Dr. David Scharf Blog

Fish oil could become the smelliest remedy yet to bad breath and gum disease

Individuals who prefer preventive care to dental implants in Long Island are in a roll this week. Just recently in California, participants of an experimental biology meeting hinted that fish oil might be good for gum health.

After reviewing existing literature, the group cited “clinical improvements” in periodontal disease patients who followed a fish-rich diet. The researchers also observed that in two of the eight studies, more favorable changes were seen in subjects who downed some aspirin with fish oil.

Growing Interest in Omega-3 and Nutrition

Though more tests are underway to ascertain the ability of omega-3 fatty acids in slowing down the progression of America’s silent epidemic, this isn’t the first time for members of the research community to underscore the role of proper nutrition in maintaining overall health.

In February this year, food scientists from the University of Maine recognized the health benefits of omega-3 but pointed out that people generally have an aversion for fishy aftertaste and smell.

The scientists hypothesized that adding goat cheese can weaken the odor and fortify the shelf life of “heart-healthy” fish oil. The study is published in the Journal of Food Science.

In 2009, researchers from the University of Southampton were featured in Critical Care for their work on feeding omega-3 fatty acids intravenously to patients confined in intensive care units.

Out of 23 patients, the 13 who were subjected to the fish oil IV treatment had better lung function, lesser inflammation, and faster recovery time, the report said.

Modifying Diets

Two fatty fish a week are generally good for the body, recommended the research and review group from the University of Adelaide and the University of Southern Australia.

For those who are not sold to the idea of gulping fish oil supplements, going easy on certain food groups and beverages can contribute to fresher breath and healthier gums: sweets, coffee, and acidic and carbonated drinks.

Periodontitis afflicts approximately 80 percent of the adult population in the United States. In New York, patients trust Dr. David Scharf more than any other dentist to reverse gum disease, fight halitosis, restore smiles, and install high-quality dental implants in Long Island. He can be reached at (631) 661-6633, Mondays through Fridays, for an appointment.

Dissenting Opinions Do Little to Downplay Tooth Care

Whether or not one disease directly causes the other, dental care provided by a Long Island periodontist is still important for maintaining overall health.

Such is the bottom line of the controversy sparked by the American Heart Association’s (AHA) April 18 scientific statement published in Circulation.

Titled “Periodontal Disease and Atherosclerotic Vascular Disease: Does the Evidence Support an Independent Association?” the AHA statement had heart disease patients and common folks alike wondering whether they should continue to floss their teeth.

The Root of the Controversy: Sound Statement, Hyped Media Coverage

Describing any preventive care provided by a general dentist as “unwarranted,” the AHA denied that a cause and effect relationship exists between cardiovascular disease and periodontal disease.

The researchers behind the statement reviewed at least 500 journals and reached a conclusion that both diseases share commonalities, but one does not cause the other. The group also maintained that the two ailments require independent treatment.

For the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP), the statement is scientifically sound but the manner that it was picked up by media has generated a “negative and misleading” perspective of the issue.

The Missing Link: Perspective

There is one principal finding which both the AHA and the AAP agree on and which reports failed to highlight: There might not be a causal relationship between America’s leading cause of death (heart disease) and the silent epidemic (periodontal disease), but there is still an association.

• Previous studies found strains of a common bacteria present in both ailments.
• Individuals with gum disease are twice more likely to be diagnosed with coronary disease.
• Periodontal disease remains a risk factor for stroke, anorexia nervosa, oral cancer, and diabetes.

The Bottom Line: Care and Treatment Still Vital

Dr. Scharf, Long Island’s best dentist for 2010, believes that whether or not a direct link will be established, teeth and gums still affect individuals in tremendous ways and should be cared for.

As such, people can and should continue to:

• Floss teeth.
• Brush correctly.
• Minimize sugary diets and drinks.
• Visit the dentist and the physician regularly.

Dr. David Scharf is an experienced Long Island periodontist who specializes in laser gum surgery and titanium implants. He is based in Babylon, New York and caters to both walk-in clients and individuals with an appointment. He may be reached at (631) 661-6633.

