Dr. David Scharf Blog

Nearly every American has experienced dry mouth at one point or another in their life time. The common short term dry mouth is typically a direct result of stress, nervousness, breathing with an open mouth or medications. Whatever the cause everyone can agree a dry mouth is annoying at the least.

What many American’s don’t realize however is that long-term oral dryness can lead to a variety of oral disease including periodontal disease. On Long Island Periodontists aim to educate their patients in an effort to restore saliva and prevent disease.

Understanding the Ill Effects of Dry Mouth

Saliva plays a vital role in your oral health providing a constant bath in a mineral-rich solution that keeps your teeth strong and resistant to decay. Saliva lubricates the mouth and throat making it easier to talk, swallow and digest food.

If dry mouth persists it has a negative effect on your oral and overall health. Symptoms include:

• Trouble eating
• Trouble talking and chewing
• Burning sensations
• Frequent need to sip while eating3
• Difficulty swallowing

Dr. Matthew Messina, ADA consumer advisor, shares that chronic dry mouth can lead to serious problems with your oral health. He stated that, “Drying irritates the soft tissues in the mouth, which can make them inflamed and more susceptible to infection.”

He adds, “Constant dryness and the lack of protection provided by saliva may contribute to bad breath. Dry mouth can make full dentures become less comfortable to wear because there is no thin film of saliva to help them adhere properly to oral tissues,” he adds. “Insufficient saliva can also result in painful denture sores, dry and cracked lips, and increased risks of oral infection.”

Staying Ahead of Oral Health – Preventing Dry Mouth

Dry mouth is most commonly caused by certain medications and auto-immune conditions.  All though auto-immune can cause dry mouth it is believed the primary cause is medications. If you’re experiencing dry mouth talk with your doctor about any medications you are on. It may be possible to change medications or dosage to help improve saliva production.

There are other precautions you can take to improve saliva and relieve the symptoms of dry mouth.

• Drink plenty of water
• Avoid tobacco and caffeine
• Avoid alcohol and carbonated drinks
• Chew sugarless gum
• Take frequent sips of water or chew on ice chips

When considering if it’s worth your time to worry yourself about dry mouth just remember that natural saliva production protects your mouth against oral disease such as periodontal disease. On Long Island you can contact Dr. Scharf to ask questions about the effects of dry mouth and steps you can take to protect your oral health. Call today at (631) 661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com.

Periodontitis has plagued Americans for decades with Periodontists and dental practitioners striving continually to improve their approach in education, diagnosis and treatment among their patients. It is reported that 10 to 15% of all adults suffer from gum disease at some point in their lives pressing dentists to find more effective ways to treat Long Island gum disease.

To fully educate and treat dentists needed to better understand the disease from a well rounded approach, which includes understanding risk factors, causes, and inhibitors to treatment. What they found include:

Risk Factors: Patients who smoke and drink excessive alcohol, have a poor daily diet, and have weak oral hygiene routines are at a greater risk for developing gum disease.

Causes: It has long been understood that gum disease develops after plaque builds up on the teeth, resulting in pockets on the gum line where bacteria can invade.

Inhibitors to treatment: One of the biggest inhibitors practitioners face is inflammation. Not only has inflammation associated with gum disease has been linked to several systemic diseases and research is finding that it complicates treatment plans if not brought under control.

Turning Awareness into Success

With the growing awareness of the role of inflammation in periodontitis dental practitioners have began to focus their attention on how to reduce it effectively. A common trigger of inflammation in oral tissue is oxidative stress that can be caused from any one of the following:

• Infection
• Poor diet
• Smoking and alcohol consumption
• Chemical pollutants
• Cosmetic dentistry and repair

With this knowledge your dentist can take advantage of antioxidants that locate and regulate free-radicals that lead to oxidative stress naturally, reducing the level of inflammation in the gums. Coupled with antibiotics to eliminate infection these antioxidants are rapidly becoming a preferred addition to the treatment of gum disease.

But antibiotics and antioxidants alone won’t cure gum disease. Your practitioner will help develop a plan using methods such as laser therapy to destroy active bacteria and initiate reversing the damage. The extent of your therapy is based on the severity of infection, how much resulting damage you have and your commitment to at home routines.

If you live on Long Island and gum disease is plaguing your mouth don’t wait another day. You can contact Dr. Scharf for a detailed evaluation and treatment plant to restore your mouth to optimal health.  Call today at (631) 661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com.

