Five Things We Love to Do in San Clemente

Even before we were Shoreline Dental Studio, Dr. Ritzau and team have called San Clemente home for our practice and personal lives. Each summer, we get excited about the things that make San Clemente special, from certain summer-only events to breathtaking nature experiences that are not to be missed with the warmer weather! If you're new in town, get familiar with your new city by visiting the following -

1. San Clemente Music and Movie Series
   • Kicks off June 21st with a Concert from Flashback Heart Attack on the Pier. During July they'll be showing movies such as Mary Poppins and Coco, which are perfect for younger attendees. For the complete list of concerts and movies, check out the full concert and movie schedule here.
2. 17th Annual Paint San Clemente
   • This annual plein air painting event is sponsored by the San Clemente Art Association. The weeklong event is comprised of several separate events which bring local and national artists to paint San Clemente scenes. The two day art exhibit is free for all entries on the Community Center Lawn and winners of the competition are announced on Saturday June 30, with all of the art on display through Sunday July 1st. Visit paintsanclemete.com for more info!
3. Ocean Festival
   • In it's 42nd year, the Ocean Festival returns to San Clemente bringing with it tons of great family activities and a Free Beach Concert! Younger family members will have a blast with the Sand Sculpting Contest, Great Rubber Duck Race, and Youth Pavilion while teens and parents are thrilled by Woody Car Exhibits, Dory Boat Races, 5K Beach Run, and One Mile Ocean Swim. Don't miss out on July 21st, and be sure to register early if you'd like to participate! Check out www.oceanfestival.org for schedule and info.
4. Trails & Hiking
   • San Clemente is a rare Orange County gem that is bordered on two sides by protected wild lands. Deer, coyote and bobcats are common as is a full compliment of local and seasonal bird life! If the weather permits, grab the leash for your best furry fried and hit the trail! Forster Ridgeline, Prima Deshecha, and Cristianitos Trails also for leashed dogs, while Beach Trails offer a spectacular view of the coast in both directions. Maps for all trails can be downloaded here.
5. Carnival Colossal
   • As the weather cools, head over to Vista Hermosa Sports Park for Carnival Rides and Games sponsored by the San Clemente Friends Foundation. Entry and parking are free for this fall festival, boasting some of the best food trucks in the area! For discount ride tickets, check out www.sanclementeparksfoundation.org.

Spring Cleaning Your Oral Health Care Habits

As the days get longer and warmer, many people decide to refresh their homes with a thorough spring cleaning. But when’s the last time you took the same sort of care to refresh your smile? If your oral care habits fell a bit to the wayside over the winter and you want to get things back in shape, here are 5 tips to spring clean your oral health routine (and they’re all dentist approved).

1. Buy a New Toothbrush

To maintain optimal oral health, your toothbrush should be replaced every three to four monthsor sooner if the bristles begin to appear frayed. Why? Because damaged bristles aren’t as effective at cleaning teeth.

Brushing your teeth is the most critical part of dental care, so you want to make sure your toothbrush is doing a quality job. That way, you can lower your risk of cavities, prevent damaging plaque and tartar buildup, and maintain the health of your gums. So, every time the seasons change, make sure to get a new toothbrush (or toothbrush head) to keep your oral health routine as strong as possible.

2. Kick Start Your Flossing

If you aren’t flossing once a day, now is a great time to start. People who don’t floss may not be removing all of the plaque from between their teeth, even if they are thoroughly brushing twice a day. This means you are at an increased risk of developing tartar, which can lead to gum disease.

Flossing only takes a couple of minutes a day, but can save you a lot of trouble down the road. So, if it isn’t part of your routine, make sure to add it today.

3. Deep Clean Your Night Guards

To maintain proper oral health, your night guard needs to be cleaned on a regular basis. This includes custom night guards created by your dentist as well as over the counter models many people choose to use. Every morning when you take your night guard out, make sure to lightly brush all of the surfaces using your toothbrush, then rinse with cold water. You don’t need to apply toothpaste to the brush. Since toothpaste can be abrasive, it may scratch your night guard and cause it to wear out more quickly. It’s important to allow your night guard to dry completely before storing it as to fight rapid bacterial growth. Choose a clean, flat surface to allow your night guard to dry. Usually, it will dry in 15-30 minutes. We recommend that you keep the night guard stored in your bedroom or on your nightstand instead of the bathroom because over time the steam and humidity in the bathroom can cause warping of the night guard.

Once it is time to wear it again, give it another thorough brushing and rinse before placing it on your teeth. You can also complete a weekly deep cleaning by using a denture cleaning tablet (just follow the instructions that come with the tablets).

