Monthly Archives: June 2007

Some Headache Sufferers Find Relief in the Dental Chair

Posted on by | Leave a Comment

Does your headache include pain behind the eyes, sore jaw muscles, teeth grinding, clicking or popping of jaw joints, a sensitive head or scalp that’s painful to the touch, earaches or ringing in the ears, neck pain, shoulder pain, back pain or dizziness?

A recent study by the U.S. Army Medical Department found that one in eight Americans suffer from headaches. It is common for headache sufferers to find relief in the dentist chair.

“There are several sources of head pain that are treated by the dentist,” explains Beverly Hills Dentist Kourosh Maddahi. “If a person’s upper and lower jaw do not correctly meet, this can result in muscle tension that leads to headaches. Another dental-related cause of headache is the grinding or clenching of the teeth at night called bruxism. Because of the strain caused by heavy chewing or grinding, certain bones and muscles in the jaw are greatly stimulated and triggers headache.”

It is important, whenever in pain, to increase your calcium and magnesium intake. Together they are a natural relaxant for the muscles. You can use a special fitted nightguard to reduce clenching and grinding. Aside from bruxism, another headache-related dental problem is known as temporomandibular disorder (TMD or also referred to as TMJ) cycle of pain, muscle spasms, and joint imbalance that involves the jaw and the skull and results in interruption of bones, cartilage and muscle activity. Such symptoms may relate to the bite and therefore can successfully be treated by a dentist who has special education in managing these disorders.

Over 10 percent of the general population suffers from recurring headaches that are so severe they cannot carry out normal living! An estimated 80% of all headaches occur from muscle tension. Approximately 40% of all “healthy” individuals suffer from chronic headaches.

Head pain is not new. Early civilizations relied on magical potions and spells to cure headaches. In severe cases, holes were drilled in the skulls of headache sufferers so that the evil spirits which were believed to be the cause of the pain could escape. Over the years we have learned much about what causes headaches and how to treat them. Today, there is a growing realization that a common cause of tension headaches is a bad bite.

“If you suspect that your headaches might be caused by your bite,” says Dr. Maddahi, “contact your dentist. Your dentist will examine your teeth, your muscles, and your jaw joints to determine if dental stress is the source of your headaches. If so, treatment will involve correcting your bite so that the muscles can function without extra strain and tension. The important aim of correcting your bite is to insure optimal long-term health. If you have any of the symptoms mentioned, discuss them with your dentist. Your health is your most priceless possession.”

Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist, Dr. Kourosh Maddahi, has been specializing in creating beautiful, natural smiles for 20 years and can be found on the world wide web at www.DrMaddahi.com. He is located in Beverly Hills at 436 N. Roxbury Drive, Suite 202 and can be reached at 310-888-7797. He can be contacted via email at info@DrMaddahi.com.

Some Dental Materials Can be Trouble for the Chemically Sensitive

Posted on by | Leave a Comment

Beverly Hills dentist, Dr. Kourosh Maddahi, suggests patient testing for chemical sensitivity before choosing dental materials used for fillings and other dental work. With symptoms ranging from breathing difficulties, headaches, dizziness to sometimes debilitating illnesses, many people are realizing that the chemicals in the world that we have come to depend upon are actually toxic to many individuals. One example is mercury amalgam fillings, which have become well-known as an irritant for many dental patients. But it has now come to light that some chemically sensitive people may also be affected by other replacement dental materials used.

“I suggest to many patients that they take advantage of serum biocompatibility testing.”, explains Beverly Hills dentist, Dr. Kourosh Maddahi. ”It is possible to use a serum blood specimen to determine what one’s ” least toxic replacement dental materials might be. We use the term least toxic because any foreign substance introduced into the body will, to some degree, aggravate the immune system. This is the purpose of the immune system, to ward off substances not naturally found in the body.

This testing is a laboratory screening process used to help identify existing sensitivity problems to various chemical groups and families of compounds in an individual patient. It specifically looks for existing systemic sensitivity which could be associated with various bio-materials and restorative products that are used to repair and reconstruct teeth, bone structures, joints and other body tissue. Classical immunological methods are used resulting in test results reporting on as many as 7000 trade-named products and almost 100 chemical groups and families.

