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This time of year, there’s football and Halloween fun festivities. There’s also a lot of fright and anxiety going on, and your dentist in Sparks isn’t referring to haunted houses and ghosts. We’re talking to the patients who genuinely dread having a dental appointment looming on their calendar like a ghastly, ghostly goblin.

We’re here to remind you…it doesn’t matter if it’s been a few months or even a few decades since your last trip to the dentist. You have nothing to be afraid of or feel anxious about. We’re here to tell you why and show you how you can feel better fast.

Tip #1 – Take Your Comfort Seriously

We understand how uncomfortable it can be to have severe dental anxiety. It’s downright debilitating for you and your smile. Your Sparks dentist will tell you that you deserve so much better! There’s a sense of calm and relaxation in everything we do. You’ll feel assured and soothed, maybe even pampered during your dental visits. 

Tip #2 – Don’t Avoid Your Appointments Out of Fear

Meeting a patient of any age who is afraid of the dentist is always disheartening. Whether they have fear because of a traumatic dental experience in the past or because they don’t like doctors, we believe every patient should feel happy and worthy of a beautiful, healthy smile.

So many times, we meet patients with loose teeth, missing teeth, bleeding gums, bad breath, and more. They’re usually experiencing these issues due to untreated dental problems. The good news is, we can get you out of pain fast and fix your smile back to perfection.

Tip #3 – Know You’re Not Alone – Ever

From the moment you walk in the door to our state-of-the-art office, you’ll have someone with you, a partner who cares about your comfort. This is especially true for our most fearful or anxious patients. That’s why it’s important to discuss your worries with us before your visit, so we can be prepared to pamper you with relaxation. 

Like we’ve said before, you’re not alone if you don’t like going to the dentist! The Cleveland Clinic says between 9% and 15% of Americans say they avoid going to the dentist because of anxiety or fear. Does this hit close to home for you or someone in your family? As your appointment approaches, so does the feeling of anxiety or uneasiness. Maybe your heart races and your palms begin to sweat. While this sounds like the beginning of a spooky story, we know it’s all too real for patients who are afraid of seeing the dentist.

Patients who are afraid of or anxious about getting the dental care they need are some of our most treasured patients. We’ve seen how the most fearful patient can transform into one of our best dental patients in terms of keeping up with regular checkups and cleanings. 

If there’s something we can do for you to make visiting our Sparks dental office a more relaxing experience, we hope you’ll share it with us. It could make a huge impact on your life or someone else’s! Don’t hesitate to reach out to us online or by phone with questions about your oral and overall health. 

Just like you, your dentist in Sparks is overwhelmed this time of year by the amount of sugary Halloween treats on the market. Did you ever notice how much candy there is at every single store, from pharmacies to supermarkets? Where does it all go? (We sure would like to know.)

These little bite-sized treats are tricky because you think you can have one and just be done. You give in to your cravings and then “BOOM” the next thing you know there are wrappers everywhere and an empty bag to boot. We tried these three easy tips to help stop you from wanting to indulge in everything sugary and sweet, and they actually worked. 

Step #1 – Drink Water (Lots of It)

We’re sure you’ve been told somewhere along the way, sometime in your life about the importance of drinking enough water daily. The key is staying hydrated so that your body can function optimally and maintain a proper eating or digestive routine. If you’re craving something sweet, don’t be tempted to reach for an energy drink or a sports beverage. They’re not healthy (like they labels might lead to you believe), and they contain sugar that sticks to teeth and leads to decay. 

While opinions differ about how much water a person should consume each day, there’s a little handy, dandy trick called the 8×8 rule you can use. Most health authorities suggest drinking eight, 8-ounce glasses of water daily, or 8×8! (This is equivalent to about two liters or half a gallon).

Step #2 – Eat Healthy

Cravings for sugar are different than your body telling you it’s hungry. It’s your brain playing a little trick on you compared to when you need to refuel for energy, and your body says it’s hungry. Your mind wants you to eat the sugary treat because you’ll feel a release of dopamine as part of your body’s “reward system.” Try to opt for healthy snacks such as fruits and veggies. Go ahead and eat a meal that’s rich with protein, which is excellent for helping to curb cravings and hunger. 

We understand that eating real, healthy food isn’t the same as diving into that bag of candies or indulging in that cupcake. But your body (and your smile) will surely thank you for making the right choices now, so they’re there for you in the long run.

Step #3 – Get Enough Sleep

Your Sparks dentist will be the first one to tell you how important sleep is in our lives. It does make a difference in both your oral and overall health. Sleep loss can dramatically change the timing and release of certain hormones responsible for controlling your appetite. When you’re deprived of a good night’s sleep (especially regularly), these hormones get released in larger amounts. Your stomach also releases the hormone that makes you feel full in smaller amounts, causing a perfect storm for cravings and binge on sweets.

What’s more interesting is this: studies show that we change what kinds of foods we purchase when we’re overly tired, too! Researchers found that an increase in hormone levels contributed to us wanting to buy foods that are high in calories and sugar. Both our bodies and brains crave the rewards of unhealthy foods when we get less than seven hours of sleep each night. 

We hope you’ll give these three steps a shot, whether it’s on a small or even a bigger level. We know how hard it can be to say no to sweets, no matter what age you are. This time of year, with all of the added pressure, is an excellent opportunity for you to use these tools discussed here to keep your body and your smile healthy. If you have any questions about these tips or would like to know more about how to take care of your teeth, email or give our Sparks dental office a call!