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Though most oral health conditions are preventable, 3.5 billion people worldwide suffer from cavities, gum diseases, and oral cancer. According to the Centre for Disease Control, 90% of adults 20 years and older have had at least one cavity in their permanent teeth during their lifetime. While some people have chronic and frequent dental cavity issues, other people avoid dental visits for years at a stretch! Could this mean dental cavities are genetic?
Dental cavities or regions of tooth decay are permanently damaged areas of tooth structure that result in cavitation(the formation of a hole) in the tooth’s structure.
Dental cavities occur due to:
Dental plaque is a thin, colorless, sticky film that covers the surfaces of teeth.
It harbors bacteria, food particles, and saliva when you eat.
If you don’t brush your teeth properly, plaque builds up and can harden.
Hardened plaque is called tartar; this layer is difficult to remove with simple brushing.
Dental plaque is an essential factor in the initiation of tooth decay.
Tooth cavities occur in five stages:
Bacteria in the plaque begin to produce acids.
These acids start demineralizing (dissolving) the enamel, the outer layer of your tooth.
As enamel begins to lose minerals, it forms a white spot on the teeth.
The white spot darkens to a brownish shade as the enamel breaks down further.
It eventually forms a cavity that a dentist can fill up and prevent from worsening.
You may not have any other signs or symptoms at this stage.
The decay progresses into the middle tooth layer, called the dentine.
Dentine is softer than enamel and tends to decay faster.
The dentine layer houses the tooth nerves.
That’s why your teeth suddenly become sensitive to hot or cold foods or drinks.
The decay reaches the innermost layer of the tooth, called the pulp.
The pulp contains nerves and blood vessels that nourish the tooth.
When tooth decay irritates the pulp, it starts to swell.
The pulp cannot swell freely since the tooth’s structure is firm.
It begins to apply pressure on the nerves and tissues below.
This pressure triggers the pain commonly associated with cavities.
An inflamed pulp causes an abscess (a pocket of pus) to form at the bottom of your tooth.
The infection could spread to nearby tissues if abscesses aren’t immediately addressed and drained.
The treatment for tooth cavities depends upon the stage at which you report to your dentist.
It can range from a simple filling to a tooth removal.
There is ample research to show that cavities are genetic.
Genes influence various factors that could increase your risk for cavities.
Amelogenesis is the process of the formation of the enamel.
This process determines the tooth’s size, shape, color, and likelihood of decay.
Genes could alter the proteins that are a part of this process.
This change, in turn, could affect the likelihood of cavity formation.
Streptococcus mutans is a bacterium present in a healthy oral cavity.
Your immune response influences the growth of this bacteria in the mouth.
Some gene changes result in weaker immune responses, which can lead to irregular growth of S.mutans.
This bacterial growth can increase your risk of cavities.
Some people have a genetic inclination to prefer sweet food more than others.
They seek out higher amounts of sweet foods.
Eating too many sweet foods can increase your risk of tooth cavities.
Saliva flow and consistency play a role in tooth decay and other oral diseases.
When saliva is thin and free-flowing, it can easily wash away bacteria from your teeth.
Thinner saliva reduces your risk of gum disease or other infections.
On the other hand, having less saliva increases the risk of tooth decay.
Studies have shown that women have less saliva than men, putting them at risk for tooth decay.
Saliva comprises various electrolytes, including sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, bicarbonate, and phosphates. They help inhibit caries formation and progression.
Specific gene changes result in inadequate electrolytes in saliva, increasing the risk for cavities.
The oral microbiome is the collection of microbes residing in your mouth.
It can lead to the development of numerous oral infectious diseases, including dental caries, periodontitis, and peri-implant disease.
Genetic factors can contribute to the imbalance in the gut microbiome, resulting in an increased risk for all these conditions.
An imbalanced gut microbiome increases your risk for all these conditions.
Besides the causes of tooth cavities mentioned above, other lesser-known factors include:
Tooth cavities are highly preventable, and here are a few practical tips for doing so, regardless of genetics:
Enamel damage can heal over time.
A cavity that has reached the dentine or pulp needs medical attention.
