While oral hygiene habits and diet influence the risk of tooth decay, genetics are also at play in regards to susceptibility for dental caries development … genetics that can also determine hair disorders

Strong enamel is obviously crucial to dental health, as it protects teeth from caries and decay, so those with structural abnormalities in their enamel can be at an increased risk for such dental issues. A new National Institute of Health study has found not only that enamel structure can influence an individual’s predisposition to caries, but also that keratin can affect enamel structure.

Using genetic and intraoral examination statistics from 1,092 study participants, researchers found that epithelial hair keratins – proteins associated with strong hair that play a large role in maintaining the strength and integrity of the sheaths that support hair shafts – are essential organic components of enamel. As part of tooth enamel’s protein composition, keratin can influence tooth enamel structure and integrity.

Additionally, the study found that individuals that had keratin mutations associated with hair disorders also had abnormal enamel structure that resulted in tooth weakness, thus increasing the risk of dental caries.

The full study (“Hair keratin mutations in tooth enamel increase dental decay risk,”) was published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, and can be found online here.

A new study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that men in their 30s who had severe periodontal disease were three times more likely to suffer from erection problems. While this study suggests an association between erectile dysfunction and periodontal disease, the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) believes more research is needed before conclusively linking the two.

According to Nancy L. Newhouse, DDS, MS, President of the American Academy of Periodontology and a practicing periodontist in Independence, Missouri, “Research has indicated that periodontal disease may be associated with vascular disease, which is a common cause of erectile dysfunction. However, the association is thought to be related to inflammation; there is no direct evidence that one disease causes the other. Therefore, periodontal disease may be associated with or considered a risk factor for erectile dysfunction, but does not necessarily cause it.”

Periodontal disease is a chronic, inflammatory disease that attacks the gums and supporting bone structure of the teeth. If left untreated, periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss. Several studies have linked periodontal disease to other health complications such as heart disease and diabetes.

While there is no direct causal relationship between periodontal disease and erectile dysfunction, Dr. Newhouse encourages all men to take an active role in the health of their teeth and gums before it affects other areas of the body. Research published in the Journal of Periodontology found women are almost twice as likely as men to receive regular dental check-ups. In addition, recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that over 64 million Americans, or almost half of U.S. adults, have periodontal disease. Of that, 56 percent of men have periodontal disease, compared to over 38 percent of women.

Men’s health is uniquely impacted by periodontal disease in a few key areas.

Prostate Health: Research found that the prostate-specific antigen (PSA), an enzyme created in the prostate that is normally secreted in very small amounts, is secreted at higher levels in men with periodontal disease and prostate cancer than men with just one of the diseases.

Heart Disease: Studies indicated periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease are associated and may actually increase your risk of cardiovascular disease. Both periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease are chronic, inflammatory conditions; researchers believe there is a connection due to the commonality of inflammation.

Impotence: As the study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine indicates, a man’s periodontal health could affect his sexual health. Another study done by the American Urological Association found that prolonged chronic inflammation, like that found in men with periodontal disease, can cause damage to blood vessels which can lead to impotence.

Cancer: Recent research found men with a history of gum disease are 14 percent more likely to develop cancer than men with healthy gums. More specifically, 49 percent of men are more likely than women to develop kidney cancer, 59 percent were more likely to develop pancreatic cancer and 30 percent more likely to develop blood cancer.

To help prevent periodontal disease, everyone, regardless of gender, should receive a comprehensive periodontal evaluation (CPE) from a dental professional on an annual basis. A CPE is used to examine your teeth, plaque,
gums, bite, bone structure and any risk factors you may have for periodontal disease.

Your annual Comprehensive Periodontal Screening is more important than ever: Please schedule your appointment to see Dr. Koshki and Team today!

After the ghoulish good fun of Halloween is behind us each year, it’s understandable to feel a bit of a letdown. Every sugar rush must end at some point, and when it does, it can lead to a harsh crash and comedown. The post-Halloween blues can be rough, and they can be even worse if the candies and sweets you enjoyed on the big night start to eat away at your teeth and the beauty of your smile. Fortunately, Dr. Moeiz Koshki and his expert dental team have you covered with a number of procedures that will have you glad your smile is no longer covered up by a gruesome Halloween mask.

Dr. Koshki’s services include:

• Dental Veneers – Consisting of thin, white porcelain, these can be placed right on your existing teeth. Veneers solve a number of issues like chipped, crooked or unevenly spaced teeth – so they’re a perfect solution for those who may have suffered a trick-or-treating injury on the big scary night.
• Teeth Whitening – After a few too many Reese’s Pieces or sweet tarts, the bright white beauty of a smile can easily be obscured, but Zoom teeth whitening at our offices can brighten your teeth in less than an hour with only one simple procedure.
• If Halloween sweets lead you to develop a cavity, white fillings from Dr. Koshki can have your mouth looking and feeling good as new before you know it!

