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In an ideal world you would be able to treat and prevent multiple illnesses with one simple process. More specifically you would be able to battle chronic inflammatory diseases like chronic kidney disease with maintaining unrelated preventative measures. This ideal world may not be far behind if you listen to new evidence provided by your Periodontist on Long Island.

CKD is a chronic kidney disease is debilitating disease that can affect blood pressure and bone health, and can eventually heart disease or even kidney failure. According to a study published in the Journal of Periodontology chronic kidney disease may be more prevalent among endentulous, or toothless adults, patients than dentate adults.

The study examined kidney function and periodontal indicators including dentate status of adults 40 and older. After accounting for other risk factors of CKD the results showed that participants who lost all their teeth were more likely to have CKD when compared to patients who had all their natural teeth.

As crazy as it may seem there really is rationale between for examining patients who have lost all their teeth. The objective was to observe the long-term effects of periodontal disease on the presence of chronic kidney disease. Since periodontal disease is the leading cause for tooth loss it stands to reason that endentulous patients were likely to have had past periodontal disease.

It’s not the periodontal disease itself that researchers believe could link these two illnesses. Rather it is the chronic inflammation that is believed to be the link since both chronic kidney disease and periodontal disease are considered inflammatory conditions.

Combating Gum Disease to Reduce Risks of CKD

That ideal world is a lot closer than you may have imagined. To help reduce the risk of chronic kidney disease, a debilitating disease, may very well be as simple as proper oral hygiene. To begin familiarize yourself with early warning signs of gum disease including:

• Red, swollen or bleeding gums
• Gums pulling away from the teeth
• Persistent bad breath
• Loose or missing teeth
• Changes in the way your teeth fit in your mouth

Then begin a good oral routine and stick to it. For optimal health your routine should include brushing and flossing twice a day, regular dental checkups, eating a healthy diet and drinking plenty of water. If you notice signs of gum disease remember that early treatment is crucial.

If you’re in need of a Periodontist on Long Island who offers alternatives to traditional surgery contact 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 for more information.

The hustle and bustle of today’s hectic lifestyle comes with its own set of stresses. The economic condition alone has more than doubled the stress level of the majority of Americans. So much so that in an effort to compensate many admittedly neglects their oral care routines. Couple that with prolonged periods of stress induced cortisol levels, a trip to a Long Island Periodontist looks more and more inevitable.

It isn’t just a decline in brushing and flossing that increase your risk for gum disease. According to the President of the American Academy of Periodontology stress can make an individual more susceptible to harmful habits that negatively impact oral health such as tobacco and alcohol. These lifestyle choices are known risk factors for gum disease and when under excess stress individuals are more likely to abuse them.

Additionally the study reported that chronic stress was associated with higher and more prolonged levels of cortisol. Combine this data with previous research that showed increased amounts of cortisol in the bloodstream can lead to a more destructive form of periodontal disease and it becomes easy to understand how excessive stress levels can lead you down a rapid path towards advanced gum disease.

Lower Your Stress and Save Your Gums

To best protect the health of your gums it’s crucial to take preventative measures early on. In addition to picking back up on your daily oral care routine it’s highly recommended to reduce stress with healthy lifestyle changes. To begin consider these options:

•  Regular exercise
•  Eating a well balanced diet
•  Getting adequate sleep

Not only will these simple lifestyle changes reduce your risk for gum disease they can also dramatically improve your overall health. In fact a study published in the November 2007 Journal of Periodontology found that by taking these sorts of measures to prevent gum disease you could in fact lower your total health care expenses.

Don’t wait another minute to take charge of your oral health. Dr. Scharf is a skilled Long Island Periodontist who specializes in the early detection and treatment of periodontal disease offering patients and alternative to traditional surgery. Call Dr. Scharf today at 631-661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com.

Are you nearing that wonderful age of menopause? Has your body started showing the undesirable symptoms of hot flashes, mood swings and restless nights? If so there may be another factor that is showing itself in a less obvious way. According to a study published in the Journal of Periodontology, periodontal disease may be another factor of menopause women are faced with resulting in real need for a Periodontist on Long Island.