It isn’t always the case.
Certain foods can leave some stains on your teeth, discoloring them.
Mouthwash can significantly reduce the probability of getting a cavity.
However, an existing cavity from tooth decay needs medical attention.
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LifeDNA and 10X Health are two major players in the field of genetic testing. They both offer well-reputed tests to unlock insights into your DNA. Their reports provide valuable recommendations to help improve overall health and wellness. This article compares both companies based on report quality, pricing, user experience, user reviews, and privacy policies. LifeDNA or 10X Health? By the end of this article, you’ll be able to make the right call.
LifeDNA was founded in 2017 by Steve Markowitz.
It is headquartered in Hawaii and specializes in DNA-based health and wellness services.
LifeDNA offers three pricing plans for their genetic tests, ranging from $99 to $249.
10X Health is a company that provides personalized health solutions.
These include genetic tests, blood tests, multivitamin supplements, and more.
10X provides two kinds of genetic tests centered around health and nutrition.
They are priced at $599 and $1,299 respectively.
10X Health’s reports come with a 400-page guidebook that contains detailed information on each trait analyzed.
It also provides recommendations for nearly every facet of health and wellness.
LifeDNA provides shorter reports with clear trait outcomes and recommendations where applicable.
Both reports present their results lucidly.
Between the two companies, 10X Health has the more expensive reports.
They offer a genetic test for $599 and a precision genetic test for $1,299
Their Precision Genetic Test results include a 400-page guide to optimal nutrition and fitness.
The report prescribes personalized supplements to help manage health and weight, but you must purchase them separately.
On the other hand, LifeDNA offers better value for money.
They offer 3 products: a methylation test for $99, a wellness bundle for $199, and a wellness bundle with a DNA kit for $249.
Their plans contain reports on dozens of traits with actionable recommendations.
After receiving your DNA sample, LifeDNA can take up to 2 weeks to deliver their reports.
Since shipping a DNA kit can take time, LifeDNA allows you to upload raw DNA data from a few other genetic testing services.
10X Health takes 6 to 8 weeks to return genetic test results and doesn’t seem to accept DNA from raw data providers.
LifeDNA has a 4.0 score on Trustpilot.
Most users are satisfied with the presentation of their results and prompt customer service.
On the other hand, 10X Health has a score of 1.6.
Users aren’t happy with the generic nature of their reports and prescriptions.
While 10X Health has reached a wider audience, LifeDNA has better word of mouth online.
LifeDNA is transparent about user data security.
Each user’s data is encrypted safely, and the user has full control over it.
LifeDNA does not use or share genetic data for research or commercial purposes without the user’s consent.
Read LifeDNA’s privacy policy here.
10X’s privacy policy mentions 11 kinds of data they collect from their users.
They use this data to create a customer profile, which helps curate your experience on the site and the report’s content.
They may use this data for targeted advertising and commercial purposes.
Read 10X Health’s privacy policy here.
Some users aren’t satisfied with 10X’s methylation report.
10X Health only analyzes 5 genes for methylation.
In contrast, LifeDNA analyzes 12 genes at a fraction of the price.
Their methylation report also accepts raw DNA data from providers like 23andMe, AncestryDNA, MyHeritage, Living DNA, and FTDNA.
Thus, LifeDNA is the better choice for methylation genetic testing.
LifeDNA is a good pick for people who take a casual interest in genetic DNA testing.
Their reports are concise and delivered faster than 10X Health’s reports.
LifeDNA’s recommendations are contained within their reports, so it isn’t the right choice for people looking to overhaul their health and wellness lifestyle.
10X Health is the better option for people who want to make active changes in their lifestyle.
10X prescribes specific supplements to help with nutrition and fitness, which could improve your health in the long run.
