Curtis L. Chan, DDS

How Sensitive Teeth Can be Disruptive in Life

We all enjoy a small treat every now and again. Ice cream, a nice hot coffee, a delicious cupcake; these are all small pleasures many of us like to partake in when we feel we deserve something nice. For many, though, these small pleasures turn into pain and discomfort because their teeth are just too sensitive to handle the foods they are eating.

Sensitive teeth can be affected by many things, though most people say that they are most affected by foods that are too hot, cold, or sugary. When people suffer from sensitive teeth, it can make their lives much more difficult to live, since they will often actively avoid the things that cause their teeth to throb in pain. This can mean skipping out on a treat they used to love, not participating in full at social activities with friends, and can even affect their diets depending on how severe the situation is.

Sensitive teeth for many are very uncomfortable and difficult to deal with, but luckily, this issue can be addressed by you and your dentist so that your teeth can be treated to be less sensitive and give you back your freedom of eating what you like.

What Causes Teeth to be Sensitive?

Sensitive teeth can be caused by a number of things, and by identifying the reason your teeth are sensitive, you can help fix or improve your sensitivity issue. Teeth can become sensitive due to issues like:

Weakened enamel: Enamel can become weakened for a number of reasons. Age, eating and drinking acidic foods, brushing your teeth with too hard a toothbrush, or brushing your teeth too hard yourself can rub your enamel away. When your enamel is thinner, it makes your teeth more prone to temperature and sugar, which makes them hurt more than those who have thicker enamel.

Gum recession: When your gums recede, the roots of your teeth begin to show. These roots are not used to being exposed to the various foods and drink we have, so they can become more sensitive than what we are used to. Not only that, but the more exposed your roots are, the closer our foods are the nerve that runs into our teeth, which adds to the sensitivity and can negatively affect tooth health.

Grinding teeth: Although it sounds odd, grinding your teeth can actually cause your teeth to become more sensitive as time goes on. Grinding your teeth can cause a serious of issues for you over time due to its destructive nature, so it’s no wonder that it will also contribute to teeth becoming more sensitive over time.

Talk with your dentist to see what might be causing your sensitive teeth. Depending on what it is, you may be able to get help to alleviate this issue and get back to your normal life.

California Dentist Here to Help Your Teeth

Whether you have sensitive teeth, gum disease, cavities, or just need a cleaning, we can help you. At the Del Mar, California dental office of Curtis L. Chan, D.D.S., we can assist with your dental needs while providing you the tools to ensure that your teeth remain healthy and happy for the rest of your life. Call our San Diego, California office today to set up an appointment to see how we can help you at (858) 481-9090.

Health Benefits of Clean Teeth

Clean teeth are an important part of our lives. Clean teeth allow us to keep our teeth longer, which makes our lives healthier and happier. Clean teeth also work to boost our confidence since white, healthy teeth help us have beautiful smiles. Clean teeth and good oral health have also been proven to better our overall health as well, and recently, this claim has only become more accurate than ever.

Recently, a study was performed that found an amazing correlation between our oral health and our mental health, which can help with mental diseases that plague many people today. This study is important not only for people living today, but for future generations as well, and it helps to highlight the importance of keeping your mouth healthy and clean.

Establishing good brushing habits can be difficult, and so if you are someone who wishes to improve their oral health and learn how to best keep their mouth healthy, it’s important to visit a dentist often to ensure that you can learn these habits and keep your mouth healthy in top shape.

How Clean Teeth Can Fight Alzheimer’s

As stated before, a study was recently performed that has found a correlation between bacteria in our mouths and Alzheimer’s. This study, which was performed by a team of researchers in Norway, found that the bacteria associated with gum diseases such as gingivitis has the ability to move from our mouths to our brains. Once the bacteria have reached our brains, they produce a protein that destroys nerve cells in the brain which causes memory loss and, eventually, Alzheimer’s.

If you are interested in reading the published research article, you can find it here.

Now, it is important to note that this study says that these bacteria do not cause Alzheimer’s, but rather they increase the risk of a patient developing Alzheimer’s within their lifetime. These bacteria can also cause Alzheimer’s to progress more rapidly, which is important to note as well. Researchers have already been able to take this information and develop a new medicine which might be used to block the effects of the bacteria on the brain, which they hope to begin tests for soon. This discovery is, of course, wonderful news for those who are suffering from or have loved ones suffering from this disease, and it greatly highlights the importance of overall health in our body.

