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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.

When it comes to weight many Americans spend countless hours dieting and exercising in an effort to lose weight and improve their health. Weight has been associated with diabetes, high cholesterol, and cardiovascular complications motivating individuals to drop those pounds. Now Americans have a new reason for dropping pounds after a new study indicated obesity can actually result in a visit to the Long Island Periodontist.

The study was conducted by researchers from the University at Buffalo as they looked for a relationship between obesity and periodontal disease. They found that obesity is a significant predictor for gum disease. The study further evaluated the role of insulin in periodontal disease finding that the severity of attachment loss as well as the number of teeth lost increased as the patients increased insulin resistance.

To understand how obesity could possibly lead to gum disease it’s important to further evaluate what is going on inside your body. Individuals with higher body mass index produce cytokines, which are hormone like proteins. These cytokines lead to systemic inflammation and insulin resistance.

Furthermore, periodontal disease is an inflammatory response to bacteria. With gum disease being severe inflammation it makes more since that systemic inflammation caused by obesity can increase the risk of periodontal disease.

If you’ve been diagnosed with type-2 diabetes or insulin resistance and have excess weight it’s crucial that you monitor your mouth for early signs of gum disease which may include:

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

Maintain daily oral hygiene of brushing and flossing. Visit your dentist every six months for a detailed cleaning and evaluation of your teeth and gums. If you notice signs of gum disease and are 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.

Breastfeeding continues to grow in popularity when it comes to new moms providing the best for their babies. Numerous breastfeeding classes are available so new nursing mothers can learn proper technique and diet. What these classes don’t teach nursing mothers is that low calcium intake can actually lead to Long Island gum disease.

The Journal of Periodontology published a study in their January issue that showed the importance of calcium intake while nursing. The division of Periodontology and Endodontology at Tohoku University performed research using a rat population nursing their young. They found mothers who are lactating could put the bone structures around their teeth at risk, especially when there was not enough calcium in their diet.

Even though more human studies are needed to confirm the correlation between nursing and gum disease researchers are confident that low calcium intake leads to acute inflammation in gum tissue and a disruption of the gingival epithelium, the tissue surrounding the teeth. This was in addition to increased attachment loss and increased bone loss. All things considered, calcium intake is critical for nursing mother.

There is no doubt that breast milk is critical for the development for baby but nursing mothers need to consider their own bone development while breastfeeding. Identify a healthy calcium intake you’re your body and be sure to keep your levels adequate with breastfeeding to reduce the risk of bone loss.

In addition to calcium intake good oral hygiene will help maintain healthy teeth and gums. Good oral hygiene alone won’t cure periodontal disease if it has already begun. To determine if you’re at risk familiarize yourself with early warning signs which may include, bleeding gums while brushing, red or swollen gums, and persistent bad breath. If you notice any of these signs visit a Periodontist for a ful evaluation.

Residents at risk for Long Island gum disease should 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 periodontal disease a Periodontist Long Island is your best bet for seeking advice or treatment. They are up to date on all the newest technology and approaches that provide the most effective treatment with minimal discomfort. One of the newest advances in the prevention of gum disease may come as a surprise. This unexpected treatment is a naturally occurring hormone in everyone’s body. Its common name is melatonin.

Since its discovery in 1917 melatonin has been involved in many bodily functions. It is regularly used to regulate sleep patterns and fight cancer causing free radicals in the body. It is an all around sleep aide, antioxidant and immunoregulator. Simply put, melatonin is good for your body. But how can it help your gums?

To answer this question you’ll need to understand exactly what periodontal disease is and how it progresses. The term periodontal disease refers to severe inflammation of the gums as a result to a bacterial infection in the mouth. As the bacterium continues to grow and the inflammation progresses it leads to a separation of the gum from the teeth, persistent bad breath and inevitably tooth loss.

With melatonin’s ability to promote bone growth and boost the immune system it’s easy to understand why this natural hormone has become one of the newest advances in the prevention of gum disease. However, this natural supplement won’t fight gum disease alone. It’s important that you take other preventative measures as well. To get off to a good start consider taking these extra steps:

• Brush and floss twice daily
• Keep all regular dental appointments on time
• Use a special plague revealing rinse to ensure complete removal of plaque
• Avoid tobacco and alcohol use
• Eat a well-balanced diet
• Consume 55 grams of dairy products each day
• Consider adding melatonin to your natural supplements

If you start to notice signs of gum disease it’s better to seek treatment as soon as possible. Dr. Scharf treats gum disease with a laser, not a scalpel, for people who need a Periodontist 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.

This is part of the Long Island Periodontist David Scharf’s appearance on “The Wellness Hour” discussing how to have healthy gums without surgery. Dr. Scharf was the first periodontist on Long Island trained and certified in Laser Periodontal Therapy. This FDA approved method to treat gum disease is an alternative to cut and stitch gum surgery.

