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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.

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.

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.

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.

When it comes to tooth decay and gum disease everyone can agree that prevention is better than treatment any day. What many don’t agree on however is exactly what it takes to prevent gum disease. On one side you’ll hear the need to brush and floss twice daily, and on the other you’ll hear that brushing is all you need. After reviewing the results of a recent study any Periodontist on Long Island can agree that flossing plays a critical role in the health of your mouth.

The study observed 51 sets of twins ranging from age 12 to 21 and was conducted at New York University. Each twin was randomly assigned a two-week oral care regimen where one twin brushed with a manual toothbrush and toothpaste while the other brushed with a manual toothbrush and toothpaste as well as flossed.

At the completion of the two week study it was hands down that flossing was important. Each participant provided samples to determine the level of bacteria associated with gum disease. The results showed that the twins who didn’t floss had higher levels of bacteria than those that did.

The significance of bacteria growth in the mouth lies with an understanding of the true causes of gum disease. Gum disease is progressive and begins with an excessive amount of plaque forming on the teeth near the gum line providing a place for bacteria to grow. The gums then react to the bacteria with signs of inflammation which include, bleeding, redness, swelling, persistent bad breath and eventually missing teeth.

Brushing alone does not remove the plaque between and behind your teeth. This is where flossing regularly plays such an important role. If flossing has not been a regular part of your routine it’s not too late to start. Talk with your dental practitioner about the type of floss and technique to keep your gums healthy.

If you notice signs of gum disease contact a local Periodontist right away. Dr. Scharf treats gum disease with a laser, not a scalpel, for people who need a Periodontist on 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.

Gum disease attacks millions of Americans each year giving plenty of motivation for researchers to continue to search for effective ways to regenerate the tooth-supporting structures damaged with advanced stages of the disease. One new method that has Periodontist in Long Island hopeful is the use of gene therapy to repair the soft tissue.

Gene therapy is a technique used to correct defective genes responsible for disease development and involves researchers inserting a normal gene into the defective gene, creating a healthy, genetically-engineered cell. This amazing medical procedure has made leaps and bounds in the treatment of debilitating defects and now shows promise to help regenerate tooth-supporting structures in the mouth.

The Journal of Periodontology published a study conducted by the University of Michigan that discussed a recent breakthrough in the possibility of using gene therapy to restore damage caused by periodontal disease. During the study researchers inserted a gene called bone morphogenetic protein that encodes a bone-stimulating factor into an inactivated virus in a rat, which then transferred the genes into grown skin cells.

What is most fascinating about this process occurred after these genetically-engineered cells were transplanted into large periodontal bone defects surrounding the teeth. The damaged tooth-supporting structures, such as the jawbone, periodontal ligament and the protective coating on the teeth actually showed signs of rejuvenation.

Even though this study needs more time before it can be sure gene therapy will successfully repair damage caused by periodontal disease it does provide hope to Periodontists worldwide. Talks about using gene therapy in their treatment efforts is nothing new to Periodontists and this evidence brings forth the next step in making these talks a reality.

Even though researchers continue to move forward in advanced treatments for periodontal disease the best sure proof way to keep a healthy smile is prevention. To help prevent gum disease, familiarize yourself with early warning signs which include;

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

If you notice any of these changes in your mouth visit a Periodontist in Long Island right away. For a Periodontist who offers an alternative to tradition surgery, contact Dr. Scharf. He treats gum disease with a laser, not a scalpel. Call today at 631-661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com.

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.

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.

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

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