Researchers did say that, with this new discovery, it’s important to “brush your teeth and use floss” to help slow Alzheimer’s, and that it’s important for anyone who has a link with Alzheimer’s and gingivitis to get cleanings regularly at a dentist to help with this issue. Hopefully, this study can help us learn more about the terrible disease that is Alzheimer’s and encourage people to brush and floss regularly to help their overall health.

California Dentist Ready to Help You and Your Oral Health

More than ever, taking care of our teeth and oral health is incredibly important. When we are able to care for our oral health, we can care for our bodies as a whole. To help you do this, getting your teeth regularly checked and worked on is important, so be sure to visit a dentist who cares about you. At the Del Mar, California dental offices of Curtis L. Chan, D.D.S., we can provide you the dental care you need while also helping you establish the good dental practices you’ll need to keep your oral health up. Call our San Diego, California office today to schedule your appointment at (858) 481-9090.

Our Teeth and Their Health

Our teeth, like any part of our body, are a living piece of us, and as such, they must be cared for properly. We have to clean them, have them checked every now and again to ensure that they are doing well, and we have to make sure that we treat any teeth that aren’t healthy to ensure that all our teeth remain healthy and well. Teeth, for the most part, don’t require too much to be healthy, but once they are unhealthy, they will require extra care and attention to get them healthy again.

When our teeth suffer from an infection or other trauma, they can end up dying, which is something that will need to be addressed quickly by a dentist. Dead teeth can cause a number of negative things to occur to a patient, such as pain and discomfort, so seeing a dentist for this issue is important. Tooth health and overall mouth health can be negatively impacted by dead teeth, so if you think your tooth might be dead, you should seek help as quickly as you can.

Dead teeth are an unfortunate part of life, so if you think you may be suffering from a dead tooth, call your dentist to see if you can be seen quickly to ensure your mouth will be taken care of.

What Causes a Tooth to Die?

When you have a tooth that has died, it simply means that the tooth has lost blood flow, and the tissue in and around the tooth is now unable to live. Dying teeth can happen for two reasons:

Decaying teeth: Tooth decay happens when we allow issues like cavities or gum disease to run rampant without being treated. When we don’t fix our tooth ailments, it can cause the tooth to become more and more infected, which will end with the tooth eventually becoming “sick.” This can cause the blood flow to that tooth to slow or stop, effectively killing the tooth.

Tooth trauma: When our teeth experience outside trauma, our teeth can easily become harmed. Falling and hitting your mouth on something, biting down on something too hard, or being hit in the mouth are all ways our teeth can become injured, which can cause our teeth to lose their blood supply. This, of course, will cause the tooth to die.

Remember: having a tooth die is not the end of the world. Seeing a dentist will get you back to having a healthy mouth, and there are many options today to help you cosmetically after you have a tooth pulled.

California Dentist Ready to Assist You

If you are in need of a dentist to help you with your oral needs, contact a dentist who is happy to help you. At the Del Mar, California office of Curtis L. Chan, D.D.S., we are excited to meet you and help you with your dental needs. From cleanings to braces to oral health management, we know that we can help you keep your mouth healthy and help you establish the good habits you need to keep your teeth as long as possible. Call our San Diego, California office today to set up your first appointment with us at (858) 481-9090.

How Does a Tooth Extraction Come About?

The visits we make to our dentist are incredibly important. We should prioritize these visits and ensure we see our dentist as often as needed. Our dentist offers us a variety of services, all of which work to elevate our dental health, teach us how to keep our mouths healthy, and help us keep our teeth around for as long as possible. Without our dentists, we could end up with serious oral health needs that would cause pain, discomfort, and could lead to serious issues as time goes on. Seeing our dentist is truly important, and it’s something we need to do to make sure our teeth and gums have no issues and are as healthy as possible.

