It’s true that enamel is one of the hardest substances in the human body, but that doesn’t mean you should put just anything in your mouth. Your teeth were built to withstand years of wear. Still, you should be careful with what you’ve got. Dentists all over the country see patients every day for chipped teeth, cut gums, and other complications just because they decided to bite down on the wrong thing. To avoid a painful (and maybe costly) visit to the dentist, pay attention to these five things to not put in your mouth.

Lemons, Limes, or Grapefruit

The first one of this list might not seem obvious. Lemons, limes, and grapefruit are just fruits, right? How could they be bad for our teeth? While eating these fruits are not necessarily bad for our teeth, eating them in a certain way is. What’s dangerous about any citrus is its acidity, which can wear away enamel and leave our teeth vulnerable. Eating these fruits quickly is mostly okay—unless you decide to brush directly afterward, which can damage your enamel even further—but leaving these fruits in our mouths for an extended period of time can be dangerous. Not only does acid wear away enamel, it can also promote gum disease.

Ice

So many of us love to chew ice. It’s cool, easy to break, and makes a satisfying crunch sound. Just because it’s enjoyable, however, doesn’t mean it’s a good idea. Ice is hard and teeth, especially teeth that have been weakened by tooth decay or cavities, are sometimes not. Plus, the cold can make your enamel more brittle. Every year, several patients schedule a dentist appointment because they’ve fractured a tooth, or multiple teeth, when chewing ice. 

Hard Objects

Much like with ice, hard objects such as pens, corn nuts, and seeds could lead to tooth fractures for teeth that have already sustained structural damage, but they could also worsen the symptoms of patients suffering from bite problems. Not to mention that these can also be a choking hazard, even for adults.

Other People’s Toothbrushes

Sometimes, especially when you travel, you forget to bring your toothbrush. At this point, late at night, you may be tempted to just use your partner’s toothbrush. However, you should resist this temptation. Toothbrushes are full or bacteria, including those that can promote gum disease. Instead, you should put toothpaste onto your finger, and softly brush your finger around your teeth and gums. While not as effective as a toothbrush, the fluoride will do its job and help to prevent tooth decay.

Have You Damaged Your Teeth?

If you didn’t follow the above advice and damaged your teeth, we can help. We offer emergency dentistry if you need it. We also offer solutions for all types of tooth damage, including veneers for chipped teeth, crowns for cracked teeth, and even dental implants to replace lost teeth.

Are you looking for a general dentist in the Scripps Ranch or Mira Mesa area? Please call 858-271-1010 today for an appointment with San Diego dentist Dr. Ramin Goshtasbi (“Dr. G”) at Oasis Dental Arts.

www.oasisdentalarts.com
9999 Mira Mesa Blvd., #105
858-271-1010

Work has been stressful, traffic bad, and you were looking forward to the weekend, but you developed a terrible toothache.

A toothache can completely derail you plans.

Toothaches can be a sign of several issues. Cavities, a cracked tooth or a loose filling are a few of the causes. These three home remedies can provide needed relief until you can see a dentist.

Salt water rinse

Salt water naturally brings down inflammation to provide temporary pain relief. Add four to five teaspoons of salt to one cup of water, swish around your mouth for a minute before spitting it out. Although the results are temporary, a salt water rinse can be done many times.

Clove oil

Clove oil is a natural pain reliever due to its high concentration of eugenol, an anesthetic and antibacterial agent. Eugenol reduces inflammation and has effective analgesic qualities, according to a study published in the British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Dip a cotton ball in clove oil and gently apply to the affected tooth and gum.

Ice pack or cold compress

Ice can temporarily relieve pain and swelling. Freeze an ice pack and place it on the affected side of the mouth for up to 30 minutes to reduce swelling and numb your mouth.

When to see an emergency dentist

It can be difficult to determine when an emergency dentist visit is needed. If the pain persists, or is unbearable or reoccurs, then research whether your dentist has an emergency line and try to schedule an appointment.  Other times to see an emergency dentist may include, but not limited to, symptoms such as bleeding, swelling, pus, redness, foul smell, sensitivity to temperature or if you feel ill.

Unfortunately, home remedies only provide temporary relief and should not be used as a substitute for proper dental care. Toothaches are a symptom of a larger problem that needs to be addressed.

If you are looking for a general dentist in Scripps Ranch, or need an emergency dental visit, call (858) 271-1010 now and we’ll get back to you in less than half an hour.

Oasis Dental Arts
www.oasisdentalarts.com
9999 Mira Mesa Blvd., #105

Have you been putting off getting help for your alcohol or drug problem? Here are some reasons why getting help TODAY just might be the best option for you.

You’ll Feel Better

Think about it – no more hangovers, no more unexplained injuries or bruises, no more cravings or dope sickness. You will also reduce your chances of developing serious health conditions:

• Cancer
• Hepatitis
• Cirrhosis
• HIV/AIDS
• Heart disease
•  … And hundreds more

You’ll Save Money

From the very first day you stop drinking and drugging, you’ll be putting money in your OWN pocket. Think of what you could do with the thousands of dollars you spend on alcohol or drugs:

• A new car?
• A vacation?
• A better place to live?