Facing the reality of losing teeth is never a pleasant thought.  After all our teeth define our smile, build confidence and assist us with proper digestion. But when oral disease or injury compromises our teeth the inevitable decision of tooth replacement needs to be made. The good news is with dental implants on Long Island that decision can be like going from one set of healthy teeth to another!

You see dental implants are actually a lot like your natural teeth. A titanium implant is secured directly in the jawbone, just like your natural tooth root is. The crown is then secured to the implant as a free standing sturdy tooth, just like the one it is replacing. On appearance it looks no different. When talking, laughing, even eating there are no adjustments required.

But it doesn’t stop with a single tooth replacement. Dental implants can be used to:

• Replace one or more teeth without having an impact on neighboring teeth
• Support a bridge
• Remove the need for a removable partial denture
• Provide support for a full denture

The How and the Why of Dental Implants

There are two types of implants available; endosteal or in the bone and subperiosteal or on the bone. Endosteal is the most commonly used implant and are surgically placed into the jawbone. The implant is then used to hold prosthetic teeth and is often used as an alternative for patients with bridges or removable dentures.

Subperiosteal are placed on top of the jaw with metal posts protruding through the gum to hold prosthesis. These are ideal for patients with minimal bone height who are unable to wear conventional dentures.

Aside form the obvious esthetic reasons of choosing a natural looking tooth implant over removable dentures there are other reasons that make choosing implants your best decision. At the top of the list perhaps the tooth-saving quality implants have. Since implants don’t rely on neighboring teeth to be supported your natural teeth are left untouched giving you a significant long-term health benefit.

Next on the list of appeal is reliability. The success and fail rate of implants is highly predictable and considered an excellent option for tooth replacement. You’ll have more confidence when eating, talking and laughing with your friends and never regret choosing implants over removable prosthetics.

You Can Be the Next Implant Smile

In years past not everyone could be considered for dental implants. In fact many patients had to be passed on due to narrow bone tissue or other factors. With new advancements in dentistry just about everyone can be considered a candidate for a natural implant smile.

If you are considering dental implants on Long Island as your tooth replacement  but still have questions as to whether they are right for you contact Dr. Scharf at (631) 661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com to learn more. He his skilled in modern implant dentistry and can answer your questions today.

Everybody knows that if we fail to care properly for our teeth it will lead to tooth decay, gum disease and eventually tooth loss. For some we may even be aware of the risks on pregnancy, diabetes and the risks associated with heart disease.  But did you know that bacteria in your mouth could lead to other ailments such as pneumonia?

Periodontists on Long Island are warning patients not only about the risks of bone loss but also the increased risks of pneumonia if bacteria are left to survive inside your mouth.

Findings from a study at Yale University School of Medicine noted a change in mouth bacteria of hospital patients preceding the development of pneumonia. What this tells doctors and dental practitioners is that the state of their patient’s mouths could prove to be a risk factor for pneumonia and other lung disease.

Preventing Pneumonia through Good Oral Hygiene

The link between systemic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and kidney disease is nothing new. These recent studies not only support that link but also give a little more insight on helping high risk patients fight off respiratory infections during the cold winter season.

Maintaining good oral hygiene can be as simple as:

• Brushing twice a day for a full two minutes using fluoride toothpaste
• Flossing at least once a day to remove food from between your teeth
• Cut back on sugary and acidic foods and drinks
• See your dentist every 6 months for a regular check up and professional cleaning

Putting a few simple things in place can help you to keep a beautiful smile and reduce your risks of pneumonia this winter season. So why not step it up a notch a smile with confidence?

If you would like to consult with a Periodontist on Long Island to discuss the health of your teeth and gums contact Dr. Scharf (631) 661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com. He’s skilled in the early diagnosis and treatment of gum disease using a laser, not a scalpel and he’s available to answer your questions.

Gum disease is one of those diseases that many American’s don’t realize they have. While you walk around clueless to the condition inside your mouth the bacteria are taking hold at a record level, causing damage not only to the gums but your bone as well. Left untreated gum disease will inevitably lead to tooth loss. And it is at this late stage that many residents of Long Island seek a Periodontist.

But if you understand gum disease well enough you don’t have to wait until the damage is at its worst. Rather you can identify it early, have it treated and possibly undergo a restorative surgery that literally reverses any damage that has occurred.

