Dr. Kourosh Maddahi - May/June 2022

Dr. Kourosh Maddahi - May/June 2022

ANT I - AG I NG DENTISTRY NEWS

MAY/JUNE 2022

How to Achieve a Sparkling Smile AWhiter Shade of Pale

Smiles are one of our most significant features. While most animals show their teeth to others as a sign of aggression, we do it to express friendliness, reassurance, and joy. So, it makes sense that we want them to look as attractive and pleasing as possible. And for most of us, that means we should keep our teeth bright and white. How do the celebrities do it? It’s not by giving up the coffee, red wine, berries, or dark sauces the rest of us enjoy. As with most things related to their appearance, they have some help. And you can also enjoy the benefits of teeth whitening. Teeth discoloration comes in two forms: intrinsic and external. Intrinsic stains are almost impossible to change because they become a permanent part of your teeth. They’re often caused by medication, especially in children who take the antibiotic tetracycline at a young age. Generally, you’ll see a grayish line or dark banding across the teeth. For these patients, veneers are the best option to hide the discoloration. But external stains are much more common, and almost all of us will develop them if we live long enough. They can be caused by everything from chocolate to soy sauce, and the discoloration bonds to the outside of our teeth, so we can’t remove it with brushing alone. For decades, we’ve accomplished teeth whitening with peroxides. Though a couple of different peroxides are available, they have the same effect of breaking down the molecules that cause the stains and separating them from the surface of your teeth. The benefits of this type of whitening are that it’s affordable, accessible, and relatively fast. You can buy Crest Whitestrips or a similar product at any drugstore. But as many people who have used these products know, they also cause gum irritation and sensitivity. That pain is a minor inconvenience for some, but it can make using the products impossible for others. There’s also such a thing as too much peroxide, and when overused, it can cause enamel breakdown.

Luckily, there’s now a second kind of at-home whitening product on the market, and I’m proud to offer it through my company

Lumineux. Lumineux products also break down surface stains but do so

naturally by using coconut, sage, and lemon peel oils. It takes slightly longer for the teeth to whiten, but it poses no danger to the enamel and does not cause sensitivity. The result is beautifully whitened teeth without discomfort or damage. Of course, some people don’t want to wait. Perhaps you have a big event approaching and need your teeth whitened quickly. In those instances, we offer in-office whitening, which will allow us to safely use higher peroxide amounts for a lengthier period to deliver stellar, instant results. After covering your gums, we apply the whitening solution for 30–60 minutes. Unfortunately, you can expect to experience sensitivity after the treatment. But since there is only one application, it is not prolonged, and most patients return to normal after 24 hours. After an in-office whitening session, we give our clients Lumineux whitening toothpaste, mouthwash, or strips for maintenance. We also now offer an Ultra-Bright Pen, which you apply to your teeth before consuming food or beverages that tend to stain. Just wait 60 seconds and enjoy eating and drinking to your heart’s content for the next 2–4 hours. This is a revolutionary product and the first of its kind, and we’re excited to offer it at most online and retail stores. Whatever your whitening goals are, our team is here to help you achieve the healthy smile of your dreams. We will be glad to perform a consultation and make recommendations based on your needs. The smile you want is closer than you think, and we look forward to helping you cross the finish line.

-Dr. Maddahi

www.drmaddahi.com 1

Published by Newsletter Pro • www.NewsletterPro.com

MAKE A WREATH FOR ANY OCCASION

WITH THESE 3 MATERIALS

Since the 16th century, wreaths have been a staple holiday decor item that people once made from the fallen branches of a Christmas

so you can make almost any design. If you want your wreath to look dainty, you should use a single-wire frame, but if you want your wreath to look full and bountiful, use a double-wire instead.

tree. In more recent history, folks travel to the local hardware/home decor store to pick up a wreath for their door during the holiday season. However, it seems as though wreaths are gaining popularity beyond just the winter holidays. Whether it’s to celebrate your favorite sports organization or the changing of the seasons, you can make a wreath to recognize the occasion. From Facebook Marketplace to specialty boutique shops, there are plenty of places to purchase a customizable wreath, but what if you want to make your own? With a certain level of flair and creativity, anyone can create their own wreath. You just need to figure out which material works best as your base.

