Guatemala Dental Relief Mission 2017

We have just returned from our long awaited week-long dental mission to Peronia, Guatemala. (Click here to get more information on the area where we worked)

We were fortunate to stay in the beautiful historic town of Antigua and on our free day we enjoyed its adventures and beauty. The rest of the week we awoke at 7 am and took a one- hour bus ride to an area outside Guatemala City. As we entered the Peronia City limits, we were escorted by police to the clinic because of high levels of gang violence . With one of the most corrupt police forces in the world this was not necessarily reassuring. As we proceeded though the town of Peronia with our police escort, we attracted more attention than we wanted.

It is a community like many other Guatemalan communities ravaged by corruption, gangs, and poverty. As we drove though the city, littered with garbage I found myself checking the doors several times to make sure that they were locked while making nervous jokes about where I wanted to have lunch that day. Many stores had an armed security guard, not so much to prevent theft, but to prevent extortion from local gangs. The other tiendas that did not have guards had most likely given up and pay for “protection”. Most shops used jail- like bars through which they would pass processed foods and beverages in plastic containers. Most of these containers would later be discarded on the streets. The town was slightly eerie and unlike anyplace I have ever been.

We arrived at the dental clinic, filled with 30-50 people each day, awaiting dental care that they could not otherwise afford. Children, adults and the elderly made the journey from near and far. The life that these people live is amongst the most impoverished in the world. But here the effect of the added dynamic of fear from local brutal gangs like MS 13 and Mara 18 could be seen on the people’s faces.

Everyday we started in the clinic at 9 am and were sure to be finished by 3 so that there was no risk of being in the community after dark. Our team of 7 worked out of 6 dental chairs doing cleanings, extractions, and fillings. For many of the patients it was their first dental visit. Others were regulars at the dental clinic due to their common diet of processed foods and acidic/sugary beverages. This diet also contributes to a spike in diabetes and obesity among children and adults. These factors combined with a lack of education about health, and lack of medical care was the most concerning aspect of Guatemala for me. This is the unfortunate effect of corruption in the public and private sectors in Guatemala leaving the poor with no options and no way out.

 

On our 3rd day in the clinic a 16 year-old girl entered with teeth that were black from decay, nearly needing extractions. With the help of a translator we asked if she knew why her teeth looked like they did. She said that she had no parents, grew up on the streets, and was never able to afford a toothbrush. She was there to get her teeth repaired but it was evident by her reaction to her new beautiful smile that her worries were more complex than just her teeth. Her concerns were whether she would have a safe place to sleep and food to eat. As we searched for smiles, tears of joy and thank yous, we were more often than not met with this rather unemotional reaction. The staff and I would discuss this at length on the long bus rides back to our tourist hotel in our Mercedes bus feeling fulfilled and saddened at the same time. By the end of the week we realized that this is not about us. This is about the people and we can only hope that we provided the dental care they needed to provide comfort to enjoy food and help alleviate any pain they may have been experiencing.

It is our mission statement at the dental office that “we exist to improve quality of life”. We took this to Guatemala and big or small we helped improve quality of life for 110 Guatemalans. I am so fortunate to have such a wonderful group of women that sacrificed, worked so hard, and helped so many people. We are also so fortunate to all the donors that helped make this possible. It was truly a life changing experience for all of us. Thank you to all our supporters, including Bill Spath, Paul Kristajia, Tim Smith, Chad McWhinney

Use It or Lose It: Dental Insurance Benefits

Guess what? Fall is upon us whether you’re ready for it or not.. That means so is a new year! Believe it, 2019 is right around the corner and, I’m sure, when you’re thinking of end of the year plans, the dentist doesn’t come to mind.. With that said, knowing these knowing the 5 money-saving facts might just change your schedule before January first..

Before we get started, here is a brief overview of how benefits work..

Benefits don’t always roll over and most plans renew in January. Every year, countless people lose hundreds of unused benefits they have already paid for. The typical dental plan runs on the traditional calendar year, meaning from January – January. However depending when you sign up, some opt to do the fiscal route. Check with your provider of when your plan begins and ends, it could save you hundreds and here’s how!

1) Yearly Maximum

A yearly maximum is the amount of money a dental insurance plan is willing to cover within one full insurance year. Your plan and company will dictate the amount and sometimes they do varies, but the average generally is around $1,000 a person / a year. So check with your provider to see when your maximum renews itself. If not used, benefits will go to waste when the new insurance year starts!

2) Plan Deductible

A deductible is the amount of money required “out of pocket” to your dentist before your insurance benefits kick in. Deductible fees will depend on plan, coverage, or if you see an “out of network” dentist. However, the average plan deductible for insurance is around $50 per year. The deductible will renew itself when the insurance year is over just like the maximum.

