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Have you ever wondered about the connection between periodontal disease and other, more serious health issues? As more research becomes available both dental and health practitioners are coming to realize how accurate these results are. Periodontal disease is no longer merely a concern of tooth loss. Rather your health could be at risk. Patients showing signs of periodontal disease are strongly encouraged to see a Periodontist Long Island.

Bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream and travel to different areas of the body. This bacterium then takes hold, causing or aggravating health issues such as diabetes, premature birth, heart disease and respiratory disease. With a better understanding of how gum disease can negatively impact your overall health you’ll be better equipped to have optimal health.

Heart Disease

When it comes to your heart it’s serious business. For existing heart conditions you may want to coordinate care between your dental practitioner and cardiologist to help ensure optimal care. Research has shown that as the bacteria travels through the bloodstream it could foster clotting and clogged arteries. Additionally periodontal infection has been known to exacerbate existing heart conditions.

Diabetes

Periodontal health is especially important for diabetics since it has been indicated in research the gum disease raises blood sugar, making it harder for diabetics to control their blood sugar. Furthermore, diabetics are at a higher risk of getting gum disease. Researchers state this could be due to diabetics being more susceptible to infection than people without diabetes.

Premature Birth

Research shows that pregnant women with gum disease are seven times more likely to go into preterm labor than women without gum disease. During pregnancy it is very important to maintain a solid oral care routine and treat any signs of gum disease right away.

When the bacteria in your mouth and throat travels to the respiratory tract it can lead to a respiratory infection or further aggravate chronic respiratory diseases. Research is continuing to be done to learn what extent periodontal disease may be associated with more frequent bouts of respiratory infections.

Observe your mouth daily for any unusual changes that may indicate the beginning of gum disease. Early warning signs include red, swollen or bleeding gums, loose or missing teeth, gums that have receded from your teeth and persistent bad breath.

Take your oral health seriously. If you’re looking for a Periodontist Long Island 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.

Have you ever wondered if what you believed to be true concerning your oral health was in fact accurate? If your gums bleed every time you floss do you find yourself questioning if that truly is supposed to happen? To know the difference between fact and fiction it’s best to consult with a Periodontist on Long Island, but perhaps this short list of common misconceptions can help you out.

Why we brush: Many people tend to believe the purpose of brushing is to remove the food that is on their teeth. In fact if you’re around kids you’ve likely heard them argue, “But I don’t have any food on my teeth!” The reality is brushing helps to remove plaque, which if left on your teeth will cause inflammation in your gums.

Bleeding Gums: It is common for parents to tell their children that bleeding gums result from brushing or flossing too hard since most of them believe that themselves. The fact is if your gums bleed when you brush you need to have a periodontal evaluation. Bleeding gums is a sign of periodontal disease and should not be dismissed.

Oral Health and Overall Health: Though research has consistently demonstrated a connection between oral health and periodontal health many people still don’t believe there is a real connection. This misconception could lead to complications with heart disease, stroke and even diabetes.

Bad Breath Means You Didn’t Brush: Contrary to the misconception that bad breath means you didn’t brush, even the best kept mouth can experience clinical bad breath. This is because bad breath comes from sulfur produced by certain bacteria. To help reduce the issue you should brush your tongue daily as well.

Pregnant Women Don’t Need Dental Care: Many people believe dental care can be dangerous for a pregnant woman. In reality, if a pregnant woman neglects her oral health she could be putting her unborn child’s health in jeopardy. Keep your regular appointments and protect your baby.

Don’t be fooled by these common misconceptions. Take your oral health care seriously and have you gums evaluated by a Periodontist on Long Island. Dr. Scharf treats gum disease with a laser, not a scalpel, providing and alternative to surgery. Call Dr. Scharf today at 631-661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com

If you were to ask random people on the street what they believed caused gum disease you’d probably get a lot of answers revolving around oral hygiene habits. While oral hygiene habits to play an important role in gum disease the actual cause is an inflammation caused by bacteria growing along the gum line, and bacteria is contagious. In fact, several studies have provided enough support to show that when one family member has periodontal disease it is probably a good idea for everyone to see a Long Island Periodontist for an evaluation.

