Author: admin_smile

Dry Mouth

Posted on by admin_smile

A common and rapidly growing problem among dental patients today is Dry Mouth or Xerostomia. Some experts say that dry mouth is reported by 17% to 29% of the population and this figure increases to 40% of the population over the age of 55. We often overlook this condition easily during a dental exam and if left untreated, it may eventually lead to tooth decay, gingivitis (gum inflammation) and a variety of oral infections.

Dry mouth can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life. For this reason, dentists have to be vigilant in diagnosing dry mouth, and while eliminating the condition may not always be possible, dentists can help their patients manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

Absence of adequate saliva is what leads to dry mouth, as it is a vital component of such everyday processes as tasting, swallowing, speech and digestion. A reduction in salivary flow can happen from a number of reasons, but medication use is a major contributor. This is the most probable reason that dry mouth rates increases with age. There are about over 400 medications that can adversely affect saliva production including common classes as antihistamines, antidepressants, and antihypertensives. Other contributors are smoking, stress and anxiety. Additionally, many cancer patients who receive radiation treatments to the head and neck may suffer permanent loss of function in the salivary glands.

People who have dry mouth often complain of trouble in speaking or eating, discomfort in wearing their dentures, oral dryness or the feeling of burning tongue, remarkably less saliva, frothing saliva, cracking lip on the corners of the mouth, and having more teeth decay. Often, patients do not tell their dentist and visual signs are not always evident. So it is then the job of the dentist to proactively question patients to identify the sufferers and those at risk.

Helpful questions to ask are: Does your mouth feel dry or uncomfortable? Do you enjoy your food as well as you used to in terms of how it tastes like? Are you constantly thirsty that you feel like taking a sip of water often? Do you have trouble eating sometimes?

Common self-treatment measures and management of dry mouth is sipping on water and sucking on sugarless candy. This remedy provides short term relief only, however. Farther-reaching change and adjustment in lifestyle includes abstaining from alcohol and less spicy foods. The problem with this is that people will not be able to do this for a long time. A more ideal solution should be something that people can incorporate into their lifestyle for the rest of their lives.

There are moisturizing mouth washes available in the market today that moisturizes (similar to what artificial tears can do for the dry eyes). A real popular one to use is Oasis mouthwash from GlaxoSmithKline. It is available in spray form as well. Products like this hydrate the mouth and trap in the moisture to prevent moisture loss for about two hours. People who suffer from dry mouth think this type of product is effective compared to merely sipping water constantly.

The prevalence of dry mouth may likely increase as the aging population continues to grow. Dentists can help their patients prevent more serious oral health problems by helping them identify early signs of dry mouth during routine dental exams.

For questions, please call 619-464-2801 for an appointment. We are located on 4700 Spring St., Suite 210, La Mesa, Ca. 91941.

The Progress of Dentistry

Posted on by admin_smile

The dental profession has evolved a lot in the past 60 years. Curiosity and wonderment or even the constant thinking about how to make something better, also known as research is responsible for the progress we have made in dentistry. Any dentist out there can attest that dentistry has never been more enjoyable to do than ever before because of the different options in treatment and materials available to make beautiful restorations.

We are where we are now because we understand bacteria and infection. Understanding microbiology as it relates to dental caries and periodontal (gum) disease, recognizing them as infectious diseases, has changed the way we treat both of these conditions. We were able to develop strategies of prevention based on these findings.

We have general and local anesthesia. Nitrous Oxide (laughing gas) was also discovered to be used successfully as a form of anesthesia.

Standards have been set on techniques for filling teeth, operative procedures and instrumentation and visual aids in educating the public on dentistry.

Then we have federal funding for dental research being established by President Harry Truman, who signed a congressional bill to formally establish the National Institute of Dental Research in 1948. Its mission continues today to be the improvement of oral, dental, and craniofacial health through research – a beginning of the infusion of science, technology, and public money into university based research.