You’ll Have Better Relationships

Substance abuse is the enemy of healthy relationships. Think of all the past nagging, arguments, lies, betrayals, dysfunction, and emotional pain associated with alcohol-and drug-driven behaviors. When you get sober, you can start repairing some of the damage that was caused by active addiction.

You’ll Have Supportive Friends

Every drug addict or alcoholic has “buddies” – people who are just along for the ride and a good time. They are your “friend” only as long as partying lasts. In recovery, you learn to make positive friendships that are not substance-based. Imagine having friends who share common interests and actually care about YOU, rather than the drugs and alcohol.

You’ll Have SO Much More Time

Have you ever thought about how time-consuming active addiction really is? Obsessing over, acquiring, using, and recovering from drugs and alcohol can take up your entire day. In recovery, all that time is freed up, and you can now spend it on becoming the best YOU possible.

You’ll Be Present for Your Own Life

During active addiction, you may not even remember all of the “fun” you are supposed to be having – blackout drunks, nodding off, etc. To top it off, how many memorable occasions did you miss – birthdays, anniversaries, family outings and gatherings? When you stop letting the disease of addiction rob you of your life, you get to participate in ways that you forgot were possible.

If you live in San Diego and want help for an addictive disorder, Lasting Recovery is a premier outpatient alcohol and drug rehab program located in the Sorrento Valley area. By using an evidenced-based and wellness-focused approach to treatment, Lasting Recovery helps you reclaim both your sobriety and your life.

LASTING RECOVERY
OUTPATIENT TREATMENT CENTER

ADDICTION & MENTAL HEALTH
6046 Cornerstone Court W.
Suite 113
San Diego, CA 92121

(858) 453-4315

www.lastingrecovery.com

You’ve equipped your home with all the necessary precautions for a fire. But smoke detectors and fire extinguishers aren’t enough to keep your children prepared. Equip your family with safety knowledge by teaching them about fire hazards and how to react if a fire sparks in the home. 

Identify your home’s hazards
Most of the fire hazards in the home are in the kitchen. The most important lesson for young children to learn in the kitchen is that the stove is hot, and they should keep away from it when it’s in use. When your children are older and ready to begin cooking for themselves, then you can instruct them further on individual appliance safety and extinguishing cooking fires.

Playing with matches is another major source of home fires. Children as young as two years old can strike matches and start fires, so be sure to keep your matches and lighters safely tucked away in locked drawers. Teach children not to pick up matches or lighters they may find, but to tell an adult immediately.

You should also inform your children about the following hazards:

• Aerosol cans: These can explode if placed near stoves, radiators, or other sources of heat.
• Candles: Candles can start fires if placed near flammable materials, and their hot wax can burn skin. Never let children light candles, and get in the habit of blowing out any candles before leaving a room.
• Electrical cords: Fraying cords can ignite a fire, so show children how to recognize one.
• Lamps: Explain that paper or cloth over a lamp can start a fire.
• Iron: Warn children to stay away from an iron standing on end.

Stop, drop and roll
Teaching children this important safety move can prevent serious burns if their clothes are on fire. Have them demonstrate the steps for you, and remind them to cover their face and mouth.

Disclosure
Because insurance protection is a contract, any coverage descriptions in this article are general only and are not statements of contract. All coverages are subject to all policy provisions, including applicable endorsements.

“When people think about alcohol, they tend to think about two problems: addiction and drinking and driving. This [report] shows there is another big problem – you can die from alcohol itself.”
~ Dr. David Jernigan, PhD, Director, Center on Alcohol Marketing and Youth, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University

While the US drug crisis dominates the headlines, the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption are largely forgotten. And among those that DO remember, the conversation usually focuses on two subjects:

Alcoholism: According to the most-recent National Survey on Drug Use and Health, there are over 15 million Americans age 12 and older who have an Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD).

Alcohol-Related Car Crashes: In 2016, 10,497 people died in car crashes involving alcohol.

And while these are huge issues indicative on the larger problem of problematic substance abuse, many people forget that it is also possible to die due to alcohol overdose—binge-drinking until the body shuts down.

An average of six Americans a day die because of alcohol poisoning.

Alcohol Poisoning Defined
Drinking a large quantity of alcohol in a short period of time can overwhelm the body’s ability to safely metabolize that alcohol. Such a rapid increase in Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) can impair brain function to the point that it cannot regulate basic life-support functions.

Here’s the thing—BAC can continue to rise even after the person has passed out, because even in unconsciousness, alcohol that was in their stomach or small intestine will enter the bloodstream.

Symptoms of Alcohol Poisoning
Alcohol poisoning is ALWAYS a medical emergency, and all of the conventional wisdoms on how to sober someone out – cold showers, coffee, walking them around – won’t help. 

Symptoms include:

• Extreme confusion
• Difficulty remaining conscious
• Breathing troubles
• Slowed heartbeat
• Cold, clammy skin
• Low body temperature
• Vomiting
• Impaired response – no gag reflex, unresponsive to pain, etc.