If we don’t see our dentist and don’t take care of our teeth properly, we can end up experiencing issues that are not only serious but are damaging as well. Infected teeth can be one of these issues that arise. When a tooth is too badly infected or damaged, a tooth extraction must be performed to help keep your oral health in top shape. Without this procedure, oral health can suffer and you may end up with health issues that can be quite damaging. For an extraction, you will need to speak with your dentist and see if that is the best option for you, and then you will need to make an appointment to have your tooth pulled.

How is Tooth Extraction Performed?

Tooth extraction is a fairly simple procedure. First, your dentist and yourself will need to have a consultation where you discuss your options in regards to pulling your tooth. Sometimes, the tooth is too far gone to simply pull, and so you may need a more complicated procedure to get the tooth taken out. For many, though, the extraction is the way to go. Next, your dentist will set up your appointment to come in for your procedure if it can’t be done the same day as the consultation.

When your tooth is pulled, your dentist will numb the area so that you are not in pain. Your dentist will then need to “wiggle” the tooth so that it will come out easily. You should not be in pain during this process, but you will probably feel a lot of pressure, which can be uncomfortable if you are not expecting it. If this wiggling process does not loosen the tooth, your dentist will need to break down the tooth piece-by-piece to remove it. This process is not too complicated, which is why it can be a secondary option during your initial procedure.

After your tooth is removed, you will need to follow care instructions from your dentist to make sure your wound heals properly, but other than that, you should be just fine. If you feel the healing process is not advancing as it should, contact your dentist, as they will want to know so they can help you heal properly.

California Dentist Ready to Help You

No matter how your good dental health is, you will need to see your dentist regularly to ensure your oral health is always the best it can be. At the Del Mar, California dental offices of Curtis L. Chan, D.D.S., we can provide you with the dental services you need so that you can live a long life with a healthy and thriving mouth. Call our San Diego, California office today to schedule your first appointment, at (858) 481-9090.

Why Children Should Brush Their Teeth

One of the most consistent things a parent will tell their children at bedtime is to remember to brush their teeth. This, of course, will go ignored by many children, but it’s something that parents should enforce and ensure that their children to do. Oral health is something that is not widely promoted amongst families, and this lack of attention to the mouth can lead to serious issues for both a child and their family.

When a child does not regularly floss and brush their teeth, they can end up with cavities, gum disease, tooth decay, and issues that will require teeth to be pulled. When these dental fixes must be performed, it can cause children to experience unpleasant consequences, such as being scared of the dentist, suffering worse oral health in the future, and suffering pain until their oral health can be fixed. These are issues no child should suffer, especially since it’s easy to keep their mouths healthy and happy.

That being said, many parents have a hard time inspiring their children to brush their teeth, so the question remains: how can I encourage my child to brush and floss? Luckily, the answers to this question are fairly simple, and they can help your child immensely in their lives so that they not only have healthy mouths but good visits to their dentist as well.

Ways to Encourage Children to Brush Their Teeth

While it may seem near impossible to get your kids to brush their teeth, there are a few simple tricks you can take to help your kids keep up on their oral health. These tricks include:

Family brushing time: To help encourage your children to brush and floss, show them how important it is by making everyone do it together. It only takes a few minutes of your day, and it’s a perfect way to end your day together as a family. Children often wish to copy their parents, so if they see you brushing and flossing, they will often wish to brush and floss as well.

Having a reward system: Sometimes, kids need an extra incentive, so by having a reward system in place, you can help encourage their habits. You can choose how the system will work, as long as the children feel that they are getting a fair reward for their hard efforts!

Purchasing fun toothbrushes: Nowadays, there are several fun toothbrush options that children can choose to encourage them to brush. Toothbrushes with their favorite characters, toothbrushes that are fun shapes, and toothbrushes that play music as you brush are all great options that many children enjoy having. As they get older, these options aren’t available, but hopefully, if they build these habits early on, they will want to brush simply because it’s simply good for them.

Brushing and flossing are important at all ages, so be sure to talk with your kids and figure out the best way to encourage their habits to ensure that they will have healthy mouths as they age.

California Dentist Ready to Serve You

In the fight for healthy mouths, be sure to have a great dentist who can help you ensure your cleanings are performed on time and your gums and teeth are in top shape. At the Del Mar, California dental offices of Curtis L. Chan, D.D.S., we will work hard to ensure that your teeth are taken care of and that you have the best oral health you can have, no matter what age you are. Call our San Diego, California offices today to see what we can do for you at (858) 481-9090.

