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As summer winds down and families get ready for a new school year, there’s more on the checklist than just pencils, backpacks, and lunchboxes. A healthy smile should be at the top of every parent’s back-to-school prep list! Strong teeth and good oral habits help kids feel confident, stay focused, and avoid unexpected dental problems during the school year.

Here are some simple tips to help your child head back to school with a healthy, happy smile:

1. Schedule a Back-to-School Checkup

The start of a new school year is the perfect time to schedule a dental exam and cleaning. A quick visit with Dr. Ionescu can catch small issues before they become big problems, making sure your child’s smile is ready for picture day and beyond.

2. Swap Sugary Snacks for Smile-Friendly Choices

Lunches and after-school snacks play a big role in oral health. Instead of sticky, sugary treats, pack crunchy fruits and veggies like apples, carrots, or celery. Cheese sticks, yogurt, and nuts are also great options that keep teeth strong and healthy.

3. Replace Toothbrushes at the Start of the Year

A fresh school year deserves a fresh toothbrush! Over time, toothbrush bristles wear down and don’t clean as effectively. Start the year with a new toothbrush (or brush head) and make it fun—let your child pick one in their favorite color or theme.

4. Protect Smiles During Sports

If your child plays fall sports, a custom-fit mouthguard is one of the best investments you can make. It helps protect against broken or knocked-out teeth and keeps their smile safe while they’re out on the field or court.

5. Set a School-Year Routine

Busy school schedules can make it easy to skip brushing and flossing. Help your child stick to a routine by brushing for two minutes in the morning and before bed, and flossing once a day. Consistency is key to keeping cavities away!

Final Thoughts

Heading back to school is exciting—and making oral health part of the checklist ensures your child is ready to learn, laugh, and smile with confidence. A little preparation now can save stress later, keeping their teeth healthy all year long.

Call Dentistry by Design today at 916.685.4662 to schedule your child’s back-to-school checkup and give them the confident smile they deserve this school year!

For many patients, the fear of gagging or choking in the dental chair can be as daunting as the treatment itself. Tension in your throat muscles often heightens the gag reflex, making routine cleanings and procedures feel overwhelming. The good news? You can train your body to stay calm. Below are five simple exercises—rooted in both clinical insight and mind-body techniques—to help you relax your throat before your next appointment.

1. Diaphragmatic Nasal Breathing
   Why it helps: Deep, slow breaths engage your diaphragm, lower stress hormones, and reduce throat tension. Breathing through your nose also minimizes dryness and keeps your throat more relaxed.
   How to do it:
   • Sit upright with a straight spine.
   • Place one hand on your abdomen and the other on your chest.
   • Inhale slowly through your nose for a count of four, feeling your abdomen expand under your hand.
   • Pause for two seconds.
   • Exhale gently through your nose for a count of six, drawing your abdomen in.
   • Repeat for 2–3 minutes, focusing on the rise and fall of your belly.
2. Tongue Exposure (“Desensitization”) Exercise
   Why it helps: Gradual, controlled contact at the back of your tongue can retrain hypersensitive nerves and diminish gag impulses over time.
   How to do it:
   • In front of a mirror, open your mouth wide.
   • Extend your tongue as far out as is comfortable and hold for 5 seconds.
   • Gently touch the back one-third of your tongue with a clean fingertip or the handle of a toothbrush for 3–5 seconds.
   • Withdraw and rest for 10 seconds.
   • Repeat the touch–rest sequence 5–10 times, once or twice daily, gradually moving slightly closer to your throat if you remain comfortable.
3. Soft Palate Stretch (Yawning Mimic)
   Why it helps: Stretching the soft palate relaxes the muscles at the roof of your mouth, reducing the sensitivity that triggers gagging.
   How to do it:
   • Sit or stand with good posture.
   • Imagine you’re about to yawn widely—open your mouth and let the back of your throat drop.
   • Place your tongue on the floor of your mouth.
   • Hold the “yawn” position for 5 seconds, breathing gently.
   • Release and relax for 5 seconds.
   • Repeat 5 times, focusing on keeping the throat muscles loose rather than forcing the stretch.
4. Progressive Throat Muscle Relaxation with Guided Imagery
   Why it helps: Combining muscle release with calming mental images diverts your focus and reduces physical tension around the pharyngeal reflex.
   How to do it:
   • Close your eyes and take three slow diaphragmatic breaths.
   • Tense the muscles around your throat by swallowing hard and holding for 3 seconds.
   • Release the swallow, imagining your throat opening like a curtain.
   • Visualize a peaceful scene (for example, floating on gentle waves or lying in a warm meadow).
   • Continue for 2–3 minutes, returning your attention to your breath and the sensation of a soft, open throat.
5. P6 Acupressure Point Stimulation
   Why it helps: Pressing the P6 (Neiguan) point on the inner wrist has been shown to reduce nausea and gagging by modulating neural pathways.
   How to do it:
   • Locate the P6 point: on your inner forearm, three finger-widths down from your wrist crease between the two tendons.
   • Use your thumb to apply firm, steady pressure for 1–2 minutes.
   • While holding, continue diaphragmatic breathing.
   • Switch to the other wrist and repeat.

