THE FACTS ABOUT SEDATION DENTISTRY
Going to the dentist is one of the most common sources of anxiety. Nearly 1 in 3 Americans report being afraid of going to the dentist. That’s about 100 million people.
teeth and gums, but to your overall health. Avoiding the dentist due to anxiety can have long-term consequences. This is where sedation dentistry comes in. Many dentists offer one or more of the following forms of sedation dentistry. • Nitrous oxide. Also known as laughing gas, nitrous is inhaled through a mask. It helps you feel calm and comforted. At the end of your appointment, the gas quickly wears off, and you feel normal in a matter of minutes, allowing you to drive yourself home after the appointment. • Oral sedation. This is medication you take before your treatment. By the time appointment starts, you feel relaxed with virtually no sign of anxiety. This form of sedation takes longer to wear off, and, as a result, you must bring someone who can drive you home. • IV sedation. This works quickly to bring you into a state of deep relaxation. You stay awake, but time moves quickly and you remember little, if anything, of the procedure. It does take time to wear off, so you will also need someone to drive you home after your appointment.
There are three levels of anxiety.
• Nervousness. A general feeling of anxiety often coupled with shortness of breath and an accelerated heart rate. You may also feel a knot in your stomach. • Fear. A sense of fear often comes from a previous bad experience at the dentist. It’s also related to the fear of losing control and a fear of sudden pain. People who fear the dentist may even put off treatment and checkups. • Phobia. This is extreme anxiety that may include paralyzing dread, feelings of terror or panic, as well as uncontrollable physical or emotional reactions.
If you face any level of anxiety related to a trip to the dentist, there are options to help you. Dental health is critical not only to the health of your
THAI SPAGHETTI SQUASH WITH PEANUT SAUCE
HAVE A LAUGH!
Craving pad thai, but anxious about the carbs? Try this lighter version of a classic, delicious dish.
INGREDIENTS
PEANUT SAUCE:
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1 (14-ounce) can coconut milk ¾ cup unsweetened peanut butter ¼ cup coconut sugar 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons white vinegar
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1 medium spaghetti squash
Olive oil
Salt
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1 garlic clove, minced ¼ cup chopped parsley
2 tablespoons crushed peanuts
2 teaspoons sesame oil
2 teaspoons red curry paste DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Halve squash and scoop out seeds. 2. Drizzle inside of squash with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. Place squash on baking sheet and roast for 25 minutes. 3. Let cool. Using a fork, scrape out spaghetti squash strands. 4. Place sauce ingredients in saucepan and bring to boil over medium-high heat. Lower heat and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring constantly. 5. Heat skillet over medium heat. Add garlic, parsley, and 1/4 of the peanut sauce and combine. 6. Add spaghetti squash and crushed peanuts. Stir to combine until heated through, about 2 minutes. Once served, drizzle with more peanut sauce.
Recipe inspired by Leelalicious.com.
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