The benefits of fluoride were discovered when clinical trials were conducted on the fluoridation of drinking water. This was perhaps the most significant public health measure of the 20th century by fluoridation of water to reduce tooth decay. Subsequently, it led to the use of fluoride in other forms, including gels, rinses, dentifrices and sealant.

Adhesive bonding and polymer chemistry were then developed. Obviously, the ability to do most of cosmetic dentistry today are enjoyed and benefited by the public which all goes back to the original polymer chemistry.

High–speed rotary instrumentation was invented by John Borden in 1957. His introduction of high speed drills greatly enhanced the end effect of treatments of the dental caries process. Combined with local anesthesia, high-speed hand pieces make dentistry kind of painless.

Implant dentistry was then introduced by Alvin Strock for his first vitallium dental screw implant. Much later, Professor Branemark represented his first application of his discovery of osseointegration. Implants have enabled dentists to restore function in a different and simple way using biological approaches and very specialized materials.

We have better understanding on host response to infection and inflammation, how the body reacts to microbiota in the mouthand how to treat it.

The occurrence of the digital revolution dramatically and rapidly changed the way dentists manage and practice dentistry. It is the result of digital technology: computers and telephones, digital radiography, CAD/CAM chairside restorations, intraoral imaging, computerized patient records, and practice management software. High-tech products such as high intensity curing lights, lasers and laser based diagnostic tools continue to change dentistry at a rapid pace.

The link between oral and systemic disease is now recognized. With it came the understanding that without oral health, no person is truly healthy. Links between oral disease and systemic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, delivery of preterm, low-birth-weight babies, diabetes and others, enable the dentists to work more closely with their colleagues in medicine, nursing and pharmacy as an integral part of the biomedical team. The medical community realizes that dentistry has a lot to offer to the healthcare enterprise as a whole and makes them equal partners.

Where will dentistry be in the future? Stay tuned for more in the next issue.

For questions, please call 619-464-2801 for an appointment. We are located on 4700 Spring St., Suite 210, La Mesa, Ca. 91941.

The Future in Dentistry

Posted on by admin_smile

There is a bright future in dentistry in the next 10 to 20 years, if not sooner. According to Dr. Lawrence Tabak, director of the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, a whole new set of tools will be available to identify individuals with the greatest risk for the variety of oral diseases and conditions that the profession now faces. Diagnostic tools such as genome association studies and the identification of relevant biomarkers found in saliva.

Saliva, is said to be the widespread of research interest because it holds the potential to impact dentistry’s future position in the overall health care arena. Although this is further into the future, identifying biomarkers will allow us to create interventions that are personalized to an individual. The fact is not everybody metabolizes medicine the same way. If we can predict early on that a particular individual will need a particular medicine, we can personalize the level of the medication to best match the individual’s makeup and their ability to metabolize it. The way caries and gum disease are being handled and treated are going to be dramatically different than it is today. Prevention is still the key but there will be focus on restoration of form and function. We will have the means on identifying people who are most susceptible and the early stages of diseases. Interventions may allow us to remineralize and reverse the disease process. We will be able to alter the bacterium present to a more healthy bacteria group in periodontal (gum) disease. As for oral cancer, early stage identification would allow us to institute therapies that would help reverse the progression so it never proceeds beyond that point.

Dentistry will have an arsenal of ways to tackle the various devastating diseases and conditions requiring restorations including diagnostic and prevention measures. With the promising stem cell research and tissue engineering and even gene therapy, dentists will be able to achieve what was impossible before.

In this regard, Dr. Gerard Kugel, associate dean for research at Tufts University School of Dental medicine, sees the real future and the real breakthroughs, coming from tissue and biomedical engineering research, including stem cell research. They are finding ways to grow bone on matrix so that they can replace bone that are lost both periodontally and post-surgically. Also included are growing primitive teeth from stem cells in the hopes that someday, replacing missing teeth by regrowing them can be possible.

Although these researches may not be implemented in practice yet for another 20 years or 30 years, its beginnings are happening now. It is all possible.