The Odds of Failed to Successful Procedures Stand at 5 to 95, Latest Count Indicates

Among all procedures in dentistry, titanium implant therapy that is performed by professionals, such as a trusted periodontist on Long Island, is the most promising.

The treatment is 95 percent successful in most cases, the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons estimates.

Bizarre Causes of Failure

In the five percent chance of failure however, dentists are not always to blame. Tooth care professionals concur that:

• Despite the oral specialist’s skill and care, the procedure could sometimes fail because the human body reacts differently to stimuli. In few patients, the implant may not properly integrate with the bone and becomes loose.

• Persistent bacteria could cause a rare condition called peri-implantitis. This occurs when pathogenic bacteria in the mouth attack the tissues surrounding the implant itself and cause inflammation. These reactions are often unpredictable.

Cloned Implants

Implants could be suspect too. Substandard varieties are more prone to wear and tear. The shelf life may be shorter for cheap, cloned, and often low-quality implants that replace the molars which grind the food.

Dental implant manufacturing is a growing business in the United States today. There are more than 340 types that come out each year by the operation of 90 businesses alone, conservative statistics reveal.

Where competition is fierce, patients will need to look for oral care practitioners who source titanium from reputable manufacturers that in turn can provide enough literature about the implant systems.

Candidate Pre-Screening and Aftercare

Nearly everyone makes a great candidate for titanium implants but pre-screening is still crucial, New-York based gum specialist Dr. Scharf said. That is because the risks of implant failure are somewhat higher among smokers and chronic diabetic patients.

Dental hygiene can also affect the overall success of the procedure. Patients must still brush and floss regularly, and make dental checks part of their routine.

The decision to give titanium implants a green light can be a life-changing decision. For more information about titanium and minimally invasive dental implant therapy, interested parties may reach Dr. David Scharf at (631) 661-6633. Dr. Scharf is a multi-awarded periodontist on Long Island.

Preventive Care is Non-Invasive, Oral Care Professionals Agree

There is new hope for people who would like to avoid a gum surgery appointment with a periodontist on Long Island: fluoride massage.

In Sweden, University of Gothenburg researchers recently found that using fingertips to rub toothpaste in the gums and inner cheeks could improve a person’s tooth fluoride retention and reduce plaque formation.

Massaging the buccal area at least once with a 5,000 ppm fluoride-concentrated toothpaste is equivalent to one session of brushing, the study revealed.

It also suggested that if people brush their teeth twice daily, adding one fluoride massage to the routine could offer three times more protection against cavities.

At the Forefront of Fighting Tooth Decay

Fluoride has long been known to strengthen teeth enamel, arrest decay by as much as 40 percent, and decrease the need for tooth fillings and extraction.

Adding trace amounts of the chemical compound to the United States public water system (fluoridation) was recognized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as one of the “top health achievements for 20th century.”

The recommended concentration for fluoridated water is currently set at 0.7 mg per liter.

In January last year, Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lowered the figure from 0.12 mg per liter, recognizing among others that the population has more access to fluoride sources today than 70 years ago.

Painless Options

Annually, some 800,000 Americans seek ER treatment on toothache and other preventable conditions due to a range of reasons including neglect, the steep cost of dental visits, and the fear that all treatments are painful.

For one of New York’s pioneers in non-invasive oral care procedure, the development of the massage technique is promising news.

Preventive maintenance is important, because teeth affect people in tremendous ways, stressed Dr. David Scharf.

Alternately, those who missed the boat can still reverse about 20 years of damage in just one day through an innovative and painless treatment known as laser-assisted new attachment procedure (LANAP), he said.

Dr. Scharf is the first periodontist on Long Island to perform LANAP instead of conventional cut-and-stitch surgery. An advocate of non-invasive oral care procedure, Dr. Scharf began practicing in 1991 and is presently based in Babylon, New York.

In order to successfully manage periodontal disease it is important for a patient to understand what periodontal disease is. This fast video is a great animation explaining gum disease on Long Island.

