Ask Tufts Experts

Are pink and red grapefruit more nutritious than white?

Yes, but the practical difference is pretty negligible. Granted, half a pink or red grapefruit has 153 International Units of vitamin A (in the form of beta-carotene), while half a white grapefruit has 12 units. But the Daily Value for vitamin A is 5,000 units, so grapefruit of any color contributes relatively little.

For every other nutrient, amounts are virtually the same. A half grapefruit, no matter what the hue, contains 39 calories, 1 to 11⁄2 grams of fiber, two thirds of the day’s requirement for vitamin C, trace amounts of other vitamins and minerals, and virtually no fat or sodium.

I am scared to death of going to the dentist but heard a radio ad recently for a dentist who practices conscious sedation to make his patients less anxious. What is that?

Whereas a local anesthetic that a dentist uses takes away pain, conscious sedation reduces fear and anxiety. Practiced by appropriately trained dentists (in some states certification is required), it is induced with a pill, inhalation, or injection, allowing a patient to “achieve a relaxed state during treatment,” says the American Dental Association.

In some cases, a patient is given deep sedation, which goes a step further by causing a loss of feeling and reducing consciousness. There’s also general anesthesia, used during certain procedures for people who have severe anxiety or difficulty controlling their movements.

In other words, dentists have seen it all. Find one who can take appropriate measures to keep you calm and comfortable.