Periodontal disease affects millions of Americans every year. In fact the CDC has referred to gum disease as a silent epidemic plaguing American’s.  The number of cases for periodontal disease on Long Island are so high that Periodontists have joined together to better educate patients on common causes and prevention.

One cause that most of us are unaware of is chronic dry mouth. I’m not talking about the occasional dry mouth that annoys all of us. Rather I’m talking about the dry mouth that persists day after day

Dry Mouth and Your Oral Health

Saliva production is vital to our oral health and digestion.  It serves as a means to lubricate the mouth while talking, chewing and swallowing as well as rinse the surface of your teeth with a mineral rich solution that helps your teeth resist infection.

Dry mouth is the absence of saliva and if it 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.”

Steps to Keep Your Mouth Moist

The most common cause of dry mouth is over the counter or prescription medication. Specific medications are more likely to lead to dry mouth than others however if you are taking any medication regularly talk with your doctor about the possible side effects of dry mouth.

In addition to adjusting your medication consider:

• Drinking plenty of water
• Avoiding tobacco and caffeine
• Avoiding alcohol and carbonated drinks
• Chewing sugarless gum
• Taking 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.

It has been reported that 10 to 15% of Americans battle periodontitis as some point in their adult life. As these numbers grow dental practitioners agree that new measures need to be implemented to more effectively treat and help prevent Long Island gum disease.

To begin Periodontists began to look closer at gum disease and the factors surrounding various cases that came through their offices. Factors considered included:

1.       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.

2.       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.

3.       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.

A Close Look at Inflammation

Perhaps one of the largest factors that stand out is inflammation and the overall impact it has on oral health and overall health. Inflammation has long been linked to systemic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and arthritis. Research has shown that inflammation of the oral tissue is the leading cause for damage to teeth and gums as well as complicate treatment success.

At a glance inflammation presents as redness and swelling. But inside the body inflammation takes on an entirely different appearance called free-radicals. Well sort of. Medically inflammation is the direct result of an oxidative stress in the body. Oxidative stress occurs when your body is off balance and is over run by free radicals. The proven method for reducing these free-radicals is through the use of antioxidants.

Given the awareness that antioxidants will naturally reduce free-radicals in the body it’s clear that they will lead to the reduction of inflammation. So Periodontists decided to evaluate the role of antioxidants on the treatment of gum disease and found great results.

When antioxidants were used in correlation with antibiotics to eliminate infection, treatment to destroy active bacteria and adjustments at home with your oral hygiene the success rate of eliminating gum disease became a complete approach with satisfying results.

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.

If you’ve reached a moment in your life where you need to decide on a tooth replacement option you may be unsure of what your options actually are. After all, who spends a lot of time thinking about how to replace their teeth? The good news is you don’t have to settle for dentures anymore. In fact choosing dental implants on Long Island is a realistic expectation for everyone!

With continued advancements in dental technology procedures like implants are offered to a larger group of patients than they have ever been offered to before. If you need to replace one tooth implants offer a solution that wont’ intrude on neighboring teeth. If you are missing multiple teeth implants give you confidence in knowing your partials or dentures won’t slip when you eat, talk or laugh.

In fact implants are the preferred replacement option for:

• Replacing one or more teeth without
• Supporting a bridge
• Removing the need for a removable partial denture
• Providing support for a full denture

Types of Dental Implants and How they Work

There are two types of implants available;

1.       Endosteal or in the bone implants

2.       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.

Why You Should Choose Implants

Perhaps one of the most referenced reasons for choosing implants is esthetic reasons. Implants secure in place and look more natural in your mouth than removal partials or dentures.  When you smile your implants are matched so perfectly that no one will even notice which teeth are not your natural teeth.

Next in line is the tooth-saving quality of implants. Being secured directly in the bone implants are not dependent on adjacent teeth, preserving the long-term health of natural teeth. Additionally the implant serves as a preservative in the jawbone in the same manner as your tooth root would and prevents the breakdown of bone tissue.

Beyond appearance and tooth-saving abilities is the reliability the actual implant. 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 knowing your replacement option is secure and not going anywhere.

Are Implants Right for You

As implant dentistry continues to improve more and more patients are considered good candidates for implants. In years past patients had to naturally have ideal bone health among other factors. Now procedures like bone grafts and soft tissue grafts help those with less than ideal tissue improve their chances of success.

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.

Everyone can tell you the risks of tooth decay and gum disease if they ignore proper oral hygiene practices. From as early as our toddler years we’ve heard from parents, teachers, doctors and dentists how important it was for our smile to maintain good oral hygiene. But many of us will recall a warning of oral health and increased risks of pneumonia.