It’s nothing new for researchers to suspect estrogen deficiency and osteoporosis speed the process of bone loss following menopause, which may lead to tooth loss, making it important for women entering menopause to take a few extra measures in maintaining a healthy smile.

Osteoporosis is a common ingredient to menopause and is the abnormal loss of bony tissue resulting on fragile bones. The jawbone is no exception in this case and can lose bony tissue equivalent to other areas of the body. This bone loss often leads to tooth loss and periodontal disease.

With this knowledge researchers evaluated estrogens role in gum inflammation and found that estrogen supplementation might reduce inflammation of the gums and frequency of attachment loss in women showing signs of osteoporosis. Doing so actually helps to protect your natural teeth and reduce the risks of periodontal disease.

The study showed that women who entered menopause and took estrogen supplements had lower risks for osteoporosis, which in turn leads to a lower risk of periodontal disease. Estrogen is a common supplement provided to women with menopause to help reduce the risk of osteoporosis, alleviate common menopause symptoms and reduce the risk for coronary artery disease.

But women shouldn’t stop with estrogen supplements when caring for their teeth and gums. Regular dental and periodontal evaluations are crucial in early detection and treatment of gum disease. Since gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss women seeking to keep their natural smile need to step up a notch in prevention methods during menopause.

People looking for a Periodontist on Long Island 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.

Are you afraid of the dark? What about fear of cats or dogs? Both of these fears are common across America; however they aren’t the only fears taunting the adult population. According to a recent poll conducted by the American Academy of Periodontology many Americans share a fear of visiting the Periodontist Long Island for a treatment.

As popular as this fear is it appears to be completely unjustified with less than 10% of patients actually experiencing any discomfort with their treatments. Out of 164 Periodontists polled, three quarters of them indicated that the majority of their patients reported no discomfort at all during treatment.

With so few patients ever experiencing discomfort where does this fear come from? It would seem the majority of fears originate from stories shared by family and friends who received treatments 10 years earlier, with little awareness that the advances in dentistry has paved a new road for today’s patients.

Periodontists throughout the United States have taken measures over the years to help ensure a more comfortable treatment for all involved including improved methods of anesthesia, less evasive treatment plans and a thorough understanding of their patients’ anxiety and individual needs.

If you’re experiencing anxieties when thinking about periodontal treatment rest assured knowing there are less evasive options available today. For patients who want to be sure they are receiving a comfortable treatment call Dr. Scharf. He is a Periodontist Long Island who 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.

Being diagnosed with Long Island gum disease rarely comes at an opportune time. It’s usually right around the time that you have a zillion other things going on and the last thing you need is more time fillers. To make matters worse, you also struggle with depression and the thought of treating gum disease possibly looks impossible.

According to a study published in the Journal of Periodontology your feelings of overwhelm aren’t far off. The study found that those with depression were twice as likely to have sub-optimal results when compared to those without depression.

The study monitored 697 patients with 85 of them being diagnosed with some type of depression. Each patient had at least three diseased sites in the mouth with an equivalent depth. The patients were monitored from the initial evaluation until the follow-up one-year later. The results showed that 7.4 percent of mentally healthy patients showed improvement where only 4.7 percent of the depressed patients showed improvement.

Researchers believe one major reason that depressed patients showed less than optimal results stems from their attitude towards the treatment. Treating gum disease involves a huge commitment from the patient and for patients suffering from depression this could lead to anxiety and overwhelm. Additionally, depressed patients are likely to continue smoking and have a weakened immune system resulting in less than desired results.

This doesn’t mean that patients with depression can’t beat gum disease. In fact with proper adjustments to care they can have the same results as any other patient. The trick is discussing your circumstances with your Periodontist so that appropriate adjustments can be made. Treatment of gum disease, especially at advanced stages, is often extensive and requires a commitment from both the patient and the Periodontist. By working close together you’ll soon see the results you’re after.

If you’re faced with the overwhelming task of fighting Long Island gum disease don’t let the treatment add to your anxiety. 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 providing you with a calm more relaxing treatment.

Gum disease comes with many different symptoms, including potential tooth loss and often leaves sufferers concerned about the long-term health of their teeth. If this is you than a recent study published in the Journal of Periodontology may hold the answers you’ve been seeking. The study showed improved prognosis when it comes to keeping your teeth following periodontal surgery compared to other treatment methods.

