Talking gum disease with Dr. McDonald

Periodontal disease (gum disease) is one of the most silent diseases known to mankind. Left alone, the virulent bacteria will eat away at your jaw bone and the gums will eventually follow the bone, hence the term gum disease.

Periodontal disease has been directly correlated to many systemic diseases. Numerous studies have shown the bacteria from gum pockets found in and around arteries and other organs of the body. It has been proven that pregnant women with periodontal disease have a much higher rate of low birth weight as well as premature babies. Diabetics are more susceptible to gum pathogens and it has been found that diabetics with the presence of gum disease have a less desirable outcome with their sugar control. The oral bacteria have also been shown to pass through saliva to other people. These are just a few facts. To learn more about the link between your gums and your health, you can visit this helpful site.

Regular dental care will aid in diagnosis of gum disease. At your check up appointments we evaluate your gum pockets. This periodontal exam in combination with x-rays can aid the proper diagnosis and treatment.

In the past the only available tools were deep scaling and root planning, gum surgery and antibiotic treatment. However, thanks to the advances in treatment of gum disease we now have some other options.

Laser Gum Treatment: The laser light will kill the bacteria and promote better gum tissue regeneration. This procedure is used in conjunction with scaling to clean the roots and promote healing. It is painless and quick and you should not need anything stronger than what you take for a headache for the first day or two.

Oral DNA testing: A saliva test that detects which bacteria are contributing to the presence of your gum disease and which antibiotic to use to target those specific bacteria.


Your mouth is the gateway into your body. Protect yourself and schedule for a dental exam.

To your health,

Dr. Rabee McDonald

When Was Your Last Dental Cleaning? From Dr. McDonald

You water the garden three times a week, you change your car's oil every three months, and you replace the batteries in your smoke detectors once a year. Your teeth need to see your dentist on a regular schedule, too.

While daily oral hygiene habits are essential to good oral health, professional dental cleanings at our Escondido dental office ensure your teeth are treated to a deeper level of cleaning. We recommend for most of our patients to have a checkup at least every six months. In addition to a thorough cleaning and polishing of your teeth, these regular visits help Dr. McDonald and our team at Lifetime Smiles detect and prevent the onset of tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease. During your visit, we’ll check the health of your mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks, and tongue. We’ll also check old fillings and restorations, as these can wear away over time from constant chewing, grinding, or clenching.

If you are predisposed to oral diseases, you may need to visit our office more often than every six months. Factors at play in these diseases include age, pregnancy, tobacco use, medical conditions (such as diabetes, dry mouth, or HIV infection), along with how well you take care of your teeth on a daily basis.

Make sure your teeth get the professional attention they deserve – If you’re overdue for your next cleaning, check with our office to schedule an appointment!

Love your or your child's smile? Tell us about it!

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 with us.

At LifetimeSmiles, we look at every patient as a whole to ensure you get all the personalized attention you deserve. Drs. Rabee McDonald and Jeff Prais provide comprehensive care for your overall health.

Whether you’ve just come in for a single appointment or your family has been visiting our convenient Escondido, CA dental office for years, we’d love to hear your feedback. You can write a review on our Facebook page or on our Google Places page!

We look forward to reading your reviews!

Ask Dr. McDonald: "My Teeth Feel Fine. Do I still need to see a dentist?"

Thanks for the question. Simply put, yes! Visiting the dentist on a regular basis is essential to keeping your smile in tip-top shape. At Lifetime Smiles, we offer a number of preventive services to ensure the health of your mouth and the beauty of your teeth. We’d like to think that your smile is just as important to us as it is to you!

Another good reason to visit Lifetime Smiles every six months is to check for “hidden” problems you may not even realize you have. Tiny cavities can form in the hard-to-reach areas of your teeth and may only be found through a professional exam. If left untreated, these cavities can get worse, needing more extensive treatment, and costing you even more time and money. During your routine exam, one of our hygienists will also check to make sure your fillings or other dental restorations are in good shape.

