Dr. McDonald & Lifetime Smiles with the 411 on Halloween treats

For parents in Escondido worried about their kids going overboard on candies this weekend, sugar and other sweets, Halloween is a dreaded annual event.

Dr. Rabee McDonald and our staff at Lifetime Smiles will tell you all those sweet, sour and sticky candies may taste great, but these treats are known to damage teeth! Did you know sour candies can be acidic to your teeth, and actually wear down the enamel that protects them? This can cause tooth decay and cavities! Sour and fruity candy, such as Starburst and Skittles, are the worst for your child’s teeth since these candies have a low pH value, which is known to ruin enamel.

With Halloween just two days away, we encourage you to try and limit the amount of these candies that your child eats, and when your child does eat them, either have him or her rinse their mouth with water afterward or have them drink a glass of milk or eat a slice of cheese.

And don't forget to bring your candy to Lifetime Smiles on Tues. November 2 and Wednesday, November 3rd from 2pm to 4:30! The candy will be sent as a gift to our troops serving our county overseas via Operation Gratitude.

We hope everyone has a fun, safe and scary Halloween!

Donate your Halloween candy at Lifetime Smiles to support our troops overseas!

Dr. McDonald and team are having a candy buy back this month - kids who wish to bring in their excess, unopened Halloween candy will receive $1 per pound.

The candy will be sent as a gift to our American soldiers serving our county overseas via Operation Gratitude. Here is your chance to show our brave service men and women how much you appreciate them. Join us as we "treat our troops" and support our children's health! Bring your candy to Lifetime Smiles on Tues. November 2 and Wednesday, November 3rd from 2pm to 4:30!

Invisalign®, giving parents in Escondido something to smile about

Hey moms and dads! Focusing on your kids' teeth and oral health so much that you're neglecting your own? If you've been thinking about having your own set of perfectly-aligned teeth, our staff at Lifetime Smiles can help! We are specially trained to offer an adult-friendly option for straightening teeth called Invisalign.

This course of treatment consists of a set of clear aligners that are molded to fit your teeth using a proprietary technology. You wear them all day and night, except for meals, brushing, and flossing – when you can easily slip them out to make eating and cleaning a snap!

Because they're clear, your teeth will be steadily straightening – and no one will know it but you! Please give us a call at (760) 747-1811 to set up an appointment with Dr. Rabee McDonald or Dr. Jeff Prais, so we can discuss the specifics of your treatment.

Happy Monday!

Dr. McDonald in the community

This weekend, Dr. McDonald and her daughter attended a fund-raising tea to benefit Nativity Prep School for underprivileged children in San Diego.

We'll miss you, Cathy!

Here we are at Cathy's goodbye party. She is moving to Illinois. We will miss her so much. Love you Cathy!

Lifetime Smiles, supporting National Dental Hygiene Month!

Ah, October has arrived. The leaves are beginning to fall, the days are getting shorter and all that Halloween candy is beginning to make its rounds. For our staff at Lifetime Smiles, October is known as National Dental Health Month. We join our friends at the American Dental Hygienists' Association in spreading the word that good dental habits are easy to develop and even easier to maintain.

Here are a few tips to help you build good oral hygiene habits this month:

* Brush your teeth at least twice a day for two to three minutes. Make sure to get the outer and inner surfaces and the chewing surfaces of each tooth.

* Floss once a day to remove plaque from between teeth. Help children learn healthy flossing habits so when they're capable, they know how to do it properly.

* Visit Dr. Rabee McDonald and Lifetime Smiles on a regular basis. Children should start seeing a dentist within six months of getting their first tooth.

* Ask us what toothpaste family members should use. Remember that not all toothpaste is appropriate for all ages.

* Eat a healthy diet, rich in fruit and veggies. Avoid sugary foods and eat a high fiber diet of fruits and veggies such as apples and carrots to help prevent tooth decay.

Lastly, has it been six months since your last visit to see Dr. McDonald or Dr. Jeff Prais? If the answer is yes, we encourage you to give us a call at (760) 747-1811 to set up an appointment.

We hope you enjoyed your weekend!