Dr. Kourosh Maddahi - March 2020
An t i - Ag i ng DENTISTRY MONTHLY NEWS
MARCH 2020
The Artistry in Cosmetic Dentistry
I’ve been in cosmetic dentistry for 33 years, and it took me a good 10 years to fully understand many of the applications of cosmetic dentistry and its intricacies — and to understand it as an art form. I learned that it was my God- given talent to envision the perfect smile. As odd as it may sound, when I look at someone who comes to my practice for a cosmetic procedure, I can see what their smile can become. The challenge is transforming my vision into reality. How can I communicate that image to the patient or to our lab technicians so that everything turns out just as I imagined?
If someone came to me with red hair, I would pick a slightly different shade for the veneers than someone with auburn or blonde hair. There may only be a minute difference in the coloration of the veneers, but it can make a remarkable impact when you see the finished smile. Everything comes together: the color of their teeth, the contour of their jaw and cheeks, the complexion of their skin, and the shade of their hair. Over the course of my career, I have seen many amazing smiles. I see them every day. Having worked on so many patients, I know what works. It’s both an art and a science. I’ve also had the
Much of it comes down to what people perceive to be the “perfect smile.” Some people consider bright, white teeth to represent the perfect smile, while others consider perfectly aligned teeth as the defining feature. Everyone has a slightly different perspective, but more often than not, it comes back to just the teeth themselves. In my mind, the perfect smile is a harmonious smile. It encompasses not only the alignment and color of the teeth but also the shape of the lips and jaw and the way the muscles move in the cheeks. There are so many that go into creating the ideal smile that people don’t realize. Part of the artistry, for example, is the color of the teeth. When people come in for a cosmetic procedure, such as veneers, it’s critical to get the color just right. It goes beyond getting the right or typical “tooth” color. You also want a color that complements things like their complexion and even their hair.
benefit of appearing on a number of television makeover shows, and I’ve worked with cosmetic surgeons, dermatologists, and other specialists. This puts me in a unique position to see all the aspects of a smile, and I have successfully brought this approach into my own practice. Ultimately, it comes down to a balance between the teeth, the facial contours, and the colors. Each element must be carefully considered. All of these things go into making a smile beautiful. When an artist goes to their canvas, they consider elements of color, shadow, depth, and more. The same idea applies here. There is artistry in creating the ideal smile, and every patient is an inspiration.
-Dr. Maddahi
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Natural Supplements to Increase Your Energy NEED A BOOST?
As spring kicks off, many people will be tempted to grab a Monster, Red Bull, or Rockstar to get through the day. Energy drinks may give you a quick boost, but the high levels of caffeine and sugar can lead to migraines and increased anxiety. If over-consumed, these drinks can even lead to Type 2 diabetes. To avoid these health hazards, try out a few of these natural energy boosters instead. Ashwagandha Ashwagandha is an evergreen shrub found mostly in India. As part of the Ayurveda system, an alternative
doses less than 5 grams, creatine provides impressive benefits during high-intensity activities, short-duration exercises, and sports, including football, shot put, and weightlifting. This compound is found in red meat, pork, poultry, and fish, and when consumed, it releases phosphates that give your body a quick burst of energy. Ingesting more than 5 grams, though, will leave you feeling bloated with a lot of stomach discomfort. Creatine powder can be found at most wellness stores. Beetroot Powder Beetroot powder is made from the roots of the beet plant and is rich in nitrate. Nitrate
medicine practice from India, it’s also known as “Indian ginseng.” The Alternative Medicine Review published a study indicating ashwagandha increases the body’s resilience to physical and mental stress by lowering levels of the stress hormone cortisol by 28%. Ashwagandha can also help you through long workouts and the 9-to-5 grind because it may also improve brain function, including memory. You can get ashwagandha in pill form at most convenience stores around the world. Creatine Many people don’t realize creatine is a natural energy booster because they get it mostly in processed, high-sugar energy drinks. However, in
relaxes blood vessels, creating increased blood flow and oxygen delivery. This enables your body to produce energy more efficiently and maintain energy levels, making beetroot powder a great aid for endurance sports like running, soccer, and biking. In the International Journal of Sports Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, a study reported that athletes could work out for 25% longer when they used beetroot powder. Fatigue didn’t set in until much later in their workout, which improved their training and performance.