Grapevine Grapevine bases are the best if you want your wreath to look traditional or natural. They’re usually made of entwined bundles of grapevines or twigs to look like they came straight from the earth. Grapevine bases are cost-efficient and are the perfect option for anyone looking to create a classic-looking wreath. Styrofoam A Styrofoam wreath may not have the elegance of a wire one or the traditional style of the grapevine wreath, but it is the perfect option for bold designs. You can get a Styrofoam base at any home decor store and spray-paint it in the

Wire If you’re looking to make a wreath that’s long-lasting and durable enough to handle any type of weather, look no further than a wire-base wreath. Wire bases are available in various sizes and levels of thickness,

color scheme of your final creation. You can then place yarn and other decorations to bring your wreath to life. Since Styrofoam is lightweight, the items you place on the wreath will also need to be lightweight or the wreath will fall apart.

It’s not a secret: Most Americans don’t floss. And no matter what you tell your dentist when you’re sitting in their chair, they know it. Only 40% of Americans report flossing daily, while 20% say they never floss. Many people neglect to floss despite knowing their habits are unhealthy — as evidenced by the fact that 44% of patients admit to lying to their dentist about their flossing frequency. What’s ironic is that people naturally seek out the benefits of flossing while avoiding the actual act. People report using all kinds of objects — including fingernails, paper, eating utensils, office supplies, and more — to clean between their teeth. Yet, in the same American Dental Association (ADA) study, 63% of people who use alternate objects confess that they know their methods are inferior. Why don’t Americans floss? According to 55% of non-flossing respondents, it takes too long. Other complaints include finding the process unpleasant and experiencing pain or bleeding while flossing. Meanwhile, many people see the process as unnecessary and remain convinced that brushing is enough. THE TRUTH BEHIND YOUR MOST-HATED HABIT Why Should You Floss?

Dentists know differently. Each tooth has five open surfaces — the front, back, bottom, and two sides. Brushing can only reach three of them. Flossing cleans the tiny spaces on the sides of our teeth and is responsible for removing 40% of bacteria and plaque. Neglecting the task leads to tooth buildup, cavities, gum disease, and more time in the dentist’s chair. Flossing is also your best defense against gingivitis, a condition where your gums swell, bleed easily, or feel tender. Though some people avoid flossing due to the bleeding that ensues, the blood proves how badly they need to floss. Flossing will strengthen the gums and reduce their sensitivity, and while the process may be unpleasant at first, it will pay big dividends. We know that flossing will probably never be your favorite part of each day’s routine, but we also know from experience that the longer you do it, the easier it gets. For the most pleasant experience, use at least 18 inches of floss, take your time, and consider incorporating it into other daily tasks like your morning shower. With practice, you’ll cut your flossing time down to about two minutes a day. That’s a little bit of time for an impressive result — both you and your dentist will notice the difference.

www.drmaddahi.com 2

Why Staying Hydrated Supports Your Oral Health A TALL DRINK OF WATER

Staying hydrated is good for your health in many ways. It reduces headaches, improves energy and mood, and helps with digestion — among many other benefits. So, it should come as no surprise that drinking plenty of water is also good for your oral health and recommended by dentists everywhere. Why is water healthy for our mouths? First, it helps keep our teeth clean, washing away leftover food particles, sugar, and acids that can cause plaque and decay. Though it’s no substitute for brushing and flossing, it helps maintain cleanliness between your regular oral health sessions. There are other benefits. Water containing fluoride and other trace minerals will strengthen and restore your enamel. You won’t get these benefits from filtered or bottled water, but you will if you drink tap or mineral water. Further, drinking water helps you avoid bad breath. Bacteria and food residue can cause halitosis, so when they are washed away with water, they can do far less damage. A dry mouth can also cause bad breath. Saliva is essential to our oral health, helping to neutralize acid and bacteria, wash away foreign substances, and prevent tooth decay. Since saliva is 99% water, drinking water helps your body produce the substance in adequate amounts. But this guidance only applies to those who usually produce sufficient saliva. People suffer from dry mouth for many reasons, including allergies, breathing through their mouths, or psychiatric and other medications.

