Author: admin_smile

Facts About Metal Fillings

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As your La Mesa and El Cajon, CA holistic dentist, Dr. Stephen L. Chan and the entire team here at Smilehaven Dental Center want to give you the best overall quality of care. As providers of holistic dentistry, we place an emphasis on the health of the entire body just as much as the mouth. Because of this, we offer a variety of bio-compatible whole body dentistry options, such as our mercury free fillings. These mercury free fillings that we offer are a safer and healthier option when compared to traditional metal fillings. If you’re in need of a filling, you’ll be better off with these metal fillings alternatives. To show you why metal fillings aren’t a satisfactory option, we’d like to share with you a few facts about metal fillings.

Metal Fillings Aren’t Naturally Adhesive

One of the main problems about metal fillings is that they aren’t naturally adhesive. What this means is that when a person is going to have a metal filling placed, more of his or her healthy, natural tooth structure will need to be removed so that the filling will be able to be wedged into place.

 

Metal Fillings Are More Prone to Failing

Because the metal filling is wedged into the tooth, it ends up weakening and distorting the tooth, which can potentially lead to parts of the tooth being fractured. Additionally, due to the lack of adhesive qualities, the fillings themselves may end up cracking, leaking, or even falling out.

Metal Fillings Are Softer Than Your Natural Teeth

You may be surprised to hear that despite being made of metal, these fillings are actually softer than a person’s natural teeth. This means that metal fillings are less likely to hold up to a patient’s regular biting and chewing; over time, they can eventually become worn down and break.

Metal Fillings Contain 50 Percent Mercury

Metal fillings are also known as amalgam (which means a mixture or a blend) fillings. This blend consists of part metal and part mercury. The mercury that’s included in this combination can be very problematic as mercury is highly toxic. Mercury can disrupt the biological functions of your body in a number of different ways and can damage your brain, respiratory system, and cardiovascular system among other areas of your body.

 

Visit Your La Mesa and El Cajon, CA Holistic Dentist!

If you have any metal fillings that you’re interested in having replaced, feel free to get in touch with us at Smilehaven Dental Center for our metal fillings alternatives. To schedule an appointment with your holistic dentist, give us a call at (619) 464-2801 or fill out our appointment request form. We’re looking forward to seeing you!

What is Holistic Dentistry?

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At the Smilehaven Dental Center, we are proud practitioners of holistic dentistry. We feel it’s a treatment philosophy that offers the most benefit to patients, helping them achieve healthy, beautiful smiles as well as a balanced life overall. But what exactly is holistic dentistry? And how is it different from plain old dentistry? It turns out, there are a number of key differences between holistic dentistry and regular dentistry.

Looking for Systemic Issues, Not Just Symptomatic Solutions

Traditionally, dentists are most concerned with one thing: treating dental and gum disease. Dental decay is the second most common disease behind the common cold, and periodontal disease is incredibly common among adults – so treating these things is important. This is why dentists focus so much on cleaning teeth, using fillings to repair cavities, and teaching patients proper oral hygiene techniques to prevent more dental disease. But holistic dentistry takes this a step further.

In holistic dentistry, we don’t just focus on treating dental disease – we focus on total, whole-body health and well-being. At our practice, we strive not only to help you achieve healthy teeth, but also a healthy body and life. That’s why instead of just finding and treating decay, we always ask our patients a few important questions:

  • First, what might some of the underlying reasons be for your personal history of dental decay and disease?
  • How can we repair your teeth and mouth without adding toxins to the body?
  • Are there solutions we should avoid, as they may impair your overall health even if they fix the dental disease?

These questions help us focus on creating a solution for the entire body, instead of just treating decay in the mouth. This philosophy extends into all of our dental work, and it’s why we use things like mercury free fillings and biocompatible materialsin all of our procedures. At Smilehaven Dental Center, we don’t want to just keep your smile healthy – we want to keep you healthy!

