Dr. David Scharf Blog

You look in the mirror and notice that your gums seem to sit lower than they did the week before. You’re not sure if this is normal aging so you decide to visit with your dentist. While there he informs you that your gums are receding from your teeth and you’ll need to see a Periodontist Long Island for an evaluation and treatment plan. What surprises you is his recommendation for that plan to include a smoking cessation plan.

According to a recent study published in the Journal of Periodontology smoking after periodontal corrective surgery could “undue” your treatment within two years, leaving you right back where you started.

The study evaluated 10 smokers and 10 non-smokers over the course of two years after receiving cosmetic treatment to re-cover the tooth roots after recession. The results showed that residual gum recession around the area that received the surgery was higher with smokers when compared to non-smokers.

The recommendation to avoid smoking after dental treatment is nothing new. In fact many smokers can tell you prior to treatment whether or not this is one of those qualifying, “put aside your cigarette” moments. In spite of awareness to avoid smoking after treatment many patients continue to smoke, often lighting up right after leaving the dentist office. Periodontists warn however that periodontal surgery is a costly procedure, and not a procedure smokers should want to take their chances with.

When the gums have pulled away from the tooth more of the root is exposed leaving the tooth vulnerable to disease and decay. That tooth’s survival depends on correcting the cause of the current recession in the first place. If treatment is not done the tooth will eventually fall out.

Whether the recession is caused by bacteria or some other cause the Periodontist begins by treating the source of the recession. This is then followed by a procedure to recover the tooth root to help ensure the health of that tooth.

This is where smoking comes into play. The study showed that 50% of smokers lost between .5mm to 1mm over the course of 2 to 24 months. For this reason it is crucial to develop a stop smoking program prior to undergoing corrective surgery. After all, the reason for seeking treatment is to protect the health of your teeth. Why not do all you can from the start?

If you’ve noticed that your gums have begun to recede and you’d like a skilled opinion from a Periodontist Long Island contact Dr. Scharf at (631) 661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com. He offers alternative treatments for your periodontal needs including laser therapy.

When it comes to tooth decay and gum disease everyone can agree that prevention is better than treatment any day. What many don’t agree on however is exactly what it takes to prevent gum disease. On one side you’ll hear the need to brush and floss twice daily, and on the other you’ll hear that brushing is all you need. After reviewing the results of a recent study any Periodontist on Long Island can agree that flossing plays a critical role in the health of your mouth.

The study observed 51 sets of twins ranging from age 12 to 21 and was conducted at New York University. Each twin was randomly assigned a two-week oral care regimen where one twin brushed with a manual toothbrush and toothpaste while the other brushed with a manual toothbrush and toothpaste as well as flossed.

At the completion of the two week study it was hands down that flossing was important. Each participant provided samples to determine the level of bacteria associated with gum disease. The results showed that the twins who didn’t floss had higher levels of bacteria than those that did.

The significance of bacteria growth in the mouth lies with an understanding of the true causes of gum disease. Gum disease is progressive and begins with an excessive amount of plaque forming on the teeth near the gum line providing a place for bacteria to grow. The gums then react to the bacteria with signs of inflammation which include, bleeding, redness, swelling, persistent bad breath and eventually missing teeth.

Brushing alone does not remove the plaque between and behind your teeth. This is where flossing regularly plays such an important role. If flossing has not been a regular part of your routine it’s not too late to start. Talk with your dental practitioner about the type of floss and technique to keep your gums healthy.

If you notice signs of gum disease contact a local Periodontist right away. Dr. Scharf treats gum disease with a laser, not a scalpel, for people who need a Periodontist on Long Island and want an alternative to gum surgery call Dr. Scharf at 631-661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com.

You’ve all heard the recommendation to replace your toothbrush every 3 – 4 months or when the bristles begin to fray at the sides, but have you ever heard why? Regular replacement of your toothbrush is highly recommended by a Long Island Periodontist to help reduce bacteria growth and the spread of disease.

Bacteria of all kinds transfer through our saliva where they are easily deposited on our toothbrushes. There they will sit until the next time we put that toothbrush into our warm, moist mouth where bacteria thrives the best. Additionally, bacteria that is floating around the room or lurking on a neighboring toothbrush can easily settle on your toothbrush as it waits to find a new home, your mouth.

In addition to the spread of illness harmful bacteria that lead to gum disease may be lurking in there too, waiting for us to swish that brush around our warm moist mouth. Yet with all those harmful bacteria potentially inhabiting our toothbrush how can we confidently brush twice a day? After all, our goal is to remove harmful bacteria not add it!