We’re happy for you, and chances are that Dr. Koshki is an in-network provider of your new plan! We need to know what your new plan is BEFORE you come in for your next visit. Why? We are happy to have quick and accurate answers for you about your out of pocket expenses, and the only way we can provide this information is by calling your insurance company.

Do you know that it can take 30 – 60 minutes to obtain this information? It’s True! When you find out that you have new coverage, either call or email our Office Manager, Vicki. She will happily have all your insurance detail ready to go for your next visit!

Working with insurance…..we love how it helps defray the cost of dentistry for our patients, but it CAN be a headache! Thank you for helping us to better serve you.

You may have noticed a recent proliferation of information regarding the “evils” of inflammation in the media. Is this something you should be concerned with in your busy life? The answer is an unmitigated YES! Be very concerned.

To make it a bit easier to understand, inflammation is our body’s response to agents that cause damage. Among these agents, consider:  Atmospheric toxins, stress, diet and exercise deficiencies, smoking and alcohol habits, other drug or chemical dependencies among those most damaging to our well being.  Inflammation then can be expressed clearly as disease or ill health. Among these, consider:

• Visible signs of aging like wrinkles.
• Susceptibility to bacterial, fungal, and viral infections.
• Acid reflux
• Cancer
• Skin conditions like psoriasis and acne.
• Arthritis
• Bronchitis
• Chronic pain
• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Osteoporosis
• Heart disease
• Candidiasis
• Urinary tract infections

We’ve known for many years that inflammation anywhere in the body, including the gums, results in increased levels of certain hormones and inflammatory molecules in the bloodstream. Several studies suggest that these hormones and inflammatory molecules trigger contractions in the uterine wall, leading to premature birth. Premature birth, particularly at a low birth weight, presents a number of other problems for mother and child.

It is important to have regular dental cleanings (every six months or as prescribed by the dentist) to remove risk factors and avoid health complications such as Oral Cancer.

Dr. Koshki will continue to post about this vital topic – keep reading and be informed for your best health!

The temperature is dropping and the harvest moon is bright, so that must mean one thing – the frightening fun of Halloween is upon us again! We all have fond memories of the chills and thrills of carving pumpkins dressing up as kids, and of course, coming home from a night of trick-or-treating with a bag that’s filled to the brim with candies and sweets of all shapes and sizes.

As adults, we certainly haven’t outgrown the fun of Halloween, but we are certainly concerned about all the sugar that comes from trick-or-treat candy – particularly the effect it can have on one’s teeth. That’s why our team at the office of Dr. Moeiz Koshki, DDS is happy to provide our patients and friends with some alternatives to Halloween candy that keeps the seasonal scares fun and healthy:

• Freeze-Dried Fruit Packs – Kids may be skeptical of fruit for Halloween, but once they taste the natural sweetness of crisp dried apples, cherries, bananas or mangoes, they’ll never miss the common artificial versions from major candy distributors.
• Pumpkin Seeds – Lightly-salted pumpkin seeds add a fun seasonal flair to the trick-or-treat snacks that kids will love. Your little monsters will never need to know they’re getting a major dose of important nutrients like magnesium, zinc and omega-3 fatty acids.
• Trail Mix – For young chocoholics, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups are a Halloween staple, but with individual packs of trail mix – often including peanuts, chocolate pieces, as well as other assorted fruits and nuts – you can show trick-or-treaters that organic, whole food options can be just as flavorful, without that sugar crash that comes afterwards.
• Packets of Cocoa Mix – Once Halloween is over, it won’t be long until the days turn cold, making hot cocoa the perfect option to get through the chilly November nights.
• Non-Edibles – Small novelty toys, spooky temporary tattoos, pennies, crayons or coloring books can all offer plenty of fun that can last far longer than any sweet ever would.

As a grown-up, you can enjoy the eerie, silly fun of Halloween, while still looking out for the health and welfare of your kids and those of your neighbors – and remember – once the night is over, don’t forget to schedule an appointment with Dr. Moeiz Koshki to keep your family’s teeth bright and healthy!

You may have heard a lot of buzz surrounding the healthiness of vegetables, especially leafy green vegetables with deep, rich color tones. In many ways, they’re perfect foods and part of the credit is owed to the chlorophyll they contain. Chlorophyll is a green pigment that’s instrumental in photosynthesis. Research also suggests it’s instrumental in promoting good health. The following 10 benefits demonstrate its amazing versatility and power.

Helps Control Hunger and Cravings
Controls Body Odor
Encourages Healing
Promotes Cleansing
Protects DNA Against Fried Foods
Super Potent Antioxidant Action
Promising Potential As Anti – Cancer Agent
Effective Against Candida albicans
Relieves Systemic Redness and Swelling
Promotes Healthy Iron Levels