Contact Your La Mesa, CA Holistic Dentist

We hope you’ve found this blog post informative, but if you still have questions about the finer points of holistic dentistry, we’re always happy to help. Feel free to give us a call at (619) 464-2801 or reach out to us at our contact page with any questions. Or, if you’d like to see the power of holistic dentistry in action, just use our easy online form to request an appointment at our La Mesa, CA office. We can’t wait to hear from you!

The Many Causes of Bad Breath

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It’s our goal at Smilehaven Dental Center to not only be your source for high-quality dental treatments – we want to be your source of knowledge and information when it comes to dental best practices. That’s why we’re always glad to answer any questions or concerns that you may have. One such question that we commonly get asked about is related to bad breath and why it occurs. Bad breath doesn’t only happen because of one reason; it can occur because of many different causes, some of them including the following.

Food

What’s often the cause of bad breath is food. When you eat food and you don’t clean your mouth of all the remnants, the leftover food particles will begin to breakdown, increasing the bacteria in your mouth and then emitting an unpleasant odor. Certain foods are more likely to cause bad breath; these include onions, garlic, and dairy products.

Dry Mouth

As mentioned, food particles that are left in your mouth can begin to emit odors. One of the reasons why food can linger is because of dry mouth. Naturally, saliva will help wash your mouth of any food particles and bacteria. However, when you have dry mouth, your saliva production is limited and you’ll be more likely to have leftover food particles in your mouth. This will lead to bad breath.

Bad Hygiene

Another common cause of bad breath is just simply having bad hygiene. Maintaining proper brushing and other oral hygiene habits is vital in cleansing your mouth of food and bacteria that can lead to bad breath.

Mouth Infections

When you have a mouth infection, your mouth may smell bad as well. Some common mouth infections that can do this include gum disease, cavities, and impacted teeth. It’s just another reason why it’s critical for you to maintain a great level of oral hygiene.

Smoking

This one is obvious! Smoking will create an unpleasant smell that lingers in your mouth long after you’ve put your cigarette out. If that wasn’t enough, it can also lead to gum disease, which is another cause of bad breath.

Contact Your La Mesa and El Cajon, CA Dentist Today!

If you have any further questions about bad breath, please feel free to contact us. If you’d like to schedule an appointment with us, we encourage you to give us a call at (619) 464-2801. We hope to hear from you soon and help you attain an optimal level of oral hygiene!

Natural Ways to Whiten Your Teeth

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It’s normal for people to want to do what they can to have whiter smiles. Some will visit their cosmetic dentist for teeth whitening treatments. Others actually attempt to do so on their own through natural teeth whitening processes. Some can be very effective…others not so much. At Smilehaven Dental, it’s our job as your trusted holistic dentist in La Mesa and El Cajon, CA to help you out by giving you some natural – and effective – ways to whiten your teeth.

Brush After You Eat or Drink

While it may take some extra time out of your schedule, the best way to whiten your teeth naturally is to just brush your teeth after you eat or drink anything. This will help immediately remove any stains on your teeth and keep them looking pearly white.

Brush Your Tongue Too

You may be wondering what brushing your tongue has to do with giving you a whiter smile. Brushing your tongue is often associated with staving off bad breath, but it’s also capable of keeping your teeth whiter. Much of the bacteria that accumulates on your tongue will transfer over to your teeth, which can stain them. By brushing your tongue, you’ll get rid of this problem and help keep your teeth whiter.

Eat Fruits and Vegetables

While people may associate eating fruits and vegetables with healthiness for the body – it’s actually very healthy for the teeth as well. Fruits and vegetables are stain removers. This means that they can increase the mouth’s saliva production in order to help naturally clean teeth. The most effective fruits and vegetables of them all are the crunchy ones, such as carrots and celery. Not only will they make your mouth produce more saliva, but they also act as an abrasive scrubbing agent that will keep your teeth clean.

