Monday, August 24, 2009

Lost Teeth Impact Total Health

In the past, the loss of teeth was dismissed as a natural part of the aging process, and dentures were considered a normal sign of old age.

While such ignorance is rapidly becoming a thing of the past, there is still not a general awareness of the seriousness of edentulism (the condition of being completely toothless). Multiple tooth loss is most commonly caused by peridontal disease, i.e.. gum and bone disease. Periodontal disease has a high statistical correlation with chronic debilitating disease, such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease and arthritis.

So it is not very surprising that studies now show a shortened life expectancy by as much as 10 years for persons who have lost their natural teeth, when compared to those who have kept their teeth.

In addition to longevity, quality-of-life differences are just as significant. The functional efficiency of dentures has been measured to be only 20% of that of natural teeth. Can there be any doubt that nutritional deficiencies will be much more prevalent in those without their natural teeth?

Loss of teeth often causes a feeling of loss of wholeness and a sense of deterioration and aging. Given these factors, preservation of the natural teeth is integral to whole-person wellness.

If you have questions regarding how dental health affects your total well-being, please call our office at (949)364-3724 or email us at drm@makhoulsmiles.com today.

Best Regards,

Dr. Makhoul

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Ten Great Reasons Not to Dodge Your Dental Cleaning Appointment!

Sure, regular cleanings with our office promote good oral hygiene, but did you know they can also prevent a multitude of diseases? That two o’clock chair-side rendezvous may not seem nearly as exciting as a late lunch with a friend, but it will be well worth it in the end. Here are 10 really great reasons to stick with your regular cleaning schedule!

1. It Prevents Oral Cancer. You may or may not realize that you’re screened for oral cancer during your regular dental cleaning. According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, an American dies of oral cancer every hour of every day. It’s a sad proposition, especially when you consider that it is highly curable with early diagnosis.

2. It Wards off Gum Disease. Gum disease (an infection in the gum tissues and bone that keep your teeth in place) is one of the leading causes of adult tooth loss. It can be treated and reversed if diagnosed early. Unfortunately, not receiving treatment will lead to a more serious and advanced state of gum disease. Regular cleanings and check-ups and daily brushing and flossing are key weapons in the fight against these conditions.

3. It’s about More than Your Mouth. Sure, not getting regular check-ups may make you less kissable, but did you know that studies have linked heart attacks and strokes to gum disease associated with poor oral hygiene? A trip to our office every six months could reduce your risk of serious health problems.

4. You Want to Preserve Your Smile. As mentioned, gum disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults. To keep your pearly whites intact, stick with your cleaning schedule.

5. It’s Best to Detect Dental Problems Early. We’ve already touched upon early detection of gum disease and oral cancer, but don’t overlook more basic dental problems. Cavities and broken fillings are easy to treat. Without regular trips to the dentist, these problems can lead to root canals, gum surgery and tooth extraction. Which sounds worse: a 30-minute cleaning or an hour under the knife?

6. You Want to Know You’re Doing It Right. Maybe you bought a fancy new electric toothbrush, or aren’t keeping up with what current research has to say about caring for your teeth. Either way, check-ups allow us to examine your mouth and keep you on the right path.

7. You Have Dental Insurance. Consider how much money you put into your insurance plan. Take advantage of it and save a lot of money in the long run by avoiding costly procedures that result from poor dental habits.

8. You Want to Upgrade Your Smile. If you’re already suffering from tooth decay or gum problems, regular appointments will allow our office to create a personalized treatment plan that will give you the best smile possible.

9. You Want to Dazzle. Regular cleanings remove most tobacco, coffee and tea stains, polishing your teeth to a beautiful shine!

10. You Need Some Time Alone. Okay, maybe not completely alone, but the time you spend in our waiting room and in our chair is really your time. You can forget about the office or the stresses of family life. Read a magazine or work through a crossword if you want. Take advantage of the time you’re given, rather than worrying about how to fit it in your tight schedule. Your health and well-being should never take a back seat to your daily planner.

If it’s been more than six months since your last check up and cleaning, call our office to schedule an appointment today! We promise to take good care of you (and your smile)!

If you have questions regarding your dental health, please call our office at (949)364-3724 or email us at drm@makhoulsmiles.com today.
Best Regards,

Dr. Makhoul

P.S. If you have any friends or family members, who you feel could use our services, please don't hesitate to have them call us. We'll be sure to take good care of them.

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

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Phone Number: 949.364.3724

Fax: 949.364.0729

E-Mail: drmakhoul@gmail.com

Website: http://makhoulsmiles.com/



When I was 9 years old, I had a terrifying experience at the dentist. That experience made me vow to become the most gentle dentist in the world. My passion to reach this goal helped me finish college in two and a half years and then on to dental school.



When I was in dental school, one of my professors told me that my greatest challenge as a dentist would be to keep my care gentle, so no one would be afraid of the smile care they needed. I have devoted my career to doing just that. I am proud to say that I am able to make my patients so comfortable that most of them actually fall asleep in the chair during treatment.



At my office everyone is committed to your comfort, to your wishes, and to your beautiful smile. It's our commitment to you each time you visit our office--our guarantee of the red carpet treatment. Patients say they feel it the moment they call or walk through our doors. "Good morning, Mrs. Peters, Dr. Makhoul is waiting for you." The entire staff is here to help.



Due to my reputation in Cosmetic Dentistry and as the most gentle dentist, patients are willing to travel the distance in order to receive the best in dental care.



Part of our commitment to serving our patients includes providing information that helps them to make the best informed decisions about their oral health needs. This page is a resource we hope you’ll find both useful and interesting.



If you want any more information visit http://makhoulsmiles.com/ or give us a call - 949.364.3724!



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