This study evaluated the outcome of three different treatment options for patients with moderate to severe periodontal disease including surgical treatment, non-surgical treatment or no treatment at all, where forty-eight percent of the teeth receiving the surgical treatment showed improved prognosis compared to only 12% for either of the other two options. Additionally the study revealed that 35% of the teeth that did not receive any treatment actually worsened in prognosis.

One of the study’s authors Stephen Harrel points out that the results of this study is very important for patients who want to keep their teeth for a lifetime sharing that it’s essential for patients to understand that optimal results are not always possible with non-surgical methods used, and with no treatment. Furthermore, when choosing non-surgical treatment or no treatment at all periodontal disease often gets worse.

Your smile is important. To help keep your teeth at their best for a lifetime consider practicing a few simple oral hygiene routines including; brush daily using a medium or soft bristled brush, floss using proper technique ensuring to clean every surface of your teeth and gum line, eat a healthy diet and drink plenty of water, keep scheduled cleanings every 6 months with your dentist, have regular periodontal exams.

For an extra step be sure to observe your mouth daily for early warning signs of gum disease that may include:

• Red or swollen gums
• Bleeding while brushing or flossing
• Persistent bad breath
• Loose or missing teeth

If you notice any unusual changes and need to see a Periodontist Long Island contact Dr. Scharf. He treats gum disease with a laser, not a scalpel, giving his patients an alternative to gum surgery. Call Dr. Scharf at 631-661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com.

Daily brushing and flossing is a sure way to help keep your gums healthy. You know all about proper technique and regular dental exams to ensure the health of your mouth. And as you’ve always done you stand in front of your mirror checking for any unusual changes. This time you notice an odd bump on your gum and wonder if it’s worth a trip to a Periodontist on Long Island.

While most bumps or blisters in the mouth require little to no attention there are those rare occasions that something more could be going on in there. Take this case featured in the Journal of Periodontology where a 48-yr old man found a lump on his gums and decided to have an exam done at the University’s dental school. The growth was identified after a biopsy as squamous cell carcinoma and was surgically removed by removing the gum tissue and part of the jawbone.  The area was then repaired using bone graft tissue.

Regular periodontal exams are the best way to ensure the health of your gums and to screen for possible oral cancers. For extra measures in between exams monitor your gums daily for signs of early gum disease including;

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

In addition to monitoring your mouth for any changes it’s a good idea to have a periodontal exam done on a regular basis in addition to your regular dental check-ups. Be sure to discuss any unusual changes with your dental practitioner right away.

If you’ve been referred to a Periodontist on Long Island Dr. Scharf 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.

Periodontal disease is an inflammation of the soft tissue in your mouth caused by bacteria. It all begins with the build-up of plaque on the surface of your teeth that result in deep pockets along the gum line. These pockets provide the perfect environment for bacterium to grow. This bacteria not only opens the gateway for Long Island gum disease but also infiltrates your blood catching a ride to your heart.

According to two separate studies published in the Journal of Periodontology there is substantiated evidence to support this claim. The first study evaluated 150 individuals with periodontal disease. They found that those who suffered from a heart attack had higher levels of bacteria growing in those deep pockets.

The second study looked at the DNA of the bacteria residing in the plaque and found the exact same DNA in the individuals’ heart arteries. The matching DNA from mouth to heart was consistent with different types of periodontal bacteria strengthening the claim that periodontal disease can lead to heart disease.

The process of the bacteria impacting your heart begins in those deep pockets along the gum line. Inside each pocket you can find tiny pores in the soft tissue that separates the bacteria from the blood flowing on the other side. These pores are too small for anything to pass through, at least in the beginning.

As the bacterial infection gets worse it leads to inflammation in the gums, causing the pores to become larger. They are now large enough for the microscopic bacteria to fit through and enter the blood stream, catching a ride to every organ in your body including the heart.

Protecting your heart is important to everyone. In addition to eating right and exercise monitor your gums daily for early signs of gum disease which may include, bleeding while brushing or flossing, red or swollen gums, persistent bad breath, and loose or missing teeth.