Dr. Maddahi explains, “Products that produce such a reaction from the immune system, quantified by the degree of serum clouding resulting from protein precipitation upon the addition of a given chemical, are felt to overtax the immune system over time. An overtaxed immune system can lead to a wide range of medical problems. Often we find that such sensitivity can worsen any medical problems that already exist. I think it is important to avoid such troubles whenever possible. When we know about these difficulties, we can steer clear of using any such materials.”

The report of the test results is over 30 pages long and lists the categories of “Highly Reactive,” “Moderately Reactive,” and “Least Reactive” of different dental products, including composite fillings, crown materials, bridge materials, cements, denture materials, and other materials. Most patients will be found to have some materials in the “Least Reactive” category from which the dentist may choose. Although this does not guarantee to be a completely safe choice, years of clinical experience with this testing has consistently shown such a choice to be vastly superior and preferable over a dentist’s random assumption that each body has the same reactivity to these materials.

Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist, Dr. Kourosh Maddahi, has been specializing in creating beautiful, natural smiles for 20 years and can be found on the world wide web at www.DrMaddahi.com. He is located in Beverly Hills at 436 N. Roxbury Drive, Suite 202 and can be reached at 310-888-7797. He can be reached via email at info@DrMaddahi.com

Unchecked Dental Disease Found to Actually Shorten Life in Some Cases

Posted on by | Leave a Comment

Health professionals are urged to make every effort to understand this risk and to fully clarify this information for the general public.

Dental disease and its effect on overall health has recently been in the news and health professionals are cautioned to advise their patients to schedule a dental checkup at least twice a year in order to avoid health risks that can be caused by disregarded dental problems.

The subject of health and longevity can no longer exclude the issue of dental disease. Not just a minor ailment of the gums and teeth, it has been conclusively proven that much disease can begin in the mouth. Additionally, it has been found that unhandled dental infection can actually contribute to, or exacerbate other more harmful diseases that can seriously affect the quality of life and sometimes even shorten life expectancy.

Dr. Maddahi, Beverly Hills Dentist, addresses all medical care professionals, “It has been proven that the relationship between dental health and overall health is symbiotic. All health practitioners must make every effort to understand this connection and take a role in providing patients with the information they require to address the issue of dental disease.”

According to a published article by Dr. Tom McGuire, President of the Dental Wellness Institute, recent scientific studies clearly demonstrate the harmful role gum disease plays in serious and life-threatening diseases. For example, moderate-to-severe gum disease can increase the risk of heart attack by as much as 25%, increase the risk of stroke by a factor of 10, increase the severity of diabetes, contribute to low pre-term birth weights, contribute to respiratory disease, interfere with proper digestion, play a role in osteoporosis, severely stress the immune system, lower resistance to other infections and actually reduce life expectancy.

“For twenty years I have been practicing dentistry and I am very relieved to see that other dental professionals have discovered and are publishing these facts that I have noticed over these years.”, says Dr. Maddahi. ”My goal as a dentist is not to only affect the oral health of my patients but to assist them to lead a healthy, vibrant life, based on their overall health, as well. I urge my patients to take seriously their dental care and to vigilantly repair any trouble that is discovered in their regular checkups. This can lead to a healthier and therefore, happier, life for them and their families.”

Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist, Dr. Kourosh Maddahi, has been specializing in creating beautiful, natural smiles for 20 years and can be found on the world wide web at www.DrMaddahi.com. He is located in Beverly Hills at 436 N. Roxbury Drive, Suite 202 and can be reached at 310-888-7797. He can be contacted via email at info@DrMaddahi.com.

Dental Implants Are the Permanent Solution to Lost Teeth

Posted on by | Leave a Comment

Beverly Hills Dentist, Dr. Kourosh Maddahi, suggests dental implants as the answer to missing teeth. Implants are permanent and stable, making eating, talking and smiling more enjoyable. In the past several decades the use of dental implants instead of bridges and dentures has exploded in popularity as they offer a more natural look, feel and function, because they are permanently fixed in the mouth.