4. Give Up Sugary Summer Drinks

Sugary drinks can do significant damage to your teeth and have other negative impacts on your overall oral health. The problem is that the sugar attaches itself to the surfaces in your mouth, providing the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. And, as the bacteria consume the sugars, it leads to the creation of acid that can damage the enamel on the tooth’s surface, increasing the risk of cavities.

5. Make an Appointment to Visit Shoreline Dental Studio!

Regular dentist appointments play a big role in maintaining a healthy smile. The standard recommendation is to come in for a cleaning at least once every six months. This ensures the surfaces of your teeth are in good shape and that your mouth is healthy. We're ready when you are and we've made it easier than ever to schedule an appointment online - http://www.shorelinedentalstudio.com/appointment/

Seasonal Spring Foods for a Healthy Smile

With Spring break and summer just around the corner, it's easy for your family to go overboard on sweet treats, candy, and all the pleasantries of backyard barbecues and get togethers. This spring, be mindful of the foods that do your body and smile good, and go back for seconds!

#1 Yogurt

Yogurt gives your mouth a triple bang for the buck. Studies have shown that yogurt reduces hydrogen sulfide, the chemical associated with bad breath. It also helps reduce plaque and gingivitis.

#2 Raisins

In the past, sticky foods like raisins were a no-no for healthy teeth. However, recent research tells us that the antioxidants found in raisins help reduce the growth of a certain bacteria that may cause inflammation and gum disease.

#3 Apples

Crunchy fruit like apples, celery and carrots help increase saliva, which help protect against cavities by rinsing out the mouth.

#4 Green Tea

Green tea contains antioxidants known as catechins that help lower the risk of the development of gum disease. A recent Japanese study showed that men who drank a cup of green tea every day lowered their risk of gum disease — the more tea consumed, the lower the risk.

#5 Whole Grains

A study in the American Journal in Clinical Nutrition found a 23 percent reduction in periodontal disease (gingivitis) among men who ate at least 4 servings of whole grains per day.

#6 Cinnamon

This spice contains a natural plant oil known as cinnamic aldehyde shown to destroy bacteria.

#7 Sugarless Gum

Chewing on sugar-free gum that contains the sugar alcohol xylitol helps reduce tooth decay and gum disease. It can also help (temporarily) mask odors of bad breath.

#8 Citrus Fruit

Fruits and veggies high in vitamin C (like berries, melons and peppers) help create an acidic environment that discourages bacteria growth in your mouth. Vitamin C also helps prevent gingivitis and gum disease — both responsible for smelly breath.

#9 Cranberries

These tart berries help reduce plaque-promoting bacteria, so they don’t start a party in your mouth. Cherries have been shown to have the same effect.

#10 Mint

We’re talking peppermint -- it helps kill bacteria in the mouth that leads to stinky breath while giving you that fresh and tingly feeling in your mouth.

If your smile is in need of a spring cleaning, give us a call or schedule your appointment online today at: http://www.shorelinedentalstudio.com/appointment/

What to do With a Chipped Tooth

Dental emergencies happen. From playing recreational sports to slipping and falling outside, you can never fully prepare yourself for such an event (although it is another reason why you should wear a mouthguard while partaking in physical sporting events). So what happens when you chip a tooth? Some of it does depend on the severity of the chip, but with the help of a San Clemente dentist like Shoreline Dental Studio, all of your oral needs will be covered.

Chipped a Tooth?

A tooth chip occurs when a bit of your tooth chips off. From biting down on a fork to slipping and falling, the tooth chip will likely catch you off guard, and it may hurt a bit, but chances are it isn't yet an emergency issue. Chipping your tooth doesn't usually put the tooth itself in any kind of danger. However, you should still make an appointment to correct the tooth. Your dentist will be able to remedy your tooth without an issue. Additionally, the dentist can carry out X-rays and other procedures just to make sure there isn't additional structural damage. Sometimes, you may actually need a root canal if the impact to your tooth actually killed off the nerve endings and damaged the integrity of the tooth.

Cracked Tooth

A cracked tooth is a completely different story. A chip in the tooth is a blemish and often looks worse than it really is. A cracked tooth on the other hand poses serious threat to the overall health of the tooth. If not cared for right away, the crack will continue to splinter and the entire tooth itself will eventually suffer catastrophic problems, including the possible need for extraction. In order to save the tooth and to prevent anything more severe taking place, you need to come into the dentist office right away. While on your way, avoid putting any kind of pressure down on the tooth as it may cause additional fractions within it and other nearby teeth.

From chips to complete cracks down your tooth, it is important to move quickly in order to address your dental issue. The San Clemente dentist team at Shoreline Dental Studio is here to assist you with all of your dental, both emergency and regular, needs. So stop by the office for any emergency needs or feel free to set up an appointment online at the Shoreline Dental Studio website.

