FitSugar

Dental Anxiety: You're Not Alone

DearSugar — Thu, 27 Sep 2007 16:00:00 PDT

Who likes going to the dentist? I don't like going whatsoever, and I even asked my dentist if she likes to go and she admitted that it's not always fun, but it is necessary. So we force ourselves to go, but many of us may not like it one bit.

Some people on the other hand have such severe fears and anxieties about going to the dentist, that they won't even go. Here are some common reasons people won't go to the dentist:

Fear of pain.

Fear of needles.
Fear of the Novocaine and going numb.
Fear of NOT going numb - what if the Novocaine doesn't work?
They're worried about what may or may not happen - fear of the unknown.
Fear of the drill and things near their mouth and brain.
The scraping and drilling sound.
Bad past experiences.
They're worried about receiving bad news.
They're embarrassed or ashamed of their teeth and worried the dentist will make fun of them.
Fear of gagging, choking, or throwing up.
Fear of panicking or crying.
The cost. Even with dental insurance, the bill can be excruciatingly high.

If these sound familiar, you're not alone. Many people suffer from dental phobia or dental anxiety so much that they refuse to step foot in an office. This can be detrimental to a person's pearly whites. Want to know how to get over your fears? Then

read more If you are paralyzed by the mere thought of going to the dentist, there are a number of things you can do.

Identify what your specific fears are and try not to dwell on them. Then you and your dentist can figure out ways to deal with them.
Find a caring and compassionate dentist that makes you feel comfortable. Explain all your fears and map out what your perfect dental visit would be like. Get recommendations from friends or co-workers for dentists they like.
Some dentists may recommend that you take anti-anxiety medicine (like Xanax) the night and or a few hours before your visit. It will help you to feel calm and relaxed.
Your dentist may also recommend Nitrous Oxide. It's a gas you inhale that puts you in a state of ultimate relaxation and contentment. Just like with the anti-anxiety meds, this method won't do anything for pain, so if you need to be drilled, you'll still need to get a shot of Novocaine, but you may feel less anxious about it.
Another option is IV Sedation. You basically get anti-anxiety drugs administered into the bloodstream. You'll remain conscious and be able to understand and respond to requests from your dentist, but you may not remember much of what happened while you were in the chair. Time will feel like it passes quickly, almost like you were asleep.
If you are literally crippled by the anxiety, you may be a candidate for General Anesthesia.

Being fearful of dental visits is not at all uncommon, but at some point you will need to face your fears. You can't go through your life not seeing a dentist, and the longer you put it off, the more problems you can have. I hope these ideas help. Source

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.

Source

Sugar Shout Out: Make Chocolate-Covered Strawberries in No Time

Lauren Turner — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 23:55:46 PST

7 Ways to Decorate With Ikea's Ung Drill Frame

Angela Swinderman Elias — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 13:50:46 PST

I first became a fan of Ikea's Ung Drill Frame when I was searching for a photo prop for my wedding last August. Ornate, affordable, and very lightweight, I decided to paint the frame a pale peach and convert it into a chalkboard sign for guests to write messages on and hold in the photo booth. Since then, I swapped the peach for a charcoal gray and hung it in my kitchen. I noticed that other DIYers are coming up with a variety of ways to get the most out of this multipurpose frame. Keep reading to check out my favorite examples of how to incorporate this popular Ikea accessory into your home!

Show Us Your Fashion Week Style, Fab Community!

FabSugar — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:20:46 PST

Since New York Fashion Week is just a little less than two weeks away, consider this our call into the fashion wild. We know you've got the styling chops and the chic expertise to go with, so it's time to see how you style up a Fashion Week-worthy look that shows off front-row prowess with your own personal spin. You know the drill: dress to impress, snap a head-to-toe shot, and then share your fashionista ensemble with the rest of us. We're dying to see what kind of outfits you deem runway-spectator wearable. Just submit your looks here, include "Fashion Week" in the title, and we might just feature you on FabSugar. Happy styling!