Rinse Your Mouth with Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar acts as a stain remover in the same way that fruits and vegetables do. Its consistent usage will help remove stains and it will also make your teeth much whiter. Just be careful not to use it too much – it’s acid after all. Doing it too often can potentially wear away at your tooth enamel.

Use Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is an antibacterial agent that will whiten your teeth and keep them free from germs. Baking soda will help get rid of plaque that’s on your teeth. By mixing these two together, you can create a paste-like substance and brush your teeth with it for optimal results. This homemade mixture is an excellent natural option for whitening your teeth.

Visit Your La Mesa and El Cajon, CA Cosmetic Dentist!

While these treatments are all effective over time, nothing beats a professional teeth whitening treatment! If you’re interested in our teeth whitening treatment, we encourage you to give us a call at (619) 464-2801. Alternatively, you can schedule a visit with your holistic dentist by filling out our online appointment request form. We look forward to seeing you and giving you a whiter and brighter smile!

Can Holistic Dentists do things Normal Dentists do?

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When you’re looking for a cosmetic dentist in or around La Mesa or San Diego, CA, we at Smilehaven Dental Center aim to be your premier choice. One of the many benefits that you’ll get by choosing our La Mesa dental office is that we also perform holistic dentistry. Now, one of the questions that we get asked most often is whether holistic dentists can do the same things that “normal” dentists can do. We’ll be glad to answer that question!

About Holistic Dentists

It’s common for people to be confused by the term “holistic dentistry.” There’s nothing wrong with that, though we’d like to explain a bit more about holistic dentistry. For the most part, holistic dentists utilize the same treatments and techniques that traditional dentists do. If you’re looking for cosmetic dentistry treatments, you don’t have to search for a different dentist – you can find that at a holistic dentist as well. At Smilehaven Dental Center, we’re proud to offer a comprehensive selection of general and cosmetic dental procedures, from dental implants to teeth whitening to veneers and so much more.

So What’s the Difference Between the Two?

The key difference between holistic dentists and other dentists is that holistic dentists take the patient’s entire body into account. While a traditional dentist will simply focus on the mouth and teeth to perform dentistry treatments, a holistic dentist will investigate the entire body’s needs and create a plan that doesn’t just lead to a healthier smile, but an overall better well-being too. Dr. Stephen L. Chan is a licensed personal trainer, nutritionist, and circulation therapist in addition to being a dentist. This means that he’s more than qualified to take care of both your dental problems and your bodily health. Dr. Chan realizes that the mouth isn’t separate from the body – they both belong to the same organism, which means that they need to be treated together as one.

Contact Your La Mesa and San Diego Holistic and Cosmetic Dentist!

If you have any further questions about our holistic dentistry, please don’t hesitate to contact us. If you’re interested in dental implants, teeth whitening, veneers, or any of our other cosmetic dentistry treatments, we hope you’ll give us a call at (619) 464-2801 or fill out our online appointment request form. We can’t wait to hear from you!

Don’t forget to sign up for our monthly newsletter to learn about holistic living & dentistry.

Two Worlds Collide : Traditional Dentistry and Holistic Dentistry

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At Smilehaven Dental, we strive to be your premier choice when you’re looking for a dentist—family, cosmetic, or general— in or around El Cajon, Spring Valley, or La Mesa, CA. Dr. Stephen L Chan is an experienced and well-educated holistic dentist who’s capable of providing a variety of effective dentistry procedures, from cosmetic dentistry to restorative dentistry. Now, it’s possible that ‘holistic dentist’ and ‘holistic dentistry’ are terms you haven’t heard of before, but we want to ease your mind on this. Holistic dentists aren’t so different from other dentists, but at the same time, they have so much more to offer.

Not So Different from Traditional Dentistry

While some people might be confused or unsure by the sound of holistic dentistry because you may not have heard it before, it’s nothing to be worried about. Holistic dentists have the same expertise, knowledge, techniques, and skillsets as traditional dentists. Holistic dentists even utilize the same dental treatments as traditional dentists. At first glance, you wouldn’t even recognize the difference between the two of them. So why are they considered different?

