Harmful effects of OTC teeth bleaching agents

Over-the-counter (OTC) teeth bleaching agents have become increasingly popular in recent years, thanks in part to the rising trend of at-home teeth whitening. However, while these products promise to whiten teeth quickly and easily, they can actually have harmful effects on both the teeth and the body. In this essay, we will explore the harmful effects of OTC teeth-bleaching agents.

One of the primary harmful effects of OTC teeth bleaching agents is tooth sensitivity. Many of these products contain harsh chemicals such as hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide, which can irritate the nerves in the teeth and cause pain and sensitivity. This sensitivity can be short-term or long-term, depending on the severity of the bleaching agent and the frequency of use.

Another harmful effect of OTC teeth bleaching agents is gum irritation. The harsh chemicals in these products can also irritate the soft tissue of the gums, leading to redness, swelling, and bleeding. In severe cases, gum irritation can even lead to gum disease and tooth loss.

In addition to these local effects, OTC teeth-bleaching agents can also have systemic effects on the body. For instance, some studies have linked high levels of hydrogen peroxide exposure to an increased risk of cancer, particularly oral cancer. This risk is particularly high in people who use OTC teeth bleaching agents frequently or over a long period of time.

Furthermore, OTC teeth bleaching agents can also damage the enamel of the teeth, which can make them more susceptible to decay and other dental problems. The enamel is the hard outer layer of the teeth that protects them from bacteria and other harmful substances. When this layer is weakened by bleaching agents, the teeth become more vulnerable to cavities and other dental issues.

Finally, OTC teeth bleaching agents can also be ineffective or even cause uneven results. Because these products are not customized to the individual's teeth and dental needs, they may not whiten teeth evenly or as effectively as professional teeth whitening treatments.

In conclusion, OTC teeth bleaching agents may seem like a convenient and cost-effective way to whiten teeth, but they can actually have harmful effects on both the teeth and the body. These products can cause tooth sensitivity, gum irritation, enamel damage, and even increase the risk of cancer. If you're interested in whitening your teeth, it's important to talk to your dentist about safe and effective options for achieving the results you want.

A patient with history of ankle edema, shortness of breath and orthopnea, is probably suffering from:

 # A patient with history of ankle edema, shortness of breath and orthopnea, is probably suffering from:

A. Asthma

B. Emphysema

C. Cardiac decompensation

D. Constrictive pericarditis

The correct answer is C. Cardiac decompensation. 

Ankle edema is a common sign of fluid accumulation in the body, which can occur in a variety of conditions. Shortness of breath and orthopnea, or difficulty breathing when lying down, can be indicative of heart failure or other cardiac issues. Asthma and emphysema are respiratory conditions that can also cause shortness of breath, but they do not typically present with ankle edema or orthopnea. Constrictive pericarditis is a rare condition characterized by inflammation and thickening of the pericardium, the sac surrounding the heart, which can cause heart failure-like symptoms, but it is less common than cardiac decompensation.

Reference: Kasper DL, Fauci AS, Hauser SL, Longo DL, Jameson JL, Loscalzo J. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 20th Edition. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education; 2018. Chapter 298, Heart Failure and Cor Pulmonale.

Not true about Hashimoto’s thyroiditis:

 # Not true about Hashimoto’s thyroiditis:

A. Organ specific immune disorder

B. Serum thyroid microsomal antibodies

C. Male predominance

D. Treatment is thyroxine

The correct answer is C. Male predominance.

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid gland, resulting in inflammation and damage to the gland. It is characterized by the presence of serum thyroid microsomal antibodies, also known as thyroid peroxidase antibodies. It is an organ-specific immune disorder, meaning that it is specific to the thyroid gland.

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is actually more common in females than in males, with a female-to-male ratio of approximately 10:1. The treatment for Hashimoto's thyroiditis is thyroxine replacement therapy, which can help to restore normal thyroid hormone levels and prevent the development of hypothyroidism.

Reference: Kasper DL, Fauci AS, Hauser SL, Longo DL, Jameson JL, Loscalzo J. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 20th Edition. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Education; 2018. Chapter 332, Hashimoto's Thyroiditis.

Pulmonary surfactant is:

 # Pulmonary surfactant is:

A. Lecithin

B. Dipalmitoyl phosphatidyl choline

C. Dipalmitoyl phosphatidyl serine

D. Sphingosine

The correct answer is B. Dipalmitoyl phosphatidyl choline. 

Pulmonary surfactant is a complex mixture of lipids and proteins that is produced in the lungs and helps to reduce surface tension in the alveoli during breathing. Dipalmitoyl phosphatidyl choline (DPPC) is the most abundant lipid in pulmonary surfactant and is the primary component responsible for its surface tension-lowering properties.

Reference: Hall, J. E. (2016). Guyton and Hall textbook of medical physiology (13th ed.). Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier. Chapter 44, Pulmonary Ventilation.