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Poor Dental Health Can Lead to Critical Infections That May Cause Disease and Illness

May 5, 2009

Regular visits to the dentist are considered a must, but do we really understand why? Are there actual health threats that can be alleviated by routinely visiting the dentist? Beverly Hills dentist, Dr. Kourosh Maddahi, explains to his patients that when teeth are regularly cleaned and checked, dental health and more is under control.

Poor dental health has been found to bring about critical infections, causing disease and illnesses such as gum disease, bone loss, heart disease, strokes and more. Regular check-ups and cleanings can prevent these problems, in addition to assuring excellent oral hygiene.

Beverly Hills family dentist, Dr. Kourosh Maddahi, feels that it is important for his patients to be aware of the theory behind dentistry, “Periodontal treatment is that branch of dentistry dealing with the health and care of the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth.  The word means, literally, around the tooth, from peri- which is around and odontos, which is tooth. Bacteria inflaming the tissue housing the roots of the tooth are known as periodontal disease.”

“Treatment is in the form of regular dental cleaning and, in less healthy instances, full tooth scaling (scraping bacterial plaque and calculus from the tooth).  State of the art ultrasonic scaling equipment is more thorough and less invasive than scraping; however it is not as comfortable a procedure for those patients with sensitivity issues.”

The destruction of the structure of teeth is called tooth decay.  Tooth decay is caused when plaque, which is a film on the teeth and gums made up of microorganisms, mixes with sugars and/or starches of food.  Jointly they create an acidic substance that can eat through the enamel – the solid exterior of the tooth. If decay reaches the pulp of the tooth, then a root canal may be needed to save the tooth.

Therefore, it is vital to make a habit of brushing teeth – for at least two minutes, minimally twice a day, and to floss before bedtime. Tooth decay can also be prevented by eating healthy foods, and avoiding high-sugar drinks and snacks.
 
A regular dental checkup is necessary in order to maintain superior dental health because even slight decay can eat at the tooth’s surface and affect the nerve of the tooth in as short a time as one year. Without regular cleanings and dental checkups you might find yourself getting a dental implant or root canal instead of a clean bill of health.

How often are regular checkups needed?  It is advised for children as well as adults to see the dentist every six months.  It is important to get the teeth checked for and new decay, and to have a proper cleaning.

See a dental hygienist twice a year.  The hygienist can help remove plaque that is not affected by daily tooth brushing and flossing. The special tools the hygienist uses can remove this difficult plaque.

There is a noticeable difference in the cleanliness of the teeth usually after a visit with the hygienist.   Additionally, most visits with a hygienist include education on how to better take care of the gums and teeth.  Usually she can see if special guidance is needed after observing the condition of the teeth and gums before and after the cleaning.

Los Angeles dentist, Dr. Kourosh Maddahi, ensures his patients understand the importance of regular teeth cleaning and dental checkups at his Beverly Hills dentist office. His objective are not only beautiful, natural new smiles but also that each one of us has their dental health really under control.

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