The idea of replacing any structure and tissue in the mouth damaged by pathologic disease or trauma using the regeneration techniques being studied right now is the future of dentistry.

“Today, we may be talking about what materials to use to build up a broken-down tooth,” says Dr. Kugel. “Tomorrow, you may be talking about how to regrow enamel and dentin on that broken-down tooth.”

There have also been studies being conducted in coming up with a caries vaccine. We have the science to make it possible to come up with the right vaccine that will battle the bacteria responsible for tooth cavities in the mouth. This vaccine intercepts the accumulation of bacteria thereby delaying them from colonizing in the mouth to prevent the onset of decay. This vaccine would make a monumental difference in the prevention of decay among children – particularly in populations that don’t have very good access to care.

For questions, please call 619-464-2801 for an appointment. We are located on 4700 Spring St., Suite 210, La Mesa, Ca. 91941.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Amalgam (Silver) Fillings and Composite Resin (White) Fillings

Posted on by admin_smile

According to the State of California Department of Consumer Affairs, dental amalgam is a self-hardening mixture of silver-tin-copper alloy powder and liquid mercury and is sometimes referred to as silver fillings because of its color. It is often used as a filling material and replacement for broken teeth.

The advantages of amalgam filling is that it is durable and long lasting, wears well, holds up well to the forces of biting, relatively inexpensive, generally completed in one visit, self-sealing, minimal-to-no shrinkage and resists leakage, resistance to further decay is high, but can be difficult to find in early stages, frequency of repair and replacement is low.

The disadvantages however are, the concerns about the safety of such a material, gray colored and not tooth colored, may darken as it corrodes, may stain teeth and even tissue (tattooing) over time, requires removal of some healthy tooth structure, in larger amalgam fillings, the remaining tooth may weaken and fracture, because metal can conduct hot and cold temperatures, there may be a temporary sensitivity to hot and cold, and contact with other metals may cause occasional, minute electrical flow (galvanism).

Composite fillings are a mixture of powdered glass and plastic resin, sometimes referred to as white, plastic, or tooth-colored fillings. It is used for fillings, inlays, veneers, partial and complete crowns, or to repair portions of broken teeth.

The advantages of composite resin fillings are that it is strong and durable, tooth colored, single visit for fillings, resists breaking, maximum amount of tooth preserved, small risk of leakage if bonded only to enamel, does not corrode, generally holds up well to the forces of biting depending on product used, resistance to further decay is moderate and easy to find, and frequency of repair or replacement is low to moderate.

The disadvantages are moderate occurrence of tooth sensitivity, sensitive to dentist’s method of application, costs more than dental amalgam, material shrinks when hardened and could lead to further decay and/or temperature sensitivity, requires more than one visit for inlays, veneers, and crowns, may wear faster than dental enamel and may leak over time when bonded beneath the layer of enamel.

Patient health and the safety of dental treatments are the primary goals of California’s dental professionals and the Dental Board of California. Components in dental fillings may have side effects or cause allergic reactions, just like other materials we may come in contact with in our daily lives. The risks of such reactions are very low for all types of filling materials. Such reactions can be caused by specific components of the filling materials such as mercury, nickel, chromium, and/or beryllium alloys. Usually, an allergy will reveal itself as a skin rash and is easily reversed when the individual is not in contact with the material.

There are no documented cases of allergic reactions to composite resin, glass ionomer, resin ionomer, or porcelain. However, there have been rare allergic responses reported with dental amalgam, porcelain fused to metal, gold alloys, and nickel or cobalt-chrome alloys.

If you suffer from allergies, discuss these potential problems with your dentist before a filling material is chosen.

By law, your dentist must provide a fact sheet to every new patient and all patients of record once before beginning any dental filling procedure.

As the patient or parent/guardian, you are strongly encouraged to discuss with your dentist the facts presented concerning the filling materials being considered for your particular treatment.

For questions, please call 619-464-2801 for an appointment. We are located on 4700 Spring St., Suite 210, La Mesa, Ca. 91941.

