Everyone knows that they must brush their teeth a minimum of twice a day. No one questions the fact that they are supposed to floss, daily, to avoid tooth decay and eventual loss of teeth. Dr. Kourosh Maddahi, Los Angeles dentist with an office in Beverly Hills, further explains this health ritual.

Last year an oral care survey found that over 60 percent of the people asked felt that they knew that bacteria affected their oral health, but they would not be comfortable explaining why or how that works. This survey was given to more than 1000 adults across the United States.

Dr. Kourosh Maddahi is out to increase his patients understanding and knowledge of how bacteria affect oral health. The ADA explains it like this, “Your teeth are covered with a sticky film of bacteria called plaque. Following a meal or snack, the bacteria release acids that attack tooth enamel.”

So, decay is the destruction of tooth structure caused by the bacterial acids attacking the enamel. Tooth decay ensues when plaque mixes with the sugars, as well as the starches, of food. Jointly they develop an acidic substance that eats through the hard outside of the tooth, also known as enamel.

Bacteria are also at the root of gum disease. The ADA also explains, “Periodontal (gum) disease is caused by plaque… These bacteria create toxins that can damage the gums. It is important to have regular dental checkups, and professional cleaning is essential to prevent periodontal diseases.”

But if the exact bacteria are only guessed at, or remain undetected, a patient may lose their teeth. When Dr. Maddahi identifies the precise bacteria in the mouth using a special microscope, he knows exactly how to attack with a tailor-made treatment.

The remarkable dental instrument used in bacterial identification is a high-resolution state-of-the-art 40x by 1600x Trinocular Compound Microscope. With this microscope, the doctor, the hygienist and the patient are able to view, digitally, moving bacteria from the patient’s mouth on a computerized video screen. There is no longer any need for speculation, just pure science, when diagnosing periodontal disease.

Dr. Maddahi explains the importance of a proper dental hygiene routine, “Anaerobic bacteria (those living and growing in the absence of free oxygen) feed on leftovers and dead cells. These harmful microorganisms attack teeth and gums, producing a typical foul smell. The most common cause of halitosis is bacteria.”

He continues, “Brushing two or three times a day is not enough. Flossing after meals is important and seeing the dental hygienist to remove tartar buildup twice a year is needed. And don’t forget that dental caries or other decay or infection can also cause bad breath.”

In order to maintain good dental health, a regular dental checkup is required because decay can eat away from the tooth’s surface to the nerve in the heart of the tooth in just a year. Without regular cleanings and checkups a dental implant might be in order instead of just a clean bill of health.

Beverly Hills dentist, Dr, Kourosh Maddahi will provide a complimentary initial consultation in order to diagnose any existing dental worries. This is perfect for anyone from Westwood, Brentwood, Century City or Hancock Park who needs a new dentist!

Recently, a new discovery has been made in the treatment of mouth, face and head pain. This pain is called TMJ (temporomandibular joint) disorder or TMD. Dentists are fully trained in analyzing pain in and around the mouth, and they can determine if it is from a cavity, an oral infection, or TMD.

Located in the mouth are two of the most complicated joints in the human body: the temporomandibular joints (TMJ). This joint not only allows the mouth to open, but also for the lower jaw to move forward and back, and side to side. Besides the joints, there are many muscles, ligaments, discs and bones involved in those motions. As time wears on these body parts, sometimes a person can get pain in or near his or her jaw.

TMD can be caused by several different scenarios. It can be from arthritis, an impact injury to the jaw, one’s bite (alignment of teeth), night-time tooth grinding or stress. Sometimes it can be difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of TMD, but there are certain treatments for TMJ problems that can make a huge improvement.

TMJ treatments can include massage in the area of the jaw pain to help loosen up the muscles, in addition to a handling of one’s poor posture – which can lead to misalignment of the neck and back, which are connected to the jaw muscles.

If the dentist determines the pain is a result of poor bite/tooth alignment, braces may be used; tooth reshaping is another popular option. Some dentists will provide pain reducing medicine that will temporarily treat the situation. For certain situations, a dentist may recommend a tooth guard to prevent night-time tooth grinding. Depending on the patient’s particular situation, the dentist may recommend a variety of workable solutions.

Los Angeles area Kourosh Maddahi, DDS, Beverly Hills dentist, will work carefully and thoroughly with you to find the cause of your TMJ and therefore resolve your situation. In the twenty-plus years of practice he has solved many TMJ problems for his patients.

For patients who have difficulty due to missing and broken teeth, our Beverly Hills implant dentist procedures offer freedom in smiling, talking and eating.

I remember my grandfather who had to take out his dentures each night and put them next to the bed. I once was at a rehearsal for a play and this poor man got so into his lines that his teeth literally flew out of his mouth! (He was playing the Ghost of Christmas Past in A Christmas Carol. I can’t imagine how careful he was from then on – he did a hundred shows that season!)

Dr. Kourosh Maddahi, who is a leading implant dentist in the Beverly Hills area, has worked tirelessly for twenty-one years to bring his patients new, beautiful smiles. He insists upon using state-of-the-art cosmetic dentistry when delivering dental implants, porcelain veneers and teeth whitening, offering the ultimate in top-quality dentistry.

Many people have newfound freedom with the permanence and stability afforded by dental implants. Yes, dentures and bridges are reliable and proven devices, but life is found to be much easier with implants. In this procedure small posts or artificial ‘roots’ are surgically fixed into the gum. On these posts, a new artificial crown or tooth is placed, instantly creating a freedom with eating, talking and smiling that makes them a very attractive option.

Where teeth are extremely discolored, misshaped or damaged, Dr. Maddahi uses porcelain veneers to craft a new tooth surface. This then enhances tooth form as well as sculpting a more pleasing or functional position. He also uses veneers to restore teeth with scratches, pits and chips, leaving the teeth looking more beautiful than ever but very natural. This veneer material is very durable and lasting.

To ensure that the new teeth match perfectly, Dr. Maddahi uses Shade Vision technology which will precisely analyze tooth color and shade. Ideally the existing teeth are whitened with the new Zoom! Teeth Whitening System, since teeth do discolor and stain over time. Wine, tea, coffee, cigarettes and certain foods can discolor the teeth, leaving them dull and appearing unhealthy or old.

Dr. Maddahi operates with this technology as a master technician and artist. He is acknowledged as possessing a rare artistic talent for dental makeovers.