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Ans: It depends on the age of the child. If less than 12 years she needs 9-10 hours of sleep. Stop screens 1 hour before bedtime. Avoid afternoon or evening naps. A bath before bedtime, reading a book before bed and a dark room during sleep also help.

Ans: Thank you for your query. While it is understandable to link your symptoms back to the high uric acid and the earlier swelling, repeated swelling in both feet and ankles is not the most typical pattern for gout, as gout usually strikes suddenly in a single joint such as the big toe, so a doctor should look for other causes like heart, kidney, thyroid, vein, or other arthritis problems before assuming it is gout. Physiotherapist also diagnose the root cause, but let your doctor preferably physician has identified it through lab test and history. A physiotherapist can assess your feet and ankles and give safe exercises to maintain movement, strengthen the muscles, and help you walk more comfortably. Wishing you quick recovery.

Ans: Thank you for your query. This could be plantar fasciitis, where the thick tissue under the foot gets tight and sore, or a calcaneal spur, a small bony growth near the heel, and a physiotherapist can assess which is more likely. A physiotherapist can teach safe calf and foot stretches, foot strengthening, and advise on supportive shoes and heel cups, and can also use dry needling and pain relief modalities such as TENS, ultrasound, heat or cold when suitable. Please have a physiotherapy assessment early so it does not become a long term problem, and seek review if the pain worsens or you get numbness or swelling. Wishign you quick recovery.

Ans: Thank you for your query. I cannot mention any medicine as I am a physiotherapist, so please have his doctor review his pain and medicines. A physiotherapist should assess his back, walking, balance, and sitting posture, then teach safe exercises such as gentle back strengthening, supported sit to stand, short walks with rest breaks, and practice changing positions every 10 to 15 minutes. Please insist on a physiotherapy visit where physiotherapist can also use pain relief modalities like TENS (a gentle electrical pain relief device), wishing your father quick recovery

Ans: Thank you for your query. A physiotherapist with MPTh in neurology can assess your hand strength, grip, and nerve related changes, and teach safe exercises like squeezing a soft ball, slowly opening and closing the fingers, gentle wrist bends, and holding a light cup for short periods. Please see a physiotherapist with MPTh in neurology along with a neurologist and a diabetologist for better management of diabetes, as this team approach covers nerve, muscle, and blood sugar control together. See a doctor or neurologist promptly if the shaking worsens, or you get numbness, sudden weakness, muscle wasting, falls, or trouble with walking, speech, or vision. Wishing you quick recovery

Ans: Thank you for your query. Both can contribute: long hours in one posture can make neck and upper back muscles tight and tired, and over time sitting for several hours can weaken the muscles that support good posture. A physiotherapist can assess your desk setup, movement habits, and muscle strength, then give you safe exercises such as gentle chin tucks, shoulder blade squeezes, and regular stand and stretch breaks. Please have a physiotherapy assessment so the advice fits your workday, and take short movement breaks every 30 to 40 minutes. wishing you a healthy and pain free life

Ans: Thank you for your query. Yes, physiotherapy exercises can help, but your father should first have a physiotherapy assessment to find the cause and check his knee strength and alignment, as this may be early signs of knee wear and tear conditions like osteoarthritis A physiotherapist can then teach safe exercises like slow sit to stand, small squats holding a chair, straight leg raises, and gentle stair practice. Please insist on a physiotherapy visit before it gets worse, because if not corrected the extra load can shift to the other leg too. I wish you quick recovery

Ans: Thank you for your query. Even if the pain is almost gone, the ankle may not fully recover on its own, and slight instability on stairs or uneven ground is a sign that balance and strength work is still needed. A physiotherapist can assess your ankle and give you safe exercises such as heel raises, standing on one leg while holding a chair, and gentle ankle movements. Please have a physiotherapy assessment so the programme suits your ankle, and stop if any exercise increases pain or swelling. Wishing you a quicker recovery

Ans: Thank you for your query. Yes, how you walk and how strong the muscles around your hips and thighs are can affect the pressure on your knees, and a physiotherapist can assess this by watching you move and testing your strength. Easy exercises to try are standing up from a chair and sitting down slowly 5 to 10 times, doing small squats while holding a chair, marching in place, and squeezing your buttocks gently. Please have a physiotherapy assessment first so the exercises are safe and right for you, and stop if anything increases your pain.