Photos courtesy of Smileforstyle, JustPatience, and Paricoleini

Shoe Review: Brooks PureCadence

Leta Shy — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 15:54:49 PDT

The Brooks PureCadence ($120) is part of the company's new PureProject line of minimalist running shoes. The shoes all feature lightweight, flexible, and eco-friendly materials and are designed to improve your stride. The PureCadence, one of four PureProject models designed for different running needs, is made for the overpronator. Show me a stability shoe that's lightweight and cute, and I get excited, so I was more than happy to test out a pair Brooks sent over. If you're in the market for a pair of minimalist shoes for your dry or indoor runs, read on to learn more about the PureCadence.

If you're a regular stability shoe user, your feet will be happily surprised when you slip on these lightweight shoes. Each PureCadence shoe weighs in at 8.3 ounces, but these sneakers don't skimp on support and cushioning. My feet never felt better, whether I was on the treadmill or running in the park, thanks to the Brooks DNA gel-cushioning, which disperses or firms depending on your stride to give you the support you need. And even though I have low arches, I'm a big fan of the Nav Band that wraps around the shoe (you can see the neon green band in the middle of the shoe in the photo) - you can feel the arch support while you run. My runs felt more light and bouncy than normal, thanks not only to the minimalist design but also the small touches that help correct your stride, like split sole to under the big toe to give it room to balance and push off during your runs (see the split in the sole photo above), and a rounded short heel box helps correct your stride to be more mid- or forward-foot.

Keep reading for more about my Brooks PureCadence review.

Were You a Team Player? Sports Your Adult Self Will Love

Heather Dale — Sun, 23 Oct 2011 03:06:47 PDT

Just because your soccer cleats haven't seen the light of day since you were in junior high, doesn't mean you have to kiss your favorite sports goodbye forever! I usually work out solo, but after joining a local sports league and signing up for a monthlong boot camp, I realize why I used to love team sports so much: working out with other people definitely has its perks. Now that I'm back into it and feeling that team camaraderie, I wish I would have signed up sooner. Here are some ways to reenergize your team spirit - we got spirit, yes we do!

Keep reading to find out how.

4 Ways Pilates Makes Everything Better

Susi May — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 10:43:46 PDT

Pilates has a rep as a girly exercise form that attracts ladies who lunch. Private sessions can be pricey, but mat classes will work your entire body. Originally called Contrology, the practice was actually developed to rehab injured soldiers after WW I - talk about functional fitness! After teaching the method for years (and rehabbing my own chronic back injury with it), I have decided Pilates makes everything better, from life's basics like sitting to things more extreme like CrossFit. Here are four Pilates fundamentals that everyone can benefit from learning.

Breathing
The most basic human function, breathing supports life and a fit life, too. A proper inhale fuels your muscles with oxygen, and a powerful exhale helps you engage your deep abs to protect your spine and support your torso. The conscious and studied breathing in Pilates might feel tedious at first, but learning how to breathe into your lower lungs, rather than just your chest, helps makes you a more efficient cardio machine. The Pilates method of inhaling wide through the ribs and exhaling by contracting the deep abs to push the diaphragm into the lungs also means you can keep your upper body and neck relaxed as you take in air.

Learn three more benefits when you keep reading.

Link Time: Pumpkin Luminaries, a Playfully Elegant New York Penthouse, and New Organizing Tricks

Elka Karl — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 12:00:38 PDT

A power drill and string lights create an elegant pumpkin luminary. - This Old House
Organize based on your personality traits. - Real Simple
Pick up some elegant Halloween decorations. - House Beautiful
Watch a video of a house makeover for new homeowners. - The Nest
Check out a whole different definition of the term muffin top. - Shelterrific
Make a no-carve studded pumpkin. - Stylelist Home
Tour a playful and elegant New York home. - Houzz

Bootcamp or Yell-Free: What's Your Favorite Instructor Style?

Leta Shy — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 13:46:56 PDT

I tried to like spin class, but after a few too many classes with the instructor yelling for us to "Push harder!" over already too-loud music, I decided I wasn't a fan. While I enjoy taking exercise classes or enlisting the help of a personal trainer to keep me motivated (not to mention to make me finish an exercise when I think I just can't do it), I gravitate more toward instructors who firmly encourage without veering into drill sergeant territory.

I may not be signing up for a boot camp any time soon, but many people like the tough love they get from their no-excuses fitness instructors. What's your favorite style?