Why Do Our Teeth Yellow?

Our teeth are a part of our body that takes an immense amount of wear-and-tear damage. Our teeth are used to help us eat, to help us perform tasks such as opening packaging or tearing items, and they can be used to help defend us, should it be needed. We use our teeth every day, which causes them to be consistently worn down, which will lead to issues like yellow teeth.

Our teeth are made up of layers, with the top layer being made up of enamel. As we age or eat foods that wear our teeth down quickly, our enamel is stripped away, revealing more and more dentin underneath. Dentin is naturally more yellow compared to our enamel, which is one of the reasons our teeth yellow more as we age. Another reason we have teeth that turn yellow are surface stains that occur due to the foods and drinks we consume. These processes are natural, but they still can be frustrating when all we want is a white smile.

While we cannot stop our teeth from aging, we can help to slow their aging and staining by taking certain steps that help to keep our teeth whiter naturally. Additionally, where these methods fall short, we can always visit our dentist to have full cleanings performed and help keep our teeth stain-free and healthy!

How to Keep Your Teeth as White as Possible

While we eat and drink things that cause our teeth to yellow, there are steps we can take to ensure our teeth can still stay as white as possible. Dentists recommend that to keep our teeth white and healthy, we should:

Swish water after eating and drinking: After consuming acidic foods or staining drinks such as fruits or coffee, our teeth are at risk of staining or yellowing. To reduce this risk, simply swish some water in your mouth once you are done with your meal. This will help remove any leftover acids and particles, which will help keep your teeth healthy and white.

Ensure you don’t have dry mouth after eating: Saliva is a wonderful fighter of acids and particles in our mouths. After you eat, help yourself by making sure your mouth is full of saliva so that you can naturally fight off the things that yellow your teeth over time.

Brush your teeth after meals: One of the best ways to ensure your teeth stay white is to brush them regularly. While it is not always possible to brush your teeth after every meal, try to brush them at least twice a day, which will help to ensure that they stay as healthy and white as they can.

California Dentist Here to Help You

While you strive to keep your teeth white and healthy, be sure to talk with a dentist who wants the same things for you. At the Del Mar, California dental office of Curtis L. Chan, D.D.S., we can help you achieve your goals of having a healthy and white smile by providing you the cleanings and check-ups you need to ensure your teeth are at their healthiest. Call our San Diego, California office today to see how we might be able to help and care for you at (858) 481-9090.

America’s Favorite Sugary Drink

At parties and celebrations, in refrigerators and pantries, in cans and bottles, Americans love to have their fizzy sodas on hand. In today’s world, soda is available everywhere, from fast food places to upscale restaurants and in nearly every grocery store and gas station. This drink in general has an interesting history, with some brands having dangerous drugs as an ingredient in their original recipes and others being used as medicine, which makes them all the more enjoyable to drink. For some, this drink is only for certain occasions, while for others, soda is consumed as if it were water, which is where a big problem begins.

Soda is notorious for being terrible for your health in multiple ways. The sugar in soda is known to contribute to weight gain and higher blood sugar levels. The acids in sodas are known to attribute to issues that cause acidic environments in your body, which can cause significant harm down the road. Most notoriously, soda contributes to tooth decay, which is something that is hard to stop or reverse once it starts. To drink soda on occasion is not a terrible thing, but when you drink soda every day multiple times a day, your tooth decay rate becomes more concerning, and it’s something that can end up affecting you for the rest of your life if you’re not careful.

Tooth decay is a serious issue. If you are suffering from tooth decay due to drinks like soda, go see your dentist to see what they may be able to do for you and your tooth health.

How Soda Works to Destroy Your Teeth

Soda, as stated before, is a substance that can seriously damage your teeth if it is consumed regularly. Soda affects teeth in two specific ways: it erodes teeth, and it contributes to higher numbers of cavities. Tooth enamel is eroded due to the acids in soda, which can cause your teeth to become “soft” and not be able to fight against cavities and other issues as well. Soda also affects the dentin layer of teeth, which can make it easier for cavities to occur and damage your teeth to the point of needed dental assistance. When you drink soda consistently, these issues increase in frequency, which means you can expect to have lots of trips to the dentist over your lifetime.

