Should You Brush Your Teeth Before or After Breakfast?

You probably know that the American Dental Association recommends brushing for at least two minutes twice a day and flossing after the last snack of the night. But you may wonder about the details of exactly when, whether it matters what kind of brush or floss you use, and how both procedures need to be […]

Tips to Avoid Cold Sores in Winter

As the winter season approaches, so does the risk of cold sores. Cold sores, caused by the herpes simplex virus, can be influenced by various factors, including stress, a weakened immune system, and chillier conditions. Dr. Cluff of San Diego Healthy Smiles shares some tips to help you avoid cold sores this winter. Lip Balm […]

Your Resolution for a Healthy Smile

As we embark on a new year, here is how you can make a resolution for a healthier smile. Commit to Regular Check-Ups First and foremost, regular dental check-ups are crucial. Schedule bi-annual appointments with Dr. Cluff to ensure your teeth and gums are in top-notch condition. These routine visits help detect and address any […]

Minimizing Pain and Discomfort When Extracting a Tooth

When it comes to dental procedures, tooth extraction can evoke more anxiety and fear for many. At San Diego Healthy Smiles, serving the communities of Chula Vista and Lakeside, we understand the apprehension associated with tooth extractions and have implemented a patient-centric approach to minimize pain and discomfort during these procedures. A Caring and Compassionate […]

Common Types of Dental Emergencies

If you experience an unexpected dental emergency during our office hours Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-5 p.m., you should call us for an immediate appointment. If something happens outside those times, you should go to an urgent care clinic or emergency room at a hospital for immediate care and follow up with an appointment at San Diego […]

A Tooth is Growing in my Upper Gums, What Do I Do?

Everyone is unique, starting with their genetics, affected by their lifelong diet and exercise habits, and everything else from the environment to their medical care. This includes, of course, their mouth and their oral health. Very few people grow up fully appreciating just how challenging it is to keep their gums and teeth clean and […]

How Long Does a Dental Cleaning Take?

A third of Americans do not even have a full examination by a dentist even once a year, while the American Dental Association points out that this is important twice a year, because small cavities or slightly bleeding gums can lead to the loss of a tooth or the need for gum surgery very quickly. […]

Should I Still Remove Wisdom Teeth if they Aren’t Causing Pain?

We often come across patients who wonder whether it is necessary to remove their wisdom teeth if they aren’t causing any pain or discomfort. Serving the communities of Chula Vista and Lakeside, our team recognizes these concerns, while it may be tempting to ignore asymptomatic wisdom teeth, there are compelling reasons why their removal remains […]

Can I Get Dental Implants if I Already Have Dentures?

If you are wearing dentures, but dissatisfied with how they feel, how you can chew with them, how well you can speak, and concerned about having to adjust them regularly, you may wonder if you can switch to dental implants. These are screws that are inserted into the jaw to replace tooth roots and are […]

Signs to Recognize that You Have an Impacted Tooth

Ana Cluff, DDS, a reputable dental practice serving the communities of Chula Vista and Lakeside, California, understands the importance of timely detection and treatment of oral health issues. One common concern patients may encounter is an impacted tooth. In this article, we will explore the signs and indicators that may suggest the presence of an […]