Ans: Thank you for your query. Yes, simple foot exercises can help your son build strength and better posture things like gently scrunching a towel with his toes, picking up small objects with his feet, and practising standing with his weight spread evenly can make a real difference. Good-fitting shoes with a little support are also helpful, and these exercises are safe since he has no pain. If the tiredness or uneven shoe wear gets worse, it would be good idea getting evaluated by physiotherapist check him and give him a tailored plan. I wish your son quick recovery

Ans: Dear Madam /Sir. Thank you for your query. Yes, most simple rib fractures heal on their own through inflammation, soft pre-callus formation, then a firmer callus that bridges the fracture before remodelling over several weeks. Physiotherapy focuses on pain control, breathing exercises to prevent chest infection, and gradual return to movement rather than immobilising the chest. Avoid strenuous activity and seek review if you develop breathlessness, worsening pain, or fever.Wishing quicker recovery for affected person

Ans: Yes it can. A stroller bag can help. Also check her vit D level

Ans: It changes at puberty

Ans: It is not possible to give a diet plan on this forum. Aim for less sugar, good protein and no processed food

Ans: A new infection indicates that the person has not been exposed to that virus. Once exposed, next time there is an immune capability to fight the virus. If each infection leads to chest congestion or needs antibiotics then it is a cause for concern

Ans: Your pediatrician will give you a complete list of vaccines available. After discussion with him or her , decide based on affordability.

Ans: Hello

Purple toothpastes are a temporary cosmetic fix, not a permanent whitening solution.
They use basic color theory—purple cancels out yellow—to hide stains for a few hours, like makeup for your teeth. Rather than fundamentally changing the color of your teeth
When you brush, the temporary violet pigments coat the enamel surface, filtering out yellow light and tricking the eyes into perceiving a brighter, whiter smile.
Because these pigments only rest on the outer surface without penetrating the enamel or chemically breaking down internal discolouration, the visual effect is highly temporary. Saliva flow, eating, and drinking typically wash the pigment away within a few hours, returning the teeth to their original shade.
While the color correction is brief, some variants also contain mild abrasives that help remove everyday surface stains (from coffee, tea, or food) over time, resulting in some gradual structural brightness.
Regular use will not alter your tooth enamel’s natural shade or fix deep, permanent stains. True whitening requires peroxide-based bleaching treatments prescribed by a dentist.
Most commercial purple toothpastes are formulated to be enamel-safe and gentle enough for daily use. However, they should not blindly replace your standard fluoride toothpaste unless you verify the exact formulation. If you want to use it, treat it as a quick cosmetic boost before an event, but keep brushing with standard fluoride toothpaste for your daily oral health.

Ans: Hello

It sounds like you had a very stressful experience, and it is completely understandable that you feel hesitant and fearful about seeing a dentist again after going through so much discomfort.
If your dentist was “very aggressive”, as you say, or too fast for your comfort, you’d be well within your rights to request him to slow down. And perhaps he should’ve been slower and gentler.
No dentist likes to risk losing a patient or jeopardizing his reputation for whatever reasons.

What you are describing—the inner part of your cheek repeatedly getting caught between your teeth—is known as chronic cheek biting.
When you receive fillings, the shapes and surfaces of your teeth get altered. There are a few primary reasons why this can cause you to bite your cheek:
* Altered Bite Alignment: Even a tiny alteration to the thickness, height, or contours of a new filling can shift how your upper and lower teeth meet. If the filling was made too bulky on the outer side, the cheek tissue can easily slip onto the chewing surface.
* Sharp Edges: Rushed dental work can leave rough or sharp surfaces or poor contours that drag the delicate inner lining of your mouth.
* Muscular and Age-Related Changes: Soft tissues naturally lose elasticity as we age. Our skin and the soft tissues inside our mouths become a bit more relaxed or "lax." Once a cheek is bitten, it swells, making it much more likely to be bitten repeatedly, creating a painful, frustrating cycle.
Cheek-biting on the right side now may be due to your jaw unconsciously shifting to avoid the painful left side.
It is unlikely that the teeth were completely "over-ground," but it is highly probable that the fillings were not perfectly contoured or balanced to your natural bite.

Standard X-rays are primarily used to find deep decay or bone loss, whereas shaping a filling relies entirely on a visual check, the dentist's technique, and having the patient bite on a piece of colored articulating paper to test the alignment. If the procedure was rushed, this crucial fine-tuning step may have been compromised.
The good news is you do not have to live with this problem, and it can be fixed safely and gently.

