Being diagnosed with cancer is an emotional time for anyone. Thinking ahead to the future frequently involves worries of successful therapy, finding emotional strength to push forward and remaining positive through it all. Rarely will the mind worry about oral care in regards to their cancer treatment. Ask any Long Island Periodontist and this could be a mistake.

Dr. Thomas Moffett, who sits on the board of the Cancer Recovery Foundation says, “The digestive process starts with the mouth. Good oral health allows for good nutrition and your capability to keep eating healthy while going through cancer therapy can have a direct effect on how well the therapy works. People don’t realize how critical this can become.”

Protecting Your Oral Health for the Cancer Patient

It’s important to stay on top of your oral health prior to starting as well as during cancer treatment. The Best way to ensure your oral health is to:

• See your dentist before beginning any therapy to treat any infections and remove any bad teeth
• Brushing and flossing through the pain of ulcers and sores from your treatment
• Discuss the use of medications to stimulate saliva during your recovery

The first step in having a healthy mouth and successful therapy session is to schedule a detailed evaluation with your dentist to look for signs of infection and tooth decay. Infections can spread rapidly during chemotherapy and radiation since your immune system doesn’t function properly. One possible side effect from radiation therapy is osteoradionecrosis, a condition where the bone dies. If this occurs extractions are not possible since the bone will not heal.

Another side effect of cancer treatments is dry mouth. Since saliva is a vital tool in naturally washing away bacteria from teeth and gums having a dry mouth opens the door for bacteria growth. You doctor can prescribe medications to stimulate saliva and protect your oral health.

During your therapy it’s important to maintain regular checkups to stay ahead of any infections. Your dental practitioner can help you determine the best frequency for your exams and any treatments that may be necessary during your therapy.

If you are looking for a Long Island Periodontist for your detailed evaluation that offers the expertise of modern advancements and non-evasive treatment contact Dr. Scharf at (631) 661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com.

Each year the Academy of Periodontology holds the annual meetings for continued education as Periodontists across the globe strive to be the best they can in modern practices. With so many areas to cover off this year’s leaders chose to emphasize the use of dental implants be it on Long Island or the other side of the country.

The motivation behind this focused course stems from long-term evidence on the benefits from combining clinical efficiency with technological advances. The ongoing advancements in technology include improved designs and surface technology, prefabricated abutments, digital impressions and CAD technology.

From Beginning to Success!

When implant dentistry first found its ground not everyone was a candidate to receive them.  Some patients found they didn’t have enough bone density to secure implants and had to settle for traditional dentures no matter how cumbersome they were.

But it wasn’t long before dental practitioners started seeking ways to offer implants to a more of their patients. With the discovery of bone grafts and sinus lifts patients previously turned away due to significant bone loss were able to be considered for dental implants.

Through research and study Periodontists soon met the next major milestone of improving success rates by minimizing the risks for implant failure. Improved implant designs such as mini implants, prefabricated abutments and improved digital scans all work together to improve success rates.

Implant Dentistry Today

Modern implantology offers a variety of implant procedures to help improve success rates for everyone. From implants in a day to the all on four there are a variety of options that can meet your needs. Traditional implant dentistry doesn’t have to follow the same routine for every patient!

If you would like to learn more about dental implants on Long Island contact Dr. Scharf. He’s a licensed Periodontist specializing in modern implant dentistry and can help you determine of implants are right for you. Call today at (631) 661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com.

According to one Seattle dentist your lattes are doing just that! She reports that soon after noticing an increase in the number of cavities in her patients their conversations led her to believe it was their morning Lattes causing the decline in oral health.

It has long been recognized that poor oral health increases your risks for gum disease, hence supporting the possibility that your delicious morning pick me up could send you straight to a Long Island Periodontist.

Hackett explains that the common bacteria that leads to tooth decay is streptococcus, which metabolizes carbs and sugars into acids that in turn eat away at the tooth’s surface until a cavity forms. Your latte is full of both carbs and sugars!

How Are Your Teeth Holding Up to Your Lattes?

Whether you’re sipping on lattes every morning or enjoying regular sodas and juices the outcome is the same. All these drinks contain carbs and sugars that metabolize into acids and lead to tooth decay. Over time that decay can impact your gums and overall oral health.

So what can you do to protect your teeth and gums from infection and decay?

1. Brush and Floss. Daily brushing and flossing is your primary defense against oral infection when done properly. It’s a good idea to have your dental practitioner observe your technique so they can instruct you on any necessary changes for effectively removing food particles and plaque.
2. Add A Little Oral Rinse. While mouthwash alone doesn’t have much hope in fighting gum disease or tooth decay it offers added benefits when combined with regular brushing and flossing.
3. Regular dental exams. Regular exams help you stay ahead of infection and gum inflammation. Be sure to keep your scheduled cleanings and exams for a healthy mouth.
4. Eat a healthy diet. There’s no harm with indulging in sweets from time to time but stick to fresh fruits and vegetables as your primary snack time delight. Be sure to drink plenty of water each day as well.
5. Avoid excessive alcohol or tobacco use. Drinking and smoking have long been recognized as factors in tooth decay and gum disease.  Smoking should be stopped entirely and alcohol limited to the occasional drink with friends.
6. Reduce Inflammation: Gum disease stems from chronic inflammation so any measure you can take to reduce it is beneficial to your overall oral health.

So go ahead and keep enjoying those lattes and other morning pick me ups. Just remember to step up to your oral hygiene responsibilities and be sure to visit your dentist every six months for optimum oral health.