Learning to Recognize Gum Disease Early

The good news is that gum disease has definite warning signs that anyone can recognize. All you need to do is check your mouth daily as part of your normal oral hygiene routine. Here’s what you want to be looking for:

• Increased redness around the gum line and along the tooth root
• Tenderness to the touch
• Frequent bleeding when brushing, flossing or eating
• Persistent bad breath that won’t go away even with the most thorough routines
• A separation of the teeth or a change in the way your dentures fit in your mouth
• If it appears that your gums are “pulling” away from your teeth
• Loose or missing teeth

If any of these signs are present it’s important to set up an appointment with a Periodontist as soon as possible as these are your early warning signs, meaning this is the beginning of the disease.

Preparing for Your First Appointment

Seeing a Periodontist can be a bit more overwhelming for some than seeing a regular dentist but it doesn’t need to be. Seeing a Periodontist is really no different than your primary dentist however they specialize in the early diagnostic and treatment of gum disease so they are your best choice for periodontitis.

At your first appointment you will have a detailed oral exam, an oral x-ray and complete a patient history. Your practitioner will assess the extent of infection and help to devise a treatment plan that is the most effective for your situation.

Reversing the Damage

If it is discovered that the bacteria have already resulted in damage to your gums and bone there are options available to help reverse that damage.

1.       Regenerative Gum Surgery: This surgery involves folding back the gum tissue at the infection site and cleaning out all the bacteria. He can then add a tissue stimulating protein that actually kick starts your body into growing new tissue and healing itself. If the infection has spread to the bone your practitioner can add a bone graft to help restore bone density to the jaw as well.

2.       Hyaluronic Acid: This is a regenerative gel that has shown restorative success in several studies. These studies found that Hyaluronic acid can increase blood supply, reduce inflammation and boost tissue regeneration.

Dealing with gum disease doesn’t have to be complicated and the damage doesn’t have to be permanent. Stay ahead of the game and talk with your Periodontist about treatment options including gum restorative surgery.

If you want to consult with a Long Island Periodontist to get your questions answered and evaluate your needs contact Dr. Scharf. He’s skilled in the early diagnosis and successful treatment of gum disease using non-evasive laser therapy, not a scalpel. Call today at (631) 661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com. He’s skilled in advanced methods for implant dentistry and is available to answer all your questions today.

Tooth loss is never ideal regardless of your age but it can be even more devastating for those active in the work force or an academic social life.  For these individuals missing teeth can have an impact on social status and self-esteem.

But don’t let that rush you into receiving a removable partial or denture. Rather take a moment to consider how a dental implant from Long Island could naturally replace your missing teeth AND protect the long term health of your gums.

The reality is when a tooth is lost the jaw no longer has a “preserving” root. The jawbone will begin to deteriorate and shrink, impacting adjacent teeth in a way that could lead to more tooth loss. While partials and full dentures aid in replacing missing teeth it is only in appearance. Implants on the other hand are secured in the jawbone, preserving the bone and the health of your mouth over all.

Why Choose Dental Implants

Keeping your smile beautiful is only the beginning of what makes implants attractive. Other reasons to choose implants include:

• Permanent teeth that won’t slip around when you talk
• A more natural alternative that helps preserve your jawbone
• Maintaining the ability to eat whatever you want, including apples and corn on the cob
• No worries about things getting stuck under your dentures or bridges
• Less bulky and feels like your real teeth
• Never have to replace or refit your implants
• Not to mention the many health benefits for choosing a more natural tooth replacement

When you are choosing between dentures and implants all you really need to consider is the long term results of that choice and implants take the lead.

What to Expect with Implants

In most cases implants can be placed immediately after a tooth extraction and then allowed to heal before attaching the crown and tooth. If you’ve had a missing tooth for a while you can still enjoy the benefits of implants over the course of a couple visits.

At your first visit your Periodontist will drill a hole in the jaw where the implant is to be placed and will insert the titanium root. Then the gum will either be stitched closed for healing or a healing abutment will be attached. After a couple weeks the implant will have healed and you will return to the dentist to have the healing abutment replaced with a permanent abutment and crown.

Care for your implants after surgery is the same as your natural teeth, brush and floss twice daily and see your dentist every 6 months for a cleaning and preventative checkup.

If you would like to learn more about receiving dental implants on Long Island or have questions about your specific needs contact Dr. Scharf at (631) 661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com. He’s skilled in advanced methods for implant dentistry and is available to answer all your questions today.

