From pediatric questions to general medical queries, our panel of experts is here to answer your questions….

Wobbly Teeth in Pregnancy

Question: Since I have recently finished breast feeding my one year old, my teeth feel loose and weak. Is this common?

Dr. Amrita Suresh Deshpande, Specialist Periodontics responds: “It is very common to see an increased reaction of the gums to plaque and calculus (dirt accumulations around teeth) during and after pregnancy. Appropriate treatment includes consultation with your dentist who can start a complete oral hygiene therapy consisting of basic scaling and root plaining and if needed, further sub-gingival therapy to treat the inflamed gums that are causing loosening of the teeth. Rest assured, most of these problems are completely reversible provided treatment is initiated early on.”

Feeling Sluggish

Question: I have been feeling sluggish for the past two months despite all tests coming out clear. I eat well and exercise, still I feel tired and drained all the time. Someone suggested I try lymphatic
drainage. Can you explain this technique?

Lorna Guinto, Massage Therapist and Inch Loss Specialist explains: “Within us all there is a silent system working to keep us healthy, this is the Lymph system. Without it, our bodies would swell up like balloons, swamping our cells with stagnant fluid. Many of us don’t even realize that headaches, minor aches and pains, low energy or susceptibility to colds and flu may be due to a sluggish lymph system and a compromised immune system. Basically, lymphatic drainage massage is a profound manual technique to help increase the lymph flow. With an increased lymph flow, our immune function is increased. Harmful substances are removed from the tissues and neutralized in the nodes and the production of lymphocytes is increased as well, enhancing our immune function. Lymphatic drainage can be applied to patients who are suffering from a lack of energy, who have sports injuries, or a sluggish immune system.”

Plastic Surgery Woes

Question: I have a habit of frowning and as a result, I have a line in-between my eyebrows. Friends have suggested Botox. How can it help?

Dr. Abdulmajeed Nasir Makkiya, Specialist Plastic Surgeon responds: “Botox is a Botulinum Toxin which is a natural purified protein that is used to temporarily relax facial muscles that cause
lines and wrinkles. Also, it can be used to treat excessive sweating. There are no long term side effects of having wrinkle injections and patients can resume their usual activities straight away
and can also fly post treatment. Botox is used to treat dynamic moderate to severe wrinkles and lines in-between the eyebrows, the forehead, and around the eyes and to soften the lines caused by
facial expression and can be adjusted to ensure a natural result. The duration of results differ between individuals; it can range from between 4 to 6 months and sometimes up to 9 months. After administering the Botox injection, it is advised the patient stays in the doctor’s office for at least 20 to 30 minutes to ensure no allergy to Botox, especially on the first visit and to visit the doctor again after 10 days for touch-up injections if needed.