There are a few simple measures you can take to reduce the growth of bacteria on your toothbrush including, never share your toothbrush, replace your toothbrush every 3 – 4 months, don’t share or re-use disinfectants used to clean toothbrushes, wash your hands before and after you brush, avoid using community toothbrush holders, don’t store your toothbrush in a closed, airtight container, clean the area you store your toothbrush in often, store your toothbrush in an upright position and allow it to dry.

When it comes to your health there should be no compromise. Protect yourself by placing the care of your toothbrush at the top of your priorities. If you notice changes in the health of your gums schedule a detailed evaluation with your Long Island Periodontist. For patients seeking an alternative approach to treatment contact Dr. Scharf at (631) 661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com . He can treat gum disease with a laser rather than a scalpel.

Are you one of the millions of Americans suffering from chronic bad breath? If so you’ve probably tried more than your share of home remedies and over the counter quick fixes, only to have the odor return day after day. To cure your bad breath it’s important to understand the cause which could include Long Island gum disease.

Perhaps the most common cause of chronic bad breath is your own digestive processes. Anaerobic bacteria live within the surface of your tongue and throat with one job, to break down certain food proteins, blood and diseased oral tissue. If, however this bacteria comes into contact with certain amino acids they release sulfur compounds causing bad breath.

The next common cause for chronic bad breath is gum disease. Gum disease is a chronic inflammation in the mouth caused by bacteria. As the bacteria grows it advances through stages of periodontal disease including red or swollen gums, persistent bad breath, gums receding away from your teeth and eventually tooth

Recognizing the true cause of your bad breath will help you more effectively eliminate it permanently. The fastest way to identify the cause is by having a detailed evaluation with a skilled Periodontist to rule out disease or infection and help you develop a plan for eliminating the odor. In the meantime here is a list of the top 10 remedies to avoid when fighting bad breath:

• Excessive use of mouthwash – this remedy actually produces stinky tissue that is often worse than the original odor
• Breath mints – while these will mask the odor they don’t eliminate the cause. Additionally continued use of breath mints increases your risk for tooth decay
• Chewing gum – while this will temporarily increase saliva in the mouth its simply another mask
• Mint chew tobacco – this will actually lead to receded gums and increase the chance of bone loss
• Infomercial items – some of these items could be beneficial but always ensure they have the ADA seal of approval before trying
• Vodka martinis or sour mash whiskey – alcohol tends to dry the mouth out reducing your mouths natural ability to rinse bacteria from the surface
• Brushing with cleanser – this is just a plain NO since most chemicals are poisonous if swallowed
• Intestinal cleansing methods – bad breath does not start in the stomach making this method ineffective
• Rinsing with kerosene – another NO
• Tongue piercing – rather than helping reduce bad breath this remedy may actually worsen the problem since it provides a location for bacteria to hide and grow

If you really want to eliminate bad breath seek advice from those who know mouths the best, your Periodontist. To have a detailed evaluation for Long Island gum disease contact Dr. Scharf. He treats gum disease with a laser, not a scalpel, giving patients an alternative to gum surgery. Call Dr. Scharf at 631-661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com.

When it comes to preventing gum disease millions of Americans are taking a proactive approach. Dental practitioners are ensuring their patients understand proper brushing and flossing technique as well as the importance of regular care. But oral care isn’t all you can do to prevent a trip to the Periodontist Long Island. According to a recent study published in the Journal of Periodontology your diet plays an important role in the prevention of gum disease.

The study evaluated both men and women and their calcium intake on a daily basis. Researchers discovered that patients who consumed less than 500 milligrams of calcium each day were almost twice as likely to have periodontal disease. If you group that with previous studies confirming low vitamin C intake and the increased risks for severe gingivitis you may take your diet more seriously.

Vitamin C has long been proven to boost the body’s immune system in fighting off infection as well as maintaining and repairing healthy connective tissue. Calcium aids in strong bone development and improves the muscles ability to contract. Grouped together both of these nutrients go a long way in the prevention of gum disease.

Periodontal disease is merely a bacterial infection that grows in the gums surrounding the teeth. As the disease progresses there are several characteristics you can observe including:

• Frequently bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
• Red or swollen gums
• Sore gums
• Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
• Persistent bad breath
• Loose or missing teeth

If you notice signs of gum disease it’s important to seek treatment right away. If you’re looking for a Periodontist Long Island that offers an alternative to tradition surgery contact Dr. Scharf at (631) 661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com. He can treat gum disease with a laser rather than a scalpel.