Good oral hygiene has been drummed into every child’s ears since early childhood. From parents to grandparents, doctors to teachers not a single child is overlooked where the importance of a healthy mouth is concerned. Yet even with all that individuals battling periodontitis on Long Island continues to climb in numbers.

Chronic periodontitis is associated with an interaction between plaque biofilms and your body’s immune system.  These biofilms are multilayered ecosystems that bond to the surface of your teeth and literally serve as a protector for bacteria that lead to gum disease making it difficult for most antibiotics to successfully treat the disease.

All though there is little understanding as to how biofilms remain resistant to antibiotics there are several theories on how they gain resistance:

• Molecular signaling/quorum sensing
• Horizontal gene transfer
• Different physiological phases within the biofilm
• The glycocalix acting as a mechanical barrier

Once the biofilm has formed a resistance the only fail safe solution is to break up the biofilm using mechanical means such as root planning or scaling. Antibiotics then can gain access to the bacteria and block recolonization of the biofilm, in effect fighting the disease.

But not all antibiotics have proven effective in the treatment of periodontal disease even with root scaling and planning. Some of the more effective include Azythromycin, Clindamycin and Tetracycline.

Treating Chronic Periodontitis Effectively

If you’ve been diagnosed with gum disease there are effective ways to reduce disease and stimulate soft tissue repair. The traditional approach is root planning and scaling using a scalpel that can remove biofilms. This was the dreaded approach that many patients avoided the Periodontist over.

With advancements in technology and the improvement of lasers in dental medicine treating gum disease has become less evasive and equally effective.

In addition to treatment with your Periodontitis it’s critical to make some changes at home as well. You may need to adjust the frequency and length of time you spend brushing and flossing as well as adjust your diet to include more fresh fruits and vegetables and plenty of water.

During your treatment, and after, it’s important to give up smoking and limit alcohol consumption dramatically. Both nicotine and alcohol have been proven to increase risks of developing gum disease so use during your treatment will only be counterproductive.

If you are faced with having to treat periodontal disease on Long Island you can rest assured knowing there are options for non-surgical treatments available. To find out more you can contact Dr. Scharf at (631) 661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com.  He treats gum disease with a laser rather than a scalpel.

So you’ve been diagnosed with gum disease and referred out to a specialist. Now you may be wandering what comes next and how involved it’s going to be. With continual advancements in dental treatment options a referral to a Long Island Periodontist doesn’t have to be a scary thing.

It begins with an assessment of the severity of your gum disease as well as a detailed history. Most of this is accomplished at your primary dentist in preparation for your periodontal exam and is entirely painless.

Once all this information is gathered together you’ll set an appointment with a Periodontist to review your dentist’s findings and develop a treatment plan.

What to Expect When Treating Gum Disease

There are two possible approaches when it comes to treating gum disease, surgical and non-surgical. Let’s take a look at non-surgical procedures first:

• Professional Cleaning: this approach is effective for mild periodontitis where the bacteria are just beginning to populate at the gum line. You may need to have a repeated cleaning at set intervals to ensure all bacteria have been removed.
• Root Planning and Scaling: This method is more involved than a standard cleaning and is typically completed with your Periodontist under anesthesia. During root planning and scaling all plaque and bacteria are removed from both the tooth and gum surface.
• Laser Therapy: This approach effectively destroys living bacteria as well as stimulates healing of the soft tissue.

The second option to treat gum disease is through surgical procedures. All though less ideal for the patient some cases are better treated using one of the following methods:

• Pocket Reduction: This surgery does exactly what it says, reduces the size of the pockets that have formed along the gum line. The deeper the pocket the easier it is for bacteria to multiply. By reducing the size of the gum pockets bacteria are unable to buildup and cause complications.
• Gum Grafts: This surgery involves taking healthy tissue from one area of the mouth and grafting it into areas of thin gums ore where the gums have recessed.
• Bone Grafts: Similar to a gum graft this procedure may be necessary if the infection has result in damage to the jawbone. A bone graft can help repair the damaged bone and restore the stability of the jaw.

Don’t let the surgical procedures scare you off. If you’ve maintained a regular routine of visiting your dentist twice a year chances are your gum disease was discovered in the early stages when it is easily treated without surgery. And with the advancements in laser therapy gum disease can be successfully treated even at later stages.

If you’ve been diagnosed with gum disease and are seeking a Long Island Periodontist in Suffolk County contact Dr. Scharf. Skilled in the early diagnosis and treatment of gum disease he can treat using a laser not a scalpel, making your periodontal treatments effective and more comfortable.  Call today at (631) 661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com.