3) Premiums

Regardless if dental treatments are needed, you should always have a 6 month check up! This check up is to prevent and detect early signs of disease, cancer, cavities, or any other potential problems. In addition, most people are already paying premiums each month.. So you might as well use the benefits receive!

4) Fees Increases

Generally insurance plans never stay the same for the next year which is another reason to use your benefits. At the beginning of the year some insurance companies and dentists raise rates at the beginning of the year due to additional overhead or other mitigating factors. These fees aren’t always included to monthly payments either, copay costs are also susceptible to increase. Schedule your appointment while your costs are fixed.

5) Oral Health Issues

6 month check ups are vital to maintaining your oral and overall health for years to come. These checkups save patients money because they stop problems very early before the can worsen into a major problem!

With that in mind, don’t be foolish- use what you pay for! Before it’s too late, schedule your appointment to keep you and your wallet smiling.

Quinesha’s New Smile

If you’re reading this post I would bet that you most likely have never asked yourself these questions:

  • What would life be like without a smile?
  • How long would I survive with severe oral pain that limits my nutritional intake?
  • What would I do if my dental team abandoned me with braces for a decade?

These are real questions, and similar ones are asked by millions of individuals around the world – and we had the pleasure of helping an amazing individual named Quinesha overcome similar circumstances thanks to our partnership with SmileOnU.

SmileOnU is a non-profit organization with a mission to help the world to SMILE. The organization provides dental care locally in the Newport Beach area as well as around the world through their dental relief missions.

Quinisha came to see us at our Newport Beach dental office as a hardship case from Orangewood Children Home. Her story is an amazing accomplishment of overcoming circumstance.

In short she was in braces for 10 years after being abandoned by her orthodontist. She came to our office with broken and decayed teeth in braces that had not been adjusted for nearly a decade. With the assistance of Digiovanni Orthodontics we removed her braces, place several dental implants, removed hyperplastic tissue with gum surgery and restored nearly every tooth in her mouth.

Quinisha has since used her smile as motivation to take better care of herself and has lost over 60lbs. This case brought great joy to our entire staff which is why we have decided to partner with SmileOnU again in early 2016.

We will be heading on a Dental Relief Mission to Nicaragua to provide much needed dental care to over 400 patients. Please click the graphic below to learn more about this amazing mission that will help change the lives of so many.

Be sure to embrace your smile today – not everyone is so fortunate.

DIY Dental Care

At home, between check-ups!

There is no substitute for seeing your dentist for regular checkups at least twice a year. The dental care they provide, in state-of-the-art facilities, with high tech equipment, is not something you can replicate at home.

There are, however, many things you can do at home (DIY) between visits.

dental DIY recipes for good teeth health

DIY Quick Tips at a Glance

#1 Green Drinks!

They’re everywhere these days. Most juice bars (think Jamba Juice) have them. Your local grocery store should have a version or two (we know Trader Joe’s does!) and you can make them at home. Green drinks and juices can be easily found AND they don’t have to taste bad. With added fruits such as pineapple and apple, green drinks offer a little sweetness with a powerful pack of nutrients.

green smoothy

Reason:

According to one of our favorite sources, Dr. Ax, a doctor of natural medicine and clinical nutritionist, the enzymes in green drinks provides protection from tooth decay and plaque formation.

DIY Tip:

Pick one up at your favorite juice bar location or make one at home & drink away!

A Quick Recipe

In a juicer blend the following: 

  • 2 Apples
  • 3 Kale spears

Transfer to a blender & blend in:

  • 1 Banana
  • ½ Mango
  • 1 Ripe Peach

Add coconut milk or fresh juice for volume and YUM!

Don’t have a juicer?

That’s okay, you can pick up this same combo at your local juice shop. Just ask!

healthy food for healthy teeth

#2 Healthy Food!

From Superfoods to raw, wholesome fruits & vegetables; healthy food is our biggest DIY oral health asset. They are readily available and, when consumed daily, work in our best defense for a healthy mouth. So which foods rank as the top choices for a healthy diet?

  1. Wild-caught fish such as salmon and mackerel
  2. Raw foods such as carrots and apples
  3. Foods with a high level of fat soluble vitamins like coconut and bone broth.

Reason:

These healthy foods help fight gum disease in various ways.

Wild-caught fish contains beneficial Omega-3’s that reduce inflammation, while fresh, raw vegetables help clean teeth while we eat them. Additionally, the really great benefits of fat-soluble vitamins from foods like coconut and bone broth help to fight gingivitis. How cool is that?

Foods can aid with good oral hygiene and help us out! Do It Yourself!

DIY Tip:

Go to the farmer’s market, fill your bags with fresh produce & eat more healthy food!

