Dr. Kourosh Maddahi - November/December 2021

Dr. Kourosh Maddahi - November/December 2021

An t i - Ag i ng DENTISTRY NEWS

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2021

IMPLANTS, VENEERS, AND DENTURES What’s the Difference?

Did you know that approximately 178 million Americans are missing at least one tooth? In fact, about 40 million people have no natural teeth at all. While good dental care can help prevent the loss of teeth, it’s an age-old problem — which is why dentures have been around for centuries.

While often confused with implants, veneers are not a solution for

missing teeth. Instead, veneers are placed over existing teeth to change the length, color,

or shape of the tooth. If your teeth are strong and healthy, veneers are the

best solution to obtain a perfect smile without extractions, implants, or braces.

While they’ve filled a specific need for a long time, dentures have a lot of disadvantages. They run the risk of fitting poorly — since they can be removed from your mouth — and this problem

Because implants require surgery, there is a recovery time associated with

only increases with time. To avoid bone loss in the jaw, people need to have a tooth or implant regularly stimulating the bone. Since dentures aren’t secured into the gums, bone loss occurs and causes dentures to become loose and uncomfortable. Sometimes, chewing eventually becomes difficult (if not impossible!). Dental implants resolve this problem. Implants have existed for decades; in fact, previous manufacturers even made them out of gold. (While the gold was usually covered with porcelain for a natural look, many people chose no coating — hence, the existence of gold teeth.) Things started changing in the early 1980s, and today titanium is used to anchor the implant while porcelain is used for the crown. The body doesn’t recognize titanium as a foreign object, reducing the risk of rejection or complications. To place an implant, the titanium screw is secured in the mouth first. At our office, this work is done by an implant specialist to ensure accurate and successful placement. When chewing, the screw will stimulate the jawbone just like a natural tooth would. Once the anchor is complete, a temporary crown will be placed to protect the area while it heals so you can eat normally. A permanent crown will be placed once the mouth has fully healed.

them. But once healed, they do not require special care like dentures do. Implants can (and should) be brushed and flossed exactly like your natural teeth, meaning that you’ll hardly notice the difference between them. Best of all, implants protect your surrounding teeth. If a lost tooth is left untreated, the surrounding teeth can shift to accommodate the empty space. This movement can result in jaw pain, difficulty chewing, sagging skin, or even speech impediments. Meanwhile, other solutions like bridges require purposely damaging the surrounding teeth to use as support, greatly increasing the chance that you will need additional work later. Implants leave your surrounding teeth intact and in place. If you’re looking to perfect your smile, give us a call today for a free consultation. We will discuss the solution that is right for your unique situation. Whether you’re missing teeth or just unhappy with the set you have, I look forward to helping you look your best so you can regain your confidence.

-Dr. Maddahi

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WITH 3 EASY TIPS Say Goodbye to Dark Under-Eye Circles If you’re older than 30, you’re probably no stranger to dark under-eye circles. They can make you look worn down and older, and makeup can temporarily conceal but doesn’t solve the problem. Many people think dark under-eye circles are a sign of tiredness, but fatigue is only one of several causes. Other lifestyle factors like sun exposure, alcohol consumption, and smoking can play a role, as can some skin conditions. But the No. 1 factor that causes dark under-eye circles is one we can’t control: aging. You can’t help getting older, but you can mitigate some of the effects. Your dark circles will probably never go away entirely, but you can use these tips to minimize their appearance. Use prevention methods. To avoid getting or worsening dark circles, your best defenses are staying well hydrated and always wearing sunscreen. Dehydration can cause dull skin and sunken eyes, so be sure to drink lots of water. And since time in the sun can result in premature aging and discolored skin (not to mention skin cancer), always wear an SPF 30 or higher sunscreen to protect the delicate skin under your eyes.