Celebrate National Children's Dental Health Month With Us

It's National Children's Dental Health Month, which means there is no better time to schedule an appointment for your child than the present. At the San Clemente dentist office of Shoreline Dental Studio, you and your entire family are welcome. Whether you have been a patient for years or you've been searching for a new dentist for your children, you'll quickly fall in love with the way everyone in your family is treated. And with national children's dental health month, now is a great time for your child to have his or her teeth cleaned, checked and addressed.

Semi-Annual Appointments Are a Must

It is so important for your child to go into the dentist every six months or so. Even if your child still has all his or her baby teeth, this will go a long way in getting your child comfortable with the dentist. It will also help develop excellent dental care habits while also making sure teeth are growing in properly. Plus, even if your child still has all baby teeth, they can still develop serious gum problems. Children at a younger age consume a considerable amount of sweets and sugar, which will increase the speed at which teeth deteriorate and affect the gum lines. Deteriorating gum lines will cause problems with their future teeth, so seeing a dentist to avoid these issues is important.

Are Braced Needed?

Many children receive braces. When teeth grow in crooked it can cause jaw pains and affect other areas of the body. The earlier on corrective measures are taken for dental alignment, the less time it takes to make the needed changes. This way, your child will not need to have braces on for as long (and you'll be able to save money on the braces in the long term).

It is important for you to make sure your child's teeth are well taken care of. The habits you instill into your child at a young age will carry through with them into adulthood. With National Children's Dental Health Month in full swing, now is the perfect time for you to make an appointment for their semi-annual teeth cleaning. Your San Clemente dentist office of Shoreline Dental Studio is here for you and your family. So feel free to give the office a call and ask any questions you might have, or set up an appointment right through the website.

Best Snacks for Your Smile on Super Bowl Sunday

The Super Bowl is a great time to bring family and friends together. Regardless of if you love football or are in it for the commercials, there's nothing like the festivities involved with watching the game. What should you do to make sure you're smile is happy after Super Bowl Sunday? Beyond keeping up your current dental routine, here are some of the best snacks your San Clemente dentist at Shoreline Dental recommends.

Dip

Dip is a great snack because it isn't going to be packed with sugar and it won't affect the enamel on your teeth. Whether you go with standard ranch or make up a spicy speciality dip, there's no way you can go wrong here. Pair it off with healthy veggies and everyone will be happy.

Meat and Cheese Tray

There are a few different benefits when it comes to the meat and cheese tray. First off, the meat and cheese are soft, yet it will not stick in between your teeth like other treats (although you should still floss later that evening). Plus, cheese comes packed with calcium, so you'll strengthen your teeth as you snack.

Salsa

Salsa is one of the healthiest snack options you can go with. It's basically nothing more than tomatoes, peppers, garlic and a few odds and ends (depending on the salsa you go with or make). If you pair it with chips you will need to make sure and brush as the chip crumbs can lodge in between teeth easily. However, when you're looking for a combination of great Super Bowl snack and a healthy option, there's really no way to beat this.

Fruit Salad

Home made fruit salads are great because you can pick what you put in it. This way, you won't need to worry about opening up the frozen bag and finding 2/3 of it is undesirable melon balls. It's better if you use fresh fruit here when possible, but if you can't, make sure the frozen bags of fruit do not contain any added sugar.

Following the big game, if you have any dental needs, make sure to give the San Clemente dentist team at Shoreline Dental a call. From regularly scheduled cleanings to much more extensive procedures, everything your mouth requires is offered at Shoreline Dental.

Best Foods to Incorporate Into Your Diet for a Healthy Smile

A healthy diet isn't just about losing weight and building a strong foundation. It also can help improve your smile. You may already know some of the foods to avoid that stain your teeth, such as coffee, red wine and the acidity from lemons, but what about the best food you should eat in your diet for a healthy smile? Here are some of the foods you can (and should) start adding to your diet to help improve and strengthen your diet today.

Quinoa

This is a trendy food item, but there's a reason for it. It comes packed with all sorts of great minerals that aid in strengthening your teeth. Some of these minerals include phosphate, calcium, manganese and magnesium. It also serves as a nice reminder to floss as it has a tendency to stick between teeth.

Basil

Basil is a fantastic item to have fresh around the house. It's also helpful in protecting your oral health. Basil helps reduce bacteria found inside of your mouth as well as assist in killing that bad breath. As it does this, it helps prevent tooth decay.

Shitake Mushrooms

The next time you're out for sushi, make sure to order an extra shitake mushroom roll. These mushrooms contain antimicrobial properties. This helps prevent tooth decay. And even if you're not a sushi fan, you can toss the mushrooms into a stir fry or pasta sauce just for that extra dental boost.

Strawberries

It may surprise you that strawberries do not stain the teeth. In fact, strawberries do exactly the opposite. These berries contain magic acid. Malic acid is a natural enamel whitener, so feel free to inducts in this tasty treat.