The scientific research that allowed these to come into being began in the 1950′s with the discovery that metal titanium had an ability to bond with bone. This very strong bond to surrounding bone is a process termed “osseointegration”, coming from the Latin word “osseus” meaning “bony”. After years of careful research and study, dental implants (titanium cylinders placed into the jawbone to support replacement teeth) have been refined with high success rates. There are now patients who have had implant supported teeth for more than twenty-five years. No more the need for dentures and bridges, it’s easier to eat, looks better and much more easily cared for.

“I tell my patients with missing teeth that they should consider dental implants.”, explains Dr. Maddahi. “If you, like millions of Americans, have lost one or more teeth, you may be all too familiar with the unpleasant consequences. For many, missing teeth lead to an unattractive smile, embarrassment from loose dentures, and pain or difficulty with eating. Traditional dentistry can provide replacements for missing teeth using bridges, removable partials and dentures; however, each of these has its problems.”Bridgework usually involves altering natural teeth to provide a stable foundation for support of replacement teeth. Partials and dentures can, at times, be very unstable leading to denture sores or speech difficulties. Another little known problem associated with tooth loss is a process known as atrophy, a shrinking of the jawbone that can progress over the years. Bone atrophy not only affects jaw function, but can cause adverse facial cosmetic changes.

Dental implants are an effective, safe and predictable solution to the problems resulting from missing teeth. Many patients report they like the look more, and state that the implants feel and function like natural teeth. Dr. Maddahi likes to inform his patients of the basis of his choices. “Dental implants are substitutes for the roots of missing teeth. They act as an anchor for a replacement tooth or crown or a set of replacement teeth. Replacing missing teeth is important to an individual’s general health and to the health of remaining teeth. Chewing ability is lost when a tooth is lost. Unreplaced teeth can cause other teeth to be lost, tipped or crowded and create subsequent problems. There are also the obvious problems of poor appearance and loss of self-esteem caused by one or more missing teeth.”

Recent Studies Prove the Importance of Oral Health and How it Affects Overall Physical Health

Posted on by | Leave a Comment

Many people find that oral health is important to how they feel about their appearance and that affects their sense of well-being. But not so many individuals understand the direct corollary between dental health and their daily health.

Gum disease and cavities often contribute to many serious conditions, including respiratory diseases, diabetes, and heart disease. It is now known that premature and low weight babies can be caused by the mother’s lack of dental health. Untreated cavities can also be painful and lead to serious infections.

Maintaining good oral health consists of keeping teeth free from cavities and preventing gum disease and affects your ability to chew and digest food properly. Good nutrition is vital to building strong teeth and gums that resist disease and promote healing.

Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist, Dr. Kourosh Maddahi, stresses that oral health needs to be a priority throughout all stages of life. “I have found that to be important, especially since older adults and seniors are keeping their teeth longer than ever before. Some older people have a harder time getting to the dentist, because they rely on others to drive them around or they have lower incomes or they no longer have insurance.”

It has been found that seniors living in long-term care facilities are at particular risk of complications from poor oral health because of frailty, poor health and increased dependence on others for personal care. In many cases, oral health problems in residents go undetected until there are acute symptoms, such as pain or infection.

Dr. Maddahi explains, “We all know that bad teeth can lead to discomfort and pain. But also poor dental health can contribute to quite a few serious health issues.” Gum disease is an inflammation of the gums, which may also affect the bone supporting the teeth. Plaque is a sticky colorless film of bacteria that constantly builds up, thickens and hardens on the teeth. If it is not removed by daily brushing and flossing, this plaque can harden into tartar and may contribute to infections in the gums.

When left untreated, gum disease can lead to the loss of teeth and an increased risk of more serious diseases, including heart disease and stroke. The bacteria in plaque can travel from the mouth into the bloodstream, and has been linked to the clogging of arteries and damage to heart valves. The same bacteria can also travel to the lungs, causing infection or aggravating existing lung conditions.

There has been found a link between diabetes and gum disease. People with diabetes are more susceptible to gum disease, and it can put them at greater risk of diabetic complications.

Oral health is most important for pregnant women. Studies show that pregnant women with gum disease might be at a higher risk of delivering pre-term, low birth weight babies than women without gum disease. Babies who are pre-term or low birth weight have a higher risk of developmental complications, asthma, ear infections, birth abnormalities and a higher risk of infant death.

Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist, Dr. Kourosh Maddahi, has been specializing in creating beautiful, natural smiles for 20 years and can be found on the world wide web at www.DrMaddahi.com. He is located in Beverly Hills at 436 N. Roxbury Drive, Suite 202 and can be reached at 310-888-7797.

He can be contacted via email at info@DrMaddahi.com.

Survey Says: People Appear More Intelligent, Wealthy and Successful After Cosmetic Dental Work

Posted on by | Leave a Comment

A survey by the American Association of Cosmetic Dentistry found that after people get a smile makeover from a cosmetic dentist that not only are they considered more attractive and popular but they have a better business persona as well.

What are the most common reasons a person chooses a beautiful new smile? Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist, Dr. Kourosh Maddahi knows the top reasons that his patients have come to him. Many want to look healthy or appear younger and to simply look more attractive.

Before and after photos of patients who had cosmetic dental work done were surveyed. When asked for instant response to what they saw, of course attractive and popular with the opposite sex were improved, but the interesting factors were that people thought these after-photos were of people who were more intelligent, wealthy and more successful in their careers. As a note, none of these before pictures had rotten or missing teeth showing or terribly bad dental health problems.

Dr. Maddahi discusses why people come to him to improve the look of their smiles, “Why do people come for cosmetic dentistry? I can’t tell you which is most important thing, but many have recently taken a photo or they have looked in the mirror and their teeth look bad. Many realize that they just don’t smile in order to hide their teeth or they find themselves putting their hand in front of their mouth. Some even restrict social activities because they feel their teeth look bad and are a bad reflection on them.”

Some are just inspired by what they see on television or what they see in other friends or relatives who have work done. Dr. Maddahi continues, “They may see a makeover show and before that were hopeless. They often see that another person had even worse teeth before and they see they can be helped. The other thing is that sometimes my new patients have been putting off a visit to the dentist for several years. They have an emergency and once they are here, they come to understand that dentistry has changed and that we can help them without any trauma that has been associated with dentistry. Then they elect to take care of all their dental needs.”

One patient of Dr. Maddahi, Mrs. B., had this to say about how the dental work made a difference for her, “You can’t put it into words. It makes such a change in your life. It made a change not only aesthetically but functionally. My previous dental work was replaced and aesthetically and functionally it totally improved. Everyone notices. How much younger you look! I hear it all the time. You have to be a movie star to look like that! That’s a big improvement. I want people to understand what a difference it can make.”

Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist, Dr. Kourosh Maddahi, has been specializing in creating beautiful, natural smiles for 20 years and can be found on the world wide web at www.DrMaddahi.com. He is located in Beverly Hills at 436 N. Roxbury Drive, Suite 202 and can be reached at 310-888-7797.

He can be contacted via email at info@DrMaddahi.com.

Daily care of the Teeth is a Simple but Vital Activity

Posted on by | Leave a Comment

Beverly Hills dentist, Dr. Kourosh Maddahi, explains that it’s not just daily tooth brushing that helps to avoid the decay that leads to cavities and root canals.

The choices in the variety of toothbrushes are so diverse, they can take up almost the length of a whole aisle at the grocery store. According to Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist, Kourosh Maddahi, “The important thing is that you choose a soft brush and that it has round-ended bristles. This will be sturdy enough to clean the teeth and stimulate the gums, but not scrub them.”

“An electric toothbrush may help those who have difficulty brushing their teeth,” Dr. Maddahi continues, “but it has not proven to clean better than a regular toothbrush. And, remember, to replace your toothbrush every two to three months, as well as after colds, to keep it in top shape and hygienic.”

Toothpaste is formulated to clean and polish teeth and contains abrasives such as silica, alumina, calcium and baking soda. Too abrasive of a paste can damage teeth allowing a place for bacteria to accumulate. If a toothpaste is called anti-plaque that means that their paste has been proven to prevent gingivitis. Tartar-control toothpastes help to prevent further buildup, but won’t defeat existing tartar. Tooth whitening agents may extend the brightness your teeth have after a professional cleaning.

Flossing is important and often neglected. There are many types of floss to choose from: waxed, unwaxed, flavored, ribbon, flat, etc. The new flossing implements are very handy and make flossing so much easier. The type that is used is not considered important, but flossing must be done daily.

