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As the days get longer and the sun shines brighter, May brings a sense of renewal and fresh starts. It's not just your home that deserves a spring cleaning—your smile does too! At Dentistry by Design, we believe in supporting your total health with natural, personalized care that puts your comfort and well-being first.

Why Spring Is Ideal for Dental Care

After the indulgences of winter and the busy start of the year, May is the perfect time to check in on your oral health. A spring dental visit can help:

• Remove plaque and tartar buildup from winter months
• Catch small issues early before summer vacations and outdoor fun begin
• Brighten your smile with holistic whitening options
• Refresh your oral care routine with expert guidance tailored to your needs

Our approach at Dentistry by Design is gentle, thoughtful, and rooted in whole-body wellness. Dr. Ionescu’s philosophy combines cutting-edge dental technology with a natural, minimally invasive approach that supports your overall health.

What to Expect at Your May Checkup

Whether you're due for a cleaning or have been putting off a visit, we make it easy to get back on track. During your spring appointment, we’ll:

• Perform a comprehensive exam
• Offer gentle professional cleaning
• Discuss any concerns using a holistic lens
• Share customized advice for nutrition, at-home care, and preventive wellness

We want you to feel confident and empowered—not just about your smile, but about your health.

Seasonal Tip from Dr. Ionescu
"Spring is a time of growth and vitality. Hydrate well, enjoy seasonal produce like strawberries and leafy greens for healthy teeth and gums, and don’t skip your routine checkup—it’s a powerful act of self-care."
— Dr. Ionescu

Ready to Renew Your Smile?

This May, give yourself the gift of a naturally radiant smile. Whether you're a new patient or a familiar face, we’re here to support your journey to lasting oral wellness in a warm, spa-like setting.

Call us at (916) 685-4662
or
Schedule online at www.elkgrovedentistry.com

At Dentistry by Design, our mission goes beyond creating beautiful smiles — we’re committed to your whole-body health. In honor of Oral Cancer Awareness Month, Dr. Ionescu and our team want to highlight an important, often overlooked health issue that affects tens of thousands of Americans each year.

What Is Oral Cancer?

Oral cancer includes cancers of the lips, tongue, cheeks, floor of the mouth, hard and soft palate, sinuses, and throat. When caught early, oral cancer is highly treatable. Unfortunately, many cases go undetected until later stages, which is why early detection is absolutely critical.

The Power of Prevention

A key part of Dr. Ionescu’s holistic dental philosophy is preventive care. During your routine dental exams, we’re not just checking for cavities — we’re also looking for subtle signs of oral cancer. These include:

• Persistent mouth sores or ulcers
• Lumps or thick patches in the mouth or throat
• Red or white patches
• Difficulty swallowing or chewing
• Numbness in the mouth or lips

If you notice any of these symptoms, please don’t wait — schedule a consultation right away.

Who’s at Risk?

While anyone can develop oral cancer, certain lifestyle and health factors can increase your risk, including:

• Tobacco and alcohol use
• Excessive sun exposure (especially to the lips)
• HPV (human papillomavirus) infection
• A weakened immune system
• Poor nutrition

That’s why we emphasize not only regular screenings but also supporting a healthy lifestyle — inside and out.

What You Can Do

 Visit your dentist regularly — We recommend exams every 6 months, which include oral cancer screenings.

 Practice good oral hygiene — A clean, healthy mouth is your first line of defense.

 Stay mindful of your body — You know your body best. If something feels “off,” don’t ignore it.

 Make healthy lifestyle choices — Eat nourishing foods, stay hydrated, avoid tobacco, and limit alcohol.

Our Commitment to You

At Dentistry by Design, we are proud to offer thorough oral cancer screenings as part of every comprehensive dental exam. Dr. Ionescu combines advanced diagnostic tools with a caring, personalized approach to ensure you feel safe, informed, and empowered.

Your oral health is a window into your overall well-being — and we’re here to protect both.

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Let’s raise awareness together.
Share this blog post with someone you love. If it’s been a while since your last checkup, we encourage you to schedule your appointment today.

