Steve Searls asked:


Bad breath can definitely be a troublesome problem, particularly if you aren’t quite sure where the problem is coming from. There are a few corrective options that you can experiment with, and you can even take advantage of laser treatment for halitosis. Here is some basic advice on the laser treatment itself, and how you can treat halitosis permanently.

Before you decide on laser treatment for halitosis, you should try several conventional methods to rid yourself of it first. Gums and mints may provide temporary relief, while an anti-bacteria mouthwash will last a little longer.

Of course, the best offense is a good defense. Avoiding odor causing foods would be the first step, especially if you have social plans. And keep your mouth clean by brushing after every meal. But if conventional methods fail, laser treatment may be a worth consideration.

Laser treatment for halitosis is usually only used for the most severe form of halitosis, which starts in the tonsils. This form of the condition is hardly ever diagnosed, which means that many folk may have it and not know it. Hydrogen sulfide, a gaseous element that is released in the mouth when bacteria are present, can cause an odor that you may not be able to rid yourself of without some help. The milder versions of halitosis are caused by bacteria buildup in the gums and certain cavities of the mouth, and while there have not been an overwhelming number of laser treatment reports for mild halitosis, it may still be a legitimate treatment option for you.

Most of the people who have decided to take advantage of laser treatment have been cured with just one treatment, and some have spoken of being totally cured in two or three treatments. The laser treatment usually takes less than 15 minutes, so you can do it during your lunch break or between meetings. The laser procedure vaporizes the tissues that the bacteria cling to, and the scar tissue that is formed by the treatment can’t be colonized by new bacteria, which means that harmful germs and impurities will not ferment inside your mouth.

If you’re seriously considering laser treatment for halitosis, you should talk to your doctor and dentist in detail about the procedure, so that you can determine if the process would be the best option for you. You’ll also want to make sure that your medical insurance will cover the laser treatment, since various insurance companies may classify it as a cosmetic procedure. If you discover that you will not be covered, you should also ask about payment options with your physician to be sure that you can afford laser treatment for halitosis.

Sharon Bell asked:


Changes in skin coloration are a normal part of the aging process. But many people find brown spots, also known as “liver spots” or “age spots”, to be unattractive. These spots that often appear on the back of the hands are caused by sunlight exposure or chronic bruising of the skin. While others refer to them as “liver spots,” these dark areas have no connection with liver function. Instead, they are often the result of sun damage, much like a freckle that appears after summer. Occasionally, these dark patches appear on the face and neck as a result of hormonal changes due to pregnancy and after cuts and blemishes heal on dark skin. In order to get rid of brown spots, you have to work at it. If you have the means, get laser treatments or chemical peels from a cosmetic dermatologist or plastic surgeon. Microdermabrasion is another option to remove brown spots. By gently abrading the skin with ultra-fine crystal particulates, microdermabrasion can reduce unwanted pigment changes and age spots. It can also benefit acne patients. This procedure can be used on the face, neck, chest, and hands. A progressive series of 5 – 8 treatments are gently performed 2 – 4 weeks apart. Peels are often combined with microdermabrasion to produce even better results – a brighter, smoother, fresher looking skin with very little redness. But remember, after treatment you need to be vigilant to keep the problem from returning. Use a sunscreen every day and avoid unnecessary sun exposure to prevent further skin damage and allow your skin to repair itself. Before you rush to eliminate those dark patches, make sure you check with your dermatologist to rule out melanoma completely. For those who don’t have $1,000 to spare for treatments, there are a number of good topical preparations that, if used regularly and in combination with a good sunscreen, can gradually diminish brown spots. Lumnaderm is one of them. This product lightens skin and eliminates unsightly brown spots, blemishes, and hyperpigmentation with its scientifically advanced skin formula. Visit www.lumnaderm.com for more information.