What you eat and how long it remains in your mouth is a vital factor to dental health. Teeth are most affected by sugars, any sugar: including brown sugar and the natural sugars found in fruit and dairy products, is a tooth’s worst enemy. Foods such as raisins and other dried fruits tend to stick to the teeth, enhancing the conditions for destructive acids. Starchy foods should be eaten with other foods and hard candies, breath mints and cough drops also stay in the mouth longer than other foods. Obviously, the more often you snack, the greater your threat for hosting enamel-destroying acids.

Some recent studies have found that some foods may help counter tooth decay. Research has shown that peanuts and aged cheddar, Swiss and Monterey Jack cheeses may actually inhibit or neutralize the acids that cause cavities. If you can’t brush after a meal, try chewing sugarless gum, to clean off the teeth.

Regular dental checkups are required to maintain good health because decay can eat away from the tooth’s surface to the nerve in the heart of the tooth in just a year. Twice a year you should have your teeth cleaned and checked by your dentist.

Eating good foods, brushing and flossing daily and regular visits to the dentist will help to avoid decay that leads to cavities and root canals.

Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist, Dr. Kourosh Maddahi, has been specializing in creating beautiful, natural smiles for 20 years and can be found on the world wide web at www.DrMaddahi.com. He is located in Beverly Hills at 436 N. Roxbury Drive, Suite 202 and can be reached at 310-888-7797. He can be contacted via email at info@DrMaddahi.com.

Why Are Regular Visits to the Dentist a Must?

Posted on by | Leave a Comment

Beverly Hills dentist, Dr. Kourosh Maddahi, explains when teeth are regularly cleaned and checked, dental health is under control.

A regular dental checkup is required to maintain good health 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 you could be getting an implant instead of a clean bill of health.

What is a regular checkup? It is advised that kids and adults see the dentist every six months. This is important in order to get the teeth checked for new decay and to have a regular cleaning.

Decay is the destruction of tooth structure. Tooth decay comes about when plaque, which is the sticky material that forms on teeth, mixes with sugars and/or starches of food. Together they form an acid that can eat through the hard outside of the tooth, referred to as enamel.

This, then, is why it is important to brush teeth at least twice a day and to use floss before bedtime. Decay may also be prevented by eating healthy foods and avoiding high-sugar drinks and snack. If decay reaches the pulp of the tooth, then a root canal may be needed to save the tooth.

Getting a cleaning from the dental hygienist is recommended twice a year. There is plaque that is not easily removed with a toothbrush or floss, and the special tools the hygienist uses remove this difficult plaque. The teeth usually look noticeably cleaner after a visit with the hygienist. Also, most hygienists will educate you on how to better take care of your teeth.

Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist, Dr. Kourosh Maddahi, feels it’s important for his patients to understand 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 literally means 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.”

Poor dental hygiene can lead to a variety of dental and medical problems such as gum disease, infection, bone loss, heart disease, strokes and more. Regular check ups and cleanings can prevent these problems as well as provide you with good oral hygiene.

Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist, Dr. Kourosh Maddahi, has been specializing in creating beautiful, natural smiles for 20 years and can be found on the world wide web at www.DrMaddahi.com. He is located in Beverly Hills at 436 N. Roxbury Drive, Suite 202 and can be reached at 310-888-7797.

He can be reached via email at info@DrMaddahi.com.

How Do People Perceive You When You Have Good Looking Teeth?

Posted on by | Leave a Comment

Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist, Dr. Kourosh Maddahi, finds that the perception people have of you is actually affected by discolored teeth, poorly shaped teeth, or unattractive gums and is immediately changed when you have a smile makeover.

“I had one patient come in with her gums bleeding, teeth cracked, missing and broken. In four weeks I did a full mouth reconstruction on her. She was so elated. She sat there crying, saying you’ve changed my life, you’ve saved my life. There’s nothing that would replace that kind of acknowledgment from a patient. That’s what I love to do.” Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist, Dr. Kourosh Maddahi, is dedicated to creating beautiful, natural smiles.