To cut down on the damage your teeth experience due to soda consumptions, consider cutting back on your soda intake, use a straw to keep the soda away from your teeth, wash your mouth out right after drinking a soda, and avoid soda before bed. These small steps can help your teeth stay healthy over time and allow for your dental health to be as good as possible.

Del Mar, California Dentist to Repair Your Teeth

When your teeth need the time and attention of a dentist, be sure to visit a dentist who will take the time to know you personally. At the Del Mar, California dental offices of Curtis L. Chan, D.D.S., we can provide you the necessary dental services you require to have a healthy mouth and a great smile. Call our San Diego, California office today to set up an appointment with us at (858)  481-9090.

What is TMJ?

All of us know just how terrible it is to discover pain or discomfort in our mouth or jaw region. Pains in these areas are notorious for being extremely irritating, for feeling worse than injuries to other places on our bodies, and for causing significant inconveniences to our days. For many cases, these pains either heal on their own or are easily remedied with some quick dental work and prescriptions. Still, some cases are more complicated, and they can cause serious issues for those suffering from them.

TMJ, or temporomandibular joint dysfunction, is a condition affecting the jaw, and these cases can be very frustrating for those suffering from the dysfunction. TMJ causes sufferers to experience issues like popping sounds when they open or close their mouths, pain or swelling in their jaw muscles, having issues where their jaw locks, and having pain in areas around their face and head. This condition is one that can be very serious, depending on the case, and it can greatly affect the life of the sufferer by making it hard for them to function daily. Luckily, there are treatments for this condition, many of which can be dealt with at your dental office with your dentist by your side.

How Do You Treat TMJ?

TMJ is a condition that will need to be diagnosed and treated by a medical professional. Often, your dentist can assist you with these treatments. First, TMJ must be diagnosed. Your dentist will ask you questions about your pain, will watch and listen to you open and close your jaw, will do a physical examination, and may even take X-rays of your jaw. Once your dentist is sure you have TMJ and not another issue, they can begin your treatment.

Dentists can start with prescribing medication to you to help ease your pain and inflammation. This is not a fix-all cure, but it can help ease the discomfort some suffers experience. Dentists may then recommend their patients invest in mouth guards of physical therapy to help with long-term effects. Both of these options can help a sufferer deal with their condition for the rest of their lives and allow them the chance to have a normal life once more. The third option for those who have serious cases is surgery or other “invasive” treatments. These surgeries and other treatments often look to help the joints in the jaw be less strained or damaged, which can help with TMJ symptoms.

Talk with your dentist to see what option may be best for you, as not every option is the best for each patient.

Del Mar, California Dentist Ready to Help You

If you are suffering from issues like TMJ or any other issues involving your dental health, call the Del Mar dental office of Curtis L. Chan, D.D.S. The team at Curtis Chan’s office can help you with all of your dental needs and questions, from simple cleanings to help you with issues like tooth or jaw pain. Call our San Diego office today to see what services we might be able to provide you at (858) 481-9090.

Traditional vs. Clear Braces

Braces have long been a choice for many people who wish to straighten their teeth and improve their dental health. This choice should be fairly simple to make, but today, consumers have many options when it comes to braces and the kinds they can have. Traditionally, braces consist of brackets and wires that work together to pull and push teeth into place to be straight. Recently, braces have expanded to include clear braces that act almost as retainers, slowly moving your teeth over time and allowing for some privacy about your teeth straightening.

The choice between traditional and clear braces has become more of an agonizing choice for some, and it’s one that many people aren’t sure about right off. While both options will end with straight teeth, one option may be better for some than others, and it’s a decision that should be discussed with your dentist or orthodontist in full before any action is taken.

The Downsides to Traditional Braces

Traditional braces, while still widely used, have many downsides that make the experience of having braces quite uncomfortable. These negative aspects can make those who are about to get braces nervous, and they can cause someone to consider not getting braces at all. Some of these aspects include:

Broken brackets: Broken brackets are an annoying aspect of traditional braces. A broken bracket means that you will need to go back to your dentist/orthodontist to have the bracket fixed, which means you will need to miss work or school to deal with the issue. Brackets can break for a multitude of reasons as well, which can mean those with brackets will end up being more cautious than perhaps necessary to make sure they don’t break them and cause a disruption in their life.

