Short messages on Physical health issues from Respect Yourself, the guidance site for young people to help make good decisions in life.
If your prostate gland is enlarged, you may be advised to avoid drinking before bed, reduce or stop drinking alcohol and caffeine, exercise regularly, or join a support group.
The following increase your risk of developing marked plaque-associated gum disease: poor oral hygiene when a lot of plaque and large numbers of bacteria build up; smoking (which may alter your resistance to gum infection); having a poor immune system – if you have an illness which makes your immune system less effective; if you have diabetes.
A build-up of plaque and tartar can lead to inflamed and infected gums. Regular tooth brushing and cleaning between teeth (eg, by flossing) can usually prevent gum disease.
The treatment for an enlarged prostate gland will depend on how severe your symptoms are – from mild lifestyle changes, to medication, to surgery if severe.
Benign prostate enlargement is a condition associated with ageing and is common in men over 50 years of age. Around 4 out of 10 men (40%) over 50, and 3 out of 4 men (75%) in their 70s have urinary symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate.
Tartar is hardened calcified plaque. It sticks firmly to teeth. Generally, it can only be removed by a dentist or dental hygienist, with special instruments.
Dental plaque is a soft deposit that forms on the surface of teeth. It contains many types of germs (bacteria). You can usually remove plaque quite easily by tooth brushing and cleaning between teeth.
Common signs of dehydration include: feeling thirsty; dark urine and not passing much urine when you go to the toilet; headaches; lack of energy; feeling lightheaded.
Brush your teeth with a fluoride toothpaste twice a day, spending at least two minutes each time. Avoid rinsing your mouth with water or mouthwash after brushing because this washes the protective toothpaste away.
Symptoms of tooth decay can include: toothache; tooth sensitivity (feeling tenderness or pain when eating or drinking something hot, cold or sweet); grey, brown or black spots appearing on your teeth; bad breath; an unpleasant taste in your mouth.