A very marked improvement can be made from a simple teeth whitening procedure. Discolorations can be caused by staining, aging, or chemical damage to teeth. Tooth dullness or staining is an indication that whitening should be considered. Smokers and those who drink coffee and/or tea on a regular basis accelerate the discoloration and require cleaning more often. These are among the most common reasons for teeth whitening.

Dr. Maddahi combines artistry and dentistry, creating beautiful, natural smiles for his patients. “When I look at a patient, I am not just looking at their teeth. I am looking at their whole face, how to make that smile to match their personality and the symmetry of their face.” Further he says. ”I imagine you have seen people with dental work that is unnatural. Perhaps the teeth are too thick or too long, and push out the lips or the teeth are small or the wrong shape or color. I concentrate on creating just the right smile for my patients.”

There are numerous choices for a patient who would like a smile makeover. Some simply need teeth whitening. Others might want a few new teeth to match the rest of their mouth. The choices are many, including porcelain veneers, porcelain crowns, teeth whitening, cosmetic implants, bridges, recontouring, composite bonding, porcelain inlays, porcelain onlays and dentures.

Dr. Maddahi is one of Los Angeles’ leading cosmetic dentists. He is very interested in what his patients want, what they suggest and are most comfortable with. Using his state-of-the-art digital cosmetic imaging equipment, he and the patient consult to find the best new smile for them. The display will show a computerized split image of the patient’s smile. The top half of the screen displays the current smile and the bottom display is a digital simulation of the smile as it will be after the work has been completed. This way they can make an immediate decision on the work to be done.

Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist, Dr. Kourosh Maddahi, has been specializing in creating beautiful, natural smiles for 20 years and can be found on the world wide web at www.DrMaddahi.com. He is located in Beverly Hills at 436 N. Roxbury Drive, Suite 202 and can be reached at 310-888-7797. He can be contacted via email at info@DrMaddahi.com.

Problems with Bad Breath?

Posted on by | Leave a Comment

Fortunately for You (and Yours), There’s Many Solutions Available! Halitosis has numerous causes but can often be resolved.

The source of a person’s bad breath can be a variety of causes. Of course, there’s food recently eaten and illness or other physical ailments that cause halitosis. But about 90% of bad breath is caused by improper oral hygiene. This includes tooth brushing, but also can include lack of proper flossing, dental hygienist visits, and failure to clean one’s tongue.

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

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

For years people have been using mouthwash to assist with bad breath. Historically, people would rinse with a tea-like solution made from wormwood, alder or mint. Also, they found drinking mixtures made from oak bark, St. John’s wort, nettle, chamomile and birch trees, resolved halitosis helped. Many people eat fresh apples which not only freshen breath, but clean off the bacteria on the teeth. Even strong tea is commonly used to kill bad breath. Tea has polyphenol, a bactericidal substance that helps neutralize the smell.

Odorous bacteria can be found on the teeth, on the tongue and between the teeth. Even the state-of-the-art toothbrushes cannot reach in between the teeth. Therefore, the use of dental floss is stressed in proper dental hygiene. There are numerous new utensils to assist with flossing and to make it a simple task. Brushing the tongue is also suggested and this can be done with a brush as part of daily tooth brushing or using one of many special implements for cleaning the tongue that are available today.

Almost a half of all adults complain of bad breath or halitosis in various degrees of severity. Causes of temporary halitosis may include recently eaten strongly flavored food, such as garlic or onions, and drugs such as a paraldehyde. And it has been found that infective conditions of the nose, throat, and lungs (especially bronchiectasis) can cause the problem as well as constipation, indigestion, and some liver diseases have been found to cause the problem.

Periodontal treatment is perhaps the most overlooked cause of this problem. Dr. Maddahi says, “Periodontal treatment deals with the health and care of the tissues surrounding and supporting the teeth. 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. Although scraping is often not needed if regular teeth cleaning has been done.”

Beverly Hills cosmetic dentist, Dr. Kourosh Maddahi, has been specializing in creating beautiful, natural smiles for 20 years and can be found on the world wide web at www.DrMaddahi.com. He is located in Beverly Hills at 436 N. Roxbury Drive, Suite 202 and can be reached at 310-888-7797.

He can be contacted via email at info@DrMaddahi.com.