Periodontists on Long Island disclose that recent studies not only link oral bacteria associated with gum disease to diabetes, kidney disease and heart disease but also show a direct link the development of pneumonia.

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.

Healthy Mouth Healthy Lungs

This information couldn’t come at a better time than now. With the cold months of winter the number of patients presenting with respiratory illnesses such as pneumonia are always at an undesired high. The use of vaccines and education has long been the medical field’s efforts to reduce risks of infection. Now they happily add oral hygiene to their arsenal.

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

While oral hygiene alone may not guarantee you’ll remain free of respiratory disease it’s certainly worth your efforts to give that added step in prevention.

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.

No one wants to consider they might be harboring a disease that they are completely unaware of. The harsh reality is many Americans are doing just that. In fact gum disease is so sneaky that generally speaking we aren’t even aware that some of the occurrences we notice in our mouths are a result of early gum disease.

But with a little effort on your part you can educate yourself on warning signs that are telling you to contact a Long Island Periodontist. Early signs are so easy to see that you can even teach your children to be ahead of the game of oral health too.

How to Recognize Gum Disease – What to Look for

When completing your daily oral care of brushing and flossing it’s important to observe your mouth for any unusual changes that may be your mouth telling you it’s in trouble. Things you want to look for include:

• 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

It’s that simple to stay ahead of gum disease. Watch daily for these signs, make notes if you need to and call your dental practitioner, or preferably a Periodontist right away.

Your First Appointment

It’s best to see a Periodontist when evaluating signs of gum disease since they are licensed in the early diagnosis and treatment of gum infections.  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.

Options to Reverse 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.

By monitoring your mouth daily and setting an appointment to see a Periodontist as soon as you notice any early warning signs you’ll be equipped to defeat gum disease before it’s a problem. But you can be confident knowing there are options to help restore any damage that may be present if gum disease snuck up on you.

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.

Beginning as young as 2 parents begin teaching their children how to properly brush their teeth twice a day and maintain a healthy smile. Moms are more and more aware of limiting sugars and teaching young children to brush after meals. In spite of all this millions of adults continue to need treatment for periodontitis on Long Island.

Periodontitis, or gum disease, is a direct result of plaque build along the gum line that has led to pockets in the gums. These pockets have become home to millions of bacteria that continue to multiply. Chronic periodontitis is gum disease that has gone untreated and is often associated with an interaction between plaque biofilms and your body’s immune system.

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.

In the early stages of gum disease these biofilms are more easily torn down with the use of systemic antibiotics. However 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 prior to administering antibiotics.

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.

An Effective Approach for Treating Chronic Gum Disease

Traditionally gum disease could only be treated through the use of a scalpel and involved multiple “deep cleaning” sessions to rid the mouth of the underlying bacteria. These sessions were uncomfortable to say the least and dreaded by anyone facing a treatment.

But thankfully periodontal treatments have advanced over the years and now non-evasive laser therapy is available to more effectively, and in fewer sessions rid your mouth of harmful bacteria. The lasers have also been noted to stimulate the soft tissue for regeneration in some cases, making the therapy a double bonus.

During your treatment your Periodontist will likely develop a daily oral hygiene routine and diet recommendation to create an optimal healing environment. Staying away from harmful products like smoking, alcohol, sugary and acidic foods is also important during the healing phase.

After you have completed your treatment sessions your Periodontist will assist you in developing a few lifestyle changes to reduce the risks of a repeated infection. This will include continuing to limit harmful products eliminated during the treatment process as well as altering other dietary and oral hygiene habits where needed.

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.

Finding out you have gum disease can lead to a variety of feelings including frustration, embarrassment or maybe even fear. A lot of this is a result of not truly understanding what gum disease is or how it’s treated. The good news is by visiting a Long Island Periodontist who specializes in the treatment of gum disease you may be pleasantly surprised at your options.

As the dental industry continues to improve steady progress is made in treatment options for varying degrees of periodontitis. From the early stages right up to advanced gum disease your dental practitioner can offer multiple scenarios to restore the health of your mouth.

Options for Treating Gum Disease

The most desirable approach for patients and many practitioners as well is a non-surgical approach. For the longest time advanced stages of gum disease required surgical treatment but with technological advances that’s no longer the case. The three most common non-surgical procedures include:

• 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.

While many cases can be successfully treated with the options listed above there are still some circumstances that may require a surgical approach to fully treat not only the disease but the resulting damage caused by the lingering bacteria. Those surgical procedures include:

• 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.

If you’ve been diagnosed with gum disease you can take a deep breath and rest easy knowing there are options out there. To discuss what options are right for you visit Dr. Scharf, a Long Island Periodontist in Suffolk County who is skilled in the early diagnosis and treatment of gum disease.  Call today at (631) 661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com.

