chronic health conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. On the other hand, malnutrition can weaken the muscles and bones and leave one vulnerable to diseases. To avoid this, here are some healthy foods seniors must eat regularly.

Fatty fish
Fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel are a great source of proteins and omega-3 fatty acids, which can help protect the body from cardiovascular conditions. Seniors must try to add fatty fish to their meals at least two times a week to improve their health. Those who do not enjoy the flavor of fish may also consider omega-3 fish oil supplements.

Skinless poultry
Skinless poultry, also known as lean meats, is a great source of protein for seniors. Cuts of chicken and turkey can be prepared with herbs and spices as low-sodium meals, especially for seniors with high blood pressure.

Eggs
Egg whites are also a great source of protein and heart-healthy nutrients for elders. However, the yolks are rich in cholesterol, so, preparing eggs carefully and eating them in moderation can help seniors boost their health.

Dairy products
Dairy products are a great source of nutrients, especially calcium and vitamin D. Yogurt is an important probiotic that can help protect the gut biome. However, opt for reduced-fat or skimmed milk options to reduce the consumption of unhealthy fats. Also, avoid buying flavored dairy products as these often contain added sugars and preservatives.

Walnuts
Walnuts are another excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, especially for vegans and vegetarians. They are a rich source of fiber and help protect heart health.

Almonds
Rich in unsaturated fats, almonds can help lower bad cholesterol (LDL) levels, making them a healthy snack or additive to meals. However, be sure to avoid almonds that have been covered in heavy salt or sugar as they may raise cholesterol levels.

Cashews
Having unsalted or low-sodium cashews in moderation can help reduce the risk of heart disease, lower blood pressure, and even improve cholesterol levels for some senior citizens with type-2 diabetes.

Papaya
Papayas are loaded with vitamin C; a single papaya contains over 200 percent of a person’s daily vitamin C intake. An important immune-boosting nutrient, vitamin C can also help reduce oxidative damage to the cells in the body and it has also been known to reduce wrinkles and prevent skin damage.

Apples
Apples are a rich source of pectin and antioxidants, which can help reduce cholesterol levels and protect seniors against asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD).

Grapefruit
A great source of vitamin C and nutrients like fiber, potassium, lycopene, and choline, grapefruit can help boost the immune system and promote heart health. It also has a high water content, adding to one’s fluid intake. However, seniors undergoing treatment for insomnia, anxiety, and high blood pressure must refrain from eating grapefruit as its furocoumarin content may exacerbate the effects of therapies.

Berries
Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and cranberries are not only delicious fruits but also rich sources of vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, which can help boost immunity and improve health among seniors.

Leafy greens
Spinach, salad greens, arugula, dandelion greens, lettuce, kale, Brussels sprouts, and other leafy greens are a great source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber that can help boost immunity, aid digestion, control blood pressure, and protect one from cardiovascular disease as well. Seniors should aim to consume around two cups of green leafy vegetables per day.

Carrots
Delicious and colorful, carrots are a great way to brighten up the food plate in a healthy manner. They are loaded with carotenoids, which play an important role in protecting eyesight. They also help maintain the immune system, support cholesterol balance, and improve heart and gut health. Carrots may even help reduce the risk of cancer.

Whole grains
Whole grains are rich in fiber, which is important to aid the digestion process and protect the body from several gastrointestinal diseases. Popularly available whole grains include wheat germ, whole meal, quinoa, and brown rice.

Green tea
It is packed with vitamins and minerals that can help support health and boost immunity. According to certain sources, green tea has been associated with reducing the LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the body, reducing the risk of cognitive decline and diabetes, boosting mood, soothing stress, and even strengthening the bones.

Cinnamon
Antioxidants and several other beneficial compounds make cinnamon an interesting, flavorful, and healthy addition to meals. It has anti-inflammatory properties that can help boost one’s immune system and repair tissue damage. It may also help reduce LDL and triglyceride levels and according to some studies, cinnamon may also help reduce insulin resistance to lower blood sugar levels. Moreover, it is known to protect seniors against bacterial, fungal, and viral infections, as well as cancer.

