A+ Family Dentistry September 2019

A+ Family Dentistry September 2019

San Diego Location: 3780 El Cajon Blvd., Unit 1

Poway Location: 12915 Pomerado Road Poway, CA 92064 Phone: 858-748-5100

Sorrento Valley 6755 Mira Mesa Blvd., Suite #218

San Diego, CA 92105 Phone: 619-265-2467

San Diego, CA 92121 Phone: 858-421-4933

The Happy Tooth

Busting Common Dental Myths

We Don’t Need Invisalign to Set the Record Straight

starts hurting, that’s when they’re already in stage 4, and it’s almost always too late. I’m not comparing gum disease to cancer by any means, but if you have gum disease, when it starts to hurt is usually when you have to lose your teeth. This is way more costly and time-consuming than addressing the problem before the pain starts. It’s better to tackle the infection as soon as possible. It’s important to remember that different people have different levels of pain tolerance. For some of my patients, a little bit of cold sensitivity causes them extreme pain. I also have patients who have had a huge infection in their mouth, and they didn’t feel any pain at all. For this reason, while pain can let you know when something is wrong, it’s not always a good indicator of how serious a problem is. Myth No. 3: Pregnant patients don’t need to go see a dentist. After discovering they’re pregnant, most moms-to-be will schedule a lot of OB/ GYN appointments. These appointments are important to making sure mom and baby are healthy throughout the pregnancy. However, your OB/GYN isn’t the only doctor you should be seeing. The mouth is a gateway to the rest of your body, so it’s important that those who are pregnant see the dentist even more than they usually would. For some patients, the six-month checkup isn’t enough. Any bacteria in your mouth has direct access to your internal organs and your developing baby. It’s recommended that pregnant patients get a checkup shortly after they learn they are pregnant to check for gum disease and make follow-up appointments every three months throughout the pregnancy to stay on top of their health. There are so many hormones and changes going on inside a woman’s body. Some pregnant patients experience pain in their gums or bleeding when they brush. I certainly did when I was pregnant with my son! Regular appointments can help you determine what’s normal and what is a potential problem that needs to be addressed right away.

Hello, everyone!

Dr. Janice here. With school back in session, I have been thinking a lot about education. As a dentist, a big part of my job is educating patients about their oral health. Sometimes this means busting dental myths. This month, I wanted to debunk some popular myths about your teeth. Myth No. 1: Plastic surgery is the best way to keep your face youthful. This is a myth that makes me so mad. There are so many people over the age of 40 who have been told the only way to rejuvenate their face is by paying for expensive plastic surgery. This just isn’t true. In fact, the best way to keep your face youthful is by seeing your dentist regularly. Your jawbone is the foundation of your face, and your teeth are an integral part of your jaw. If you see someone whose face has started to cave in, that usually means their jawbone has deteriorated. This happens when someone loses their teeth. The jawbone will begin to melt away without that support. No amount of makeup or plastic surgeries can cover up a weak jawbone. It doesn’t take much to protect your jawbone; just take care of your teeth. Brushing and flossing every day as well going to regular check-ups with your dentist are key to healthy teeth that last a lifetime. If you have already lost some teeth, you can protect your jawbone with dental implants. Taking care of your teeth is the best way to reverse the signs of aging. Myth No. 2: If it doesn’t hurt, don’t fix it. This is something I have heard from a lot of my patients. I can see why this would make sense to some people. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, right? But when it comes to your health, especially your dental health, pain is the last sign of a major problem. When it starts to hurt, it’s too late to do anything to stop the problem.

I hope I’ve helped set the record straight on these dental myths so you can make smart decisions about your teeth!

We see this in cases of lung cancer. If doctors catch the problem early, the patient has a fighting chance. But if they don’t know about the problem until it

–Dr. Janice Doan

September 2019 Edition

A+ Family Dentistry | 619-265-2467 | P1

But Mommy Doesn’t Cover Her Nose! Kids learn more by watching what you do rather than listening to what you tell them to do. Get in the habit of covering your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze, and then wash your hands. Make hand sanitizer and facial tissues readily available in your home and be sure to wash your hands before every meal. In addition, stick to healthy habits when you do feel sick. Drink fluids, get plenty of rest, and seek medical attention when it’s warranted. If your children see you taking care of yourself, they will be more likely to do the same for themselves in the future. Ahh ... Ahh ... ACHOO! Hand washing and nose blowing are about as fun as … well, just that. It’s no wonder children don’t want to take time out of their busy play schedules to combat nasty germs. Instead of making these important steps a chore, make basic hygiene fun. Use fun songs to teach the proper way to cover a sneeze, or do a science experiment to teach your children about how the germs spread through just one sneeze. (According to research, sneezes can travel anywhere from 19–26 feet at 100 miles per hour!) For crafty kids, let them decorate tissue boxes or hand sanitizer containers to give hygiene some flair. Soon enough, you’ll find them being smarter about their health. As kids pack into classrooms this fall, germs will fly faster than this past summer did. Prevent the spread of the common cold and flu by learning more tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention online at CDC.gov.