This Is Where Things Differ

The main difference between holistic dentists and traditional dentists is that holistic dentists help people with more than just their teeth. Holistic dentistry emphasizes an approach to dental care that takes into account the patient’s entire physical well-being. Dr. Chan is a licensed and trained physical therapist, allowing him to treat more than just a patient’s mouth. He can work with patients as a fitness trainer, circulation therapist, and a health coach to ensure that patients are in the best overall shape possible. Dr. Chan understands that the mouth isn’t separate from the body and it can’t be treated that way; body wellness must be treated in tandem with oral wellness.

Holistic Dentistry With Insurance

Most holistic dentists cost a lot more because in addition to the dental care, you’re also getting treated with care for your whole body. However, at Smilehaven Dental, our prices are on par with traditional dentists and cosmetic dentists, giving you more value and service for the same price. Think about it: you can see a dentist, a physical therapist, and a circulation therapist all in one visit—that’s what sets holistic dentistry apart. To top it all off, we are the only holistic dentist in the area to accept insurance as well!

Contact Your El Cajon, Spring Valley, and La Mesa, CA Dentist!

If you’d like to learn more about holistic dentistry or anything else regarding our practice, please feel free to contact us. If you’re interested in scheduling an appointment with us, we encourage you to give us a call at (619) 464-2801 or fill out our online appointment request form. We’re looking forward to hearing from you!

Want to stay up-to-date with dental tips & tricks? Sign up for our monthly newsletter and like us on Facebook!

The importance of good circulation

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So, how does blood circulation work?

The blood circulatory system, also known as the cardiovascular system consists the heart and all the blood vessels that run throughout the entire body. Arteries carry blood away from the heart and your veins transport it back. There are two circulatory systems that comprise of the cardiovascular system. The systemic and pulmonary systems. Systemic circulation basically transports oxygen and nutrient rich blood through our arteries to our organs, tissues (including muscles), and our cells. When it releases the vital substances to our body it takes on waste substances like carbon dioxide and lactic acid. Now that the blood is low in oxygen it is transported back to the heart. Pulmonary circulation occurs when we breathe in oxygen and it enters our bloodstream. So this is how our body works, day in and day out. The heart acts as a pump, transporting oxygenated blood to our organs, then carrying de-oxygenated blood back to our heart.

Blood Circulation

As you can imagine, a functioning circulatory system is vital.

But, what happens to the body when one has poor circulation?

Basically, poor circulations occurs when blood cannot flow freely due to blockages in the arteries.

This can lead to a host of problems, amongst them: high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, organ damage, vertigo and dizziness, muscle cramps, numbness, leg ulcers, blood clots, carpal tunnel, strokes, varicose veins

Slow blood flow also allows fatty acids to clog the heart. This cause high blood pressure and elevated cholesterol. It can also cause blood and other fluids to pool in the legs, which can lead to varicose veins, blood clots and thrombosis. It is no wonder that people with sedentary lifestyles are twice as likely to develop a cardiovascular disease as those who are more active. So what can you do to ensure good blood circulation?

Drink water!

Yes, we all know that water is good for us, but here’s why: blood contains plasma, and plasma is made primarily out of water. When you are dehydrated, blood circulation slows down because plasma gets thicker. A generous daily intake of water will maintain bloods ideal consistency as well as provide oxygen for your blood to transport to cells. Here at Chan Healing Institute Circulation Care can help with improving your circulation by as much as 30% without raising your heart rate. With better circulation, the body will be more efficient in bringing oxygen and nutrients to the cells and removes waste at the same time. Better circulation relieves pressure, inflammation, and other body fluids. Let your body have the means to care for itself by increasing your general blood circulation!