Prunes
Prunes or dried plums have several health benefits, such as:

• A great source of fiber, and can help aid digestion and prevent constipation
• High in potassium, an important mineral in many bodily functions such as digestion, heart rhythm, nerve impulses, muscle contractions, and blood pressure
• A rich source of vitamins such as vitamin K, riboflavin, vitamin B6, and niacin
• A good source of iron, which can help prevent anemia
• Rich in boron content, which can help build strong bones in seniors
• Loaded with antioxidants such as polyphenols, which support digestion, heart health, nervous system, and blood vessels

However, prune juice is not advisable for seniors with kidney disease due to its high potassium content. Additionally, the intake of prunes and prune juice must be in limited quantities, as its sugar content may also lead to gas or bloating.

Cancer that originates in the breast tissue is called breast cancer. It is the second most common cancer among women in the country. The condition is seen in women more than men. Fortunately, advancements in screening and breast cancer treatment have enabled dramatic improvements in survival rates over the years. The symptoms include changes in the texture and shape of the nipples, discharge from the nipples, and a lump in the breast. 

Read on to learn the causes, types, and management options of breast cancer. 

Causes of breast cancer
Breast cancer occurs when abnormal breast cells divide and multiply more rapidly than healthy cells. These abnormal cells accumulate to form a lump or mass. Doctors have not been able to know the exact cause of breast cancer. However, multiple factors can trigger the chances of developing the disease, and they include:

• Family history and genetics
  The risk increases if you have parents or close relatives who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Having gene mutations such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, which are passed down from parents to children, also increases the risk.
• Age
  The risk of breast cancer increases with advancing age. 
• Gender
  The risk of developing breast cancer is higher in women than in men.  
• Personal history of breast conditions
  The risk increases when an earlier biopsy has indicated atypical hyperplasia of the breast or lobular carcinoma in situ or if cancer has been detected in one breast.
• Radiation exposure
  The risk of developing the disease increases if you have been exposed to radiation in your head, neck, or chest areas during past treatments.
• Hormone replacement therapy
  Women who use hormone replacement therapy may be more prone to breast cancer.

Types of breast cancer
Breast cancer  can be categorized into two broad types— invasive and non-invasive. 

Invasive breast cancer
Cancer that has spread from the place of origin to other parts of the body is termed invasive breast cancer. The two subtypes of this breast cancer are:

Invasive ductal carcinoma
This type of invasive breast cancer starts in a milk duct and spreads to nearby tissues. Milk ducts are the tubes through which milk is carried from the lobules to the nipples. Over time, cancer may metastasize to other parts of the body.

Invasive lobular carcinoma
This type of cancer begins in the breast lobules and spreads to nearby tissues. Lobules refer to the glands in the breast that produce milk. A thickened area of breast tissue that does not feel like the rest of the breast upon contact is usually a symptom of invasive lobular carcinoma. 

Some of the less common types of invasive breast cancer include:

• Locally advanced breast cancer
  If the tumor is 5 cm or larger, or the cancer cells have spread to areas such as the skin or muscle, it is known as locally advanced breast cancer. 
• Metastatic breast cancer
  When cancer-causing cells have spread beyond the breast to the bones, lungs, liver, or brain, it is called metastatic breast cancer or advanced or stage 4 breast cancer.  

Paget’s disease of the nipple
This is a rare form of breast cancer wherein cancer cells grow in the nipple or the areola. Most often, women with Paget’s disease also have either ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) or invasive breast cancer. 

Inflammatory breast cancer
This is a rare type of invasive breast cancer wherein cancer cells block the lymphatic vessels of the breast. The affected breast becomes red and inflamed.

Non-invasive breast cancer
Cancer that has not spread beyond the tissue from where it started is called non-invasive breast cancer. The two main types of non-invasive breast cancer are:

• Ductal carcinoma in situ
  DCIS is a condition that starts in the milk ducts, but one that has not spread into surrounding breast tissues. Without timely treatment, there is a risk of DCIS becoming invasive cancer. 
• Lobular carcinoma in situ
  Lobular carcinoma in situ is a benign breast condition wherein there are abnormal cells in the breast’s lobules, but they rarely turn into cancer.

