A recent article published by U.S. News and World Report stressed that good oral health could have tremendous benefits toward your overall health – something good dentists have known for years.

The most common link between your dental health and your overall health is the occurrence of periodontal (gum) disease. Studies have suggested that there is a link between gum disease and many serious conditions like diabetes, heart disease, as well as your risk of a stroke. It’s also interesting to note that for many of these conditions, the effects go both ways. That is to say that those who have periodontal disease are more likely to get these conditions, and periodontal disease can also be a symptom of these conditions. This means that a good dentist can not only assist in the diagnosis of serious conditions, they can also help prevent them.

No longer is “I don’t care how my smile looks” a valid excuse for not going to the dentist. Anyone who cares about their life and long term overall health should always make dental care an important element of their preventative care regimen.

According to numbers released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the dental assistant profession is growing rapidly in the United States and is set to increase 25% by the year 2022. People are recognizing more and more the importance of caring, highly trained dental assistants when creating a successful practice.

While many know of Dr. Koshki’s stellar reputation as the go-to Santa Monica dentist when it comes to surgical and cosmetic dentistry, many don’t know that he also prides himself on hiring and retaining only the best, most qualified assistants. Dental assistants are usually the first people to care for a patient when they walk in the door, so it’s incredibly important that they perform their job to the level of excellence expected out of the practice’s head dentist.

When you walk into Dr. Koshki’s practice you likely won’t see our dental assistant’s name on the door, but you’ll know from their level of care that they are invested 100 percent in the mission to provide you and your family the best dental care that Santa Monica has to offer.

You already know you have to brush your teeth. Your dentist recommends you do it at least twice a day, and hopefully you do, but do you do it right? Brushing your teeth is one of those tasks that’s so simple, it’s easy to do it wrong. Not to worry. The pros at the offices of Dr. Koshki have your back.

• You’re aware that you should brush your teeth twice a day (after each and every meal if you really want the best results), but what kind of toothbrush you use matters. The American Dentistry Association recommends you use a soft-bristled brush to minimize irritation or bleeding. Also, make sure you find the right size and shaped brush that’s right for you that can reach all areas of your mouth.
• Replace your brush every three to four months. Your toothbrush won’t do you any good with worn out bristles.
• To properly brush your teeth, you need to place the toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to the gums and gentle move it back and forth in short strokes. Make sure you brush all surfaces of each tooth, and don’t forget the tongue!
• The proper toothbrushing session lasts 2 minutes.
• An important part of the brushing process is flossing! Do it at least once a day to remove all the bacteria and food particles bristles can’t reach.

Take good care of your teeth, and don’t forget to schedule regularly checkups with an experienced dentist like Dr. Koshki!

Here at the offices of Dr. Moeiz Koshki, you already know we’re dedicate to patient comfort and superior care. Maybe that’s because we geniuely find teeth so important and fascinating! A lot of us already know the basics. Teeth are bones, they help us chew, we should brush them, but there’s a lot more to your mouth than that! Some of it may surprise you…

1) More than 75% of American suffer from gum disease. That’s 3 out of every 4. And that’s not good. Clearly, we all have a lot of work to do. Luckily most cases can be corrected by proper care from your dentist.

2) The plaque on your teeth has more than 300 species of bacteria. That’s a lot of reasons to brush.

3) Tooth enamle is the hardest substance in the entire body. But you still have to take care of it!

4) Replace your toothbrush at least every three months. The older it gets, the more bacteria it holds.

5) You should place your toothbrush at least 6 feet away from the toilet to prevent particles from the flush making it to your brush!

Make sure you keep your teeth and you gums happy, and if you ever need treatment, be sure to seek the expert care offered here by our very own Dr. Koshki!

Dental x-rays (also called radiographs) are a valuable part of dental treatment because they can detect damage to teeth and gums not visible during a routine visual examination.

For example, x-rays can show the condition of your teeth, their roots, jaw placement and the overall composition of your facial bones. X-rays can help your dentist determine the presence or degree of periodontal (gum) disease, cavities, abscesses and many abnormal growths, such as cysts and tumors. X-rays also can show the exact location of impacted teeth and teeth that have not yet fully developed. Finding and treating dental problems at an early stage can save time, money and unnecessary discomfort. If you have a hidden tumor, x-rays may even help save your life.

X-RAY FAQ

Do all patients have x-rays taken every six months?

No. Your x-ray schedule is based on the dentist’s assessment of your individual needs, including whether you’re a new patient or a follow-up patient, adult or child.* Dentists typically require new patients to have a full set of mouth x-rays in order to evaluate oral health status, including any underlying signs of gum disease, and for future comparison. (If you change dentists and have recently had x-rays taken, ask to have them sent to the new dentist.) Dentists may require x-rays during follow-up visits to monitor oral health.

What kind of x-rays does my dentist usually take?

The most common type of x-rays dentists take are known as bitewing x-rays. These require patients to hold or bite down on a piece of plastic with x-ray film in the center. Bitewing x-rays typically determine the presence of decay in-between teeth — one of the most common areas where decay-causing bacteria reside.

Another common dental x-ray type is the periapical x-ray, which gives the dentist an image of the entire tooth, including the roots. With periapical x-rays, dentists evaluate a particular tooth’s root structure and bone level and also can detect cysts and abscesses.

My dentist has ordered a “panoramic radiograph.” What is that?

Just as a panoramic photograph allows you to see a broad view of a large area, such as the Grand Canyon, a panoramic x-ray (also called radiograph) allows your dentist to see the entire structure of your mouth (all of your upper and lower teeth and parts of your jaw) in a single image. A common use of a panoramic x-ray, for example, is to assess teeth development in a child or teenager, especially wisdom teeth. Also known as third molars, wisdom teeth don’t erupt until the teenage years or beyond and can cause crowding or become impacted (because the teeth don’t have enough room to grow). A panoramic x-rays is also used to help evaluate dental implant placements.

Why would I need more than one type of x-ray?

What is apparent through one type of x-ray often is not visible on another. The panoramic x-ray will give your dentist a general and comprehensive view of your entire mouth on a single film, which a bitewing or periapical x-ray cannot show. On the other hand, periapical or bitewing x-rays show a detailed image of a smaller area, making it easier for your dentist to see decay or cavities between your teeth. X-rays are not prescribed indiscriminately. Your dentist has a need for the different information that each radiograph can provide to formulate a diagnosis.

Should I be concerned about exposure to radiation?

All health care providers are sensitive to patients’ concerns about exposure to radiation. Your dentist has been trained to prescribe x-rays when they are appropriate and to tailor their frequency to each patient’s individual needs. By using state-of-the-art technology and staying knowledgeable about recent advances, your dentist knows which techniques, procedures and x-ray films can minimize your exposure to radiation.  Dr. Koshki has used only digital x-ray technology since 2009 which ensures the very least amount of exposure.

In an interesting and fun development for dental patients everywhere, a Businessweek article is currently making the rounds that claims accurate economic predictions can be made based on a variety of dental trends and statistics. The article states that these metrics have reliably predicted the state of the economy for the past seven years! Though here at offices of Dr. Koskhki, we’re more interested in continuing to provide our patients with topnotch treatment options than moonlighting as economic experts, we can’t deny these metrics are certainly interesting. Here are a few factors in play at your dentist office that Businessweek states reflect the state of our economy.