According to an article in the September 1997 edition of the Journal of Periodontology periodontal disease can spread from parents to children as well as between couples. This spread occurs through the transfer of saliva either through foods, drinks or affection. Even the “occasional” sharing of toothbrushes could lead to the spread of periodontal disease if they are not properly cleaned between users.

So how can you protect yourself and those you love from the spread of periodontal disease? The answer is simpler than you might think. To start, everyone in the house should have their own toothbrushes that aren’t shared with other family members. When storing your toothbrush make sure it doesn’t touch other toothbrushes in the storage container. Limit sharing drinks and food if signs of periodontal disease are present and see a Periodontist as soon as you notice signs.

As part of your oral hygiene routine observe your mouth for any unwanted changes such as swollen, red or bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, changes in space between your teeth and gums that have pulled away from your teeth. By daily monitoring you’ll notice changes before they become a problem.

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

Dealing with Long Island gum disease may seem overwhelming to many. In fact, the common stigma surrounding prevention of gum disease and dental care has many patients running full force away from the dentist’s office. Yet, according to a recent poll conducted by the American Academy of Periodontology prevention of gum disease could be as simple as changing how and when you complete your oral care.

The survey polled 201 Periodontists to see how they felt about their patients concerns for their oral health. 90 Percent of the respondents stated that a lack of flossing all together was one are of oral care that patients seemed to blow off. A second area that stood out with 61 percent of the Periodontists was the technique in which patients brushed and flossed. They each stated that many of their patients could use some real improvement in technique.

When asked if there was a difference between male and female patients when it came to oral care an alarming 97 percent reported that their female patients practiced better oral hygiene than their male patients. The respondents also noted that in addition to oral hygiene habits they noticed a trend in the causes of damage to their patients’ gums including; hard bristled toothbrushes, beat out popcorn seeds and candy.

The health of your gums doesn’t have to be dependent on your trips to the Periodontist. By making a few simple changes to how, and how often you brush and floss can make leaps and bounds in the maintenance of your oral health. If you are unsure of how to properly brush or floss ask your dentist to observe your brushing and flossing at your next appointment.

The health of your gums should never be taken lightly. More serious health risks have been linked to gum disease including; diabetes, heart disease, chronic kidney disease and preterm births. After brushing and flossing observe your mouth for signs of periodontal disease. Some early signs include; swelling and redness, tender spots on the gums, bleeding gums, loose or missing teeth and persistent bad breath.

If early signs of Long Island gum disease develop contact Dr. Scharf. He treats gum disease using laser therapy, giving you a comfortable session. Give him a call at (631) 661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com

When considering a recent poll conducted on the American Academy of Periodontology’s website hundred’s of Americans are less than satisfied with their smiles, claiming excessive gum tissue or long teeth to be their biggest flaw. What these hundreds of Americans don’t seem to realize is that a simple trip to a Periodontist Long Island may be all they need to have a smile worth showing off.

Cosmetic periodontal procedures are growing in popularity and can dramatically improve a patient’s smile. I doesn’t matter what their primary complaint may be, Periodontists are ready and able to make their smile something to be proud of.
If an individual complains of excessive gum tissue it can be correct with crown lengthening procedures, a process where more tooth root is exposed. This not only has a dramatic impact on appearance it equally helps improve the function of the teeth.

Patients whose teeth appear too long when they smile may be a candidate for a soft tissue graft. During this procedure the Periodontist will use soft tissue from another source to cover up the existing tooth root. Once again the patient can experience improved function and show off a confident smile.

Periodontal cosmetic surgery alone won’t bring you optimal results. How you care for your mouth before and after any procedure has a direct impact on the end result. It’s important to maintain daily oral hygiene as well as keep your regular dental check-ups.

Your Periodontist will help establish a treatment plan that will likely include steps to prevent periodontal disease. You will receive specific guidelines to follow before and after your surgery that will lead you to an optimal smile.

