A cure for dental anxiety and fear...

Does the thought of succumbing to the dentist's chair send a jolt of anxiety through your body? When it comes to triggering a fear response, few things can set people off like an upcoming trip to the dentist. Fear and anxiety toward the dentist and dental treatment are  significant factors  that contribute to avoidance of dental care.

That fear can set in early. Threatening comments from a parent, or more common, a painful experience at the dental clinic during childhood triggers anxiety that carries over into adulthood
"Modern dentistry is virtually painless." Easier said than believed…..
Techniques and equipment have come a long way over the past few decades. Needles are very thin compared with yesteryear  topical anesthetic gels  numb the surface  during injections . Modern drills are much quieter with little vibration.
 

However…Why suffer anxiety during dental treatment  when you can relax with Nitrous oxide ("laughing gas") which is relaxing and pleasurable . You can have all your dental treatment done in a relaxed and controlled manner . You inhale the gas through your nose during the entire procedure and are back to normal shortly afterward and able to drive yourself home. Chances are that once your teeth are done you will really have very little need of treatment in future apart from an occasional cleaning for maintenance.  This way you don`t need to worry about your fears as they float away with the gas.  

Nitrous oxide gas is also very useful for children . Some children can become anxious when they see the dentist – especially when they need treatment or have toothache. As a result, they may not be able to relax or sit still long enough to receive treatment. Using gas sedation can help to complete more treatment in one visit which is a great benefit to cut down on dental visits and get it over without a scene. Nitrous oxide is mixed with oxygen and delivered through a small mask over the nose As the gas begins to work, the child will  naturally remain calm and relaxed.
The effects of nitrous oxide are mild. It is safe and quickly eliminated from the body. The child remains awake and can  interact with the dentist. When the gas is turned off, the effects wear off very quickly.

  A good, trusted dentist who puts you at ease is extremely important. This goes without saying. But technology can also help you relax and relieve anxiety. For example listening to your own music on your phone is another useful way to help relax. Aromatherapy and visual distractions can also help you to relax as can reading our ceiling map.
 

Article supplied by Dr Karen Gardner,  dentist and orthodontist at Clinica dental La Plaza, Javea situated next to Club De Tenis
Tel. 96 646 1120 for an appointment

Calcium-rich foods for vegans and people who do not consume dairy

Plenty of foods are rich in calcium, and many do not contain dairy. This may be good news, particularly for vegans and people who are lactose intolerant so cannot fully digest dairy products.

Calcium is essential for general health. Most adults aged 19–50 require 1,000 milligrams (mg) of calcium per day, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the United States. This amount of calcium is present in about three 8-ounce glasses of milk.Milk, cheese, and yogurt are the best sources of calcium, but many nondairy foods are also rich in the mineral. In this article, we describe 18 plant-based sources of calcium.

Calcium-rich foods for vegans and people who do not consume dairy

 The following foods are rich in calcium and contain no animal-based products.

1. Chia seeds

Chia seeds and soy milk are plant-based sources of calcium.

A single ounce, or 2 tablespoons, of chia seeds provide 179 mg of calcium.
Chia also contains boron, which promotes the health of bones and muscles by helping the body to metabolize calcium, phosphorous, and magnesium.
Add chia seeds to smoothies or mix them into oatmeal or yogurt for a little added crunch.

 

2. Soy milk

One cup of fortified soy milk contains about the same amount of calcium as the equivalent of cow's milk. It is important to choose a product that is fortified with calcium carbonate.
Soy milk is also rich in vitamin D, and it contains less saturated fat than whole milk with lactose.

 

3. Almonds

Just 1 cup of whole almonds contains 385 mg of calcium, which is more than one-third of the recommended daily amount.
However, the same serving also contains 838 calories and almost 72 grams of fat.
While the fat is mostly healthful and monounsaturated, the calorie count is high, and a person should limit their intake to smaller portions of a quarter cup per serving, for example.

 

4. Dried figs

 About eight figs, or 1 cup, provides 241 mg of calcium.Figs make a great sweet treat and are rich in fiber and antioxidants. Try them as a midday snack or crush them into a creamy jam.

 

5. Tofu

Tofu tends to be an excellent source of calcium. However, the calcium content varies, depending on the firmness and the brand, and it can range from 275–861 mg per half cup.
To receive the benefits of the calcium, read labeling carefully and only select tofu that contains calcium salt, which manufacturers use as a coagulant.

 

6. White beans

One cup of white beans yields 161 mg of calcium.
White beans are a low-fat food and are also rich in iron. Add them to a favorite soup or salad, eat them in a side dish, or use them in hummus.

 

7. Sunflower seeds

 

Sunflower seeds have a high vitamin and mineral content.

A single cup of sunflower seed kernels contains 109 mg of calcium.
These seeds are also rich in magnesium, which balances the effects of calcium in the body and regulates nerve and muscle health.
In addition, sunflower seed kernels contain vitamin E and copper.
Together, these nutrients can promote bone strength and flexibility and prevent bone loss.
However, sunflower seeds can contain high amounts of added salt, which depletes the body's levels of calcium. For optimal health benefits, choose raw, unsalted seeds.
Also, consider a single serving to be about one handful of kernels, to avoid excessive calorie intake.

 

8. Broccoli rabe

Broccoli's bitter cousin, broccoli rabe, contains 100 mg of calcium per cup.
Many recipes aim to tone down and complement the intense flavor of this hearty vegetable.

 

9. Edamame

One cup of frozen, prepared edamame contains 98 mg of calcium.
Available fresh or frozen and shelled or in pods, edamame contain high-quality proteins and all nine essential amino acids.

 

10. Kale

Just 2 cups of raw chopped kale provide about 180 mg of calcium.
Kale belongs to the cruciferous family of vegetables, which also includes broccoli. The leafy green is loaded with antioxidants, which can prevent or delay cell damage. Kale is also low in calories, with every 100 grams containing only 35 calories.
Add chopped kale to a salad or sauté or steam the vegetable as a side dish.

 

11. Sesame seeds

Eating just 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds adds 88 mg of calcium to a person's diet. Try toasting them and sprinkling the seeds over a salad or baking them in bread for a nuttier flavor.
Sesame seeds also contain zinc and copper, and both are beneficial to bone health. Results of a study from 2013 suggest that supplementation with sesame seeds helped to relieve some symptoms of knee osteoarthritis.

12. Broccoli

One cup of frozen broccoli has 87 mg of calcium.
A diet rich in broccoli and other members of the cruciferous family may be linked with a reduced risk of cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute in the U.S.
Research in rodents suggests that compounds in broccoli can help to prevent bladder, breast, colon, liver, and stomach cancers. However, studies in humans have produced inconclusive results.

13. Sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes are easy to include in a range of dishes.

One large sweet potato contains 68 mg of calcium. These vegetables are also rich in potassium and vitamins A and C.
Vitamin A is an important antioxidant that may promote good eyesight, resistance to the effects of aging, and cancer prevention.
Sweet potatoes are naturally low in fat and calories. They are popular as a side dish in some parts of the world.

 

14. Mustard and collard greens

Raw collard greens contain 84 mg of calcium per cup, and they are rich in other vitamins and minerals.
Raw mustard greens are also a significant source of nutrients, and they contain 64 mg of calcium per cup.

 

15. Okra

A single cup of raw okra contains 82 mg of calcium. Okra is also a significant source of protein, fiber, iron, and zinc.
Many people enjoy the vegetable boiled, fried, pickled, or roasted.