Dr. McDonald and team want to know: what are you reading this summer?

With a lot of our patients at Escondido's Lifetime Smiles traveling this summer or grabbing some much-needed R&R on the hammock or at the beach, Dr. Rabee McDonald and team thought today would be a great time to remind our patients to keep reading to keep their minds healthy, sharp and strong. Summer is a great time to remind kids to keep reading to maintain their skill level and prepare for the upcoming school year.

Dr. McDonald’s 13-year-old daughter, Caitlin (above), recommends the following three books for you to enjoy this summer:

The Giver by Lois Lowry
City of Ember by Jeanne Duprau
Coraline by Neil Gaiman

Invisalign treatment at Lifetime Smiles: How, exactly, does it work? [Video]

Have you ever wondered how Invisalign treatment at Lifetime Smiles manages to straighten teeth without having you go through traditional metal braces?

The Invisalign system is a state-of-the-art system of clear, removable aligners that we proudly offer at our Escondido location. Dr. Rabee McDonald is a certified Invisalign provider in Escondido and San Diego County, offering Invisalign for teens and adults. If you've been wanting to straighten your teeth but are unsure about going through traditional orthodontic treatment, please give us a call at (760) 747-1811 to learn if Invisalign is the right option for you!

And dads? Happy Father's Day to all!

The importance of oral cancer screenings at Lifetime Smiles

In our continuing efforts to provide the most advanced technology and highest quality care available to our patients, Escondido dentist Dr. Rabee McDonald screens our patients for oral cancer. The fact is, every hour of every day in the United States, someone dies of oral cancer, which happens to be the sixth-most common form of the disease. In fact, 27 percent of oral cancer victims do not use tobacco or alcohol - and have no other lifestyle risk factors.

Early detection of pre-cancerous tissue can minimize or eliminate the potentially disfiguring effects of oral cancer and possibly save your life. In less than five minutes, we will conduct a thorough oral cancer screening exam, using the FDA-approved ViziLite Plus technology to help detect oral cancer and pre-malignant abnormalities.

Ask Drs. McDonald or Prais about a screening at your next appointment and enjoy the rest of your week!

Ask Dr. McDonald: what are cavities and why do we get them?

Escondido dentist Dr. Rabee McDonald knows one word nobody wants to hear when they visit Lifetime Smiles is "cavity." But what exactly is a cavity and how do you get one? A cavity is a hole that develops in a tooth when the tooth begins to decay. It’s important to get a cavity filled as soon as it’s detected so that it does not grow bigger.

So, what causes a cavity? A cavity is caused by plaque, a sticky substance that forms on the tooth as a result of germ and bacteria build-up. Plaque is acidic and as it clings to your teeth the acids eat away the outside of the tooth (also called the enamel) and a hole is formed.

Yes, cavities can be repaired at Lifetime Smiles, but here are a few simple steps you can take to prevent cavities at home:

• Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice daily
• Gently brush your gums to keep them healthy (use soft bristles)
• Floss your teeth at least once a day to remove plaque and food that may be caught between the teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach
• Limit the amount of soda and sugary treats you eat/drink
• Be sure to visit Drs. McDonald or Prais every six months for a check-up (or as recommended)

We hope this helps! Give us a call at (760) 747-1811 for more information about cavities or your oral health!

Featured patient review for Dr. McDonald and Lifetime Smiles!

Dr. McDonald recently received a letter from Marianna, a patient who was more than excited to share her feelings for our work at Lifetime Smiles. We are always happy to receive such beautiful and well-written letters from our patients' hearts:

Dear Dr. McDonald & the Lifetime Smiles Team,

I just wanted to take a moment to thank you all for restoring my faith in the dental profession. Never in a million years, with all my previous horror stories on dental visits, would I have ever thought I would be writing a letter to a dental office.

From the first time I walked into your practice, scared to death, and was greeted with such warmth and caring, to watching how you and your staff interact with each other to having my fears calmed, I knew I had finally found what I had been desperately searching for in a dental provider.

I will continue to refer whomever I can to your practice. I know they would be taken care of just as you have taken care of me. I can’t yet say I will always look forward to our visits, but am much less nervous about coming in. At the least, I will look forward to seeing you and your staff.

Wishing you continued success and our future partnership in my dental wellbeing.

~ Marianna A.