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An t i - Ag i ng DENTISTRY NEWS
MAY/JUNE 2021
It’s All in the Details Eliminating the Anxiety of the Dental Experience
There is an anesthetic that has been used in Europe for the past 30 years, but was only recently approved for use in the United States. This anesthetic provides the patient with a deep numbing feeling, reducing the chance of pain during treatment. It’s safe and effective. On top of this, we’re focused on creating a soothing, calming environment, where patients can come in and relax. They know they will be taken care of and have a positive experience. But there’s one detail I’ve really worked hard to fix — a detail a lot of people don’t notice until it’s pointed out to them. Have you noticed that dental offices and many health care facilities have a certain smell? It can be a medicinal smell, or the smell of cleaning agents. It’s a smell people subconsciously associate with these places. And when you have a bad experience at the dentist, the odor can actually elevate your anxiety. Smell is a powerful sense, and it can trigger memories and feelings. Because of this, I’ve worked to get rid of smells associated with the dentist. We use products that have little to no odor. This seemingly small detail helps foster a more welcoming environment, along with artwork on the wall — and the fact that we’ve worked to create a spa- like environment, rather than “just” a dental office. As part of that welcoming, family-like environment, we take time to visit with patients and check up on them. I enjoy sitting down and having a conversation with my patients. I want to know how you’re doing, how the family’s doing, and what’s going on in your life. That’s important, too. When it comes to helping patients overcome their fear and anxiety, it’s all in the details. We make the effort because we want to make a difference. You should never have to worry about having a painful experience at the dentist. I’m here to alleviate pain, to listen, and to leave you with your best smile.
Early in my career, people of all ages would tell me about a bad experience they had at the dentist when they were a child. Of course, many people of varying ages have bad dental experiences, but the fear of going to the dentist often starts in childhood. As a result, and as people got older, they would put off seeing the dentist out of fear of having another bad experience. When you have a bad experience at the dentist, it typically comes down to one or two things: The most common bad experience is pain related to a dental procedure. The second most common, which is related to the first, is not being listened to as a patient. For example, if you’re in pain as the dentist is working on your teeth and they fail to do anything to help you — why would you want to go back to that dentist? Or any dentist for that matter? You don’t want to repeat this experience. It starts with not having to worry about pain. No patient should be apprehensive about visiting the dentist because all they can think about is feeling pain. So, the numbing procedure is essential. I continually research numbing agents, like numbing gel, to determine what would work best for our patients.
-Dr. Maddahi
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Don’t Feel the Burn! Natural Prevention Secrets and Treatments for Sunburns
Summer is in full swing, and that means it’s time for pool parties, barbecues, vacations, bike rides, and endless days at the lake or baseball field. It can feel great to soak up some sunshine after a long winter, but it can also lead to sunburns and aging skin. Sadly, many common sunscreens can be loaded with added chemicals.
compounds preserve beauty products but are potentially linked to cancer and other ailments. Do your research on every ingredient before choosing a natural sunscreen for your family! There are key ingredients you need to look for when choosing the right sunscreen, and as a bonus, they are naturally occurring! Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide reflect and scatter the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Without these ingredients, you will only lessen your exposure to some of the sun’s rays, but not the two most dangerous — UVA and UVB. Treatment for the Burn First, run a bath with cool, tepid water. Allow your skin to cool in the bath and use ice packs for quick relief. Stay hydrated by drinking water, which will help your skin absorb and hold in moisture. Regularly apply natural lotions or lubricants to further help your skin lock in moisture. Coconut oil, aloe vera, and honey can also relieve pain, swelling, and burning. (Do not use honey on babies who are 12 months or younger.)
However, you can avoid sunburns and chemicals by naturally preventing and treating sunburns. Here’s how!
Natural Prevention Sunscreen is often the first tool people grab, but it doesn’t have to be. Instead, try limiting the direct exposure you have to the sun. Wear hats that cover your head, face, and ears and loose clothing that covers your shoulders and legs. Avoid going outside during the hottest part of the day when the sun is at its most intense and try to sit in the shade. The Right Sunscreen Store-bought sunscreen can be beneficial, but it’s often filled with added chemicals and ingredients. Conversely, many homemade salves are not effective.
Always call your doctor if a sunburn gets worse or if you have a bad reaction to a natural remedy.
Opt for naturally made sunscreens and read the ingredients to ensure it doesn’t contain unnecessary additives like parabens. These chemical
GAIN CONTROL OVER ‘MASK MOUTH’ A Covered Problem
While many communities are slowly returning to a sense of normalcy, face masks remain a part of everyday life. Masks help reduce the spread of disease, and many people who work customer or patient-facing jobs often wear face masks for hours at a time. Long-term face mask usage can result in what is known as “mask mouth.” Mask mouth has two primary causes: dehydration and disrupted breathing. When you wear a mask, you are less likely to drink water (or any other beverage), so your mouth will produce less saliva as a result. On top of that, a face mask can also impact the way you breathe. Some studies, including a study by PN Medical in 2020, found that people alter their breathing behavior when wearing a mask — they are more likely to breathe through their mouth rather than their nose. Breathing through your mouth (with or without a mask) leads to the symptoms of mask mouth, which include dry mouth and bad breath. If you have followed our newsletter in recent months, you may recall past mentions of mask mouth and these symptoms — symptoms which should not be ignored.
you are more susceptible to tooth decay and infection. It can have a snowball effect into something far more serious. Bad breath can be a sign of bacterial buildup within the mouth. Dry mouth and bad breath can often be interrelated.
