Andrew Kim, DDS

Today's dental terminology word is...

As we approach the end of the year, we would like to remind you to take advantage of any 2020 dental insurance benefits you may have left before they expire on December 31st! Call us at (760) 747-5295 to reserve your spot. We will be happy to help you with any questions you have.

Another review from a happy patient. Thank you for your kind words and recommendation, Isabel!

We wish you a happy, memorable, and safe Thanksgiving with your friends and loved ones. Dr. Andrew Kim and Team

Are your teeth sensitive to heat and cold? What about acidic or sticky foods? These foods stimulate the nerves and cells inside the tooth, causing sensitivity. This usually occurs when dentin loses its protective covering (aka enamel).

Quinoa is one of the most powerfully healthy grains. If you combine it with dried fruits and some of your favorite nuts then you can make a porridge that satisfies you in the morning in addition to boosting your dental health. For lunch, you can combine it with roasted veggies and enjoy a delicious nutrient-dense lunch. Quinoa provides you with calcium, phosphorus, manganese, and magnesium, all of which have been repeatedly proven to strengthen your teeth. Stronger teeth are less likely to crack.

We love surprises at our office! Recently, one of our patients surprised us with a custom-made jello cake she made herself. Thank you for your thoughtfulness, Maria! You made our day!

If you have braces, we recommend NOT eating popcorn. Why? Because popcorn hulls can get stuck under braces, where they are very difficult to remove. They can get wedged between teeth and below your gums, causing them to become inflamed and swollen.... If you feel you can’t live without popcorn, try eating hulless popcorn! It's safer for people with braces. Hulless popcorn still has a hull, but it’s just smaller and softer and less difficult to get out. See more

Flossing is a crucial part of your daily oral hygiene routine. Daytime and nighttime flossing help to get rid of food particles left behind while brushing your teeth.

A smile is happiness you’ll find right under your nose. Tom Wilson If you need help restoring your smile, give us a call at (760) 747-5295 and we'll work hard to restore happiness "right under your nose".

Did you know exercising improves oral health? A study published in the Journal of Dentistry showed that regular physical activity can boost periodontal health. People who exercised regularly had a 54% lower likelihood of developing periodontitis compared to those who led sedentary lives. So what are you waiting for?... It's time to get outdoors and start moving! Your body and your teeth will thank you later. See more

A Google review from a very happy patient. Thank you for trusting us with your dental care, Marilyn!

We're here to make your visits as comfortable as possible. We appreciate your kind words, Kimberly!

Bruxism, otherwise known as "teeth grinding" may be caused by stress, anxiety, or tongue-tie. Over time, it can wear down the biting surfaces of teeth, making them more susceptible to decay. If your teeth show signs of bruxism and you'd like to learn more about what you can do to protect your teeth, call us today at (760) 747-5295.

Let's talk BEETS! Did you know beet juice contain enough nitrite to counteract the production of lactic acid (or tooth-eating) bacteria in your mouth? That’s right, beet juice!... It may seem like an unorthodox way to avoid tooth decay (especially considering it stains everything). However, beets contain high inorganic nitrate levels, which are then converted into nitric oxide by the body. This slows down the growth of the acid-producing bacteria found in plaque. Other health benefits of beet juice: - Helps with elevated blood pressure - Boosts energy and stamina - Detoxifies your body - Beneficial for those who are anemic - Reduces skin inflammation - Beneficial for those with Type 2 Diabetes - Helps with digestion So there it is, who knew? Add beet juice in your regular diet to help keep your teeth and smile healthy! See more

One of the primary concerns people often have about dental braces is the aesthetic impact of braces on their smile. For adults, the prospect of wearing unattractive metal braces for extended periods of time can be very discouraging. Invisalign offers an almost invisible aligning system that straightens your teeth fast without the use of metal. Invisalign treatment consists of a series of custom-made aligning trays. We change the trays ev...ery several weeks to fit your new tooth configuration. Invisalign aligning trays can be temporarily removed for important occasions meaning that treatment duration is patient-controlled. If this is something you're interested in, please contact us at (760) 747-5295 to book your appointment and find out if Invisalign would be a great fit for you! See more