Painful tightening: Braces, in any form, will cause some uncomfortable pressure to occur. Traditional braces, however, may be more painful due to the way they are tightened to help straighten teeth. Many times, braces are tightened in such a way to help teeth straighten as much as possible between visits, which can mean that the day of and the days after the appointment where the braces are tightened you will feel some significant pain, which can end up being debilitating to some.

Some foods must be avoided: When you wear traditional braces, you may need to avoid eating certain foods to ensure that your braces won’t be affected. Whole apples, chewy and sticky foods, or hard candies and foods may need to be avoided to ensure that your braces are safe from being broken, which can be difficult for some people to follow, depending on the situation.

Traditional braces do have many advantages, but with the options that people have today, they are beginning to fall in popularity in favor of choices that are not as invasive, complicated, and obvious as traditional braces are. Consult your dentist or orthodontist before you make a final decision to see what the best option may be for you.

California Dentist for Your Braces Needs

When you need braces and are unsure of what to do, talk with the professionals at the Del Mar offices of Curtis L. Chan, D.D.S. Our staff knows how to treat their patients and how to answer the questions you may have in regards to the clear braces our office offers. Call our San Diego office today to discuss your needs today at (858) 481-9090.

When Mouthwash Was Invented

For most people, dental care has consisted of three things: brushing your teeth, flossing your teeth, and using mouthwash to clean your entire mouth. This process is seen in things like tv, movies, and commercials. It’s recommended in articles and magazine ads. It’s even told to us in the toothpaste aisle at the store: don’t forget your mouthwash. This small step is a huge addition to your oral health care, and it’s one that not enough people use in their daily oral care.

Mouthwash was first invented in the late 1800s, though it was a little different compared to what we use today. As the years went on, mouthwash began to change its formula, adding new ingredients and replacing old, ineffective ingredients with better ones. Today, mouthwash offers us the ability to clean our entire mouth, which gives us the chance to further cut down on issues like gum disease and cavities. All it requires is an extra 30 seconds in our brushing routine, and the benefits it offers us is more than enough reason to use it.

Still, some people do not use mouthwash regularly, which means they’re missing out on all of the benefits that this simple liquid offers, and it means that their oral health may not be at its best. When your oral health is poor, it means that you’ll have more trips to the dentist, which both you and your dentist don’t want. It’s easier and better for you to simply add this step into your routine and reap the benefits it offers you.

Benefits of Mouthwash

Mouthwash has a long list of benefits, all working to make your oral health better. Some of the benefits mouthwash can give you includes:

Killing more bacteria in your mouth: When you brush and floss, you’re taking bacteria out of your mouth, helping to keep cavities and infections down. Still, bacteria live in your entire mouth, so when you only brush and floss, you still have a lot of bacteria left behind to create problems for your teeth and gums. By using mouthwash, you kill this excess bacterium, making your mouth a more clean and healthy area for your teeth and gums to thrive.

Strengthening your teeth: There are many types of mouthwash today that do many things. Some work to specifically target bacteria and diseases in your mouth. Others work to make your mouth less smelly over time. Others, though, work to improve your tooth strength and health. These mouthwashes are important for those whose teeth are losing enamel, who have sensitive teeth or have “soft” teeth. This mouthwash gives a person the ability to better their tooth health and possibly keep their teeth for longer compared to if they did not use this product.

Helping your gums: Our gums are a vital part of keeping our teeth healthy, so when our gums aren’t healthy, our teeth won’t be either. Mouthwash, as already stated, will help us kill bacteria and fight disease in our mouth. This alone can help improve our gum health, especially in those who do not brush their gums as well as they need to.

Mouthwash is a simple but important step in your oral health routine, and it’s best to start using it today if you don’t already do so.

California Dentist Ready to Assist You

Even when using mouthwash along with brushing and flossing, you will still need to see a dentist and make sure your oral health needs are being met. At the Del Mar, CA dental office of Curtis L. Chan, D.D.S., we can help make sure your smile is healthy and happy and help you live a life that has the best oral health possible. Call our San Diego, CA office today to see what we can do for you at (858) 481-                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        9090.