If you suspect someone is overdosing on alcohol, seek medical treatment immediately.

Approximately 88,000 Americans die because of alcohol-related causes every year. Lasting Recovery outpatient alcohol rehab in San Diego can help you and the people you care about safely regain their sobriety and return to a healthier, more productive life.

Sources:
https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/NSDUH-FFR1-2016/NSDUH-FFR1-2016.pdf

https://www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/impaired_driving/impaired-drv_factsheet.html

https://pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/AlcoholOverdoseFactsheet/Overdosefact.htm

The next time you need to renew your insurance policies, consider taking these steps to help you get the most out of them:

• Meet with your agent.
Your insurance needs change
over time. Conducting a home insurance review with your agent at least once each year can help you determine if your policies still make sense for your current situation.

• Ask about discounts.
During your annual home insurance review, ask about policy discounts. Before you renew your policy, speak with your agent about discounts that may be available. You may qualify for discounts for alarm systems or higher deductibles. Commonly overlooked discounts include infrequent or safe driver discounts.

• Insure your home for the estimated cost to rebuild rather than the real estate value. 
State Farm® suggests you select a policy amount equal to at least 100% of the estimated replacement cost of your home, but the choice is yours. You also should make sure any replacement cost estimate reflects the actual characteristics of your home. Insuring your home for at least 100% of its estimated replacement cost — not the current market value — could give you the means to replace your home entirely in the event of a loss.

Carefully review the limitations on coverage and exclusions in your policy. Some items in your home might qualify for extra protection. For example, you may need more protection for jewelry and firearms. Business in the home coverage can protect furniture and equipment used for business purposes. Talk to your agent to make sure you’re not overlooking important add-ons to your policy.

Disclosure
Because insurance protection is a contract, any coverage descriptions in this article are general only and are not statements of contract. All coverages are subject to all policy provisions, including applicable endorsements.

Most of us know that more sun exposure means higher risk for skin cancer, right? Well, there are also other, more specific factors that can also contribute to skin cancer. 

• Fair skin (rarely tans but burns easily)
• History of bad sunburns as a child and teenager
• Family history of skin cancer
• Lots of moles and growths on body

If you are prone to sunburns and/or have a family history of skin cancer, then the latest I would recommend seeing a Dermatologist is at age 30.  

The risk of skin cancer decreases if you’re on the opposite end of the spectrum.

• Olive toned skin (rarely burns but tans easily)
• Avoids extended sun exposure now and as a child and teenager
• No family history of skin cancer
• Little to no moles or growths on body

The most important rule when it comes to skin cancer prevention is to ALWAYS have a suspicious mole or growth evaluated by a dermatologist. 

And remember your ABCDEs when doing self-evaluation for what is suspicious:

A - asymmetry (put an imaginary line in the middle of the mole or spot, the two sides should match, if not it is asymmetric)

B - border (should be smooth and not jagged)

C - color (should be uniform and even)

D - diameter (should be smaller than a pencil eraser)

E - evolution (watch out for any symptoms like itching, burning, and especially bleeding)

I hope this  helps to serve as a reminder to begin getting annual skin exams and regularly examine your moles and skin growths. You may end up saving your life.

Dr. Tess Mauricio is a Board-Certified Dermatologist. She is a graduate from Stanford University School of Medicine and is the founder of M Beauty Clinic by Dr. Tess. She currently has three clinics: Miramar, Chula Vista, and Beverly Hills. Dr. Tess grew up in San Diego and is a long time Scripps Ranch resident.

Regenerative Medicine is a revolutionary technology which uses OUR VERY OWN stem cells to repair degenerative conditions and signs of aging.  We start out with millions of stem cells when we are born, but that number decreases as we get older, which makes it more difficult for our bodies to heal when we are injured. Regenerative Medicine allows us to harvest and process our stem cells to reintroduce them to different areas of the body where the stem cells are needed.

There are numerous ways to obtain stem cells, but we prefer getting them from your own fat via liposuction since fat is rich in stem cells and people also like decreasing the amount of fat they have on their stomachs.

Some conditions that I have specifically treated are: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Back Pain, Neck Pain, Knee Pain, Ankle Pain, Foot Pain, Tendonitis, Sports Injuries, Failed Back Surgery, Fractures, Raynaud’s Disease, Sciatica, Hair Loss, Sexual Dysfunction, Neurological & Autoimmune Conditions and general Anti-Aging of the Skin.

Individual results will vary and we cannot promise the extent of your results because this procedure depends on your own stem cell’s ability to repair and regenerate. However, ALL of our patients so far have reported a noticeable improvement with pain and their quality of life after the procedure.

Contact our clinic at (858) 689-4990 for more information about Regenerative Medicine.

Dr. Tess Mauricio is a Board-Certified Dermatologist and a leader in Regenerative Medicine, training other doctors all over the world on the latest anti-aging techniques. She is a graduate from Stanford University School of Medicine and is the founder of M Beauty Clinic by Dr. Tess. She currently has three clinics: Miramar, Eastlake, and Beverly Hills. Dr. Tess grew up in San Diego and is a long time Scripps Ranch resident.