DIY Healthy Foods [Sample] Grocery List:

  • Wild Salmon
  • Celery
  • Apples
  • Coconut
  • Grass-Fed Beef
  • Carrots
  • Raw Milk
  • Almonds
  • Strawberries
  • Sardines
  • Bone Broth
  • Broccoli

Add in healthy foods like almonds, raw milk and Kale for a well-rounded variety!
Note: This grocery list is intended as a sample to get you started as a helpful part of your DIY Dental Care.

teeth whitening in newport beach

#3 Dentist Offered At-Home Whitening Kits

While there definitely are ways to whiten your teeth with peroxide based products, many processes are unclear, potentially unsafe and often don’t provide long-lasting results. It may seem convenient, quick and easy to take it upon yourself to follow an at home recipe; in fact, it could work! However, the safest way to ensure the best results at home are with kits that your dentist dispenses.

Reason:

As we mentioned above, results with products and recipes that you find through alternative resources may or may not provide good results. On the other hand, with at-home whitening kits directly from your dentist, you can be confident that you are getting a product that your dentist believes in, one that will give you the results you are looking for.

DIY Tip:

Check in with your dentist and purchase a kit directly from a professional.

Teeth Whitening Trays in Newport Beach California

DIY Teeth Whitening Considerations:

While at home kits can give you immediate results in the comfort of your own home, there are other factors to consider with keeping your teeth white.

  • Stay Hydrated!

If you are drinking more water it is less likely that you will choose other types of drinks that can stain your teeth. Also, water helps keep bacteria from building up on your teeth.

  • Ensure Best Results.

Your dentist will be able to provide you with detailed instructions and a customized whitening tray. Be sure to follow directions completely.

  • Know the Alternatives!

DIY kits from your dentist are a great way to take care of your teeth-whitening needs at home, it’s true. However, if you are not comfortable doing it yourself, please trust your dentist to take care of your whitening needs in-office. Consider these reasons for allowing us to help with your whitening needs – Click Here

With all of these DIY tips, we encourage you to do what it takes to take care of your teeth in between checkups, with confidence, at home.

You can Do-It-Yourself! As usual, we are always here for you, CALL US for any help you may need.

Other posts you may like:

Your Smile Matters

It’s the first thing that people see when they meet you; when you start your day at work, when you pass folks on the street or say hi at the grocery store. Your smile is what your family sees when you greet each other in the morning and hopefully it’s what YOU see when you are waking up and looking in the mirror. Your smile matters!

You’ll want to keep your smile bright, so you can keep it going. Day after day, year after year. We’d like to help you with that, to keep smiling. We want you to feel confident when you show your pearly whites as an expression of yourself.

So how can we help?

In addition to  regular 6-month checkup with your dentist, we have put together this list to help you keep decay away.  

Home Fluoride Rinse

Use a non-acidic oral rinse. The mouth already has an acidic environment, so choosing a rinse that is non-acidic is more helpful for preventing decay.

Xylitol Gum

Xylitol helps with fighting tooth decay in many ways, here are just two examples:

  1. It increases salivary flow, which aids in repairing damaged tooth enamel.
  2. It reduces plaque formation. There is a ton of information you can research about this helpful way to keep decay away.

xylitol-chewing-gum

Fluoride Varnish

This topical solution is used on the surface; it has been found to help re-mineralize teeth. For the most effectiveness, this should be applied twice a year at your dental visits.

h20 Instead of Sugary Drinks

Water is a healthier choice over sugary drinks for many reasons. When it comes to decay, sugary drinks can be acidic and cause enamel erosion, water does not. Also, water helps to wash away leftover food and help stave off bacteria from forming on teeth.

water_soda

Brush, Brush, Brush!

After every meal is the preferred choice for brushing (followed by flossing, of course!) but at least twice a day. We have provided resources in a previous blog post about choosing the right toothpaste, be sure to re-visit this information if you are unsure.

A Healthy Diet

You will want to make sure that you are eating foods that are rich in the following:

  1. Calcium (yogurt, greens & legumes)
  2. Vitamin D (poultry, fish & eggs)
  3. Minerals (such as phosphorus, magnesium & vitamin A)

Additionally: Choose foods that do not contain, or that are low in sugar. These contribute to tooth decay in a significant way.

Tooth decay is preventable if you take measures against it. While it’s true that you must make your hygiene appointments a priority (don’t skip your hygiene appointments!!!), we are only part of the effort to keep you smiling. Your efforts and daily care are ultimately what will make the difference. Remember, your smile matters!

CLICK HERE TO REQUEST A HYGIENE APPOINTMENT TODAY

Oral Pathogens – What Are They?

Simply put, Oral Pathogens are bacteria in the mouth that often produce disease. While some bacteria are beneficial to your overall mouth health, pathogens are not! The 2 most common types of oral pathogens are:

1. Streptococcus Mutans

You have probably heard of streptococcus before in relation to nasty sore throats. When it comes to your teeth, what you need to know is that Streptococcus mutans feed off the starches and sugars left in your mouth from the food that you eat. These insatiable bacteria produce acids that erode your tooth enamel. Yikes! They are the leading cause of tooth decay for most individuals.