 Call us at (916) 685-4662
 Learn more at www.elkgrovedentistry.com

Mouth sores—we’ve all had them, and we all know how annoying they can be. Whether it’s a canker sore inside your mouth or a cold sore on your lip, these little troublemakers make eating, talking, and even smiling a challenge. The good news? They don’t have to stick around for long!

At Dentistry by Design, we want to help you heal faster and feel better. Try these easy, natural remedies to soothe the pain and speed up recovery.

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Soothing Remedies for Canker Sores

Canker sores are those pesky little ulcers that pop up inside your mouth. They’re not contagious, but they sure can be painful! Here’s how to ease the discomfort:

 Coriander Rinse

Coriander is like nature’s little healer!
 Boil 2 tablespoons of coriander leaves in a cup of water.
 Strain and let it cool to lukewarm.
 Rinse your mouth 3 times a day for relief.

 Black Tea Bag Trick

Black tea isn’t just for sipping—it’s got tannins that help reduce pain!
 Steep a black tea bag in warm water.
 Hold the tea bag against the sore for 10–15 minutes.
 Repeat as needed throughout the day.

 Aloe & Baking Soda Magic

Aloe soothes, baking soda balances—this combo is a winner!
 Rinse your mouth with aloe vera juice.
 Dab baking soda directly onto the sore to help it heal faster.

 Spiced Milk Nightcap

This one’s perfect before bedtime!
 Mix 1 teaspoon of coriander leaves, cumin seeds, and cane sugar into a glass of milk.
 Boil until it reduces by half, then drink up!
 Do this twice a day for extra healing power.

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Quick Fixes for Cold Sores

Cold sores (aka fever blisters) are caused by a virus and usually show up on the lips. They can be itchy, tingly, and downright annoying. Try these simple remedies to calm them down:

 Cornstarch Paste

A simple trick to reduce irritation!
 Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 teaspoon of water to make a paste.
 Apply before bed and let it work its magic overnight.

 Essential Oil Boost

Lemon balm (melissa) and lavender oil can help speed up healing!
 Dab a few drops directly onto the sore several times a day.

 Milk Soak

Milk has immune-boosting properties that help fight the virus.
 Soak a cotton ball in whole milk and hold it on the sore for a few minutes.

 Hydrogen Peroxide Cleanse

Help dry out the sore and prevent infection!
 Soak a cotton ball in hydrogen peroxide and apply for 5 minutes.
 Expect a little tingle—it’s doing its job!

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When to Call in the Pros

Most mouth sores clear up on their own in about a week. But if yours is sticking around for more than two weeks, is super painful, or makes it hard to eat, it’s time to see a dentist.

We’re Here to Help!

If your mouth sores are making life miserable, let’s get to the root of the problem! Book an appointment with Dentistry by Design, and we’ll take care of you.

For years, amalgam fillings were the go-to solution for treating cavities. However, as dental research and technology have evolved, so has our understanding of their long-term effects. Today, many dentists—including Dr. Ionescu—have moved away from using amalgam altogether. But why?

Why Amalgam Fillings Are No Longer Recommended

Dr. Ionescu stopped using amalgam fillings more than 20 years ago, and for good reason. Here are three key concerns:

1. Tooth Health Compromise – Amalgam fillings require removing more healthy tooth structure to be placed properly. This weakens the tooth over time, increasing the risk of fractures.
2. Potential Health Risks – Amalgam contains mercury, a toxic substance that has raised concerns regarding its long-term safety.
3. Environmental Impact – Mercury from dental amalgam can contribute to pollution, posing risks to the environment.

While amalgam was once the standard, its tendency to expand and contract with temperature changes can cause cracks and further damage to the tooth over time.

The Benefits of Composite Fillings

As an alternative, composite fillings have become the preferred choice for both dental health and aesthetics. These fillings:

• Bond directly to the tooth, preserving more natural structure.
• Are mercury-free, eliminating potential health concerns.
• Blend seamlessly with your natural teeth for a more attractive smile.
• Don’t expand or contract, reducing the risk of fractures and future damage.

Choosing composite fillings is not just about appearance—it’s about making a safer, healthier, and more environmentally responsible decision. With advances in modern dentistry, you no longer have to settle for outdated materials when better options are available.

Would you like to discuss replacing your old amalgam fillings? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Ionescu today and take the first step toward a healthier smile!