This spring, say goodbye to energy drinks and get the boost you need with one of these natural energy supplements.
Amalgam Fillings and Mercury Exposure
If you’ve followed our newsletter for a while, you know about the concerns surrounding amalgam, or silver, fillings. For many years, amalgam fillings were the industry standard, and dentists relied on amalgam as the go-to filling material. It was made with several metals, including silver, tin, copper, and mercury — specifically, elemental mercury, which is the variant of mercury most people are familiar with. It’s liquid at room temperature. Why use mercury if it’s known to be toxic? Mercury bonds with many other metals exceptionally well. These bonds form a strong alloy and generally last a long time. According to the Food and Drug Administration, elemental mercury often made up to 50% of an amalgam filling, by weight.
and thought it would not leech into a person’s body. However, mercury can get into the body over time in the form of a vapor, entering the lungs, bloodstream, and eventually, the internal organs, where it can build up. That’s one of the biggest dangers of mercury: It builds up in the body over time and can lead to toxic levels. Mercury can also cause brain and neurological damage. Mercury toxicity is often identified when a neurological or behavioral disorder forms and is properly diagnosed. In children, toxicity is often amplified and can lead to serious developmental issues.
Today, many people still have amalgam fillings. The dentistry of the past is affecting people years or decades later. People forget they have amalgam fillings or don’t think anything of it and, as a result, may be exposed to mercury. If you still have amalgam fillings or you’re concerned about mercury and want to explore more advanced, biocompatible options, schedule a free consultation today by calling 888.592.0974. There is no reason to take the risk if it isn’t necessary.
Because amalgam fillings are highly durable, it made sense to use them, especially in an environment such as the mouth, as it would stand up to years of chewing. While amalgam had its obvious benefits, the potential risks were just as apparent. Many dentists and the FDA discounted the risk of the mercury present in fillings. Because of the bonding power, they deemed it an acceptable risk
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Chlorinated Water
A Hidden Household and Health Danger?
In many communities, chlorine is added to tap water. The idea behind this makes sense: Chlorine kills bacteria and other pathogens in the water, making it safer to consume. However, being a harsh chemical itself, using the word “safer” to describe chlorine raises questions. It is an effective disinfectant and it’s the most common form of water treatment in the world, but should we really ingest it or bathe with it? When you drink from the tap or take a bath or shower — or even brush your teeth — you will likely be exposed to chlorine. People can spend several minutes, if not longer, in the shower, bath, or swimming in a chlorinated pool. This gives the body ample time to absorb the chemicals in the water. You can be exposed to chlorine by drinking chlorine-treated water or absorbing it through the skin. In children, there is a concern the chlorine may impact the development of organs and other tissue in the body.
progress to throat and lung irritation, as well as a cough. Chlorine is also destructive to cells in the body.
According to the Environment Protection Agency (EPA), drinking water should be treated and have a detectable amount of chlorine present. The agency states there should be no more than 4 parts per million. This is what they call acceptable. The EPA also acknowledges that it is toxic. So, what can you do? You can start by checking chlorine levels in your own home’s water. There are water test kits available online and in many retailers. If you are concerned, you can also take steps to dechlorinate your water. One of the easiest ways, though with a higher upfront cost, is with chlorine filters. You can install a filtration system to filter all water coming into your home. Alternatively, tap filters are available. These filters simply adapt to faucets and shower heads. For drinking water, chlorine filters are available for pitchers. These are simple ways to take control of your health and what you consume every day. Refer a friend, get a brighter smile!