It’s important to prevent problems before they start. If it has been more than six months six your last visit, please contact our Escondido dental office to schedule your routine checkup! See you soon!

Dr. McDonald and team, celebrating National Dental Health Month

Did you know February is National Dental Health Month? It's a great time of the year to renew those resolutions about continuing to practice great dental hygiene at home and by visiting Lifetime Smiles. Today, we thought we'd discuss the importance of preventative oral care. While most people are familiar with traditional heart-saving practices such as eating healthy and exercising regularly, lesser-known are the benefits that great oral hygiene provides to one’s cardiovascular health.

Here are a few tips to help you continue those New Year's resolutions:

*Remember that poor oral hygiene is linked to serious common diseases such as cardiovascular disease, bacterial pneumonia and osteoporosis.

*Brush and floss every day to remove the plaque that can lead to cavities. Flossing daily removes food debris that your toothbrush cannot reach after meals.

*Replace your toothbrush on a regular basis. You should replace your toothbrush every three to four months or after a cold or illness to prevent re-infection. Remember to use a soft toothbrush so you won’t wear off the enamel of your teeth.

*Visit our Escondido office regularly. The American Dental Association recommends you visit Drs. McDonald and Prais every six months for regular checkups and cleanings. Fluoride treatments twice a year will help prevent tooth decay.

Each February (and all year long), our team at Lifetime Smiles focus on the preventive oral care of our patients. Have you visited our office the past six months? If not, it’s time to give us a call and schedule an appointment!

Ask Dr. McDonald: If I have braces, do I still need a dental checkup every 6 months?

Thanks for the question! Yes! In fact, it's even more important that patients receiving orthodontic treatment visit our office regularly. When you're wearing braces, food may be caught in places that your toothbrush normally can't reach. This causes bacteria to build up and can lead to cavities, gingivitis and even gum disease. Believe it or not, an estimated 80 percent of American adults currently have some form of gum disease. Studies have shown a correlation between gum disease and heart disease, underscoring the importance of good oral health care. Our staff at Lifetime Smiles will work closely with your orthodontist to make sure that your teeth stay clean and healthy while you're undergoing orthodontic treatment.

If it has been more than six months since your last visit to our Escondido office, please give us a call!

Your dental & cardiovascular health, from Lifetime Smiles

Happy Monday!

Don’t put off your next visit to LifetimeSmiles any longer! As we’ve shared in previous blog posts, oral health issues have been increasingly linked to other health concerns, such as heart disease. Cardiovascular disease remains American’s number one killer, claiming more lives than the rest of major causes of death, according to the American Heart Association. Believe it or not, an estimated 80 percent of American adults currently have some form of gum disease. Studies have shown a correlation between gum disease and heart disease, underscoring the importance of good oral health care.

Studies are also beginning to suggest that patients, especially those with periodontal disease, are believed to have an elevated risk of heart attack and stroke. Since most patients are not regularly visiting a heart specialist, their regular visits to the office of Dr. Rabee McDonald can help detect early warning signs of heart issues, prevent gum disease or at least catch it in its early stages. We’d also like you to know your numbers: blood pressure (less than 120/80), cholesterol (less than 200) and BMI (less than 25).

Additionally, if it’s been more than six months since your last visit to our Escondido dental office, please give us a call!

January featured patient testimonials!

Here they are, our January featured testimonials! Thanks again to everyone who wrote in - happy new year from Dr. Rabee McDonald all of us at Lifetime Smiles!

"For me, a trip to LS is much more than an "appointment" or "office visit". I honestly feel I am simply visiting friends. I love the casual and "humorous" atmosphere. I always tease them about my "special discount", but the services are exceptional and an incredible value for the attention and care I receive." - Ernie N.

"Kelly was great. I miss my Stacy but it was fun being asked what toothbrush I used and how often I flossed. Kari Witman PS- I was getting the bidding up on the toothbrush you donated and ended up being the last bidder. The YMCA thanks you and this sonic care is Much easier to clean. Thanks again." - Keri W.

"That was the fastest crown I have ever received! Great and no pain!" - Becky S.