Orofacial Trauma Today and How To Prevent It

Posted on by admin_smile

In this day and age when sports is so popular and has been fast becoming people’s favorite past time activity, whether one participates in it or just being a spectator, cheerer, directly or indirectly, celebrating sweet victory or experiencing the agony of defeat, we often witness accidents resulting in injury to the face. Some sports are more risky than others in that it is safe to assume that all contact sports can be very dangerous. Health clubs and gymnasium attendance is on the rise due to more children and adult participation in events where the probability of trauma is apparent. People in general are not aware of how many of these sports can cause real damage to one’s face when inflicted accidentally or intentionally. The mouth is the focus here because this is where the teeth are located. Imagine having your teeth getting knocked off! Teeth you have been taking very good care of? Teeth you have spent a fortune on and have spent countless time trying to keep them clean and cavity free. The smile that defines you as the unique individual that you are and taking pride of its ownership. Perhaps it is the smile that belongs to your sweet child that it wouldn’t be the same without those teeth beaming at you? You get the picture.

So how do we protect this smile without giving up all these physically demanding sports and activities? Well, general dentists are now being asked about their opinions on prevention of athletic injuries. Since the inception of the Academy for Sports Dentistry in the United States (responsible for providing insight on trauma treatment and prevention), a more viable and responsible solution for orofacial trauma prevention has been introduced. In the past, our patients would feel comfortable going to local sporting goods store to get their dentistry in the form of a mouthguard. This is no longer the case as the population becomes more educated on injury prevention and the availability of proven methods of prevention. The use and acceptance of preventive mouthguards is gaining on the general dentist’s list of priorities today. However, there is still a significant number of dentists who do not provide this service. An important issue to consider on identifying and managing is parental perceptions of mouthguards. How do they overcome objections of cost, custom made versus store bought, vacuum versus pressure and availability? Patient education is essential to the success of trauma prevention. The dental hygienist may play a critical role in this education during routine periodontal treatment.

There are basically three types of athletic mouthguards presently available, all significantly different in fit, comfort and acceptance. Type I is the stock mouthguard available at sporting goods stores – which are the least desirable and acceptable. There is no attempt at fit. It is simply a remove from package and place in mouth kind of thing. Type II refers to the common Boil and Bite Mouthguard. These are also mostly store bought types of mouthguard with a little attempt at fitting by heating up (via boiling) the material and then try to mold it into the mouth. The uneven distribution of material and instability does not lend itself to proper fit and protection. The Type III mouthguard is of course, the custom made mouthguard. It is reported that many occurrences of injuries comes from wearing the Type I and Type II variety of mouthguards. A mouthguard will not be as protective if it does not fit properly. When it comes to mouthguards, the better the fit, the better the protection, acceptance and compliance. The internal adaptation of the Type III appliance makes all the difference. The role of the dentist is to determine the thickness of the mouthguard needed for the type of sport it will be used for, age of the athlete and history of trauma. The custom made mouthguard’s precise fit tends to be less bulky and more retentive in the mouth which increases the compliance of wearing it by the athlete as compared to the bulkiness and lack of retention of the store bought kind.

For questions, please call 619-464-2801 for an appointment. We are located on 4700 Spring St., Suite 210, La Mesa, Ca. 91941.

How Biting Your Nails Can Damage Your Teeth

Posted on by admin_smile

For some people, nail biting is a comforting – if undesirable – response to stress. But for the teeth, nail biting is anything but comforting, leading to a wide range of dental health problems that could severely damage your smile. At Smilehaven Dental Center, we strive to be a comprehensive resource for patients at our La Mesa holistic dental practice, and if you’re wondering about the health dangers of nail biting, we’re here to help.