Try a cold compress. Placing something cold (but not frozen) under your eyes can cause the blood vessels to constrict, providing a temporary improvement in appearance. You can buy a cold compress, but at-home methods often involve a cold teaspoon, cucumber slice, or a wet washcloth. Since tea contains antioxidants that will stimulate your blood circulation, a cool tea bag is another popular option. Heat up two tea bags in warm water for five minutes, then chill them in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes. After that, just rest them gently on your eyes. Use retinol cream in your routine. Retinol helps to improve collagen deficiencies and plump up the skin, and some people have dramatic results with retinol cream. Over- the-counter options are available, but higher strengths require a prescription. Retinol makes your skin more sensitive to the sun, so only apply your retinol cream at night. You don’t want to swap out dark circles with sunburn! If these tips don’t reduce the appearance of your under-eye circles, it may be time to see a dermatologist. But most dark circles can be resolved at home with just a little TLC.

Did You Know Diabetes Affects Oral Health? KEEPING YOUR MOUTH AT ITS HEALTHIEST

November is National Diabetes Month, so it’s a great time to discuss why people with diabetes need to be particularly proactive about their dental health. Diabetes affects the body in many ways — and with more than 9% of the U.S. population having this condition and approximately 1.7 million people being diagnosed with it every year, it’s especially important to know the facts. Untreated or poorly treated, diabetes causes people to experience high blood sugar levels. The higher a person’s blood sugar levels are, the worse their oral health will be. So, in

addition to regular oral care, people with diabetes should also manage their overall condition carefully. People with diabetes take longer to heal from wounds, which means that recovery from any kind of gum surgery or extraction will take much longer than it will for other people. Diabetics should ensure their dentist is aware of their condition so they can receive a more accurate time frame for recovery. Because of the reduced ability to fight bacteria and infection, about 22% of diagnosed diabetic patients also have gum disease. This condition causes bleeding in the mouth and, in advanced cases, can lead to teeth that fall out. That’s why it’s so important for diabetics to follow good oral hygiene. Dr. Maddahi recommends cleanings every 3–4 months for people with diabetes, rather than the twice annual cleanings most people

undergo. Removing plaque is especially important to fight gum disease because it can help prevent inflammatory conditions (including infections) and other serious health problems. Inflammatory markers (used by primary care providers to diagnose inflammatory conditions) should also be reduced by avoiding antiseptic mouthwashes. For each and every person, antiseptic mouthwash will destroy the mouth’s microbiome, which helps keep your mouth healthy. Everyone should do what they can to protect their mouth’s biome, but it’s especially crucial for diabetics to not allow the opportunity for bad bacteria to thrive. With a little bit of extra care, people with diabetes can still have excellent oral health. If you have diabetes, make sure your dentist is aware, and always notify them immediately if you notice changes inside of your mouth. They’ll help you keep your pearly whites looking and feeling their best.

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5 HOLIDAY INGREDIENTS TO TOSS INTO YOUR BLENDER Smoothies Aren’t Just for Summer Anymore!

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! 4. Ginger — What screams Christmas more than gingerbread? You can make a delicious smoothie version of the cookie with rolled oats, chia seeds, yogurt, nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger, ground cloves, vanilla extract, and molasses to reap the anti-inflammatory and nausea-fighting benefits of ginger. 5. Eggnog — Eggnog is far from a healthy drink, but it’s a holiday favorite! To enjoy it in a new way, blend it up with a scoop of vanilla protein powder and ice after your workout. 2. Cinnamon — If you love chocolate chip cinnamon rolls, you need to try the smoothie version! Frozen bananas, coconut milk, vanilla yogurt, cacao powder (which is packed with antioxidants), vanilla extract, and cinnamon are the secrets to a healthy version of your favorite Christmas breakfast. 3. Cranberries — Cranberries are both festive and packed with vitamins and antioxidants that may help fight heart disease and cancer. To cash in on those benefits, whip up a smoothie with frozen cranberries, pear slices, goji berries, orange juice, coconut milk, and flax seeds.