1. Bite Adjustment: A dentist can gently smooth down the sharp edges or reduce the bulk of the fillings. This takes only a few minutes, does not require anaesthesia, and immediately helps keep the cheek out of harm's way.
2. Allowing the Tissue to Heal: Warm salt-water rinses and soothing gels can help soothe the current swelling in your cheeks.

You do not have to return to the same clinic. You have complete control over how you choose your next provider.
Look for a dentist who specializes in dental anxiety or geriatric care. Many modern dental clinics explicitly market themselves as catering to fearful, anxious, or elderly patients. They focus on a slow, patient-centric pace.
You can book a "consultation only" visit first to explain your fears and ensure they agree to move at a slow, gentle pace. Tell the new dentist exactly what happened to you. A good dentist will listen to your fears, promise to move slowly, and explain every step before doing anything.
Taking this step with a provider who respects your pace will help you resolve the cheek biting and safely restore your comfort.

Ans: Hello Dinesh

Yes, your irregular or misaligned lower teeth can absolutely be straightened, and your yellow teeth can be significantly lightened to a natural pale white at age 56.
Dental technology offers highly predictable solutions for both crowding and discoloration at any age, provided your teeth and gums are healthy.
Crowding in the lower front teeth is incredibly common.
You have three options to get it corrected.
* Clear Aligners: These are removable, transparent plastic trays custom-made to gradually shift your teeth. They are highly discreet and allow you to brush and floss normally, making them a popular choice for adults.
* Traditional Braces: Modern braces are much more streamlined than in the past. Ceramic (tooth-coloured) brackets or lingual braces (placed on the back of the teeth) offer very discreet straightening. Both aligners and traditional braces take a few months to show the desired result at the very least.
* Veneers or Crowns: If the crowding is mild and you want an immediate cosmetic fix, a dentist can subtly reshape the front surfaces of the teeth and place thin porcelain shells (veneers) over them to create the illusion of a straight smile.
As we get older, the outer white enamel of our teeth naturally thins out from decades of chewing and brushing. This exposes the underlying layer of the tooth called dentin, which is naturally yellow. Because this yellowing comes from the inside of the tooth, surface-level whitening toothpastes will not change it. However, you can achieve a lighter, pale white shade using:
* Professional In-Office Whitening: A dentist applies a high-concentration bleaching gel and activates it with a specialized light. This is the fastest, safest way to penetrate the enamel and lift the deep intrinsic yellow colour of the dentin.
* Custom Home Whitening Kits: Your dentist creates custom-fitted trays for your teeth and provides a professional-grade whitening gel to wear at home for a few hours a day over a couple of weeks.
* Porcelain Veneers: If bleaching does not achieve the exact shade of pale white you desire, porcelain veneers can permanently cover the yellow dentin with a beautiful, stain-resistant, natural-looking shade of your choice.

Before embarking on any cosmetic or orthodontic treatment, it is vital to address the "constant problems" you mentioned facing with your teeth. Your dentist must first ensure your gums are firm and your jawbone is strong enough to safely move your teeth. He/she may then refer you to the requisite specialist for further treatment.

Ans: Hello

Black coffee stains teeth because it contains dark pigments (tannins and chromogens) and acid, which temporarily softens your enamel and allows the dark colors to sink in. While cutting out sugar protects your teeth from decay, the coffee itself is what causes the yellowish discoloration.
You do not need to quit your daily coffee habit, but you can protect your smile by adopting a few simple strategies:

• Rinse with water: Swish water in your mouth immediately after finishing your coffee to wash away acids and dark pigments.
• Drink faster: Avoid lingering over a single cup for hours; finish it within 20–30 minutes to reduce the time your teeth are exposed to stains.
• Delay brushing: Wait at least 30 minutes after your last sip before brushing so your enamel can re-harden.

Whitening Solutions

• Professional Cleanings: Highly safe and effective. Regular dental cleanings easily remove stubborn coffee stains without damaging your teeth. Going every 4 to 6 months is completely safe.
• Whitening Toothpastes: Use, but with caution. They remove surface stains using abrasive or mild bleaching chemicals, but daily long-term use can wear down your enamel and make teeth sensitive.