Drinking water constantly to alleviate the problem can actually cause the mouth to produce less saliva, not more.

Those with persistent dry mouth should discuss the issue with their doctor and dentist. Dry mouth is not just a matter of comfort — the less saliva a person has,

Refer a Friend, Get a Brighter Smile! That’s right! Every time you refer a friend to Dr. Maddahi, you get one FREE teeth cleaning! But regularly drinking water is worth the other benefits. If you’re not staying hydrated, now’s the time to begin carrying a water bottle with you and set up a reminder to take regular sips. It won’t be long until you’ll notice the difference, so you can feel better in more ways than one. the more cavities they produce. There are also hydrating mouthwashes available on the market, including one made by Lumineux, that help increase saliva production to keep the mouth moist.

One-Pan Baked Salmon and Veggies

It’s asparagus season! Celebrate with this easy one-pan salmon dish for two.

INGREDIENTS •

Call us today at 310.888.7797 to get started and to start earning your free cleaning!

1 lb spring potatoes, halved 2 tbsp olive oil (divided) 8 asparagus spears, trimmed and halved

• • • •

2 handfuls cherry tomatoes 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

• •

2 5-oz salmon fillets 1 handful fresh basil

DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat the oven to 400 F. 2. In an oven-proof dish, combine the potatoes and 1 tbsp olive oil. Roast for 20 minutes. 3. Remove the dish from the oven and add the asparagus. Toss, and bake for 15 more minutes. 4. Remove the dish from the oven and add the cherry tomatoes. Toss. Drizzle with balsamic, then nestle the salmon fillets into the vegetables. Drizzle with the remaining oil, and bake for 10–15 minutes. 5. Remove the dish from the oven, garnish with basil leaves, and serve!

Inspired by BBCGoodFood.com

www.drmaddahi.com 3

If you want to stop receiving this newsletter, call 310.888.7797

www.drmaddahi.com 310.888.7797 | 888.310.6771

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

INSIDE 436 N. Roxbury Dr. #202 Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Keeping Your Pearly Whites Their Proper Color

PAGE 1

Celebrate Any Event With a Homemade Wreath

PAGE 2

Why Flossing Is Worth Your Time

PAGE 2

Does Drinking Water Help Your Oral Health?

PAGE 3

One-Pan Baked Salmon and Veggies

PAGE 3

Hate Souvenir Shopping? Let’s Make It Easy

PAGE 4

Is it legal to bring home? Whether you’re traveling domestically or internationally, there are many regulations that affect which souvenirs you can bring home. Even if you find the item in a tourist shop, that doesn’t mean it’ll be allowed into the country or even onto the plane. And the TSA does take this seriously. In 2012, two tourists were detained at the U.S. border for trying to bring home chocolate Kinder eggs — a specific kind that are illegal in the U.S. due to the potentially hazardous small toys inside. Purchase a handicraft. Handicrafts — items created by local artisans — are awesome souvenirs! But make sure you buy where artisans actually sell their own goods, such as an open-air market. Unfortunately, while some popular tourist shops may sell “locally made goods,” many souvenirs intended for tourists are actually made by cheap manufacturers in other countries. Keep something from the adventure. Bringing a glass bottle to take home some sand is a popular way of creating your own souvenir from a beach vacation. But you can do this with almost any item! Whether it’s stones, ticket stubs from favorite shows and activities, or a handmade item from a class, make sure to look out for souvenirs that’ll remind you of great memories and experiences.

Picking the Perfect Souvenir

A way to preserve or share a piece of your trip is to bring home a souvenir, but choosing a souvenir isn’t always a stress-free experience. How do you pick the perfect souvenir and not just the first thing you see in a tourist shop? Here are some tips for picking a truly meaningful gift for yourself or your loved ones. Who are you buying for? What are your recipient’s interests, or what do they spend the most time doing? If you’re buying for yourself and enjoy coffee, you might buy a local coffee blend to enjoy from home. However, if your recipient doesn’t enjoy coffee or rarely drinks it, that type of gift might not mean much to them.

We hope these tips will help you make the best choice. Bon voyage!

4

Published by Newsletter Pro • www.NewsletterPro.com

www.drmaddahi.com