Treatment options
There are several ways to treat and manage breast cancer and its symptoms. The treatments largely depend on the type of breast cancer and how far it has spread.

Surgery
In most cases, surgery may be needed to treat breast cancer. A lumpectomy, also referred to as breast-conserving surgery, removes cancer and some normal tissues surrounding it. A mastectomy is a procedure to remove the whole cancerous breast. 

Chemotherapy
In this cancer treatment, prescriptions are administered to destroy fast-growing cancer cells. They are orally ingested or intravenously administered. They also may be given after surgery to decrease the chance of relapse. Chemotherapy may also be given before surgery to shrink larger breast tumors and enable easy removal with surgery. 

Hormonal therapy
Breast cancers that are sensitive to hormones are treated with hormonal therapy. This treatment uses prescriptions to block hormones from attaching to cancer cells or stop the body from making estrogen after menopause. 

Radiation therapy
This treatment uses high-energy x-rays to kill cancer cells or prevent them from growing. External radiation therapy uses high-energy beams toward the area with cancer. Internal radiation therapy or brachytherapy is done by placing a radioactive substance inside the body.

Targeted therapy
This type of treatment attacks specific abnormalities within the cancer cells without harming normal cells. This treatment option for breast cancer is commonly used in combination with chemotherapy.

Immunotherapy
To fight breast cancer, immunotherapy uses the body’s immune system. For this therapy, substances made naturally by the body or in a laboratory are used to stop or slow cancer cell growth. This treatment option can also be used in combination with chemotherapy or targeted therapy, depending on the severity of the condition.

Though breast cancer cannot be prevented, there are certain things you can do to detect cancer before it spreads. For example, you should examine your breasts monthly for changes and get a routine mammogram done yearly. In addition, you should contact your healthcare provider for further examination and testing if you notice any changes in your breasts.

Eczema is a common skin condition in the country. You may find the symptoms challenging to manage and alleviate without proper knowledge. The common symptoms include thick, scaly patches of raised bumps in the affected area. Understanding eczema triggers may help you handle it better. Therefore, consulting a dermatologist regarding your queries may prove beneficial. So, let’s read further about what exactly eczema is and how it can be managed by resorting to natural home remedies.

What is Eczema?
Eczema is a skin condition causing red, itchy, and long-lasting skin rash. Red patches can appear anywhere on the body during an eczema flare-up, including the feet, hands, ankles, thighs, cheeks, forehead, and neck. As anyone with a skin disease like eczema will attest, the condition is irritating, painful, and itchy. However, if you follow a healthy lifestyle, unpleasant symptoms may typically improve with time.

What eczema looks like on different skin tones
Eczema symptoms may appear different on different skin tones. For example, lighter skin tones may typically experience inflamed, red, and spotted dark pink patches, termed hyperpigmentation.
On the other hand, darker skin tones may experience violet, dark brown, or ashy grey patches. As the skin heals from eczema, it may become lighter, a condition known as hypopigmentation.

Which body parts does eczema affect?
Did you know that the eczema-affected areas of the body may be different at different ages?
Typical locations of eczema in infants and young children include:

• The face
• The exterior portion of the elbows
• Knees

Symptoms in older children and adults are visible in the following locations:

• Fingers and toes
• Arms
• The back of the knees
• Elbow folds

Even though you notice eczema symptoms as an adult, you may have had it since you were an infant or young child. This is because most symptoms emerge during the initial years of childhood. However, it rarely happens that eczema symptoms appear for the first time in adults.

Six easy tips for easing eczema:

Improve your meal plans
Gut health affects your immune system and can deteriorate after consistently consuming excessive carbohydrates, sugar, and processed foods. However, a clear relationship exists between skin diseases like eczema and gut health.
You must note the times you encounter eczema flare-ups and examine the meals you consumed before the outbreak. This will help determine if specific foods trigger skin diseases and conditions like eczema.
Therefore, increase your consumption of anti-inflammatory foods to improve gut health and prevent eczema flare-ups. These foods can include turmeric, cinnamon, leafy green vegetables, seafood, beans, and lentils.