Ans: Hello

Yes, mouth breathing can damage oral health by drying out the saliva which keeps the oral tissues lubricated and protected.
Saliva is the mouth’s natural defense mechanism; it washes away food debris and neutralizes bacteria-produced acids. Mouth breathing dries up saliva, drastically increasing the risk of cavities.
A dry mouth allows harmful bacteria to rapidly multiply, leading to chronic bad breath (halitosis), plaque buildup, and inflamed, bleeding gums.
When the mouth is chronically held open, the natural balance of pressure exerted by the tongue and lips alters, which can cause teeth to shift over time—explaining the new gap you discovered.
Breaking this habit requires addressing the underlying biological blockages.
Please consult your physician.
Loud snoring and persistent mouth breathing are classic signs of Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA), a condition where the airway repeatedly collapses during sleep.
If there is an obvious condition which prevents normal breathing through the nose, simple remedies like using a nasal decongestant or steam inhalation before bedtime may help. Many people mouth-breathe simply because they cannot breathe through their nose. A saline nasal spray or internal nasal dilators before bed can help clear obstructions.
In severe cases, your physician may recommend that you see a Sleep Specialist or ENT, who may conduct tests to ensure his breathing isn't pausing at night.
Also consult your Dentist. A dentist can evaluate the new gap in his teeth and also customize a mandibular advancement device for him - a specialized mouth guard which stabilizes his jaw forward, keeping the airway open and holding the mouth naturally closed.

Ans: She probably is alone at home and hasn't learnt sharing. Encourage playing with others, explaining that everyone will share their toys for a while. When she does start shouting or crying, you need to calmly explain that this is not the right behaviour. If required leave the place with her and explain that she will miss out on group plays. Time out for approximately 5 mins will allow her to calm down after which you can explain what you expect of her and why

Ans: Adult shampoos have too much perfume and are to be avoided. Mild cleansing shampoos with no parabens are safe

Ans: You may be aging. For early aging Botox, fillers and threads may help. But for leter stages, usually a surgery of blepharoplasty or facelift is adviced.
For botox, the results last for 3-4 months, and for fillers about 1 to 1.5 years

Ans: Some fat are very stubborn and require very diligently made diet chart by a dietician and a vigorous exercise program.
Many times it works, sometime it does not.
Liposuction is a good option for such resistant fat.
This surgery has good safety profile

Ans: Yes, due to the pressure exerted by the birth canal..it settles down in the first week or maximum 2 weeks

Ans: All these options are fine, one at a time with a gap of few days for new things. Your pediatrician willmprovide a diet chart that you can follow

Ans: Hello

The yellowish layer you notice is very likely tartar (also called dental calculus). This is nothing but mineralised or hardened plaque and food debris.
Regular brushing can certainly prevent it from forming, but is unlikely to remove it once it has already formed.
Suggest you consult your dentist and get a professional cleaning done and then set for yourself a regular and effective brushing regimen to prevent tartar from forming again. Please note that brushing twice a day is not enough to prevent tartar or cavities if your brushing technique is inadequate.

Ans: Hello

It's always advisable to remove dentures at night. This allows the gums to rest and recover.
Natural teeth, remember, are anchored in the jaw bone. The pressures of mastication are not borne by the gums but transmitted directly to the bone underneath. Nature had never intended our gums to take biting stresses. But with dentures the gums are forced to. It's perfectly normal for gums to feel sore at day's end. Removing the dentures gives the gums time to recover.
Dentures need to be cleaned with a brush preferably under a running tap after every meal. Because food invariably tends to get underneath the dentures, and if left uncleaned can lead to gum infection.
Denture wearing patients, like everyone, need to consult their dentist at regular intervals. Say, once every six months. Gum disease is sometimes asymptomatic and can go undiscovered for long periods. A dentist however can spot it before it gets worse and suggest remedial measures.
It goes without saying that if the denture is causing discomfort or repeated injuries, you need to consult your dentist and get the dentures adjusted at the earliest

Ans: Home set curds is a healthy source of protein and calcium and a good addition to the diet

Ans: Please visit an ophthalmologist to check vision. A yearly check up is advisable

Ans: Hello. Thank you for query . Physiotherapy is actually very useful for prevention of injury, helps in improving mobility and correcting movement. If someone notices that posture is deviated or some movement is not correct , it is advise to visit Physiotherapist and get it corrected.

Ans: Dear Madam / Sir. Thank you for your query. Consistently carrying heavy bag can strain a growing spine and encourage her to lean forward, which may contribute to postural changes and shoulder or back discomfort over time. It is advisable to worn the bag on both shoulders and reduce the weight of the bag. Ideally children should carry the weight upto 15 % of body weight. E.g. If Child weighs 20 Kg then bag weight must not be 3 kg. I would request you to speak to school authorities also for reducing the weight .

