Month: November 2018

5 Signs You’ve Found A Holistic Dentist

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The power of your oral health to impact your overall health has been proven in research studies for decades. But traditional dentists still only provide dental treatments for your mouth and teeth. Now, more and more doctors and dentists are entering the realm of holistic dentistry. Holistic dentistry, also known as biological dentistry, takes into account a person’s entire state of physical and emotional health. But beware. There are some “natural” dentists out there that claim to be holistic but actually only peddle some natural herbs or supplements, continuing to conduct dental procedures just like traditionalists. If you’re looking for, or think you’ve, found a holistic dentist in the La Mesa area, take a look at these seven signs that may prove you actually found a real holistic dentist.

#1: Holistic Dentists Say No To Fluoride

As you probably know, most traditional dentists make fluoride treatments a regular part of your six-month check-ups, encourage you to make sure you water is fluoridated and even recommend fluoride drops for infants. They’ll show you the research that shows you get fewer cavities if your water is fluoridated. If you’ve found a holistic dentist, you’ll find they won’t recommend fluoride. Holistic dentists will show you research that says fluoride provides no benefit and that it has been linked to cancer and weakening bones, reduces a child’s IQ, can lead to white spots on the teeth, and can harm the thyroid.

#2: Holistic Dentists Use Different Filling Materials

If you’re seeing a holistic dentist for a filling, you won’t find the traditional amalgam material being used. Amalgam is a combination of metals that include silver, mercury, tin, and copper. Dentists have been using it to fill cavities for more than 150 years. But holistic dentists like Dr. Chan at Smilehaven Dental Center know that mercury and the vapors it produces could be harmful to both their patients and their staff. Instead, they use resin, plastic, and other materials for tooth fillings. Furthermore, what type of material they use depends on the results of a biocompatibility test to find out which material is best suited to your body. Holistic dentists believe what goes into your mouth could affect your whole body so this step is important in determining what materials they use for fillings and also dental bridges and crowns.

#3: Holistic Dentists Use X-Rays Sparingly

It’s no secret that X-rays emit radiation and that radiation has been linked to cancer. It’s also imperative that a dentist is able to see all surfaces of your teeth. Imaging of your teeth and mouth is helpful for identifying:

  • Cavities (tooth decay)
  • Impaction
  • Cysts
  • Tumors
  • Jaw disorders
  • Bone irregularities
  • Unerupted teeth (teeth that are under the surface of the gums)

While many traditional dentists take X-rays of your teeth every six months, a holistic dentist will use X-rays more cautiously and often use other techniques to visualize your teeth. At Smilehaven Dental Center, Dr. Chan uses digital X-rays which are about 50 percent lower in radiation on average than the previous generation of X-ray machines. Most agree that the limited exposure to this low-level radiation is not a significant detriment to your health, but dentists are still searching for new advancements in imaging that eliminate exposure at all. Some of these options include near-infrared imaging, where an infrared light makes the tooth enamel look transparent; thermal imaging, where a heat map shows infection; and 3D ultrasound that shows the teeth, gums, fillings, and cracks in full color.

#4: Holistic Dentists Use Natural Options For Pain

At some point, you may be faced with having a dental surgical procedure. Traditional dentists will administer a full dose of chemical anesthesia to put you to “sleep” during the surgery. Afterward, they will prescribe an antibiotic to ward off infection and opioid painkillers to help subside any pain. If you have a holistic dentist, you can expect a much different scenario. Dr. Chan will administer homeopathy drops instead of drugs before your surgical procedure so that you don’t have to have as much painkiller during the operation. After the surgery, Dr. Chan will prescribe a natural vitamin C product that will help you maximize the healing process. He may also send you home with an infrared device that will emit heat waves to your mouth to speed up healing.

#5: Holistic Dentists Take Out Your Wisdom Teeth Less Often

Over two-thirds of cases of wisdom tooth extractions are completely unnecessary according to a study published in the American Journal of Public Health. Of the approximately 5 million people who endure wisdom tooth extraction each year, 11,000 suffer what’s called “permanent paresthesia”. This is a fancy name for numbness of the lip, tongue, and cheek resulting from nerve damage during surgery. For holistic dentists, wisdom teeth should only be taken out if they are causing a serious health issue for you. If and when they are taken out, Dr. Chan is very careful to not create a cavity or hole of infection in the bone.

Find Your Holistic Dentist In La Mesa

If you are looking for a holistic dentist, look no further than Dr. Chan at Smilehaven Dental Center in La Mesa. Dr. Chan does not treat you head as separate from the rest of your body, but instead, considers your whole health as he diagnosis and recommends dental treatment that you may need. Take some time to find out more about this growing dental industry. Make a list of questions and then give Dr. Chan a call at (619) 464-2801 for a free one-on-one consultation. He and his team are happy to answer all of your questions and, most importantly, get started on providing you with a healthy mouth and body.

How to Prepare Your Child for a Trip to the Dentist

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Going to the dentist can be a daunting experience for adults, let alone children. However, with proper preparation, you can help your child feel more comfortable and relaxed during their dental visits.

Here are some tips on how to prepare your child for a trip to the dentist:

  1. Start early. The sooner you start taking your child to the dentist, the less likely they will be to develop a fear of dentists. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that children have their first dental checkup at six months of age.
  2. Talk to your child about the dentist. Explain to your child what happens at the dentist and what they can expect. Use age-appropriate language and avoid using words like “needle” or “drill” that may scare your child.
  3. Visit the dentist together. If you are comfortable at the dentist, your child will be more likely to be comfortable as well. Take your child with you to your own dental appointments so they can see what happens and ask questions.
  4. Read books about the dentist. There are many children’s books about going to the dentist. Reading these books with your child can help them to understand what happens at the dentist and what to expect.
  5. Play dentist. You can also play dentist with your child at home. This can help them to get used to the idea of having their teeth examined and cleaned.
  6. Choose a dentist who is friendly and patient with children. When you are looking for a dentist for your child, be sure to choose one who is friendly and patient with children. This will help your child to feel more comfortable during their dental visits.
  7. Be positive. When you are talking to your child about the dentist, be positive. Let them know that going to the dentist is a good thing and that it is important for keeping their teeth healthy.
  8. Offer reassurance. If your child is feeling nervous about going to the dentist, offer them reassurance. Let them know that you will be there with them and that everything will be okay.
  9. Reward your child. After your child has a successful dental visit, reward them with something they enjoy. This will help them to associate dental visits with positive experiences.

By following these tips, you can help your child to feel more comfortable and relaxed during their dental visits. This will make it more likely that they will have a positive experience and that they will continue to see the dentist regularly as they grow older.

Here are some additional tips that may help you prepare your child for a trip to the dentist:

  • Let your child know that they are in control. Explain to them that they can say no to anything that they do not want to do.
  • Be prepared for your child to cry. Some children cry when they go to the dentist, even if they have been prepared. This is normal and it does not mean that your child is afraid.
  • Make sure your child is comfortable. Bring a favorite toy or blanket with your child to the dentist. This will help them to feel more comfortable.
  • Be patient. It may take some time for your child to get used to going to the dentist. Be patient and understanding, and they will eventually learn to enjoy their dental visits.

Remember, the most important thing is to make sure that your child feels comfortable and safe at the dentist. By following these tips, you can help your child to have a positive experience at the dentist and to develop good oral hygiene habits.