Gum disease attacks millions of Americans each year giving plenty of motivation for researchers to continue to search for effective ways to regenerate the tooth-supporting structures damaged with advanced stages of the disease. One new method that has Periodontist in Long Island hopeful is the use of gene therapy to repair the soft tissue.

Gene therapy is a technique used to correct defective genes responsible for disease development and involves researchers inserting a normal gene into the defective gene, creating a healthy, genetically-engineered cell. This amazing medical procedure has made leaps and bounds in the treatment of debilitating defects and now shows promise to help regenerate tooth-supporting structures in the mouth.

The Journal of Periodontology published a study conducted by the University of Michigan that discussed a recent breakthrough in the possibility of using gene therapy to restore damage caused by periodontal disease. During the study researchers inserted a gene called bone morphogenetic protein that encodes a bone-stimulating factor into an inactivated virus in a rat, which then transferred the genes into grown skin cells.

What is most fascinating about this process occurred after these genetically-engineered cells were transplanted into large periodontal bone defects surrounding the teeth. The damaged tooth-supporting structures, such as the jawbone, periodontal ligament and the protective coating on the teeth actually showed signs of rejuvenation.

Even though this study needs more time before it can be sure gene therapy will successfully repair damage caused by periodontal disease it does provide hope to Periodontists worldwide. Talks about using gene therapy in their treatment efforts is nothing new to Periodontists and this evidence brings forth the next step in making these talks a reality.

Even though researchers continue to move forward in advanced treatments for periodontal disease the best sure proof way to keep a healthy smile is prevention. To help prevent gum disease, familiarize yourself with early warning signs which include;

• Bleeding while brushing or flossing
• Red or swollen gums
• Persistent bad breath
• Loose or missing teeth
• Changes in the way your teeth or dentures fit in your mouth
• Gums that have pulled away from your teeth

If you notice any of these changes in your mouth visit a Periodontist in Long Island right away. For a Periodontist who offers an alternative to tradition surgery, contact Dr. Scharf. He treats gum disease with a laser, not a scalpel. Call today at 631-661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com.

Today facial piercings are the new “in” when it comes to most teens and young adults. What started as a silent rebellious behavior quickly grew into the common teenage fashion trend. It grew so popular that many young adults wanted on board with the latest piercings and jewelry. What many didn’t know about this fast growing trend was an increased risk for visiting the Long Island Periodontist.

The complications with receded gums include an exposed tooth root that becomes vulnerable to inflammation and a higher rate of decay. In addition the mouth contains millions of bacteria making hygienic maintenance another important concern when considering this new trend. Infection is common with oral piercings along with swelling, increased flow of saliva, pain, fractured teeth, and interference with speech and metal hypersensitivity.

Before deciding on whether or not you want to experience the craze of facial piercings you should know that gum disease, the leading cause of tooth loss, attacks soft tissue surrounding your teeth leading to infection. When introducing foreign objects to the mouth and providing the perfect hiding spot for bacteria to grow you further increase the risks of gum disease.

To stay on top of your oral health be sure familiarize yourself with early warning signs of gum disease including;

• Persistent bad breath
• Loose or missing teeth
• Bleeding while brushing or flossing
• A change in the way your teeth fit in your mouth
• Receded gums
• Red or swollen gums

It’s crucial to seek treatment at the first signs of gums disease. People looking for a Long Island Periodontist should contact Dr. Scharf at (631) 661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com. He can treat gum disease with a laser rather than a scalpel.

For many Americans the use of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) is an integral part of their therapeutic treatment plan for various illnesses. Athletes may use this drug to help build muscle tissue and improve speed for the game, not to mention its use by bodybuilders for increased lean mass volume. Asthmatics and sufferers of chronic pulmonary disorders benefit from the use of steroids to improve breathing. While the use of AAS drugs may be of some benefit to the user a recent study published in the Journal of Periodontology warns about an increased risk of Long Island gum disease.

During the study researchers found that prolonged use of anabolic androgenic steroids is closely associated with significant levels of gingival enlargement, a condition where the gums swell and grow over the teeth, when compared to non-users. With overgrown gums comes a natural environment for bacteria to hide and grow, potentially leading to severe periodontal disease.

Anabolic androgenic steroids are commonly used therapeutically in medicine to stimulate bone growth and appetite as well as treat chronic wasting conditions such as cancer and AIDS. The use of AAS in the sports industry is acknowledged and appreciated with the treatment of some patients when used appropriately.

