Dr. McDonald & daughter race for the cure!

My daughter and I ran a 4.6 mile race this weekend to support childhood cancer research. The last words of wisdom from the director of the race prior to the start said it all. He said that if the race gets hard and the hills get steep just think about the climb cancer patients have to deal with on a day to day basis. It was a great reminder to us that we should be thankful for what we have.

There were so many people there running or walking for their loved ones stricken by cancer. They were so strong and inspiring. Needless to say I cried most of the morning!

Manual vs. Electric Toothbrushes: What’s the Difference? From Dr. McDonald

Everybody is jumping on the electric toothbrush bandwagon in recent years, with many experts in the dental field claiming electric toothbrushes provide superior dental care. It’s true that electric toothbrushes are recommended for those who can’t do a good job brushing manually or who have arthritis or other conditions. But manual toothbrushes do have some advantages, according to an article we recently found including:

• Cost. While electric toothbrushes may be expensive for many people, manual toothbrushes are both inexpensive and accessible.

• Less pressure on your teeth & gums. While we can feel the amount of pressure we’re using as we grasp our manual toothbrush, we can’t feel the pressure nearly as well with an electric toothbrush. Placing too much pressure on our teeth can wear away at the tooth enamel, which causes pain, sensitivity, as well as an increased risk of tooth decay.

• Simple to pack. Manual toothbrushes are easy to carry around for those business or family trips. People are less likely to let their good dental care habits lapse on vacation with a toothbrush that they can easily bring along!

• Better for kids. Learning at a young age how to properly use a manual toothbrush helps children get a feel for how to properly take care of their oral hygiene.

Electric toothbrushes, on the other hand, are more effective in removing plaque and are considered a better alternative to maintaining gum health. Remember, whether you choose a manual or an electric toothbrush, Dr. Rabee McDonald and our team at LifetimeSmiles encourage you to choose one with soft bristles and be sure to change the bristles on the electric brush when they become worn down. We also encourage you to replace your toothbrush every three months, when the bristles are no longer straight and firm or after you recover from a cold.

Give us a call if you have any questions or ask us on Facebook! Happy brushing!

September is National Gum Care Month!

At Lifetime Smiles, we know that gingivitis, which is the early stage of periodontal disease, can be difficult to recognize if you're not a trained dentist. Many people don't recognize the warning signs - bleeding and swollen gums - as a precursor to periodontal disease, also known as gum disease. This month, a national campaign is under way to raise awareness about gum health and periodontal disease, and we wanted to help do our part to spread the word!

Dr. Rabee McDonald and Dr. Jeff Prais will tell you early recognition and action are the most important steps to health gums, and ultimately a health body, too! Studies are published every year linking oral health, including the gums, to the health of other areas of the body, such as your heart. One of the most important steps to improving the care of your gums is recognizing the warning signs for gum disease.

Drs. McDonald and Prais know these can include:

• Gums that appear red or swollen
• Gums that feel tender
• Gums that bleed easily (during brushing or flossing)
• Gums that recede or pull away from the teeth
• Persistent halitosis, or bad breath
• Loose teeth
• Any change in the way teeth come together in the biting position

If you happen to notice any of these signs, please schedule an appointment at our convenient Escondido office by calling (760) 747-1811 as soon as possible. Our doctors can take proactive steps to prevent gingivitis and gum disease, while showing you how to improve gum care in your daily oral hygiene habits. We hope you have a wonderful rest of the week!!

September featured patient testimonials!

Check out what patients are saying about Dr. Rabee McDonald & our team at Lifetime Smiles! Thanks to everyone who wrote in!

“Treatment at Lifetime Smiles is consistently excellent. The caring, professional competence of Dr. McDonald and her staff, as well as their understanding of patient sensivities, provide nervous patients such as myself the courage and confidence to regularly visit. On behalf of myself and other patients, thank you for your efforts.” - Rosemary T.

"Like always everyone at Life Time Smiles was wonderful. However, I wasn't thrilled that I needed another crown. Your staff even made that feel better. I always enjoy my visits." - Sue P.

"Between the professionalism, friendliness and overall office ambiance, it's always a pleasant experience (even for things you'd rather not have done to you). They make it as nice as they can." - Mike C.

"It never ceases to amaze me of how pleasant it is for all my visits to Dr McDonald`s office. From the staff`s professionalism to the true caring of Dr. McDonald. It is a blessing to be so comfortable for my dental visits. Thank you Dr.McDonald." - Mike K.

"The office is great! The staff is so nice. 3 out of 4 in my family went on the same day. Very comforting and relaxing..." - Jennifer L.

Caring. Comfortable. A gentle touch. Pain-free. Exceptional service. Those words aren't usually associated with dental care, are they? Well, at LifetimeSmiles, our patients use those words frequently to describe their dental experience at our Escondido office.