If you are a candidate for periodontal cosmetic surgery there are some precautions you will want to consider while preparing for your periodontal appointment; monitor your mouth daily for signs of gum disease, loose or missing teeth or bleeding gums. If you notice any of these signs bring them up to your Periodontist during your exam.

If you’re in need of a Periodontist Long Island and are interested in someone who offers a non-evasive approach to treating gum disease contact Dr. Scharf. He specializes in treating gum disease with a laser, not a scalpel, giving a comfortable alternative to gum surgery. Call Dr. Scharf at 631-661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com.

Acne is often treated by a dermatologist using prescribed antibiotics. In your doctors efforts to restore your confidence in your appearance he may be unaware of an equally undesirable side effect. Before committing to a long-term treatment plan consider checking with a Periodontist on Long Island.

In fact one 29 year old female, who was being treated for acne using minocycline four times a day, was referred to the Mayo Clinic periodontics department for an evaluation of a dramatic blue appearance that had developed on her gums and the bone surrounding her teeth.

For this patient, continued use of the minocycline would likely lead to a complete discoloration of her teeth, an effect that may not go away after stopping treatment. As her dermatologist worked with the Mayo Clinic Periodontists they elected to discontinue the use of minocycline treatment.

When it comes to treating acne, or any other health care condition, it’s beneficial to coordinate care with your primary care physician as well as your dental team. Though the discoloration from this case study does not harm the tooth or gums it can have an impact on an individual’s confidence when smiling.

Periodontal disease is another potential side effect from various medications your physician may prescribe. One common side effect, dry mouth, is often damaging to surrounding gum tissue as well as lead to tooth decay.

Regardless of your medications be sure to discuss them with your dental practitioner. Don’t let unanticipated side effects impact your oral health.

If you notice any changes in your mouth such as, loose or missing teeth, red or swollen gums, receding gums, persistent bad breath or discoloration contact your Periodontist right away. Bring all medications with you to your appointment to check for possible side effects.

If you’re looking for a Periodontist on Long Island who offers an alternative treatment to surgery call Dr. Scharf. He treats gum disease with a laser, not a scalpel, call Dr. Scharf at 631-661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com

Your smile speaks for itself. It tells those around you how you feel, what you think, even how confident you are. Your smile helps determine if you’ll be picked for that job interview or possibly even that date. Without a smile people are often left hanging, wondering if you had enjoyed your time with them. So how important is your smile? Is it important enough to visit a Long Island Periodontist?

According to a survey conducted at the American Academy of Periodontology website many Americans think their smile is definitely worth the visit. In fact a large number of participants disclosed that visiting a Periodontist for cosmetic surgery was how they chose to spend their tax money.

To further support the American Academy of Periodontology survey one out of four Periodontists nationwide reported that the majority of their periodontal plastic surgery procedures were completed during the months of April through June, otherwise known as tax season.

This growing trend of periodontal cosmetic surgery is following suit with the overall growth in cosmetic surgery across the United States. Procedures to improve physical appearance have grown so popular that reality TV programs have flourished in front of the general viewing audience.

But why are so many Americans turning to plastic surgery for their smiles? One former patient of periodontal plastic surgery shared, “I elected to have periodontal plastic surgery because I hated my gummy smile. I’m thrilled with the results and every day someone compliments me on my smile.”

The choice to have periodontal plastic surgery goes deeper than having an attractive smile. It helps to boost an individual’s self-esteem and confidence during social interactions. It helps them to feel good about who they are and what others think of them, allowing them to progress further in life.

Three factors contribute to a person’s desire to undergo periodontal plastic surgery:

1. Excessive gum tissue
2. Receded or shrunken gums
3. Missing teeth

Excessive gums occur when there is too much gum tissue or when the crown of the tooth is too short. It is easily corrected by lengthening the crowns of the teeth resulting in an attractive smile. When gums have receded too far from the gums your Periodontist can complete a soft tissue graft to thicken the gums giving you that confident smile you remember having.