Nail Biting & Teeth

The problem with nail biting is that at a fundamental level, the teeth aren’t designed to bite on or chew anything besides food. So when they come into contact with the hard keratin that makes up nails, it can cause tooth erosion, which means the wearing down of the hard layer of enamel on the outside of the tooth. Over time, the weakening and wearing down of the enamel can cause a variety of other problems, including:

  • Dental Decay: Enamel is what protects the teeth from bacteria, and if it’s compromised, the teeth are at a higher risk of dental decay and cavities.
  • Sensitive Teeth: Enamel erosion can expose dentin, the material underneath enamel, to the air. This makes teeth sensitive to temperature, causing everything from eating hot food to breathing cold air to be painful.
  • Infection: Nails, especially the undersides, are breeding grounds for bacteria. Biting your nails exposes your mouth to these bacteria, which can increase the likelihood of both general sickness and infections like gingivitis.
  • Broken Teeth: Finally, biting the nails can even cause teeth to break. Especially with weakened enamel, biting down on a nail can cause a chip, crack, or fracture in the tooth.

Contact Your La Mesa, CA Family Dentist

Biting your nails may be a common nervous habit, but it can have serious consequences for dental health. Contact us today to learn more about the dangers of nail biting, the treatments available, or to schedule a consultation. We can’t wait to hear from you, and we look forward to helping you quit nail biting and achieve a better smile!

How Does Exercising Affect Oral Health?

Posted on by admin_smile

How Does Exercising Affect Oral Health?

At Smilehaven Dental Center, our number one priority as your general dentist is providing dental treatment that maintains your positive oral health. Whether it’s general treatment or cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Chan and his staff provide the very best dental treatment in La Mesa, CA, area. But as holistic dentistry, we are always looking for ways that you can improve your oral health along with your whole body health. We’ve found the perfect dual-remedy – exercise!

New Study Shows Exercise Connection To Oral Health

We all know exercise is important in maintaining our health by improving muscle strength, boosting endurance, and delivering oxygen-rich nutrients to our body. But a new study in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology suggests even more benefits of a little regular physical activity. Using lab rats, researchers determined that those who exercised had healthier gums than those who did not exercise. In theory, gum disease in the form of gingivitis or periodontitis were improved with exercise.

What is Periodontitis?

To understand the importance of this research and desire to avoid or reverse the effects of periodontitis, we need to understand what it is and how to tell if you have it. Periodontitis is an infection of your gums that destroys the soft tissue and bone supporting your teeth. It develops when bacteria stick to the outside of your teeth causing the first stages of periodontitis, called gingivitis, where your gums become inflamed. Without regular brushing, this bacteria mixes with your saliva and multiplies causing the inner layer of the gum and bone to pull away from the teeth and form pockets. The bacteria then enter these openings surrounding your teeth. These small pockets between teeth and gums collect debris and can become infected. The body’s immune system fights the bacteria as the plaque spreads and grows below the gum line. Periodontitis can cause teeth to loosen or fall out completely as the bacteria eats away at the bone supporting your teeth. If you experience any of these four things, you likely have periodontitis and should consult your general dentist for immediate dental treatment:

  1. Bleeding gums when you brush or floss
  2. Receding gums and pockets around your gums
  3. Tooth sensitivity to cold or hot temperatures
  4. High blood sugar

What Can Exercise Do?

While you may think tooth loss only affects your ability to chew, it is also important to remember that missing teeth can cause the other teeth in your mouth to shift and fill in the gap, which can cause many bite issues and speaking difficulties, as well as make it more difficult to keep the rest of your teeth clean. That’s why so many elect to replace missing teeth with dental implants, crowns or bridges.

While most Americans have some sort of gum disease, the good news is that it’s completely reversible if caught and treated in its early stages. Not only does deep cleaning (called scaling) as well as regular brushing and flossing can help begin the reversing process. But according to the study exercise can give a person with gum disease an extra boost. At the end of their study with the lab rats, the research team concluded that those rats that underwent physical training showed less bone and attachment loss and less inflammation compared to the more sedentary rats.

Earlier Studies Show Same Positive Results Between Exercise & Oral Health

This isn’t the first time that researchers have suggested the relationship between physical activity and periodontal health. One 2005 study identified exercise as one of three “health-enhancing behaviors” that decreased the risk of periodontitis, along with maintaining a normal weight and having a high-quality diet. Those who did all three “were 40% less likely to have periodontitis compared to individuals who maintained none of these health-enhancing behaviors.” For the rest, each additional behavior was linked to “a 16% reduction in the prevalence of periodontitis….”