Call us for an appointment. 619-368-6777

Improving Circulation to Decrease Inflammation

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Swelling, inflammation and clotting are three of the major culprits when it comes to poor circulation, but poor circulation also increases the risk of chronic inflammation. Finding ways to decrease systemic inflammation, reduce swelling, and improve blood flow around the body are vital to maintaining excellent health throughout life. To understand how circulation affects inflammation, we first need to have a good grasp of what inflammation is and how it arises.

Why is Some Inflammation Necessary?

Whenever we are injured or under physical threat, the body responds in such a way that levels of inflammation also increase. This response in response to harmful stimuli is intended to help expel or counteract pathogens, irritants or damaged cells. Acute inflammation is typically a sign that the body is trying to heal itself and is a necessary biological process that is beneficial in the immediate aftermath of an injury.

How Chronic Inflammation Arises

However, when inflammation persists it can become problematic, shifting from a localized process to a systemic one. In fact, inflammation often begets further inflammation as it can end up damaging other tissues. Inflammation has been linked to a range of chronic disease, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and even cognitive decline.

Chronic Inflammation and Chronic Disease

A predisposition to inflammation has been found in people with coronary artery disease, where the inflammatory process damages the lining of the arteries, can increase blood pressure, and can affect the viscosity of the blood.

The connection between inflammation and chronic diseases is complex, but impaired circulation is certainly a major factor in arterial damage and damage to other tissues such as in the kidneys, liver, intestines, eyes and other organs.

Why Circulation Affects Inflammation

When circulation is decreased, the body is less able to repair damaged tissues and protect tissues against further damage. The flow of blood around the body is what brings nutrients and fuel to cells and also what takes away toxins, dead cells, and other unwanted debris.

Inflammation and circulation are, therefore, intricately entwined, with elevated inflammation impairing circulation, and poor circulation creating chronic inflammation. In the case of hypertension, for example, the body is less effective at pumping blood to all its organs and tissues and has to increase the pressure and work harder to pump that blood. Treating hypertension, especially seriously elevated blood pressure, is essential, but it is also important to diagnose and treat the underlying problems with the circulatory system.

Improving Circulation to Decrease Inflammation

Improving circulation involves lowering inflammation, ensuring proper hydration, improving diet to help minimize the risk of undesirable blood clot formation, and also taking steps to protect blood vessels from damage. Natural interventions include increasing the intake of essential fatty acids that actively inhibit inflammation while improving circulatory health. Such nutrients are found in abundance in nuts, seeds, olive oil and oily fish.

It is also important to cut out alcohol and quit smoking, and to get regular exercise to improve the strength of the heart muscle and to encourage healthy blood flow and strength. Here at SmileHaven, our circulation care therapy increases your general blood flow by as much as 30% and more oxygen (29%) will be utilized in the tissues. Taking steps to improve circulation means the body is better able to mount a swift and effective defense against invading pathogens, can quickly remove diseased tissue, and can deliver essential oxygen and nutrients to fuel the growth of healthy new tissue after an injury. In this way, healthy circulation decreases the likelihood that acute inflammation will persist and end up contributing to chronic disease development.

Come and learn more about our therapy and get a free demonstration.

Learn more about Blood Flow/Circulation

People are Running to Holistic Dentists, but why?

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Patients at Smilehaven Dental can tell you why holistic dentistry is much better than traditional dentistry. They can also tell you how comfortable and confident they feel trusting Dr. Chan and his expertise. Nonetheless, many still have questions about holistic dentistry. In our last blog post, “What is Holistic Dentistry,” includes a clear explanation of what holistic dentistry is. Nonetheless, we wanted to highlight and discuss a LA Times article that explores the benefits of holistic dentistry and why there has been a rise in demand, “Why are ‘holistic’ dentists on the rise? They treat the whole body, not just teeth.”

Why Don’t Traditional Dentists Treat The Whole Body?