And finally, when you have missing teeth you are always self-conscious of who can see the gaps when you smile. By receiving dental implants you can repair your natural looking smile and restore your self-esteem.

Regardless of your periodontal needs you can find a Long Island Periodontist to help. If you’re experiencing signs of gum disease and desire a non-evasive therapy 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.

A person’s smile is often the first thing you see when interacting with others. In fact you can learn a lot from a person’s smile including how much they enjoy a certain joke or movie. You can tell if a person is confident or insecure. Often enough you can tell if a person is interested in you based on how they smile. What you may not have considered is that you can even tell if a person suffers from Long Island gum disease.

The Journal of Periodontology published a study that addressed the impact periodontal disease may have on a person’s smile. The study found that periodontal disease may impact smiling patterns and deter someone from displaying positive emotions with a smile.

Twenty-one periodontal patients were evaluated during this study while they watched a segment of a comedy program. The researchers were looking for several different commonalities between the patients. First they were interested in horizontal width of the mouth when smiling. Second they evaluated how width of the open mouth. Third they observed the number of teeth shown. Then they documented the number of times participants covered their mouth when smiling. Finally each participant received a periodontal exam to determine the health of their gums.

What the researchers found is that periodontal disease has a definite association with the frequency of smiles as well as how wide an individual will smile and if they tend to cover their mouth. Individuals with more severe periodontal disease are more likely to cover their mouth than those with mild gum disease. In the same token individuals with advanced periodontal disease tend to smile less frequently or with a closed mouth smile.

Why periodontal disease negatively impacts an individual’s smile is easy enough to understand. Advanced stages of gum disease ultimately mean the gums have receded from the teeth enough to notice when you look. Additionally patients with advanced periodontal disease often come with loose or missing teeth. Taking this into consideration people with advanced gum disease simply prefer not to show off their smile.

The best way to ensure you stay proud of your smile is to maintain a healthy oral hygiene routine, keep regular dental check-ups and monitor your gums for any changes. If you’re on Long Island gum disease can be diagnosed and treated effectively using a laser. For more information contact Dr. Scharf at 631-661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com

Red, swollen, and bleeding gums. You’ve convinced yourself for some time now that it’s simply a result of thorough brushing and flossing. Your gums are fine and why should you consider differently right? According to any Periodontist Long Island those gums could lead to more than just an unhealthy mouth.

In fact, Case Western Reserve University conducted a study that evaluated the prevalence of chronic kidney disease in patients who have lost all their teeth either as a result of gum disease or some other cause. The results suggest that toothless adults are more likely to have chronic kidney disease than those with all their natural teeth.

Study author Monica Fisher said, “The rationale for examining endentulous adults is to observe the long-term effects of periodontal disease on the presence of chronic kidney disease.” To further support the rationale previous research has indicated that periodontal disease is a result of chronic inflammation in the gums and that this inflammation may be the link between gum disease and other health issues.

While not all adults who have lost all their natural teeth suffered from periodontal disease it has been long proven that if gum disease is left untreated it can ultimately lead to tooth loss. Incidentally, adults who suffer from tooth loss may have suffered from chronic inflammation prior to losing their teeth.

No one can say for sure why there is a higher prevalence of chronic kidney disease with those without teeth; however the study showed them to be significantly associated. So what does this mean for you? It means it’s time to take your oral health very seriously.

To help prevent periodontal disease maintain a regular oral hygiene routine of daily brushing and flossing, visit your dentist on schedule and have a regular periodontal evaluation to monitor the health of your gums. If signs of periodontal disease develop visit your Periodontist right away.

Those red, swollen and bleeding gums that you’ve been ignoring need your attention. It could likely be early warning signs of periodontal disease, that chronic inflammation that leads to tooth loss and very likely other, more serious health conditions like chronic kidney disease. Stop putting it off and make the call.

If you’re looking for a Periodontist Long Island to diagnose and treat gum disease without surgery contact Dr. Scharf at (631) 661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com. He specializes in laser therapy for a less evasive approach to treating periodontal disease