Due to its pricing, 10X is not the right choice for people who want to understand their genetic makeup in a casual sense.
| Criterion | LifeDNA | 10X Health |
| Report Quality | Shorter, more concise | Longer, more detailed |
| Pricing | 3 reports: $99, $199, $249 | 2 reports: $599, $1,299 |
| User Experience | Reports delivered faster, better customer support | Reports delivered slower, poorer customer support |
| User Reviews | 4.0 stars on Trustpilot | 1.6 stars on Trustpilot |
| Methylation Genetic Testing | More genes analyzed | Less genes analyzed |
While 10X Health is a decent choice for genetic testing, LifeDNA is the better choice due to:
Understanding your body’s methylation processes with a genetic test is worth it.
It can help you address health risks to improve your overall well-being.
Xcode Life offers a comprehensive suite of reports at an affordable price.
Xcode delivers its reports within 24 hours and offers a free consultation on the results.
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From nutrition and fitness to health and sleep, a world of information is waiting to be explored within your existing DNA data. One such company that offers genetic testing services is Genomelink. Here, we discuss and review the company’s services and reports. This article is a must-read before you choose to avail yourself of their services!
Genomelink, headquartered in Berkeley, California, is a DNA data upload and analysis site.
It was co-founded by Yuta Matsuda and Kensuke Numakura in 2017.
The company provides a personalized discovery platform for people to explore their DNA, catering to amateurs and genealogists.
It tests 200+ traits under categories like Personality, Intelligence, Fitness, etc.
Genomelink’s mission is to build a DNA App store where users can access genetic information “from fun personal discoveries to impactful health insights.”
Genomelink offers an impressive range of ancestry reports.
Their 12 ancestry offerings range from global ancestry to native American reports.
Let’s have a brief look at them below:
Genomelink has mixed reviews on the accuracy of ancestry reports.
A few Reddit threads report inaccuracies in their Genomelink reports compared to AncestryDNA’s reports.
Other reviews report that ancestry estimation was closer and more accurate than MyHeritage.
Ultimately, the reports' accuracy depends on the markers analyzed for a particular ethnicity and the number of people in the database.
Genomelink offers six health and wellness reports:
According to a feedback survey by Genomelink, 74% of its 300 traits were reported as “accurate” by its users.
However, it’s important to remember that the results reflect the data uploaded.
If the data doesn’t include critical markers for a particular trait, the result may be inaccurate.
You can either upload your raw DNA data yourself or directly import it from 23andMe or MyHeritage.
Raw data files from 23andMe, AncestryDNA, and MyHeritage are compatible with Genomelink.
Once the upload is complete, you will be required to answer the following questions:
You will then be taken to your account dashboard to view your results for the 30 free traits.
Follow these three simple steps to log in to your Genomelink account:
You can also log in via Google, Facebook, and Apple, provided they are connected to your account.
If you cannot remember your password, you can reset it using the “Forgot Password” option on the top right corner of the login page.
Genomelink is generally considered safe to use. It claims to uphold strong privacy standards and allows users to control their data.
According to Genomelink’s website, they:
However, there are concerns about data security, potential inaccuracies in the insights provided, and mixed user reviews regarding reliability.
After signing up, Genomelink displays a page with links to its Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Users must accept these terms and conditions of the service.
If you consent, the company shares your data with third-party research partners like Luna DNA, DNA Solves, etc., to aid scientific research.
Both AncestryDNA and Genomelink are reputed ancestry testing services.
However, AncestryDNA has been in operation for a lot longer than Genomelink.
Each service has its strengths.
Genomelink is known for the variety of services it offers, such as whole-genome sequencing, a technology that provides ancestry information based on your chromosome (XGmix), DNA match, interactive dashboard, etc.
AncestryDNA is known for its extremely high accuracy (over 99%) for each marker tested.
Further, AncestryDNA boasts an extensive database of 22 million people, enhancing the accuracy of ethnicity estimates.
Genomelink’s sign-up process is free. You can access only 30 out of 200 traits with the free plan.
To access the remaining traits, you need to subscribe to the Unlimited Monthly Plan, which costs $ 14 per month.
Genomelink Review on Trustpilot (3.8/5)
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Genomelink can be a good, cost-free place to start if you are new to DTC genetic tests.
The results are mainly user-friendly to read.
They seem to have in-depth information on privacy and the use of users’ data.
The free version of Genomelink is definitely worth a try.
You might want to think twice before going ahead with the subscription, though.