Living with an unhealthy mouth is the last thing any of us want to do. When we are missing teeth or have bad teeth it’s embarrassing, uncomfortable and often socially unacceptable. Due to financial limitations most of us drop our head and tough through the less than attractive smile as we long for an affordable way to change it.

Dental implants on Long Island can be costly but they don’t have to be out of your reach.  With a little bit of planning on your part you can find a way to afford those implants and have the smile you’ve dreamed of!

4 Ways to Save on Dental Implants

Implants can be an obtainable goal for all of us. It just takes some planning, awareness of our options and perseverance. Four options I never knew were available include:

• Discount dental plans
• Dental schools
• Financial assistance
• Dental tourism – yes I mean tourism!

Let’s take a closer look at what each of these options can do for you.

Discount dental plans: This is just what it sounds like, a dental plan that offers patients a discount off of normal rates.  By doing some research you may be able to find discounts as low as 30% off normal prices.

Dental schools: More and more dental schools are opening up that offer implant dentistry at a fraction of the cost. The reason for the lower prices at dental schools is because the procedures are performed by the students. But don’t let that scare you away! Every student is closely monitored by a licensed practitioner skilled in implant dentistry.

Financial assistance: Many implant dentists are well aware of the limitations for their patience and offer financial plans that fit the needs of those who qualify.  This may be an interest free payment plan based on income or outside financing that could incur interest. Speak with your dental practitioner to discuss what financial options may be available to you.

Dental tourism: This option may sound like a joke but it really an option to receive low cost dental implants and is growing in popularity. Many countries outside the US offer cosmetic dentistry at costs greatly lower than what you would pay locally. The concept involves traveling overseas to countries like Asia, South America or Europe and spending a vacation there while receiving your dental procedures.

An attractive smile doesn’t have to be a dream out of reach. Consider looking into your options and finding one that fits your needs and current circumstances. Before you know it you’ll be on your way to having a healthy mouth once again.

If you want to consult with a local Suffolk County Periodontist about getting dental implants on Long Island contact Dr. Scharf. He’s skilled in modern advancements for both implant dentistry and periodontal disease. Call today at (631) 661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com.

Maintaining a healthy body weight doesn’t just make you look and feel good, it can help prevent gum disease, a painful condition where gums recede, causing the roots of teeth to become exposed, inviting bacterial infection.

Obesity is second only to smoking as the strongest risk factor for gum disease on Long Island.  When one considers that more that 60% of the US population is overweight or obese – and the numbers are rising – overweight persons visiting the dental office for treatment will be more and more common.

Along with a high BMI – Body Mass Index, excessive weight can cause high blood pressure.It can contribute to symptoms of general fatigue, weakness, and sleep disturbancescan also be signs of obstructive sleep apnea. Chest pain, shortness of breath, difficulty in breathing on exercise, could indicate compromised cardiac function.

Too much of a “good thing” is everywhere: the caramel latte in the morning, fast food lunches the snack machine at work, , the wine spritzers and late night pizzas after hours with friends.  As we age, metabolism slows, making it even harder to keep weight under control.

Learning to Recognize Gum Disease

Signs of Gum Disease.  When gums recede it can cause the roots of teeth to become exposed, making them sensitive to hot, cold, sweet or salty substances.  Dry mouth, the decreased flow of salvia can be as the result of using alcohol based mouth washes.  In the short term, these products kill bacteria and freshen breath.  In the long term they cause dry mouth, which can accelerate bacterial growth.

Bacterial infections caused by poor dental hygiene can not only lead to persistent bad breath but signal the onset of periodontal disease.  A top gum disease symptom, it can lead to more serious health problems.   Swollen Gums, a common symptom on gingivitis are caused by inflammation of the gums.  It is an early warning symptom of periodontal disease and can lead to bleeding gums.  A more serious symptom, bleeding gums is a precursor of periodontal disease and can actually cause more serious problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes or stroke.

Fortunately, advanced techniques in the treatment of periodontal disease have the potential of eliminating gum disease entirely.  By regularly visiting the dentist for cleanings twice a year, avoiding excessively sugary and salty foods, reducing alcohol intake you can not only enjoy fitting into the latest fashions, by eliminating gum disease, you greatly increase your chances of keeping your healthy smile for years to come!

If you suspect you have gum disease on Long Island and would like to see a Licensed Periodontist 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. Call today to learn more.