Yet a different study of adults also showed that gum disease decreased with physical activity over a span of 10 years. These results suggest that engaging in the recommended level of exercise is associated with lower periodontitis prevalence, especially among never and former smokers. In fact, for former smokers, disease rates were 74% lower among those who were physically active. Among never-smokers, the decrease was about 54%. A later study of 1160 Japanese adults furthermore discovered that gum disease was least likely among those who were the most physically fit and those who were least obese. This study suggests that obesity and physical fitness may have some interactive effect on periodontal health status.

Find Holistic Dental Treatment At Smilehaven Dental Center

Dr. Chan and his friendly staff encourage you to make your next appointment at Smilehaven Dental Center in La Mesa, CA. We continue to teach our patients about the value of holistic dental practices so that they understand the connection between good oral health and the health of their entire body. It’s important to learn that activities like regular exercise can not only lower the risk of obesity, heart disease, and many other ailments, it can also reduce the risk of gum disease, which in turn reduces the risk of many other common diseases and ailments. Find out more when you make an appointment for your first visit by calling (619) 464-2801 or using our online appointment form. We can’t wait to get to know you personally and develop an individualized treatment plan for your great oral health!

How Smiling Affects Your Happiness

Posted on by admin_smile

As your trusted La Mesa holistic dentist, Smilehaven Dental knows that, while it’s great to look good, it’s even more important to feel good, as well. That’s why we’re proud to be your premier choice holistic dentistry in the La Mesa and El Cajon, CA areas. As your holistic dentist, we offer and array of both general and cosmetic dentistry treatments, with a focus on whole body health — meaning we believe in the importance of not just your oral health, but your overall well-being as well. Part of that overall well-being includes your mood — and smiling can actually have a rather large effect on your happiness!

Something to Smile About

Every time you smile, your body releases what are called neurotransmitters into your body, all of which benefit your overall health and happiness. These neurotransmitters are dopamine, endorphins, and serotonin.

  • Dopamine– this chemical aids your body’s “rewards” system by helping create a sense of satisfaction or pleasure, which is often the reason why you might find yourself reaching for that extra slice of pizza or cookie — because it makes you feel good and happy. However, smiling releases dopamine as well, but without the unfortunate health side-effects that may come with eating too many snacks!
  • Endorphins– endorphins are your body’s natural defense to pain. Much like a pain reliever, endorphins block your body’s ability to perceive pain, and as a nice side-effect, tend to create a sense of euphoria when released — as demonstrated when a person experiences a “runner’s high” after a long jog.
  • Serotonin– sometimes called the “happy chemical,” serotonin helps regulate your body’s moods and, in a way, acts as your body’s natural anti-depressant. Since smiling triggers the release of serotonin, it can quite literally help give you the mood boost you’re looking for!

Because of these neurotransmitters, smiling is able to help elevate your mood naturally. In fact, studies have shown that your brain perceives smiling as even more enjoyable than chocolate! Even when the smiles are forced and not 100% genuine, your body will still react positively. And, as if you needed one more reason, smiling also makes you appear both younger and thinner — and who wouldn’t love that?

Visit Your La Mesa & El Cajon, CA Holistic Dentist Today

Let Smilehaven Dental give you something to smile about with general or cosmetic dental services from your La Mesa area holistic dentist. Our practice is dedicated to using safe, biocompatible materials in all our dental treatments in order to focus on whole body health and well-being. Our goal is for you to leave our office looking and feeling your best! If you have questions or would like to learn more about our holistic dental services, please contact us today. To schedule your appointment, give us a call at (619) 464-2801 or schedule your appointment online. We hope to hear from you soon!

5 Signs You’ve Found A Holistic Dentist

Posted on by admin_smile

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

Posted on by admin_smile

 

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.