Genomelink emails your results even for the locked traits, which are one each week.
The report bundles are overpriced for the number of traits they cover.
The reports look visually appealing; however, the sample reports seem to only be for illustrative purposes.
The actual web-based reports need not be as attractive.
It’s better to check out other cheaper alternatives for these reports.
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| Genomelink | Xcode Life | |
| Type of genetic testing | DNA raw data analysis | DNA raw data analysis |
| Ancestry reports | Offered | Offered in select countries |
| Health reports | Not offered | Offered |
| Pharmacogenomic reports | Not offered | Offered |
| Raw data upload | Only from 23andMe, AncestryDNA, and MyHeritage | DNA raw data from ALL major providers accepted. Comprehensive list |
| Number of reports | 9 | 10 |
| Price | Single Reports: $39-$99Trait plans: $14/month; Yearly payment: $96/year | Reports: $30-$50Bundles: $160-$199one-time payment Price details |
| Sample reports | Available as PDF | Available as detailed report walkthrough videos |
| Trustpilot Rating | 3.8/5 | 4.7/5 |
LifeDNA was founded in 2017 by Steve Markowitz. It is headquartered in Hawaii and specializes in DNA-based health and wellness services. They offer three pricing plans, ranging from $99 to $249. Before investing in their genetic reports, it’s best to know all the facts. Read on to learn more about LifeDNA’s reports and whether they’re worth your money.
LifeDNA primarily offers reports on nutrition, health, and wellness.
The report studies mutations of the MTHFR gene and other associated methylation genes.
Everything in Methylation Genes Report +
Additional freebies and discounts with this bundle include:
Everything in the Wellness Report Bundle +
A typical LifeDNA report contains several traits, each with a circle indicating the level of risk in the result.
It also contains a short trait summary and a “research level” as a quality measure.
They elaborate on each trait, listing the analyzed DNA markers, breaking down your result, and offering recommendations.
The nutrition report contains information on about 18 traits, some of which are:
This report gives you information on 26 vitamins and other micronutrients. The recommendations included tell you whether to maintain your intake or modify it.
The report includes analyses of:
The LifeDNA Fitness report includes a genetic analysis of 19 fitness-related traits, some of which include:
The LifeDNA wellness report includes 16 traits concerning your wellbeing, some of which include:
The Personality and Cognition report provides information about how your genetic makeup will likely affect your personality and cognition. Includes 27 traits, like:
The Skincare Report contains genetic information and active recommendations on 15 skin-related traits such as:
LifeDNA regularly offers coupons that lower the price of the items in your cart.
Some of these (as per couponbirds.com on 8th October 2024) include:
Wethrift.com mentions the following coupons as of 8th October 2024:
Note: These coupons may or may not work, depending on the items in your cart and the time you redeem them.
LifeDNA is transparent about user data security.
They guarantee the protection and safety of genetic data through encryption.
According to LifeDNA, they do not own raw data upon upload; instead, ownership remains 100% with the client.
Without the client's consent, LifeDNA does not use or share genetic data for research or commercial purposes.
Clients may view their data, delete it, or wipe their accounts by emailing the company’s support team.
For more information on LifeDNA’s privacy policy, click here.
LifeDNA’s reputation amongst netizens on Reddit is mixed.
Some users aren’t satisfied with the accuracy of the results.
On Quora, users remain skeptical about its usefulness.
Overall, there’s very little discourse regarding LifeDNA online.
Note: The images in this article may or may not be up-to-date representations of LifeDNA's reports. LifeDNA does not provide sample reports.
| LifeDNA | Xcode Life | |
| Type of genetic testing | DNA kit and analysis | DNA raw data analysis |
| Health report | Nit offered | Offered |
| Pharmacogenomic report | Not offered | Offered |
| Raw data upload | Available but only from 23andMe, MyHeritage, Living DNA, Ancestry, and Family Tree DNA | DNA raw data from all major providers accepted. Comprehensive list |
| Number of traits analyzed | 120+ | 850+ |
| Report updates | Yes | Yes |
| Price | $99-$249 | Reports: $30-$50 Bundles: $160-$199 Price details |
| Sample reports | Unavailable | Available as detailed report walkthrough videos |
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To log in to your 23andMe account, follow the steps given below:
Head over to the 23andMe website, and look for the sign-in button on the top right corner, as shown below.