Black and Green Tea

Packed with natural antioxidants, these teas can help fight off gum disease.

Garlic

It might not be great for your breath, but garlic is one of those foods you can (and possibly should) include in every meal. Beyond the flavor adding properties, garlic contains allicin, which helps fight off gum disease by killing bacteria within your mouth.

These are just some of the great foods you should eat for a healthy smile. If you have more questions about dental health, are interested in setting up a dental appointment or just want more insights into what you can do to maintain your beautiful smile, now is the perfect time to reach out and schedule an appointment with Shoreline Dental Studio.

Top Five Dental Services to Take Advantage of

The thought of going to the dentist is sometimes too intimidating for most people. For whatever reason you need to see a dentist, information about some common dental services and procedures can go along away into making your experience manageable. Here are five of the most common dental services.

1. Root Canals/Endodontics

This is a dental procedure that involves the removal of the tooth’s pulp – a small part in the center of the tooth composed of thread like-tissue. You will need a root canal if you have an inflammation or infection in the roots of a tooth. After your doctor removes the pulp, he will place a seal to fill the space.

2. Fillings and Repair

If your teeth have been degraded by tooth decay or trauma, restorative materials may be used to repair them. Your dentist may use different materials to repair your teeth, the most common being composite fillings made from teeth-coloured resin. Broken and cracked teeth, as well as teeth that have worn out due to improper use, such as nail biting, can be restored using fillings.

3. Dental Crowns

These are tooth-shaped caps used to restore the size, shape, strength and appearance of your teeth. They are normally placed over your teeth. Dental crowns are useful when you have a particularly weak tooth or when you have a tooth that is extremely discoloured or when you require one for cosmetics reasons.

4. Bridges and Implants

If you have missing or extracted teeth, proper replacement is the key to a beautiful smile. Bridges and implants provide you with the means of replacing a missing tooth or teeth. A bridge is meant to replace one or more missing teeth by filling the gap left. Dental implants are surgically inserted into the jawbone beneath your gum to act as supports for replacement teeth.

5. Teeth whitening

Naturally, teeth darken with age. However, various foods and beverages such as coffee, black tea, smoking cigarettes or trauma may stain your teeth. The most effective method of teeth whitening involves using a peroxide based gel. To maintain the bright color, the procedure may have to be repeated regularly.

These are some of the most sought after dental services performed by most dentists today. You need to see your dentist in order to know the appropriate service that suits your need. To schedule an appointment with Shoreline Dental Studio, you can apply online or call at 949-234-6850.

Why You Should Make Flossing a Daily Part of Your New Year’s Resolution

Flossing should be an everyday part of a mouth-cleansing regimen. Even when you brush your teeth twice every day, flossing should be carried out at least once.  Going a step further to floss takes care of at least 40% of the bacteria and food particles your toothbrush could not reach. As you will find out, flossing has many benefits.

Cleaner Teeth

A brush can only take care of plaque and debris on the outer surface of the teeth. It may not reach between the teeth, which cause food particles to accumulate and increase the number of harmful bacteria in the mouth. Flossing reaches between the teeth, removing the food particles, plaque, and bacteria. This leaves the mouth cleaner and helps whiten and brighten teeth.

It Reduces Teeth and Gum Diseases

The primary cause of teeth ailments is bacteria accumulation, which results from food debris. Maintaining clean teeth reduces the amount of plaque and harmful bacteria in the mouth. This promotes better mouth hygiene. Issues such as cavities, gum disease, and tooth decay may be prevented just by flossing regularly. In addition to the health of your teeth flossing can help with your overall health as well. Scientists argue that teeth infections can lead to heart attacks and other cardiovascular issues. More research is required to ascertain the correlation between heart attacks and teeth diseases, but it is believed when the disease-causing bacteria enter the bloodstream, which may lead to heart issues.

It Improves Your Smile

Because flossing helps maintain a clean mouth, this improves your smile. Clean, white teeth can also improve your self-esteem. Also, you get to prevent teeth conditions that could affect your smile such as cavities, yellowing teeth, and tooth decay.  Fresh breath is also part of a beautiful smile. Bacteria and plaque are the leading causes of bad breath. The fewer bacteria and plaque you have around, the fresher your mouth will be.

Flossing, unlike brushing, pays more attention to your teeth. This helps detect any issues such as swelling, bleeding, and redness.  You can take care of any upcoming problems before they get out of hand. When you take good care of your teeth, you reduce the amount of time you’ll spend on treatments, teeth extractions, and other procedures. Not forgetting the pain, discomfort and sleepless nights that come with teeth problems. Many will agree that a toothache strikes at the worst possible time. To make sure you're flossing correctly, you can schedule an oral exam with us at any time.