What can you do to reduce or eliminate mask mouth? Thankfully, it’s an easy fix!
• Always brush, floss, and rinse at least twice a day. If you wear a mask for extended periods of time, take a break to remove the mask and brush your teeth. • Hydrate. Make it a point to drink extra water when wearing a mask. Keep alcohol, coffee, and tea consumption to a minimum as well. • Rotate your mask . If you use a disposable mask, discard it after use and replace it with a new one. If you use a reusable mask, keep several on hand and use a different one every day, washing them regularly. If you develop symptoms and they persist, don’t hesitate to make an appointment. The symptoms of mask mouth are reversible, and additional treatment may be needed.
Dry mouth can lead to further complications. With less saliva in the mouth, you will have bad breath, bacteria can run rampant, and
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5 Foods Essential to Maintain Your Youthful Exuberance
Flaxseed One of the easiest ways to boost your omega 3 fatty acid intake is to add a few tablespoons of ground flaxseed to foods you already eat. Omega 3s help reduce inflammation, which in turn reduces the risk of heart attack and stroke. Flaxseed is also high in fiber. All of these wonderful things come together to lower LDL cholesterol. Nuts Almonds and walnuts are kings of the nut world when it comes to nutrition. They are both a great source of vitamin E — another nutrient that helps keep your mind sharp. Walnuts have the added benefit of being another source of fatty acids. Just keep in mind that raw almonds can be hard on the teeth, so roasted, sliced almonds are recommended. Salmon This fish is packed to the gills with omega 3 fatty acids. Salmon is one of the heart-healthiest sources of protein you can put on your plate. Other varieties of fish are exceptionally heart- healthy as well, namely sardines and anchovies, but those can be more of an acquired taste (though they are great in salads).
Tangy citrus and salty Parmesan cheese complement earthy, fresh asparagus, a favorite spring vegetable with a short growing season. Shaved Asparagus Salad Blueberries These little blue spheres of goodness are packed with antioxidants, which keep cells functioning at peak performance. That includes cells in the brain and those believed to be associated with both short and long-term memory. Enjoy blueberries as a snack, toss them in a smoothie, or add a handful to a salad, oatmeal, or cottage cheese. What we eat influences not only our overall health, but also how we age. Diets high in fat and sugar tend to age us quicker, and they can be detrimental to our brain, especially when it comes to memory and cognition. Want to maintain a youthful spark and keep your mind sharp? It’s all a matter of incorporating the following foods into your diet. Even better, all of these foods are perfect for the summertime dinner table! Avocados These green machines are high in healthy, monounsaturated fat, which helps maintain a more ideal blood pressure and can help reduce the risk of high blood pressure. But because avocados are high in fat, you still want to watch how much you eat. Like any of the foods on this list, consuming too much of a good thing can ultimately negate the positive health benefits.
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!
INGREDIENTS •
1 lb asparagus spears 1 tbsp lemon juice 1 tsp Dijon mustard
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1/2 tsp kosher salt
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1/8 tsp red pepper flakes Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
DIRECTIONS 1. With a vegetable peeler, shave each asparagus spear from tip to base. This is easiest to do if the asparagus is on a flat surface. 2. Place shaved asparagus in a bowl and blot off excess moisture with a paper towel. 3. In a separate bowl, make a vinaigrette by whisking together lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and olive oil. 4. Pour vinaigrette over shaved asparagus and add Parmesan cheese, salt, red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Toss to combine. Taste and adjust seasonings.
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310.888.7797 | 888.310.6771 www.drmaddahi.com
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INSIDE 436 N. Roxbury Dr. #202 Beverly Hills, CA 90210
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A Positive Dental Experience Is All in the Details
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Prevent and Treat Sunburns Naturally!
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Make ‘Mask Mouth’ a Thing of the Past
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The Best Foods for Youthful, Summertime Exuberance
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Shaved Asparagus Salad
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Could Vaccine Passports Open Doors for Travel?
Could Vaccine Passports Open Doors for Travel? Concerns About Vaccination Verification
Are you hoping to travel this summer? Not like how you “traveled” from your bedroom to your living room couch all this past year, but really travel — get out and see the world beyond your hometown. With the COVID-19 vaccines finally available, millions of people are becoming immune to the virus that has ravaged the global economy, especially in the areas of tourism and hospitality. Industry leaders in these sectors are understandably eager for the vaccine to bring back tourism. Some are hoping vaccine passports will play a part in jump-starting tourism around the world.
COVID-19 and are, therefore, free to travel internationally. Some countries are eager for the sort of verification these passports could bring, should they exist. The Seychelles, Cyprus, Romania, and other countries have all said they would welcome tourists who could prove they were vaccinated. Now, you might be sitting on the same couch you’ve sat on for the past year, thinking, “Well, I would like to travel internationally after I get vaccinated!” However, this proposal is not without concerns. Firstly, health care officials still don’t know if vaccinated people can transmit the virus. So, even if they’re vaccinated, they could still spread it to unvaccinated people around the world.
Another concern is a vaccine passport’s potential to create classes of “haves” and “have nots” among travelers. Many developing countries won’t receive the vaccine for another few years. Should they be barred from returning to normal? Similarly, could the vaccine passport be abused domestically, enabling private businesses to bar customers from their spaces without proof of vaccination? Finally, what form would these passports take if they were to exist? Would they be on a smartphone app? A laminated card? A verified doctor’s note? So, while the prospect of traveling far and wide this summer after getting vaccinated is exciting, it might be better to temper your expectations for now and hope for clearer guidelines in the near future.
Vaccine passports are a means by which someone can prove they have been vaccinated against
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