FitSugar

Good News: Pain-Free Dentistry Coming Soon

FitSugar — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 03:30:00 PDT

I really dislike going to the dentist and even though my dentist is a lovely person, I just dread seeing him. I am not sure which is worse: the sound of the drill or the Novocaine.

Regardless of the answer, I heard some good news recently: Pain-free dentistry is just around the corner! This new form of dentistry comes in the form of a "non thermal plasma brush." Now that sounds like a gadget straight out of science fiction.

The plasma brush uses a low-temperature chemical reaction to disinfect a tooth and to prepare cavities for a filling. If all goes according to the folks researching the plasma brush, the destructive, loud and hot dental drill would be gone and in its place would be the silent action of the plasma brush. Researchers also believe that the chemical bond created with the plasma brush will alter the tooth's surface, creating a stronger bond with the filling.

Unfortunately, there is no news on when this treatment form will arrive at our local dental offices, but patents have been filed. So all we can do is hope. And brush regularly. Oh and floss too!

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How Does Novocaine Work?

FitSugar — Fri, 11 May 2007 07:30:00 PDT

When I have a cavity filled all I can say is praise to the Novocaine. When my dad was little, his dentist didn't use local anesthetics, and my poor dad had to sit in the chair knowing he was in for a whole lot of pain. My jaw hurts just thinking about it.

I just learned that prior to the invention of Novocaine, cocaine was used as a local anesthetic. Cocaine constricts blood cells, which reduces bleeding, but as we all know it's also highly addictive.

In the early 1900's scientists created a synthetic version of cocaine, but without the nasty side effects, and christened it Procaine. We know it by its trade name Novocaine, and I have no idea why my dad's dentist didn't use it since it was definitely available to the masses when he was a boy. Since its development, stronger local anesthetics have come along like Lidocaine, Septacaine, and Mepivocaine (most dentists still call the shot "Novocaine" though, so ask what they specifically use if you're interested).

These injectable local anesthetics prevent pain in a specific area by blocking the nerves that sense or transmit pain, so the area feels numb for up to 3-4 hours.

All I can say is that even though the shot stinks and can really pinch your gum (and make your mouth really sore for days after), it's still way better than how much it would hurt with NO shot at all.

Fit's Tip: Ask your dentist to apply a topical anesthesia to your gums to numb the area before the Novocaine shot. It makes getting a cavity filled just a little bit easier to bare.

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Careful Who You Kiss - Cavities Can Be Contagious

Heather Dale — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 13:15:58 PDT

Researchers have discovered that more than just viruses and germs can be transmitted through the mouth - cavities can be added to this list, yes . . . cavities. According to Dr. Margaret Mitchell, the cavity-causing bacteria is commonly transferred between caregivers and children because a mother will taste her child's food to see if it's too hot, therefore directly exposing her child to the germs in her saliva. Dr. Mitchell also discusses an instance where a woman had started developing cavities and gum disease after starting to date a man who had gum disease and hadn't been to a dentist in over 18 years.

Her remedy? You don't have to go cold turkey on kissing - phew - but what you do have to do is make sure you maintain your oral health by flossing and brushing regularly and chewing sugar-free gum, which helps produce more saliva and wash away bacteria.

And for all the parents out there, I suggest blowing on your child's food rather than tasting it; that way you'll decrease the amount of bacteria transferred.

The Truth About the Health Benefits of Tea

Health — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 04:13:17 PST

We are pumped to share one of our favorite stories from Health.com here on our site.

Tea - does it really fight cancer? Lower cholesterol? We filter the research to find out which health claims actually hold water.
By Kate Lowenstein

The way scientific studies and health gurus alike have touted the perks of tea over the past few years, you'd think the stuff was some kind of all-powerful magical elixir. Improving heart health, reducing cancer risk, warding off dementia and diabetes - there's barely a health benefit that hasn't been credited to tea. It's true that the brew has disease-fighting antioxidants, and, as far as anyone can tell, should be great for us.

"The science is certainly promising," says David L. Katz, MD, director of Yale University's Prevention Research Center. "But the hype goes beyond it and tends to make promises which the science can't yet deliver." (No, tea probably will not cure depression, eliminate allergies, or boost your fertility!) We talked to the experts and weighed the studies to separate the truth from the hype.

Health.com: Drink This Tea to Lose That Belly

Why tea is so hot
First, a definition: When scientists talk about tea, they mean black, green, white, or oolong teas - all of which are made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. Herbal brews, like chamomile and peppermint, are not technically considered tea; they're infusions of other plants with different nutritional characteristics. If you're not sure what kind you're drinking, check the ingredients for the word "tea."

Keep reading to learn even more about tea.

How Can I Get Rid of Love Handles?

Shape — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 04:14:40 PST

We are excited to share one of our fave stories from Shape here on FitSugar. This week Shape turns to personal trainer and strength coach Joe Dowdell for some help!

Q: How can I get rid of love handles?