If you notice signs of gum disease and are looking for an alternative treatment for Long Island 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.

Good oral hygiene puts individuals on a direct path to preventing gum disease and tooth decay. By practicing good techniques patients can reduce risks of inflammation of the gums, cavities in the teeth and deterioration overall. While all these practices traditionally satisfy the needs of the Periodontist on Long Island new researcher shows evidence that your regular doctors will be pleased as well.

The idea of gum disease and chronic health issues being directly linked is nothing new. In fact research has suggested a link between gum disease and chronic health issues such as heart disease, stroke and even diabetes for decades. It is the why that has plagued researchers but not anymore. More targeted studies have led to a new theory that it is the inflammation that may link the mouth and body.

The role of inflammation is to aid the body in the healing process and is the body’s instinctive reaction to fight off infection, guard against injury, or shield against irritation. Unfortunately, over time this once beneficial inflammation can become harmful and lead to dysfunction of the infected tissue. This in turn leads to more severe health complications.

Inflammation in the mouth appears to be no different than inflammation in other areas of the body. In light of new evidence dental practitioners no longer believe that gum disease is solely the result of a bacterial infection caused by a build-up of plaque. Instead they now suspect that the more severe symptoms of gum disease are more likely caused by chronic inflammatory response to the bacterial infection.

Staying Healthy through Good Oral Hygiene Practices

To stay healthy and keep that long lasting smile consider having a detailed periodontal exam completed so you can have a base point and know where you stand in terms of the current health of your teeth and gums. Then discuss what oral hygiene regimen is best for your situation.

While you wait for your periodontal exam you don’t have to waste precious time at home. There are life-long tried, and prove, techniques that help to prevent gum disease:

• Brush and floss twice daily
• Ensure you are brushing the complete surface of your teeth. On average it should take roughly 2 minutes to complete brushing when done properly
• Ensure flossing all surfaces of each tooth using the ‘c’ shape around each side of the tooth
• Observe your mouth daily for unusual changes and have anything new looked at immediately

When you’re ready to take charge of your oral and overall health, schedule your appointment with a Periodontist on Long Island by contacting Dr. Scharf. He can treat gum disease with a laser rather than a scalpel. Give him a call at (631) 661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com.

Summer time is full charge now and millions of American’s are packing their things and heading off on vacation! Among their packing list you will likely find new bathing suit, sun block, sandals and other tale-tale signs fun in the sun. What many vacationers may not be worrying about is the risk for Long Island gum disease.

Gum disease begins with plaque build-up that leads to pockets forming around the gum line. These pockets then serve as the perfect habitat for bacteria that causes gum disease. As the bacteria grow chronic inflammation develops and gum disease has arrived! The most astonishing part however is the speed in which all this can take place.

In as little as two weeks the bacteria in your mouth can double, increasing the risk for gum disease. Your only defense is to ensure you are properly packed to maintain good oral hygiene while you’re away from home.

As you pack your bags this summer be sure to follow these 9 tips for healthy gums:

1. Store your toothbrushes in travel containers that have holes for proper air circulation. This allows the brush to thoroughly dry and discourage the growth of bacteria
2. Store toothbrushes separately to prevent the spread of bacteria
3. Thoroughly clean and disinfect the travel containers before and after your trip
4. Regularly disinfect your toothbrush while on vacation or at home by washing it in the dishwasher, storing in the fridge or place it in a cup of mouthwash
5. When traveling abroad brush with bottled water and keep your toothbrush 2-5 feet from the sink and toilet to avoid water contamination
6. Always pack extra oral care supplies in case you can’t purchase them
7. If you don’t have toothpaste, brush with water to remove food and bacteria
8. If you forget your toothbrush and are unable to purchase a new one floss and rinse with mouthwash
9. Don’t share a toothbrush because oral bacteria can be passed from one family member to another

While you’re away be sure to monitor your mouth daily for any unusual changes. If changes do occur and you’re interested in seeking an alternative treatment for Long Island gum disease contact Dr. Scharf. He treats gum disease with a laser, not a scalpel, for people looking for an alternative to gum surgery. Call Dr. Scharf at 631-661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com.