Putting It All Together
In the days leading up to your appointment, practice these exercises once or twice daily. On the day of treatment, spend 5 minutes on your favorite combination to calm your throat. Over time, you’ll find that these simple techniques help you feel more in control—transforming dental visits from a source of dread into just another part of your wellness routine.

Ready to conquer your fear of gagging? At Dentistry by Design, Dr. Ionescu and our team are committed to making your visit as comfortable as possible. Call us today at 916-685-4662 to schedule a consultation or discuss additional comfort options tailored to you.

Summer is here — and with it comes all the cold, sweet, and citrusy snacks we love. From BBQs to beach days, there’s no shortage of tasty indulgences. But while your taste buds might be celebrating, your teeth could be under attack.

Here are a few common summer treats that might be doing more harm than good — and what you can do to protect your smile:

1. Popsicles, Slushies, and Ice-Cream
Cold treats can feel amazing in the heat, but if you have sensitive teeth, you might feel a sharp zing. Even worse? Many of these are packed with sugar that lingers in your mouth and feeds cavity-causing bacteria.
Tip: Rinse with water afterward and avoid slowly sucking on sugary ice — it exposes your teeth for longer.

2. Lemonade, Citrus Fruits, and Sparkling Water
Summer citrus is refreshing, but acidic foods and drinks can wear down enamel over time, leading to sensitivity and erosion.
Tip: Use a straw when possible and wait 30 minutes after eating citrus to brush (brushing too soon can spread the acid).

3. Sticky BBQ Sauce & Dried Fruits
BBQ season brings on deliciously sticky sauces — and snacks like dried mango or trail mix. The stickier the food, the more it clings to your teeth and feeds bacteria.
Tip: Floss or rinse after eating to remove residue between teeth.

4. Red Wine & Iced Coffee
Hosting a backyard dinner or poolside brunch? Be aware that both wine and iced coffee are top culprits for staining your teeth.
Tip: Rinse or chew sugar-free gum afterward to neutralize acids and prevent buildup.

The Good News?
You don’t have to give up your summer favorites — just stay mindful and book a professional cleaning to remove any buildup before it becomes a problem.

If you're experiencing tooth pain from sweets or cold drinks, it's important to see your dentist to determine the cause and get appropriate treatment — so you’re not missing out on those summer delights. It might be an easy fix if you’re approaching the problem early on instead of waiting until it becomes a serious issue.

Now through July 25, new patients can get:

• Free professional in-office teeth whitening (a $500 value) when they complete a comprehensive dental exam, professional cleaning, and any necessary treatment.

Start your summer off right — with a confident, healthy smile.

? Call us today or book your appointment online.

At Dentistry by Design, we believe true wellness begins with balance – and that includes managing stress. While some level of stress is a natural part of life, chronic stress can negatively impact your health in ways you might not expect – including your oral health.

Did you know that high stress levels are linked to dental issues like teeth grinding (bruxism), jaw clenching, and even gum disease? Emotional stress can play a key role in triggering or worsening periodontal disease. That’s why taking a holistic approach to stress management doesn’t just help your mind and body – it can also help you maintain a healthy, beautiful smile.

Here are some simple yet powerful ways to reduce stress and support your overall health:

1. See Your Doctor Regularly
Getting a physical can help rule out underlying medical issues that may be contributing to stress. It’s a vital first step in taking care of your whole body – mouth included.

2. Talk It Out
Stress can be isolating, but you’re not alone. Sharing your thoughts with a trusted family member or close friend can make a world of difference. Sometimes, just being heard is all it takes to start feeling better.

3. Taking Frequent Breaks
Small breaks throughout your day can help you recharge. Whether it’s stepping outside for a breath of fresh air or taking a few quiet moments to yourself, these pauses help reset your nervous system.

4. Get Moving
Regular exercise is one of the best ways to reduce tension, improve your mood, and boost your energy. It also supports your immune system, which plays a crucial role in oral health.

5. Set Boundaries
Don’t overwhelm yourself by taking on too much at once. Setting healthy limits helps you stay grounded and reduces anxiety, leading to a more peaceful and productive life.

6. Don’t Forget to Smile
Laughter truly is the best medicine. A daily dose of joy, humor, and connection with others is not only uplifting – it’s healing.

At Dentistry by Design, we care about more than just your teeth – we care about YOU. Dr. Ionescu takes a natural, patient-centered approach to dentistry because we believe that wellness starts from within. If stress is affecting your smile, your sleep, or your sense of well-being, we’re here to help.

Call us at (916) 685-4662 or visit www.elkgrovedentistry.com to schedule your next visit. Let’s take care of your health together – body, mind, and smile.