Persistent Gum Disease Symptoms Could Mean Something Else, Doctor Warns

Patients who have had Long Island dental implants but continue to suffer from a dry mouth and oversensitive gums may need to undergo another round of health checks.

Today this week aired an online special revealing that minor conditions which even most medical practitioners tend to overlook could actually be symptomatic of serious illnesses aside from periodontitis.

How Serious

Of the four conditions which chief medical editor for NBC News Dr. Nancy Snyderman enumerated, two are common to gum disease.

A dry mouth is one of the known indicators of Sjogren’s syndrome – the same auto-immune disease which compelled tennis superstar Venus Williams to withdraw from the US Open last year.

There is no cure for Sjogren’s syndrome, but early detection can alleviate the joint pains and fatigue which many victims experience.

Bleeding gums in children should not be taken lightly either as the condition is a danger sign for leukemia, Snyderman warned. Leukemia is a form of cancer that affects the bone marrow or the blood.

Although toddlers and young adolescents can get gingivitis these days, advanced forms of periodontal disease are more common in adults.

Why Dental Implants

Seen as a permanent and attractive solution for individuals who have lost their teeth, dental implants are designed to last longer than conventional bridges and dentures, restore a person’s confidence, and make eating enjoyable again.

The device has also raised hopes among patients to arrest further dental damage and prevent recurrent expenses on tooth reconstruction.

When paired with a high-quality crown, the implant cannot be overrun by the same micro-organisms which trigger periodontal disease, explained oral care specialists. Titanium theoretically does not degrade like ordinary bones do.

Sporting implants does not give anyone the license to opt out from both regular oral care and medical check-ups though. That’s because even if the device is decay-proof, the mouth and gums are not.

At 95 percent, the success rate for Long Island dental implants is ten points higher than that for a root canal procedure. New Yorkers who wish to get dental implants can contact (631) 661-6633 for an appointment with periodontist Dr. David Scharf.

This week I video taped the radio show for the first time. My guest is Dr. Marc Sperber. We are discussing dental implants on Long Island

More Studies Link Oral Health to Overall Wellness

A Long Island periodontist is no medical doctor. However, there is a growing interest in the ability of oral care specialists to detect and help prevent the onset of serious health complications that would normally require the intervention of an MD.

In an interview published by the Killeen Daily Herald this month, preventive dentistry officer Lt. Col. Wolpert explained that the mouth is actually one of the first few places where symptoms of other illnesses would often manifest.

His statement aligns with previous findings by the American Dental Hygienists’ Association (ADHA) which described gum disease as a “risk factor” for oral cancer, diabetes, coronary heart disease, stroke, bulimia, and anorexia nervosa.

Stronger Associations Discovered

• Oral Cancer
  
  Though research yet has to prove that oral infections directly cause cancer, studies dating back to 2003 and 2007 posited that the catalysts of gum disease are not just bacteria but also viruses.

  Patients whose mouths contain the pathogenic combo are twice more likely to develop tumors and four times more prone to get oral cancer, early studies showed.

• Diabetes
  
  According to the American Diabetes Association, about 95 percent of diabetics suffer from periodontal complications.

  Gum disease triggered by a sweet diet can increase a person’s chances to contract diabetes.

• Coronary Heart Disease and Stroke
  
  Researchers found the presence of bacteria common in both periodontal infection and cardiovascular disease.

  It has been suggested that the same pathogens that trigger caries and gingivitis can clog carotid arteries and increase a person’s risk to stroke.

• Bulimia and Anorexia Nervosa
  
  Even eating disorders can be detected by a routine dental check-up, ADHA said.

  Compared to the average healthy individual, bulimics and anorexics were observed to have thinner tooth enamel, and red cracked lips.

The Number 25

Latest estimates by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that poor oral care continues to riddle the American populace despite health warnings.

Approximately 25 percent of children younger than five have tooth decay. Interestingly, the same percentage of the population will have lost their teeth by the time they turn 65, said the CDC.