Make simple lifestyle adjustments
Taking a quick cool or warm bath rather than a hot one can significantly reduce eczema flare-ups. For example, a hot bath leads to dry, itchy skin and aggravates skin diseases like eczema.
While washing garments, opt for natural and fragrance-free detergents. These are gentle on the skin and have a soothing effect. This is true for not just clothes but also napkins, sheets, and other accessories like gloves and scarves. Opt for natural cotton clothes instead of synthetic fibers.
Lastly, check your shampoo and soap for harsh substances, like sulfates and parabens, that may worsen the burning, itching, and redness.

Avoid activities leading to heavy perspiration
Do your workouts cause you to itch? People with skin diseases like eczema often feel an itch when they sweat, whether exercising or sleeping under heavy sheets, due to overheating. The body uses sweat as a natural cooling mechanism, but when it evaporates, the remaining dryness and salty residue can make eczema worse. So, if you are experiencing an eczema flare-up, substitute heavy workouts with low-impact exercises or yoga.

Use natural ointments
Herbal ointments can naturally moisturize your skin and alleviate symptoms of skin diseases like eczema. Ointments like comfrey, plantain, and calendula salves benefit people with eczema and related skin diseases since they act as natural moisturizers.
These ointments can be applied once or twice daily on dry skin, during the onset of an outbreak, and to treat active outbreaks. Also, consider applying 2% licorice gel as an eczema remedy.
Lastly, sunflower seed oil has highly beneficial effects on itchy skin, reducing rashes, removing blisters, and enhancing the immune system and skin barrier function.

Control the urge to scratch
Scratching is an instinctual response to an itchy rash for most people. However, people with eczema and related skin conditions should avoid scratching. A technique known as habit reversal may help here. In this technique, you determine when you are most prone to indulge in a habit (in this case, scratching) and distract yourself at those times. If, when watching TV, you find yourself scratching, try engaging your hands with a stress ball, a fidget spinner, or a coloring book.
You may also apply a cold compress or ice, as it will soothe the skin and prevent the itch. Maintaining a moisturizing regimen after washing and before bed is essential to keep the skin hydrated and supple.

Use an apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is an effective home cure for many skin diseases, including eczema. However, vinegar can injure soft tissue; therefore, it should be applied to the skin with caution. It is essential to know that vinegar is highly acidic, and so is the skin.
Skin with skin diseases and conditions like eczema is less acidic when compared to normal skin. This weakens the skin’s defenses. Hence, you can dilute apple cider vinegar to neutralize the skin’s acidity.

Wrapping up
Skin conditions like eczema may affect both kids and adults. However, these simple tips may help manage it effectively. Modifying your daily routine and introducing healthy lifestyle changes help alleviate eczema and related skin diseases. Ultimately, maintaining healthy and hydrated skin may easily control eczema symptoms.

Dental implants are replacement tooth roots composed of titanium alloy. These versatile prosthetics provide functional benefits such as chewing, fluent speech, and an improved natural-looking smile. Effective and long-lasting implant surgery requires professional guidance. A single-tooth implant costs range from $1,000 to $4,000 and may vary based on one’s location and implant type. Read on to learn more about the types of implants and the associated treatment costs.

Need for dental implants
As discussed above, dental implants help restore oral health without damaging healthy teeth. Furthermore, they help preserve facial structure, preventing bone deterioration in the absence of teeth.

One may need a tooth replacement if one:
Has a missing tooth or multiple teeth due to injury, disease, or genetics
Has lost a significant amount of jawbone due to a gum disease
Has ill-fitting dentures

Dental implants may also provide psychological benefits:
A full smile with well-aligned teeth can boost confidence while interacting with others.
It boosts overall well-being and emotional health as one can enjoy a healthy meal plan and lifestyle.