A: There isn't just one secret to losing love handles - it's a combination of factors. It's true that the typical answer of total-body strength training, high-intensity cardio intervals, proper nutrition, and sound recovery strategies are the keys to long-term success, but there are more secret strategies for burning belly fat.

You've probably heard that cortisol, the "stress hormone," is responsible for excess abdominal fat, but that's only part of the story. Your body produces cortisol in response to stress—physical, mental, or emotional. This may include extremely low-calorie diets (fasting or starvation), infection, lack of quality sleep, emotional trauma, or intense exercise, as well as daily stressors such as job pressure or relationship trouble.

Top 50 Fall Dit Foods for Weight Loss

Stress and cortisol alone do not make you fat, but research has linked high cortisol levels with storage of body fat, particularly visceral belly fat. Visceral fat is packed deeper in the abdominal cavity and around the internal organs, whereas "regular" fat is stored below the skin (known as subcutaneous fat). Visceral fat is particularly unhealthy because it is a risk factor for heart disease and diabetes. Therefore, the key to avoid storing excess fat around your middle is controlling your cortisol response, or the amount of stress on your body.

Learn the top tips for getting rid of love handles after the break!

The Easiest, Juiciest Way to Roast Chicken - Ever

Nancy Einhart — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 13:00:45 PDT

Roast chicken makes a ridiculously easy weeknight meal, but in the past, my recipes often resulted in too-dry meat. Then, I discovered the cast-iron method, and I've never looked back.

With this recipe, all you need is a chicken, a cast-iron skillet (a 10-inch skillet works well), and salt and pepper. Getting the chicken super dry before roasting produces a perfectly browned skin, and the cast iron keeps the rendered fat from burning. Follow this method, at this temp, for this amount of time, and the chicken will come out perfectly moist and delicious. Get the best, easiest roast chicken recipe.

5 Different Ways to Grill Fish

Susannah Chen — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 05:39:12 PDT

From hot dogs to halloumi and wild leeks to watermelon, just about every provision can be made more delicious on the grill. My recent obsession is fish; a short grill takes its delicate flavor profile for a wild ride, imparting a char and an intoxicatingly smoky aroma that can't be replicated. Another reason to love fish on the 'cue: the versatile protein also works well in an extensive range of preparations. Here are five of my favorite methods with fish on the barbecue; to take advantage of them before Summer comes to a close, keep reading.

Teeth Whitening: Going to the Dentist vs. DIY

Jaime Richards — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 03:05:52 PDT

"Bleaching [your teeth] is probably one of the most significant changes that you can make," says Beverly Hills-based general and cosmetic dentist Dr. Arthur Glosman. "But whenever you're going to do any type of teeth whitening, it's always best to get some kind of consultation with your dentist first." However, what are the advantages of having your dentist do it as compared to doing it yourself? While both techniques can indeed work and have their advantages, see some reasons you might get better, longer-lasting results from a professional treatment when you read more.

Mwa! Health Benefits of Smooching

Jenny Sugar — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 13:27:22 PDT

Whether you're making out with a new Summer fling or smacking lips with your partner of 10 years, kissing isn't just for fun, it's also good for your health. Here are some reasons you should spend a little more time smooching.

Getting into a serious French kissing session increases saliva production, which helps to wash away bacteria. This means kissing can help prevent tooth decay and cavities.
Smooching is a major stress reliever, because in a way, it's kind of like meditation. It replaces negative feelings with an intensely happy buzz that can help you (briefly) forget about work deadlines, the fight you had with your sister, or the missing muffler on your car.
Locking lips is a workout for your facial muscles, which can keep that area taut, making you look younger.
Kissing burns calories, which translates to weight loss. A 20-minute make-out session on your couch burns 40 calories, and it's way more fun than hitting the treadmill.
Kissing boosts your immunity. All that swapping spit exchanges germs, too, which forces your body to produce antibodies to prevent you from getting sick. It's like getting a vaccination, so keep the kisses coming in order to keep you healthy.
You can kiss allergies goodbye, too. A Japanese study showed that 30 minutes of kissing reduced blood levels of IgE, an allergy antibody. I'd much rather kiss than pop allergy pills!

Do You Know the Facts About Pediatric Dental Care?

LilSugar — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 05:32:34 PDT

There's a lot to think about with new babies. Parents obsess about what they eat, how much they sleep, and about finding the perfect bottle. But many parents overlook one important issue: dental care. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 20 percent of children between the ages of 2 and 5 years old have at least one untreated cavity.

The common misconception that cavities in baby teeth don't need treatment since they fall out anyway is completely wrong. Baby teeth do more than chew: they're important for jaw growth, proper speech formation, and they're the space savers for adult teeth. While baby teeth do fall out, infants and toddlers with oral health issues like cavities are at an increased risk of having the same problems with their permanent teeth. The reverse is true as well: starting a routine of good dental habits early improves their chances of a healthy mouth later.

Do you need to brush up on your dental care knowledge? Take our quiz to find out.

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