This patient discusses her experience having dental implants on Long Island with Dr. Scharf

Milk does a body good. There’s a familiar phrase we’ve all heard. Dairy products are proven to build strong bones, support healthy teeth and aid in safe weight loss. What same may not know however is that dairy has also shown an amazing talent of keeping you away from a Periodontist on Long Island.

Dr. Yoshihiro Shimazaki of Kyushu University in Fukuoka Japan conducted a study to look at dairy foods such as, yogurt, milk and cheese, and their impact on periodontal health. The study looked at 942 individuals between the ages of 40 and 79 and considered periodontal health in two parameters; Periodontal Pocket Depth (PPD) and Clinical Attachment Loss(CAL).

Both PPD and CAL indicate the possibility of gum disease in patients. Researchers found that individuals with a consumption of 55g or more of dairy each day had a significantly lower prevalence of either periodontal pocket depth or clinical attachment loss. Now how’s that for dairy doing a body good?

So what does this mean for you? Periodontal health has been long associated with overall health since gum disease is simply a bacterial infection in the gums. The bacteria then travel through the bloodstream and infect other areas of the body. Just more proof that the health of your gums is vital to your health.

To protect your gums follow these practical tips:

• Eat a well balanced diet
• Brush and floss daily
• Ensure to brush and floss using proper technique
• Monitor your mouth for signs of gum disease
• Keep regular appointments with your dentist
• Consume a minimum of 55g of dairy every day

By taking your oral health seriously you’ll avoid a need for periodontal care. If you notice signs of gum disease it’s best to seek treatment right away. If you need a Periodontist on 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.

The average American will do almost anything to regain their youth and defy aging. The evidence is in the plethora of “anti-aging” products available on the market today. Instead of by creams and toners why not try visiting a Long Island Periodontist?

You read correctly. According to Dr.Roizen, who has published a book on the topic, appeared on Oprah and 20/20, proper care of your teeth and gums can add up to 6.4 years to your life. Backing Dr.Roizen’s plan president of the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) explains how this idea makes sense in the scheme of things. He says, “Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection of the gums and that bacteria can travel into the bloodstream and other parts of the body, putting a person’s health at risk.”

To simply keeping your mouth healthy the AAP has put together 10 helpful tips you can use as part of your oral care routine:

• Use a soft bristled toothbrush to better reach every surface on your teeth and replace your toothbrush every 3 to 6 months.
• Use a fluoride based toothpaste to help reduce tooth decay.
• Ensure proper technique when brushing and flossing. When brushing the surface of your teeth you should focus on the gum line at a 45 degree angle, vertical across the front and back of your teeth and horizontally on the biting surface. Proper flossing requires inserting floss between the teeth and forming a C-shape around the tooth being flossed. Gently pull up on the floss and repeat on each side of every tooth.
• Ensure you are properly removing plaque by using plaque revealing tablets or mouth rinse. These products stain plaque on the teeth so you know better where to focus your brushing and flossing efforts.
• Eliminate all tobacco use.
• Monitor your mouth for signs of periodontal disease including bleeding when brushing, red or swollen gums and persistent bad breath.
• Be aware of tooth grinding since grinding adds excessive pressure to the soft tissue around your teeth, leading to early destruction of soft tissue.
• Inform your dental practitioner of all medications you are taking since many have side effects leading to possible gum disease.
• Visit a dentist and Periodontist regularly.

Why not to what you can to lengthen your life by 6 years? It’s almost as good as reclaiming your youth! If need a Long Island Periodontist to assist you in your oral care Dr. Scharf treats gum disease with a laser, not a scalpel giving you an alternative to gum surgery. Call Dr. Scharf at 631-661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com

For parents the health of their children is ranked at the top of their priority list. At the first signs of illness they rush their little ones to the doctor for a check-up and treatment when needed. Vaccines are always up to date and regular physicals are never skipped. Why then, if children’s health is so important, do so many children miss millions of hours each school year due to dental health issues?

In addition to 50 million hours of school missed the Surgeon General reports that 37 percent of children do not see a dentist at all prior to starting school. These staggering numbers were enough to motivate the American Academy of Periodontology and 120 dentists to volunteer their time to educate children and parents on the prevention of dental disease, including children’s periodontal disease.

One of the ways the American Academy of Periodontology is helping parents and children is by providing educational programs that teach parents and children how to properly brush and floss, the importance of regular dental check-ups and monitoring for signs of gum disease. To make it easier for these families to receive their much needed dental care those 120 dentists have volunteered their time and equipment to travel around and bring dental care to them.

But bringing dental care to these children is only the beginning of their healthy smiles. To make their efforts complete there are a few things parents can do at home:

• Set an example for proper brushing and flossing twice a day
• Provide well balanced meals each day
• Keep routine dental check-ups
• Establish good oral habits early
• Educate your child about the risks of tobacco and alcohol use

Long Island gum disease is preventable, even in children. By taking extra measures to properly educate yourself and your children you’ll be able to start your family off on the right foot for a long healthy smile.

If you notice any signs of gum disease and would like an alternative traditional surgery Dr. Scharf 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.