After you click that button, you should be redirected to the 23andMe login page.
Once you get to the login page, you can enter the email and password that you used to set up your 23andMe account.
Once you enter that information, you will gain access to your account and your 23andMe dashboard.
If you’ve forgotten your password, you can request a reset by clicking “Forgot your Password?”
You will need to enter the email you used to set up your 23andMe account.
Then, instructions will be sent to your email that will provide you with a guide on how to reset your password.
From there, you can follow the instructions, head back to the 23andMe login page, and input your email and password to access your account.
If you are unable to access your account this way, 23andMe now allows you to sign in via Google or Apple, even if you haven't originally registered this way.
To sign out of your 23andMe account, follow the steps given below:
1: Move your cursor to the top right-hand corner of the screen, where you can see your username.
2: Click on the drop-down arrow
3: From the drop-down menu, choose “Sign out”
You have now successfully logged out of your 23andMe account
23andMe has a mobile application available both on Android and iOS devices. It can be downloaded from the Google Play Store/ App Store.
Once you download the app, you can sign in to your account using the same way as you did for the website.
If your 23andMe account is linked to Google, you can choose the "Sign in with Google" option and enter your Google email and password to access your account.
To update your email/password, open your account menu and click on Settings.
You can edit your email here and your password here.
Please note that for security purposes, you'll be asked to enter your date of birth to proceed - it must match the one you entered during account registration for successful verification.
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Ever felt that sinking feeling, a tightness in your chest, or an overwhelming worry about the future? You’re not alone. Millions around the world grapple with anxiety every day, seeking some way to break free from its grip. From medications to mindfulness, various therapies offer some level of relief. What about sleep meditation? This emerging technique promises to be a game-changer in alleviating anxiety. Is it any good? What does science say? Read on to find out.
Meditation is a holistic relaxation technique that helps shed off the heaviness of stress, poor moods, and exhaustion.
It soothes the body, offering a few moments of peace to the mind and soul.
You can meditate at any time of the day.
If you choose to meditate before you go to bed, you’re practicing sleep meditation.
People opt for sleep meditation to combat sleep disturbances like insomnia or apnea.
Falling asleep as soon as you get into bed isn’t easy for everyone.
Insomnia, stress, and aches can keep you awake for long periods.
Sleep meditation is a simple technique that could help combat all of these.
Traditionally, meditation is the act of reconnecting with one’s thoughts and feelings.
Today, it’s evolved to simply calming one’s mind through various techniques.
Sleep meditation is gaining popularity over other forms of anxiety treatment for the following reasons:
Sleep meditation can take several different forms, like:
Anxiety makes you hyper-aware of your negative thoughts and physical aches.
Lasting feelings of anxiousness can make it hard to fall asleep, leading to problems like insomnia.
Sleep meditation for anxiety helps by alleviating these mental and physical symptoms.
A review examined sleep meditation studies and concluded that it had a moderately positive effect on sleep quality.
Another review showed that sleep meditation improved sleep quality to an extent.
Further research into sleep meditation can help cement its place as an effective, recommended treatment for anxiety.
Sleep meditation can show real improvements beyond a good night’s sleep if done consistently.
It could take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.
It’s best to avoid meditation during a period of poor mental health.
Being alone with the full force of your negative thoughts can do more harm than good.
A good start to the day involves 5 minutes of meditating, 5 minutes of stretching, and 5 minutes of mentally preparing for the day.
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https://www.healthline.com/health/meditation-for-sleep
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/sleep-meditation
https://www.webmd.com/balance/what-is-breathwork
https://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/muscle-relaxation-for-stress-insomnia
https://www.healthline.com/health/body-scan-meditation
https://nyaspubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/nyas.13996
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0022399916303579
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anxiety/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350967
https://www.healthline.com/health/natural-ways-to-reduce-anxiety