Did you know drinking water improves your smile? Here are 4 ways water keeps your teeth healthy: 1. Drinking water is one of the most beneficial things you can do to prevent cavities and decay. 2. Water washes away the bad stuff. Water is an excellent mouth cleaner and rids our mouth of any leftover food and cavity-causing residue that bacteria love to eat. ... The bacteria in your mouth love to eat sugar and produce acid that wears away enamel, which is the outer shell of your teeth. It also dilutes the acids produced by the bacteria in your mouth. 3. Water prevents dry mouth! Saliva is 99% water. When your mouth is low on saliva, you will most likely experience dry mouth a condition that makes it hard to swallow and chew because of a lack of saliva. Saliva is your mouth’s first defense against tooth decay. It washes away leftover food and helps you swallow with ease, while also keeping your teeth strong by washing them. Dry mouth may also put you at risk for tooth decay. By staying hydrated and drinking water, you help prevent dry mouth and ensure that you're producing saliva at an optimal rate. 4. Guess what? Water has "zero" calories! Drinking sugary beverages has been a major contributor to the increasing rate of obesity in the United States. People who consume 12 sugary drinks per day are 26% more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. This can be avoided by substituting sodas, sugary juices, and sports drinks with a glass of water. See more

When your child's teeth begin to come in until age 3, brush the teeth gently twice a day with a child-size toothbrush and a very small amount of toothpaste around the size of a grain of rice. For children 3 to 6-years-old, brush their teeth twice a day with a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste.

This made our day. Thank you for your kind words and recommendation, Stacie!

We love making our patients smile. It is so important to us that each of our patients feel happy, comfortable, and listened to when visiting they're visiting us. At Andrew Kim, DDS, we value all our patients and treat them like family.

Our team celebrated Diane’s birthday today. We are so glad to have her as a part of our team. Thanks for joining us on your day off, Danielle!

Did you know that omega-3 fatty acids can actually help you maintain healthy teeth and gums? Studies have shown that omega-3s can drastically reduce the signs of periodontal disease. A diet rich in DHA and EPA omega-3s, whether through supplementation or as part of regular dietary choices, can help maintain gum health and keep teeth securely rooted, preventing tooth decay that can often form in the spaces between damaged gums and the tooth itself. We recomm...end adding more omega-3 fatty acids to your diet whether or not you have an existing periodontal condition. They are easy to include in your daily routine. While omega-3s can be found in fish, such as sardines, herring, salmon, mackerel, and tuna, and they can also be consumed in the form of fish oil liquid or capsules. At Andrew Kim, DDS, we understand the connection between your dental health and your overall health. We offer comprehensive and gentle care for your entire family and pride ourselves on providing you with the highest quality care. Want more dental health tips or need to schedule an appointment? Call us today at (760) 747-5295. See more

We recommend a dental check-up every 6 months -- more often if you have problems like gum disease. During a routine exam, your dentist or dental hygienist removes plaque build-up that you can’t brush or floss away and look for signs of decay. A regular dental exam also spots:... - Early signs of oral cancer - Wear and tear from tooth grinding - Signs of gum disease - Interactions with medications Call us at (760) 747-5295 to make an appointment today. See more

The eruption of primary teeth (otherwise known as deciduous or baby teeth) follows a similar developmental timeline for most children. A full set of primary teeth begins to grow beneath the gums during the fourth month of pregnancy. For this reason, a healthy and nourishing prenatal diet is of paramount importance to the infant’s teeth, gums, and bones. The first primary tooth generally breaks through the gums between the ages of six mont...hs and one year. By the age of three, most children have a full set of twenty primary teeth. The American Dental Association (ADA) encourages parents to make a well-baby appointment with a pediatric dentist approximately six months after the first tooth emerges. Although primary teeth are deciduous, they facilitate speech production, proper jaw development, good chewing habits, and the proper spacing and alignment of adult teeth. Proper care of primary teeth helps defend against painful tooth decay, premature tooth loss, malnutrition, and childhood periodontal disease. See more