Steps of a dental implant procedure
Extraction of the damaged tooth
Bone grafting (a surgical procedure to repair damaged bone using transplanted bone, usually taking a few months to heal)
Cutting the gums (to expose the bone) and drilling into it
Placing an implant
Osseointegration (a process where the transplanted bone bonds with the implant, which may take several months to ensure a sturdy base for the dental crown)
Abutment placement (fixing a metal base on the implant to keep it in place)
Crown fixing (placing a dental crown on the abutment when the implants become strong enough to chew food)

The root structure of implants is titanium, which is biocompatible with human tissue. The titanium oxide layer helps to protect the implants from bacteria, reducing the risk of implant failure or infection.

Every implant is structure-specific, implying that the placement and architecture of the implant are unique and specific for each patient. According to the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, about 500,000 implants are placed annually in the country.

Types of dental implants
Endosteal implants
Endosteal implants have become a go-to option as an effective means of replacing missing teeth. This innovative approach offers stability and durability by affixing titanium posts inside the jawbone beneath the gums.

Once merged, a custom-made abutment and crown are placed on the implant, allowing one to return to normal activities with a natural-looking appearance and improved function. A single endosteal implant can range from $3,000 to $5,000.

Benefits of endosteal implants
They are less likely to cause irritation or inflammation.
They don’t slip or move around like dentures, as they become a part of the jawbone.
Unlike dentures, they can reduce the jawbone’s resorption or shrinking.

Subperiosteal implants
Subperiosteal implants imply a metal frame secured directly above your jawbone. The metal frame anchors the replacement teeth, which look and function like natural teeth. The implant supports a prosthesis, such as a bridge, which fills the jawline area. Individuals suffering from significant bone loss due to periodontal disease or advanced age choose subperiosteal implants.

Unlike regular implants, subperiosteal implants are less invasive as they don’t require much jawbone material to be removed surgically. The cost of an implant can be approximately $20,000.

Benefits of subperiosteal implants
It offers a more secure, long-term solution than dentures or other implant surgery because the frame sits above the jawbone, right beneath the gum tissue.
Subperiosteal implants are an innovative solution for tooth loss restoration using modern technology.
Subperiosteal implants can replace complete teeth arches, as this surgery uses fewer implants than traditional implant surgery.

Zygomatic implants
The implant is placed in the zygomatic bone, positioned at the cheekbone, and is thicker and denser than the jawbone, providing greater stability.

Once the implant is secure, the dentist places a crown or bridge to replace the missing tooth or teeth. Unlike regular implants, zygomatic implants can also replace multiple missing teeth or multi-root restorations. Generally, one implant can cost anywhere from $3000 to $5000, depending on the case specifics.

Benefits of zygomatic implants
These implants heal quicker than traditional implants.
They do not necessitate bone grafting or sinus augmentation procedures, which can significantly reduce the cost of the implant process.
Due to their placement in the cheekbone, zygomatic implants provide increased support and leverage for larger prostheses than regular implants.

All-on-4 implants
The all-on-4 implant treatment is ideal for replacing all teeth on either jaw. It securely anchors the bridge or denture to four implants without grinding the natural teeth.

The dentist will place the four implants at a specific angle, depending on the size and shape of one’s jawbone. The bridge or denture then uses the four implants to support the new set of teeth. The procedure’s average cost can range between $15,000 and $20,000 per arch.

Benefits of all-on-4 implants
This treatment is faster and more convenient than traditional dentures or bridges, with fewer visits to the dentist.
All-on-4 implants can last for years and require low maintenance, keeping a person’s mouth healthy even as one ages.
The all-on-4 implant system minimizes the risk of gum diseases.

The associated costs of dental implants
The cost of dental implants can vary from patient to patient, depending on several factors like the type of implant, the difficulty of the implant procedure, and whether or not patients will require any adjunctive treatments like crowns.

A single implant may cost between $1,500 and $3,000, depending on the number of implants needed. If one requires more than one implant, the price will be higher. A complete set of implants is about $34,000.

The materials used for the implant may also impact the overall cost. Titanium is the most commonly used material for dental implants and is typically more expensive than its alternatives, ceramics or zirconium.

Before undergoing dental implants treatment, always discuss the best way forward with the dentist. It would be a good idea to get an estimate of the treatment right at the beginning.