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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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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