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Inflammation is one of our body’s ways to naturally defend against infections and injuries. Redness, swelling, heat and pain are characteristic signs of inflammation, but if prolonged can lead to more severe complications in the surrounding tissue. When this tissue involves the gums of your mouth you may benefit from adding a Periodontist on Long Island to your health care team.

If you were to ask past president of the American Academy of Periodontology Dr. Susan Karabin she would explain that periodontal disease is a textbook case of an inflammatory disorder.

Contrary to traditional belief gum disease is not simply a result of a bacterial infection. Rather gum disease, at least the more severe symptoms, are a result of a chronic inflammatory response to the bacterial infection.

Research suggests that gum disease can be linked to health issues such as heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic kidney disease and diabetes. Periodontists believe the cause for the periodontal-systemic health link is the chronic inflammatory response to bacteria inside the mouth since the associated diseases are all systemic inflammatory disorders.

While more research is needed to pinpoint the exact mechanisms linking gum disease and other diseases past research findings have indicated that those with gum disease are at a higher risk for other systemic inflammatory diseases.

To achieve overall health it is vital that you maintain your periodontal health. The best way to avoid periodontal disease is by brushing and flossing every day, keeping regular visits with your dentist and routine visits with a Periodontist.

As more research continues to support the connection between the health of your gums and your overall health it becomes more vital that your healthcare team include both your dentist and physician. Working closely together you will receive the most comprehensive care possible.

For people who need a Periodontist on Long Island, Dr. Shcarf specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of gum disease using laser therapy as an alternative to gum surgery. To learn more call Dr. Scharf at 631-661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com

Is your stress level on the rise? Do your finances have you down? If you can answer yes to either of these two questions you may want to consult with your local Long Island Periodontist to assess the health of your gums before your stress level takes its toll on your oral health.

According to a study published in the Journal of Periodontology in February 2009 stress plays a significant role in the health of your gums. The study found that stress can lead an individual to harmful habits that can negatively impact your oral health. A few of these habits include:

• Increased tobacco use
• Increased consumption of alcohol
• A decline in oral hygiene care

These lifestyle changes have a detrimental impact on your oral health and have been proven to increase the risk of periodontal disease.

Additionally, chronic stress levels lead to an increase in the hormone cortisol. Previous research has found that an increased level of cortisol in the bloodstream can lead to a more destructive form of periodontal disease.

The November 2007 edition of the Journal of Periodontology published a study disclosing that 21% of the participants shared that their health care costs were higher than participants who did not have periodontal disease. Higher health care costs could be a result of gum disease being connected with chronic health illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes.

During stressful times, be it financial hardship or some other painful circumstance, your oral health becomes a top priority. By focusing more on your oral hygiene you can help to reduce risks of gum disease that can result from increased stress levels. Proper oral hygiene care includes daily brushing and flossing, regular dental check-ups and regular periodontal exams to monitor the health of your gums.

Other ways to reduce the risk of periodontal disease include: finding healthy ways to reduce stress such as exercising and breathing techniques, eating a well-balanced diet, reducing tobacco and alcohol use, and limiting the consumption of acidic foods during higher levels of stress.

Receiving a regular periodontal exam will reduce your risk of gum disease and improve your overall health. For a stress free exam Dr. Scharf treats gum disease with a laser, not a scalpel, for people who need a Long Island Periodontist and want an alternative to gum surgery call Dr. Scharf at 631-661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com

Many people with periodontal disease on Long Island wonder why they need to have periodontal maintenance every 3 months. This short video does a great job explaining why this is so important for healthy gums.

Many people wonder how gum disease can increase someone’s risk of heart disease. This short video does a great job explaining this hard to understand topic.

This article appeared in the March 11, 2010 issue of the Babylon Beacon discussing the community service of Long Island periodontist David Scharf and his use of the laser to treat gum disease.

This woman saw Long Island Periodontist David Scharf  for a gum graft.  Watch to the end to hear her important message to anyone who lets their dental  health go because they feel they are too old.