For most people, exposure to chlorine results in a variety of minor negative health effects, usually starting with skin and eye irritation, but it can
Brighten up after a cold, dark winter with this fresh and flavorful springtime dish. Pesto Chicken With Blistered Tomatoes
That’s right, every time you refer a friend to Dr. Maddahi, you get one FREE teeth cleaning!
INGREDIENTS •
2 1/2 tbsp olive oil, divided 4 boneless and skinless chicken breasts, pounded to a 1-inch thickness Salt and pepper to taste 1/4 cup whole-wheat panko
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2 tbsp Parmesan cheese 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted 6 tbsp spinach pesto 2 cups cherry tomatoes 1 garlic clove, thinly sliced 1 tsp red wine vinegar
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Call us today at 888.310.6771 to get started and to start earning your free cleaning!
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DIRECTIONS 1. In a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tbsp olive oil. 2. Season chicken with salt and pepper, and add it to pan. Cook chicken for 5 minutes on each side, then remove pan from heat. 3. In a bowl, combine panko, Parmesan cheese, and butter. 4. Spread pesto over chicken and top with panko mixture. 5. Broil chicken for 2 minutes on high heat until browned. 6. In a skillet, heat remaining oil over medium-high heat. 7. Add tomatoes and cook for 6 minutes. 8. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly. 9. Season tomato mixture with salt and pepper, and add red wine vinegar. 10. Serve tomatoes with broiled chicken. Inspired by CookingLight.com
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The Art Form That Is Cosmetic Dentistry Ditch the Energy Drinks
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How Dentistry of the Past Is Still Affecting People Today Should We Be Concerned About Chlorinated Water? Pesto Chicken With Blistered Tomatoes 3 Eco-Friendly Home Swaps to Make During Spring- Cleaning
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It takes a special kind of person to enjoy spring- cleaning. For most of us, the satisfaction of a clean house doesn’t quite outweigh the hours of scrubbing, sorting, and slogging through heaps of unnecessary stuff. If you’re struggling to find the motivation to start your spring-cleaning, try flipping the paradigm: Instead of spring-cleaning, think of what you’re doing as spring- greening, and make some eco-friendly swaps along the way. Here are a few ideas to get you started. 1. Swap your plastic spray bottles for bulk or DIY cleaning products. According to a Statista report, in 2019, the household cleaners market was worthmore than $31 billion, and it’s continuously growing. You can save money on cleaning supplies by taking the green route. When your current stock runs out, try buying bulk cleaners or making your own. Both options will save plastic because you can reuse your bottles, and they can help you avoid the harmful chemicals found inmost cleaners. Visit UnderATinRoof.com and read the blog post “Zero Waste Cleaning Supplies + Recipes” to get started.
Your Guide to Spring- Greening 3 Eco-Friendly Home Swaps to Make When You Declutter
your comfort zone. This spring, try exploring greener alternatives like plant-based bulk laundry powder (Molly’s Suds is an excellent source). Or, if you’re feeling really adventurous, you can even try adding all-natural cleaners like soap nuts or English ivy to your laundry loads. For more on the former, search “soap nuts” on 1MillionWomen.com, and read up on ivy detergent at Permacrafters.com/English-Ivy- Laundry-Detergent. 3. Say goodbye to paper towels. Paper towels are a mainstay in American homes, but do we really need themwhen a good old-
fashioned rag can do the job? According to the Ocean Conservancy, 13 billion pounds of paper towels are tossed in the U.S. each year! This spring, quit paper towels and keep a stash of dish rags under the sink to do your dirty work. When you’re cleaning out your closet, you can even cut up old T-shirts and add them to your rag stash! If you’re brave, try giving up tissues, too—an old-school hanky does the trick. If you’ve made all three of these swaps, don’t stop there! To continue your green journey, visit any of the blogs mentioned above and start browsing.
2. Explore alternative laundry detergents. If you’re used to using a plastic jug of liquid laundry detergent, it’s time to step out of
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