Stop the Spread

Prevent Colds and the Flu With Kid-Friendly Teaching Tools

School is back in session, but your child may be bringing home more than just random facts. Germs and bacteria that spread the common cold and flu are most prevalent in schools, but while these illnesses are strong, prevention is simple. Teach your kids how to prevent the spread of bacteria this season with these helpful tips. TESTIMONIAL See What Others Are Saying “I’ve been going to A+ Dentistry for about 17 years now and continue to have nothing but good experiences. I love all their staff as well as Dr. Justene Doan and Dr. Janice Doan. Everyone is always so nice and welcoming. Dr. Janice Doan replaced my old crown, and it was unexpectedly a very comfortable experience! Considering that I haven’t been numbed up for so many years, I was concerned that I would be sensitive due to unfamiliarity. However, I didn’t have that problem — the slightest pinch and then all done. I couldn’t stop saying, “I didn’t feel a thing!” while the numbness started to work. Great staff, high-tech equipment, clean office, and great office music.” –Farhad J.

A+ Referrals

We want to thank all of our patients who put so much faith in us by recommending our services to their friends and family members. Last month, our referrals came from these amazing patients:

Darrell C. Devin D. Justene D. Nicole E.

Amber F. Yuque G. Carla H. Amy K.

Simone L. Luz M. Alexis T.

And the winner of August’s referral prize is: Carla H. Thank you to all of our patients who continue to support us. Check back next month when we will announce the winner of our next referral prize.

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Don’t Wait to Save Your Smile

Are You Falling for This Dental Implant Myth?

In the spirit of Dr. Janice’s article this month, we have one more myth to bust:

After the procedure, some patients need prescription painkillers, but most are able to get by with over-the-counter medication until the implant has healed fully. This can take as little as two months. As for the cost, most patients agree that dental implants are an investment in their future. Losing a tooth causes the jawbone to atrophy. When this happens, the surrounding teeth are affected. Losing one tooth almost guarantees you will lose more. This dental domino effect can be avoided with a single dental implant.

far more painful and expensive than putting in an implant.

Myth: Dental implants are expensive and painful.

Are you ready to fill that gap in your smile? This month, repair your smile and protect your jawbone with our back-to-school special! From now until Monday, Sept. 30, 2019, when you schedule an implant consultation and CT scan — which is a 3D X-ray to show the quantity and quality of the jawbone, versus a traditional 2D X-ray — we’ll waive the fee. This is a $350 value you get for free if you call 619-831-8832 and schedule your appointment today! Talk to a dentist and learn how your smile can be transformed with a dental implant.

Any sort of treatment comes with a degree of discomfort. Even filling a cavity can be uncomfortable, but does that mean you leave the cavity to become an infection that requires a root canal later? Dental implants are no more painful than any other necessary procedure. Whether or not the procedure will hurt depends on how complicated the situation is, your body’s ability to heal, and the skill of your dentist.

Dental implants aren’t a quick or easy procedure, but the truth is, not having teeth is

Inspired by Food & Wine magazine

Word Search

Tomato Salad With Horseradish

Savor the end of tomato season with this spicy and healthy salad. Because the horseradish-spiked dressing packs a punch, you only need a little to add a lot of flavor.

Ingredients

• • • •

1/4 cup mayonnaise 1/4 cup buttermilk

•

2 1/2 lbs heirloom and cherry tomatoes, roughly chopped

•

2 scallions, thinly sliced

2 tbsp prepared horseradish Salt and black pepper, to taste

AUTUMN APPLE

FOOTBALL QUARTERBACK TOUCHDOWN HOMECOMING

HARVEST CIDER LEAVES SWEATER

Directions

1. For the dressing, whisk together mayonnaise, buttermilk, and

2. In serving bowls, arrange tomatoes and top with scallions. 3. Lightly drizzle tomatoes and scallions with dressing and serve.

SEPTEMBER LABORDAY

horseradish in a mixing bowl; season to taste.

A+ Family Dentistry | 619-265-2467 | P3

Office Hours: Mondays: Closed

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

Tuesdays: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesdays: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursdays: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays: 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Inside This Issue Aplusfamilydentistry.com 619-265-2467 3780 El Cajon Blvd., Unit 1 San Diego, CA 92105

The Secret to Reverse the Signs of Aging Page 1

Teach Your Kids Flu Prevention Page 2

What Some of Our Patients Are Saying

Page 2

The Truth About Dental Implants Page 3

Tomato Salad With Horseradish

Page 3

Local Events

Page 4

Your Weekend Plans LOCAL EVENTS MAKE WEEKENDS MORE FUN

The Pacific Islander Festival Association (PIFA) is an organization dedicated to preserving and sharing the cultural traditions of the indigenous peoples of Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia. This year marks the 25th Annual Pacific Islander Festival, and everyone is invited! Enjoy a day in the sun with entertainment, food, live music, and crafts celebrating the unique cultures of the Pacific Islands. San Diego Restaurant Week

Fangaea 2019 Where: Scottish Rite Event Center, San Diego When: September 14 & 15 Admission: $5–$40 Website: Fangaea.us

Couldn’t get tickets to Comic Con International? You still have a chance to geek out with all your friends! Fangaea returns from its second year to bring together nerds from every fandom. Celebrating anime, video games, fantasy, and science fiction, Fangaea is the convention with something for everyone. Grab your tickets now and get ready for a weekend of pop culture and fun. 25th Annual Pacific Islander Festival Where: Ski Beach, Mission Bay, San Diego When: Sept. 21 & 22 Admission: Free Website: PIFASanDiego.com

Where: San Diego When: Sept. 22–29 Admission: See website for pricing Website: SanDiegoRestaurantWeek.com

Over the course of eight days, more than 180 restaurants all over San Diego invite you to enjoy meals you’ll never forget. Explore different neighborhoods, try new foods, and make great memories with your friends and family. San Diego Restaurant Week is all about experiencing the amazing tastes of San Diego. Visit SanDiegoRestaurantWeek.com to find participating restaurants and make your reservations now.

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