Best Defense: Good Oral Hygiene

2. Porphyromonas Gingivalis

The good news is that this pathogen is not typically found in a healthy mouth. But, when it is present, it is likely from Periodontitis; a disease that disrupts the tissue in the mouth and affects the bone. This should not be taken lightly as it causes pain and eventually, can lead to tooth loss.

Best Defense: Regular Check-Ups

Oral Pathogens – Risk Factors at a Glance: Oral Pathogens are a concern for your mouth and for other parts of your body as well. Gone unchecked, these pathogens and the toxins they produce can move into your bloodstream and affect parts of your anatomy that include; your heart, arteries and central nervous system. If that’s not enough, some studies suggest that 50% of heart attacks are triggered by oral pathogens. Now that you know what oral pathogens are…..what’s the bottom line? Simple, brush regularly, floss daily and get regular check-ups. Your entire body depends on it! Contact our office today to schedule your check-up: (949) 612-2356 Dr. Andrew Spath, DDS – “We Exist to Enhance Quality of Life”

Toothpaste Guide

Everyone knows that regular visits to your dentist, plus daily brushing and flossing is the key to a healthy mouth. The daily task of brushing may seem simple enough, sparked by your choice of toothpaste and your colorful toothbrush; you brush, gargle and rinse your way to a healthy smile. Easy enough, right?

However, what if you aren’t using the right toothpaste for your mouth? Since every person’s mouth comes with it’s own individual needs, you will need to understand the best toothpaste for you.

To help with the right choice, we have put together: The Ultimate Toothpaste Guide

(Once you know the difference, be sure to check with your dentist on the right choice for you!)

Fluoride Toothpaste – A toothpaste that fights cavities, makes your tooth enamel stronger and can re-mineralize areas of decay. Thought to be the most important ingredient to look for when choosing toothpaste.

Whitening Toothpaste – Shows some efficacy with daily use for removing stains. This is a less expensive alternative to whitening treatments through your dentist and can be done more frequently, at home. These toothpastes can be abrasive and are not suitable for children or people with sensitive teeth.

Tartar Control Toothpaste – Helps remove tartar and bacteria build up on teeth between professional cleanings.

Sensitive Teeth Toothpaste – Generally used in cases where there is gum disease present and/or when a person is sensitive to hot or cold foods. Often not as abrasive as other toothpastes and therefore more gentle on the teeth.

Natural or Herbal Toothpaste – Usually made from all natural and environmentally friendly ingredients. Offers a gentle option for individuals that are sensitive to some ingredients in other toothpastes.

Children’s Toothpaste – Usually similar to an adult toothpaste, but with lesser amounts of fluoride. Often comes in flavors that appeal to children.

Smokers Toothpaste –  A toothpaste designed to combat the harsh effects of nicotine and tar stains on teeth from smoking.

There are many combinations of the toothpastes above, some include anti-gingivitis and anti-cavity options as well. These can be helpful if you and your dentist have identified the need for these additional measures.

Note: While flavor is important in helping motivate a person to brush, it should not be the primary reason for your toothpaste preference.
We hope that this Toothpaste Guide has been helpful. Be sure to consult with your dentist, who knows your overall dental profile, he can guide you toward the best choice for your individual needs and a healthy, happy mouth!

If you live in the Newport Beach area and are seeking a new dentist please feel free to contact us here:  Contact Us

Dental Implant vs Crown: How to Choose the Right Solutions.

Today, a lot of dental research, news and progression revolves around implant dentistry. In the past when a tooth went bad, or a tooth and nerve died, a root canal was performed to get rid of any infection and allow the tooth to be restored. Dr Spath explains several reasons a dental implant may be a better solution than a root canal and crown in this short video.

Today there is an alternative to root canals called a dental implant. Generally a root canal will still be performed when the tooth structure has a good, or the patient doesn’t have a high risk for decay. The last thing you want to do is to perform a root canal with a crown on a patient who has a high susceptibility to future decay, forcing a retraction of the tooth down the road.

Implant success rates range between 92-97% depending on which jaw they are performed on and the quality of bone. Though root canals and crowns have a similar success rate, the re-treatment rate drops into the low 80 percentile. At this rate it is important to initially determine the best long term solution for the patient, which may be a dental implant.

Reasons to consider a dental implant:

  • If the patient has a high risk of tooth decay (Root canal and crowns get reinfected) an implant is the best solution.
  • If it is the second root canal on a specific tooth (root canal retreat) an implant should installed.
  • If there is minimal amount of healthy tooth remaining to support a restoration an implant should be performed.
  • If a root canal tooth supports a bridge an implant can be performed.

Learn more about Crowns here: Crowns & Bridges

Learn more about Implants: Dental Implants