"The coffee was good, the conversation stimulating, and the people gracious. It didn't hurt a bit. (Of course, it was my wife who sat in the dentist chair!)" - Allen H.

Love your new smile? Tell the world about it!

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 with us.

At LifetimeSmiles, we look at every patient as a whole to ensure you get all the personalized attention you deserve. Drs. Rabee McDonald and Jeff Prais provide comprehensive care for your overall health.

Whether you’ve just come in for a single appointment or your family has been visiting our convenient Escondido, CA dental office for years, we’d love to hear your feedback. You can write a review on our Facebook page or on our Google Places page!

We look forward to reading your reviews!

"I'm having constant migraines. How can Lifetime Smiles help?"

Dentists aren’t generally the first professionals people think about when experiencing facial pain, but Dr. Rabee McDonald and our team at Lifetime Smiles are here to help. If you are experiencing migraines, we are happy to provide NTI devices, which promote relaxation of the jaw muscles and work best for people who are chronic and severe clenchers and grinders. They can be worn day and/or night, depending on the severity and type of condition being treated.

The NTI is a small, clear plastic device that is worn over the two front teeth (either top or bottom) at night to prevent contact of the back teeth. It is used to reduce tension headaches, as well as migraines.

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!!

Dental fun facts with Lifetime Smiles!

Everyone loves fun facts and dental tips. Fun, fun, fun! Dr. McDonald and our team at Lifetime Smiles came across these dental fun facts recently and thought you might enjoy!

• The second most common disease in the United States is cavities. The first is the common cold.
• There are almost 9,000 accidental pockings and piercings with toothpicks per year.
• X-rays may be an effective tool in preventing strokes.
• A child will have 20 baby teeth by the time he or she is 2 years old. Through childhood, kids gradually lose baby teeth and grow 32 permanent teeth, including wisdom teeth.
• According to consumer reports, dentists are among the 5 most trusted professionals in the United States.
• Approximately $2 billion a year is spent on dental products like toothpastes, mouthwashes and dental floss.
• The average American spends about 38 days brushing teeth over his or her lifetime.
• Kids in North America spend half a billion dollars per year on chewing gum.
• Approximately 94 percent of Americans say they brush nightly while only 81 percent say they brush first thing in the morning.
• Grand Rapids, MI was the first American city to fluoridate its water.
• Earliest record of a toothbrush was found in Chinese literature about 1600 AD
• The natural bristles of early toothbrushes were taken from the necks and shoulders of swine, especially pigs living in colder climates like Siberia and China.

Lastly, has it been at least six months since your last checkup? If the answer is yes, we encourage you to give us a call!

August featured patient testimonials!

Here they are, our August featured testimonials! Thanks again to everyone who wrote in - we hope everybody is having a great summer!

Wow! Thanks for such quick service. I cracked a tooth and was in San Bernardino. Called and asked for an appointment and was told come on in. Dr McDonald started on the tooth at 1:40 and by 4:10 I was on my way with a new tooth. The only thing that could make it better would be martini's after the work is done. You guys are GREAT!
Mike G.

Dr. McDonald did a fast efficient job of replacing my old filling. She explained each step of the procedure and checked constantly to see if I was having any discomfort.
Mike A.

Dr. McDonald's laser procedure for TMJ was more like a spa treatment than a normal dentist's visit. The laser (far infra-red) was warm and relaxing. Thanks, Dr. McDonald!
Sonia B.

Does Dr. McDonald have your current contact info?

We hope you’re having a great week and a great summer so far! If you are planning on traveling with family this summer or think you might not be able to make it to your scheduled appointment with Dr. McDonald or Dr. Prais, please let us know ahead of time so that we may be able to accommodate you, as well as schedule another patient at that appointment time.

Also, we ask that you give us a call and and let us know if you have any new phone numbers or if your contact information has changed! Please call us at our Escondido office with any updates to phone numbers and addresses, so we may be able to reach you.

Thank you! Enjoy your weekend!

What are patients saying about LifetimeSmiles?