VEGAN GREEN BEAN CASSEROLE Of course, you could probably reverse the heat loss by bundling up in a sweater so your sweat doesn’t evaporate. But if you’re in your warm, cozy home, why not go for a cold drink like a smoothie? You can even add some holiday cheer to your healthy(ish) treat with one of these five seasonal ingredients. 1. Peppermint — For a protein-rich smoothie that tastes like a candy cane, blitz together almond milk, yogurt, almond butter, mint leaves, ground cinnamon, and a few drops of peppermint extract. The drinks of choice for winter are usually warm and cozy — apple cider, hot chocolate, and wassail all have their place on the table. But no rule says you have to drink something hot when it’s snowy outside. In fact, a cold beverage might keep you warmer! A study from the Thermal Ergonomics Lab at the University of Ottawa found that when you drink something hot, it can cause you to sweat more and, as a result, will actually cool you off more than a cold drink! Crazy, right?

Re-create this classic dish with a vegan twist.

INGREDIENTS •

1 small onion, sliced

• • • • •

2 shallots, chopped

• • •

7 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, divided 1/4 cup and 3 tbsp flour, divided

8 oz can mushrooms, sliced 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 lb green beans, cooked

2 tbsp panko breadcrumbs

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3 cups almond milk

DIRECTIONS 1. Set the oven to broil. 2. In a shallow baking pan, combine onion, 1 tbsp olive oil, 3 tbsp flour, and panko breadcrumbs. 3. Broil for 6 minutes, stirring occasionally. Afterward, preheat the oven to 375 F. 4. In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil. Add shallots, mushrooms, and garlic, stirring until tender. 5. In a large bowl, mix mushroom mixture with the cooked green beans. 6. In the same skillet, add 4 tbsp olive oil and 1/4 cup of flour, whisking until golden. Gradually add the almond milk until it thickens, then toss with the green beans. 7. Transfer mixture into a baking dish and cook for 20 minutes. 8. Add onion and breadcrumb mixture on top, then bake for another 5 minutes.

Inspired by Delish.com

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

page 1

Implants, Veneers, or Dentures?

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Say Goodbye to Dark Under‑Eye Circles

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How Diabetes Affects Oral Health

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5 Key Ingredients for Delicious Holiday Smoothies

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Vegan Green Bean Casserole

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Why You Should Visit New England for Thanksgiving

DURING YOUR THANKSGIVING WEEKEND Why You Should Visit New England

Last year, travel restrictions kept many families from gathering together in their homes for Thanksgiving dinner. This year, it appears that people will be able to travel freely to most locations. While a “destination Thanksgiving” might not be something you’ve ever considered, for some families, it can mean the perfect blend of quality fun and family time in an exciting new city. So, why not take advantage and bring your family to visit New England, the part of the country where Thanksgiving began? If you need more reasons than just the origin of a famous holiday, consider the scenery. If you’ve never visited New England in the fall, it’s something that every person should do at least once in their lives. The variety of colors on display in the trees throughout the quaint downtowns and nearby forests is completely unique to that part of the country. There’s a reason that “visiting Boston in the fall” has become not only a popular vacation but also part of the American lexicon as well. As for what you could do when you’re in New England for your Thanksgiving weekend, there are a few popular destinations you just have to see for yourself. First and foremost among these are the Plimoth Patuxet Museums. When you visit, you’ll be transported back in time to one of the earliest settlements in the United States, where the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people shared the first Thanksgiving dinner.

Other fun destinations in that immediate area also include wandering the quaint historic downtowns of Ipswich, Sturbridge, or several other colonial era towns. You can also find tons of fun shopping

destinations in Beverly, Massachusetts. If you want your experience to be a little more rural, you can travel out to Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire, or Woodstock, Vermont, to experience a true traditional Thanksgiving celebration at Billings Farm and Museum.

Even though your family might not be used to traveling for Thanksgiving, how many opportunities will you have to visit Thanksgiving’s birthplace during the season? It’s the kind of vacation you don’t want to miss!

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