As cosmetic dentistry continues to grow in popularity more and more Americans are doing their research to learn more. But for some of us learning the cost is as far as we can go because our budgets just can reach that high.

Dental implants on Long Island can be costly but they don’t have to be out of your reach.  With a little diligence on your part you’ll find there are options available to help you foot the bill for that naturally beautiful smile.

Dental Implants for the Limited Budget

The most common options available today include:

• Discount dental plans: Many offices offer discount plans to new patients or even existing patients that are interested in extensive work.  For many you can receive discounts from 20% to 30% off the normal costs just by asking your dental practitioner what’s available through them.
• Dental schools: This is a teaching school where students are learning the specialized skills of modern dentistry. Contact your local dental school to see if they offer any program for dental implants. You may need to wait a little longer than a private practice but the saved costs can make it well worth your wait.
• Financial assistance: Most dental offices offer payment plans for patience in need and your implant dentist is likely no different. Typically there are two options available including an interest free payment plan or outside financing.
• Dental tourism: This option puts a unique twist of visiting abroad! More and more American’s are seeking dental procedures overseas at nearly half the cost of the United States. Countries such as Asia, South America and Europe are a few of the hot spots highly sought after for implant dentistry.

If your smile is in need of a make-over don’t let money keep you from giving it a try. Do a little homework, talk with your dental practitioner and consider alternatives like dental tourism to help fit cosmetic dentistry into your budget.

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.

Much has been said about how weight loss can improve gum health.  Here we will examine how periodontal disease on Long Island is linked to an increased likelihood of weight loss in older adults. This may lead to an increased risk of illness and death.

Researchers from the University of Pittsburghexamined the association between periodontal disease and weight loss over a 2-year period in 1053 randomly selected participants who were at least 65 years of age. The researchers defined the severity of periodontal disease in terms of pocket depth and attachment loss, the extent of bleeding on probing, and gingival inflammation.

Overall, weight loss of at least 5 percent occurred in 140 (13.4 percent) members of the study population. Oral health variables showed a significant association with weight loss, with the weight losers having worse oral health status than weight-stable participants. After adjusting for other factors, the researchers found that seniors with periodontal disease were 53 percent more likely to have experienced weight loss than those with healthy gums and teeth.

Prevention of 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, you can go into your senior years with a youthful and healthy smile.  A healthy smile that direct correlates with a healthy body.  Live better.  Take care of your teeth and yourself by regular visits to the dentist!

Patients suffering from periodontal disease on Long Island can contact Dr. Scharf to learn more on the treatment and prevention of gum disease. Using modern advancements in dentistry he can offer a non-invasive laser therapy for any stage of oral disease. Call today at (631) 661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com.

It’s no secret what it takes to keep your teeth and gums in optimum health. Proper brushing, flossing and regular dental check-ups have always been the top recommendations for keeping your mouth healthy. But new research suggests that adding Probiotics can give your mouth that extra edge on preventing gum disease on Long Island.

Researchers looked at 42 participants with moderate gingivitis and periodontitis found that L. reuteri actually helped fight gingivitis. Other studies have looked at varies strains of lactic acid bacteria and the benefits on teeth and gums and isolated 7 strains that are helpful.

Probiotics and Your Oral Health

Following several studies researchers had this to say, “ The new isolated strains were resistant to oral conditions, have great ability to form aggregates and have high antagonistic activity against oral pathogens, ability to aggregate and to adhere to oral tissues or high tolerance to oral environmental stress factors were isolated and characterized.”

Probiotics are available over the counter and offer a wide spectrum of health benefits when taken daily.  They offer benefits from regulating the digestive tract, enhancing the immune system and now protect your oral health.

Practical Steps to a Healthy Mouth

But just adding Probiotics to your diet won’t be all you need to keep your mouth healthy. To be sure your teeth and gums stay at their best you should:

• Brush and floss daily using proper technique to thoroughly remove all food particles
• Use a daily rinse to help wash away loose particles after brushing or flossing
• Avoid excessive use of alcohol and tobacco use
• Eat a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables daily
• Drink plenty of water
• Avoid sugars and acidic drinks and snacks
• See your dentist twice a year for a professional cleaning and detailed oral screening
• Visit a Periodontist to have a detailed evaluation of your gums
• Start taking a daily Probiotic

Keeping a healthy smile isn’t complicated and out of reach. By following a few recommendations and making a few changes to your diet you’ll be smiling your best smile in no time!

Patients dealing with gum disease on Long Island can find answers and an effective treatment without using a painful scalpel. To learn more contact Dr. Scharf today at (631) 661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com.