Multi-awarded Long Island periodontist Dr. Scharf maintains this blog and can be reached at (631) 661-6633 for an appointment. Visitors are invited to back-read to January 19 for a related post on oral bacteria and pneumonia.

Individuals with Poor Oral Hygiene are the First to Worry About Gum Surgery, Research Shows

The number of people in need of dental care or scouting for dental implants in Long Island is on the rise.

In recent news, the New York Times reported that children as young as two are no strangers to surgery. In fact, pre-school kids these days have an average of ten cavities, with some requiring extensive work for tooth restoration.

The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) also revealed last week that in an aging population, those over 65 are likely to test positive for cavities. One common reason cited was that since older people have a hard time obtaining health insurance after retirement, they start neglecting their oral hygiene.

Bacterial Attacks Across Ages

Apparently, the affected segment spans across age and income groups, suggesting that bacterial assaults spare no one. In fact, the mouth is usually where bacteria first attack and breed.

They can wreak havoc in as little as 24 hours by forming plaque. Hardened plaque becomes tartar. The two become the nest where bacteria can further reproduce, excrete toxins, and cause gingivitis (gum swelling) and periodontitis (chronic gum disease).

The problem area isn’t limited to the mouth. A bacterial attack that weakens the gums can affect other parts of the body too like the heart and connecting bone joints.

Early Prevention a Must

Inflamed and receding gum lines are common among the elderly and among the young. The triggers are myriad, ranging from a sweet tooth to non-existent brushing habits.

An exposed tooth tissue is much softer, making it more prone to bacterial attacks. Among adults, popping in meds for high blood pressure and consuming diuretics can compound the inflammation.

Diuretics cause the body to produce less saliva, making the mouth dry.  Saliva is essential to neutralize acidity and arrest bacterial activity.

June Sadowsky, an associate professor at the University Of Texas School Of Dentistry says that people who maintain good oral hygiene while still young can avoid the gum and teeth problems that most people experience at an advanced age.

The best dental implants Long Island, New York can offer are no match for natural teeth. All the same, for patients who learned too late how to keep the periodontist away and who require painless gum surgery, the award-winning Dr. Scharf can help. He can be reached at (631) 661-6633.

Studies Show that Putting off a Regular Visit to the Dentist Can be a Pricey Proposition

Scheduling an appointment with a periodontist on Long Island is something that many people dread.

According to new research in Britain, one in every four individuals does not find a regular dental check-up necessary.

Statistical data culled by the Pew Center suggest that the same case may be true in the United States where close to 900,000 of annual emergency room (ER) visits involved treating a simple toothache.

Understanding the Tradeoffs

Not many people think that they can afford to see a dentist twice a year. However, it has been shown that a regular appointment amounts only to a fraction of most ER tabs.

Emergency room bills can run anywhere between a few hundreds and several thousands. Consumer Health Ratings pegged the average charges to be over $1,300 in 2009 alone.

More than burning a hole in the pocket, neglecting oral hygiene and doctor visits could mean worse problems for the population: gum disease, rapid tooth aging, and heart complications.

Modern Triggers

People often fall short of observing preventive oral care, experts observed.

In a recent study that compared individuals’ biological age to that of their teeth, it was discovered that tooth age is usually older by 10 years than a person’s real age.

The modern catalysts to an aging or aching tooth were identified to include:

• Oral hygiene. Brushing too often can wear away tooth enamel. Not brushing enough can trigger plaque build-up.
• Diet. Soda, coffee, and acidic food – fruits and juices included – can erode the teeth’s outer surfaces.
• Habits. Some forms of stress relievers can be harmful to the teeth. These include clenching the mouth, chewing candy, and loading up on energy drinks.

Because people do not normally seek treatment or consult a specialist until the last minute, they end up footing a larger bill for tooth restoration and painful gum surgery.

Luckily today, not all options that a periodontist on Long Island offers have to be invasive and painful. For instance, Dr. Scharf can reconstruct gums without forcing patients to go through the knife. He accepts both walk-in clients and appointments for prophylaxis and laser surgery. Dr. Scharf is based in New York and can be reached at (631) 661-6633.