As mentioned in the LA Times article, holistic dentists treat the whole body, not just your teeth. This might not seem profound, but it really is given many traditional dentists don’t do it. Imagine while at the dentist, you also discuss weight loss strategies, ways to curb diabetes or heart disease, and ways to prevent cavities naturally with the foods you eat. Further, this type of holistic treatment is seen in other forms of medicine, such as veterinarians. When a veterinarian is attempting to diagnose an animal, they begin with the mouth, as the mouth is a really important indicator for overall health. Holistic dentists examine your mouth as a vital part to your overall health.

Many traditional dentists just focus solely on your mouth because they might not understand how the mouth is interconnected to the rest of the body’s wellbeing. This leaves you, as the patient, at a disadvantage when visiting a traditional dentist.

Is Smilehaven Dental Mercury and Amalgam-free?

Yes. It’s incredibly important to us that we are not inputting elements into the body that may have a dramatic impact on your overall health. Instead, we focus on preventative techniques to curb cavities and use mercury free, tooth-colored fillings instead. Technology has been a great asset to holistic dentistry and we’ve been able to use the latest, most advanced techniques to help our patients.

Does Smilehaven Dental Still Take Insurance?

Yes. Though we are a holistic dentist, we are still able to take insurance, just as any other dentist would. This is a large asset for those seeking holistic treatment at a comparable price to traditional dentists. Please read more on our Dental Wellness Club program.

Contact Your Local Holistic Dentist Today!

Smilehaven Dental is proud to offer holistic dentistry to all in La Mesa, CA and surrounding areas including Lemon Grove, Spring Valley, El Cajon, and more. If you’d like to contact us now to schedule a consultation with our holistic dentist, Dr. Chan, please visit our contact us page. Or, for returning patients, you can schedule your next appointment online via this appointment request form! We look forward to hearing from you and joining you by your side in your venture to be healthy and the best you possible!

Foods that are Good for Your Teeth

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Maintaining good dental health is key to keeping your teeth healthy and looking great. In addition to seeing your dentist regularly and practicing good oral hygiene at home, eating a well-balanced diet is also important to keeping your teeth healthy. Here are some foods, which are good for your teeth. By incorporating these foods into your regular diet, you can help your teeth stay healthy, beautiful and strong.

Dairy Products

Dairy products like cheese and natural yogurt contain both calcium and protein, which are nutrients that strengthen tooth enamel. The probiotics or beneficial bacteria found in yogurt also benefit your gums. Just steer clear of yogurts with added sugar and choose plain, all-natural varieties instead.

Leafy Greens

Not surprising, leafy greens are good for your teeth just as they’re good for your overall health. Leafy greens like spinach and kale are high in calcium which helps build and strengthen tooth enamel. If you have trouble incorporating leafy greens into your daily diet, look for smoothie recipes that include these greens or just add a handful to your casseroles or pizza toppings.

Carrots and Celery

Because carrots are rich in fiber, eating a handful of raw carrots after a meal helps produce saliva, which reduces your risk of tooth decay. Carrots are also a good source of Vitamin A, which helps keep teeth and gums healthy. Celery is also full of fiber to help with both “scrubbing” the teeth and producing saliva to ward off tooth decay. Celery also contains antioxidants like Vitamin A and Vitamin C to help keep your gums healthy.

Almonds

Rich in calcium, protein and low in sugar, almonds are great for keeping your teeth healthy. Just eat a handful of almonds with your lunch or dinner or add a few to salads or stir-fry to help keep your teeth healthy and strong.

Contact Us

As a wellness-oriented dental practice, the team at Smilehaven Dental Center is proud to provide dental treatment that is natural, holistic, biocompatible and green. Whether you’re looking for a provider of cosmetic dentistry in La Mesa, California that is both safe & effective or need restorative dentistry to improve the function and appearance of your smile, we can provide you with the dental care you need!

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Chan, please complete the Appointment Request form on our website. One of our friendly staff members will then contact you to set up an appointment time. We look forward to seeing you soon and helping you achieve and maintain a healthy smile!