Ans: Hi Gopal. Thank you for your query. I would reply as a Physiotherapist who works with Children with neurodevelopmental disability. I want to assure that your son is not doing this to embarrass you. Many children with Autism use repetitive touch, pressure, or movement to regulate themselves. It gives calming tactile and proprioceptive input or it can also be anxiety-related in crowds, transitions, or noisy places. It may be both. Regarding medicine , I would not advise . However the right professional will be Child Psychiatrist , pediatric neurologist or developmental pediatrician.Also I would request to maintain log or record of when it happens, duration, trigger factor and what happened after that . You can also provide him with squeeze ball , foot roller , putty or fidget toys. I would say review the situation with your doctor if it leads to skin damage or self harm. Please understand and meet the need , not erase the behavior

Ans: Yes please consult a physiotherapist

Ans: Hinduja hospital Mahim has a pediatric neurology department
SRCC hospital and Wadia hospital are other options in Mumbai

Ans: Hello
Alignment procedures (referred to as orthodontic treatment) are not necessary except if you have a speech problem, or have difficulty in effectively chewing your food. The other reason to seek treatment is, of course, to improve your appearance.
The food lodgement you speak of is likely to get worse as you grow older.
Apart from the obvious cosmetic improvement, orthodontic alignment will make it easier for you to brush your teeth and thus prevent other dental problems which could arise later due to inadequate cleaning.
Orthodontic treatment is fundamentally non-surgical in nature.
Your orthodontist, after a thorough evaluation can suggest the best possible course of action and help you choose between clear aligners or traditional braces

Ans: Hello
You quite likely have mild gingivitis (inflammation of the gums). Gingivitis is more common than people realise. And, often, in the early stages there are no symptoms hence it gets neglected. The most common symptoms of gingivitis are bleeding gums or pain or a burning sensation on contact with spicy food.
Gingivitis is very easy to treat. Especially if treatment is sought in the early stages.
Please consult your dentist for a proper evaluation and treatment

Ans: There is only one treatment for gynacomastia which is a surgery called liposuction. It is very safe surgery.

Ans: For first time peeling, the peeling has to start with very low strength.
The plastic surgeon or the dermatologist will guide you.
please don't experiment yourself

Ans: It depends on the child's age. Give age appropriate answers, always the truth but not too much information whichay overwhelm a small child. Ask what the child has heard and then decide how to give a truthful answer

Ans: It is upnto the child. Offer water frequently and let the child decide. Water is always preferred to juices

Ans: There are surgeons who deal with cleft lip and palate. Please ask your pediatrician to refer you to one in your area

Ans: Ensure a balanced diet with good fibre intake, reduce junk food intake. Most kids don't have breakfast in the morning which increases chances of stomach pain. So make sure she eats before she goes to school. Irregular bowel movement also can lead to discomfort. If these measures don't help consult your pediatrician to see ifany tests are required

Ans: Regular outdoor activities in natural sunlight for about an hour every day

Ans: Hello
Teeth whitening (Bleaching) is NOT harmful so long as it's done judiciously and professionally.
Bleaching involves the use of chemicals, like peroxides, which can damage your enamel or gums if used recklessly or overdone.
Please do it in consultation with your dentist. Try not to overdo it.

Ans: Hello
Please consult your dentist to rule out presence of tartar or gum infection. Please note that brushing technique is very important. And if that is ineffective, then there could be food debris still remaining after brushing.
Your dentist may recommend a professional cleaning if necessary. Or medication if your gums are infected.
Although poor oral hygiene is the primary cause of halitosis (bad breath) it is certainly not the only cause.
Respiratory and digestive disorders, for instance, are also known to cause bad breath. So all these causative factors need to be ruled out one by one. I suggest you consult your dentist first.

Ans: Yes it is essential as Vit K is not transferred well through the placenta or breast milk. Vit k is produced in our bodies by the bacteria in our intestine. A newborn baby has no significant bacteria in the intestine so unless supplemented, he or she will be deficient. This will impair normal clotting process and can sometimes lead to life threatening bleeding. A simple injection provides it till the bacteria can grow and start producing it

Ans: Yes, skin to skin contact helps the bonding, breast feeding and expulsion of placenta. Only if the condition of the mother or baby is serious and needs other treatment, then this is not done