"If god needed a dentist, he would choose Lifetime Smiles, clean, professional, honest." ~ Anonymous

"The quality of service was excellent. Every one was so nice and helpful. They all made sure I was treated to the highest quality from beginning to end. The staff were amazing, and the equipment was all new-age, digital and comfortable."
Gregory F.

"2 caps start to finish 3.5 hrs, very comfortable - Dr McDonald & Michael were Kind,careful & it did not hurt. watched a movie and left with 2 new crowns no temps!! Great experience" ~ Laura L.

Our Facebook page is a great place to tell us how we're doing, but we also encourage you to head to our Google Places page and leave a short review there. Your generous reviews help our team at Lifetime Smiles build more beautiful smiles here in Escondido and surrounding communities!

Staff Spotlight: Chris at Lifetime Smiles

Our staff spotlight focuses this week on Chris Young, an excellent dental hygienist with Lifetime Smiles. Chris has four daughters (and husbands) and six grandchildren. She is very active in her church and loves hiking and dancing.

Get to meet Chris a little more on our website!

February marks National Dental Health Month!

Did you know February is National Dental Health Month? It's a great time of the year to renew those resolutions about continuing to practice great dental hygiene at home and by visiting Lifetime Smiles. Today, we thought we'd discuss the importance of preventative oral care. While most people are familiar with traditional heart-saving practices such as eating healthy and exercising regularly, lesser-known are the benefits that great oral hygiene provides to one’s cardiovascular health.

Here are a few tips to help you continue those New Year's resolutions:

*Remember that poor oral hygiene is linked to serious common diseases such as cardiovascular disease, bacterial pneumonia and osteoporosis.

*Brush and floss every day to remove the plaque that can lead to cavities. Flossing daily removes food debris that your toothbrush cannot reach after meals.

*Replace your toothbrush on a regular basis. You should replace your toothbrush every three to four months or after a cold or illness to prevent re-infection. Remember to use a soft toothbrush so you won’t wear off the enamel of your teeth.

*Visit our Escondido office regularly. The American Dental Association recommends you visit Drs. McDonald and Prais every six months for regular checkups and cleanings. Fluoride treatments twice a year will help prevent tooth decay.

Each February (and all year long), our team at Lifetime Smiles focus on the preventive oral care of our patients. Have you visited our office the past six months? If not, it’s time to give us a call and schedule an appointment!

February featured patient review for Lifetime Smiles!

Check out what a few of our patients are saying about our staff at Lifetime Smiles lately! Thanks for writing in, everyone!

"The quality of service was excellent. Every one was so nice and helpful. They all made sure I was treated to the highest quality from beginning to end. The staff were amazing, and the equipment was all new-age, digital and comfortable."
Stacy, F.

"As a PTSD patient, I admit that I have never left this office without a smile or giving a hug. Try them, you'll like the treatment and personal care."
Celeste, F.

"Everyone is so friendly but yet always professional. It is easy to visit this dentist office." Mauree. B.

"Because I am like most people, and going to the Dentist is not my favorite activity; however, the staff at Dr. McDonald's always make me feel so welcome that I look forward to seeing them all. They are all great, and that is why I am a 20 + years patient of theirs, and highly recommend them." Kathy B.

"It's ALWAYS a very pleasant experience - actually heard a new patient commenting on his visit was so nice - he'll actually start getting his cleanings done on a regular basis! They are an amazing team of dentists!" Monica B.

By the way, Facebook is a great place to tell us how we're doing, but we also encourage you to head to our Google Places page and leave a short review there. Your generous reviews help Drs. McDonald and Prais build more beautiful smiles!

Staff Spotlight: Stacey at Lifetime Smiles

We want to focus this month on one of our superb dental hygienists, Stacey Boyer. Stacey lives in Valley Center with her husband, Dennis, and son, Troy. They celebrated the wedding of daughter, Kelly, last summer. When Stacey is not cleaning your teeth, you can often find her riding her horse, Rocky.

Stacey's career with Lifetime Smiles has spanned over 20-years and we're thrilled to have her!