No matter how beneficial the use anabolic steroids is prolonged use, medically or otherwise comes with its consequences. Extended use of AAS has the following health risks; changes in cholesterol levels, acne, high blood pressure, liver damage, dangerous changes in the structure of the left ventricle of the heart and enlargement of the gums.

Gingival enlargement, also called inflammatory enlargement of the gums, is a condition where your gums actually swell up and grow over your teeth making proper oral hygiene more difficult. When gums are this enlarged it’s easy to miss harmful causing bacteria, allowing it to grow and develop into gum disease.

Patients requiring the continued use of AAS medications need to talk with their doctor about the increased risks of gum disease. To help reduce the risk of gum disease, maintain good oral hygiene and contact a local Periodontist at the earliest signs of gingival enlargement.

For the treatment of Long Island gum disease you can contact Dr. Scharf. He treats gum disease with a laser, not a scalpel, giving patients an alternative to gum surgery. Call Dr. Scharf at 631-661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com.

You brush and floss every day without fail. You keep all your dental check-ups and monitor your gums frequently to catch warning signs early. Now you want to know what more you can do to prevent that awful disease known as gum disease. According to a recent study published in the Journal of Periodontology your Periodontist Long Island may support adding vitamin C to your daily regimen for preventing gum disease.

The Journal of Periodontology published a study in the August edition that evaluated vitamin C intake and the role it plays in periodontal health. Researchers observed 12,419 adults and found that those consuming less than half of the daily recommended intake of vitamin C were nearly one and a half times more likely to develop severe gingivitis.

Periodontal disease is an inflammation of the gums caused by bacteria in the soft tissue surrounding the teeth. The inflammation sends out oxidants that further harm the soft tissue and increase the amount of inflammation, all while your immune system is working full force to fight that invasion of bacteria in your mouth.

Vitamin C helps in two ways; first it acts as a free radical scavenger trapping those harmful oxidants before they do damage. Second it acts as an immune system booster to help your body fight the infection and eliminate the inflammation.

While you’re looking at the benefits of vitamin C it’s important to consider two other factors that can have a dramatic impact on the overall health of your gums; smoking and proper diet. Cigarette smoke actually lowers vitamin C in your blood, placing smokers at a higher risk of vitamin C deficiency in increasing a need to supplement your vitamin C intake. Additionally it’s been found that consuming an adequate amount of calcium helps to reduce the risks of gum disease and tooth loss.

All things considered vitamin C is a powerful tool in the prevention of gum disease. However it’s crucial to remember that gum disease is caused by bacteria growing in the mouth and needs to be treated by a trained practitioner. If you notice any signs of gum disease contact your local Periodontist right away.

If you’re looking for a Periodontist Long Island who offers an alternative to traditional scalpel treatments for gum disease contact Dr. Scharf at (631) 661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com . He can treat gum disease with a laser rather than a scalpel.

If you have recently visited your Periodontist on Long Island to discuss the prevention of gum disease it’s likely he recommended a few adjustments in your diet. As research has been provided Periodontists recognize that gum disease can effectively be prevented by boosting the body’s natural immune response to the bacterial infection of the gums when coupled with proper oral hygiene. This belief was evident in a recent poll published on the American Academy of Periodontology’s website.

The poll revealed that nearly 65% of Periodontists believe nutrition plays a major role in periodontal health. 135 Periodontists were polled on this survey and 3 out of 4 disclosed they recommend increasing vitamin C to their patients. Other supplements making the top of the chart for periodontal health included multivitamins, calcium and vitamin E.

Gum disease is actually an infection in the soft tissue of the mouth. This infection, if left untreated, leads to chronic inflammation of the gums, better known as periodontitis. This inflammation presents itself by deep pockets forming around your teeth causing bone loss. By understanding just what periodontal disease is it should come as no surprise that vitamin C and calcium are two supplements recommended as your natural defense against gum disease.

When all things are considered gum disease is best fought by improving the body’s immune response and bone development, hence a proper diet will supply your body with enough nutrients to help counter the affects of gum disease. In this case vitamin C is an excellent choice to help boost the immune system and including calcium will help build strong bones, assisting your body’s response to bone loss often associated with periodontal disease.

Additionally it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with early warning signs of gum disease to better fight off the infection. Signs may include some or all of the following:

• Red, swollen gums
• Bleeding when brushing or flossing
• Persistent bad breath
• Gums pulling away from your teeth
• Loose or missing teeth

If you notice any signs of gum disease contact a Periodontist on Long Island as soon as possible. You can ontact Dr. Scharf if you’re interested in an alternative to traditional treatment methods at (631) 661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com. He can treat gum disease with a laser rather than a scalpel.