If you need to see a Long Island Periodontist Dr. Scharf is skilled in the early detection and treatment of gum disease. Using state of the art technology he uses laser therapy, not a scalpel to treat gum disease in any stage. To learn more call (631) 661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com.

If you have started to notice some changes in your mouth like red or swollen gums you may ask yourself if you have been doing everything you can to keep your mouth healthy. From tooth decay to gum disease there are so many things that can compromise your oral health including diabetes.

Research has proven that individuals with diabetes are at a much higher risk for developing gum disease when compared to non-diabetic patients. Why the risk increases remains unclear but the results are clear enough that visiting your Long Island Periodontist is a smart plan for preventing periodontitis.

Being at higher risk for gum disease is only half the challenge for diabetic patients. If gum disease develops studies have shown that controlling blood sugar becomes difficult and is a great concern for practitioners all around.

Managing Gum Disease for Diabetic Patients

Dental practitioners agree that successfully treating and preventing the progression of gum disease depends in large part on the patient’s cooperation and ability to follow through with instructions. Without this commitment no level of care in the dental office can be successful.

The reason is your Periodontist will destroy and remove bacteria that are living deep in pockets of your gums. But new bacteria are forever present in the mouth and can quickly find their way into these pockets and repopulate all over again.

The patient needs to be diligent in their oral hygiene during the treatment and healing process. This is typically done through thorough brushing and flossing twice a day however sometimes adding an antibiotic may be necessary.

Observing for Early Warning Signs

The need for a Periodontist doesn’t have to surprise you! By observing your mouth daily you can begin to recognize early warning signs that tell you it’s time to go. Signs to watch for include:

• Red or swollen gums
• Frequently bleeding while brushing or eating
• Persistent bad breath
• Loose or missing teeth
• Changes in the way your teeth or dentures fit in your mouth

If any signs of gum disease show up it’s crucial to set an appointment with your Periodontist right away. The longer you wait the higher chance the infection in your gums will lead to complications with your diabetes.

If you need to see a Long Island Periodontist who offers non-evasive laser therapy as a treatment option contact Dr. Scharf. He’s skilled in the early detection and treatment of gum disease and can help you take the lead in your oral health.  Call today at (631) 661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com.

So what does it mean to be young and wearing dentures? It means that you’re going to suffer bone loss at a much earlier age than others, and if you desire implants you may be turned away. At least this is what happened to me in my early 30’s when I decided I was too young to fuss with removable dentures. But, I was informed that I had lost too much bone density to hold dental implants. On Long Island people were talking about a new technique I should look into if I really wanted implants.

This technique is called the All-on-4 and was developed by Dr. Paulo Malo after growing frustrated with traditional approaches for tooth replacement. While there is still a lot of controversy over this procedure it does offer an option for those of us who have suffered from bone loss.

Traditionally the only option recommended is bone grafting where the dental practitioner will remove bone shavings from one area of the body and place them to the intended implant site. Then you would need to allow time for healing before moving with receiving implants. This process could get expensive and was certainly extensive.

What Does the All-on-4 Do Differently?

The All-on-4 takes advantage of the dense bone that remains in the front of the mouth and places the back implants at an angle to avoid the sinus cavities and nerve canal. The technique is typically completed in just one day and has a shorter healing time than tradition implant procedures do.

So what can you expect? This implant procedure is really no different from any other, with the exception of placement and positioning. You can expect:

• A pre-visit where your dental practitioner will do a thorough exam to assess the ability to utilize the All-on-4 implant technique
• Do detailed x-rays to check your bone density and location of your sinuses
• Drill a hole where the implant will be placed
• Insert the implant and secure the permanent bridge in the same day

As with all dental procedures your healing time and discomfort level will vary from patient to patient. Be sure to ask any questions you have up front so you can go into your scheduled procedure prepared and ready to go!

If you’re ready for your dental implants on Long Island Dr. Scharf offers the newest advancements in implant dentistry. For more information call today at (631) 661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com.

The decision to have a baby is possibly one of the most important decisions a woman makes in her life, so important in fact that preparation needs to begin well before conception. Diet, exercise and life style are all important factors to consider for a healthy pregnancy and full term baby. And, according to a new study visiting a Long Island Periodontists may be just as important.

Dr. Yiping Han’s conducted a study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology that indicated gum disease could have a negative effect on your pregnancy and may lead to a still birth. The study followed a 35 year old woman after the loss of her baby due to a type of bacteria known as fusobacterium nucleatum, the same bacteria found in dental plaque.

To understand how this could be possible it’s important to include the woman had reported having a mild upper respiratory infection for 3 days prior to delivery. Any infection weakens the immune system, which in turn allows bacteria from dental plaque to enter the blood stream and the placenta, where it literally becomes invisible to the immune system.

The immune system is designed to ignore the placenta and developing fetus. The placenta then becomes the perfect hideout for over production of bacteria that is spread to the developing baby.

Preventing Bacteria Growth

Gum disease may not be the only cause for still births but the risk is enough to take preventative measures. With something as easily prevented as gum disease why take the chance. To prevent bacteria growth you should:

• Thoroughly brush and floss twice daily
• Avoid foods that are acidic or high in sugars
• Include fresh fruits and vegetables in you daily diet
• Make sure to drink plenty of water!
• Have a dental evaluation completed BEFORE you become pregnant and correct any concerns

By taking a few simple steps you can help keep your mouth healthy and give your unborn baby a healthy start to life.

If you need a referral to a Long Island Periodontist Contact Dr. Scharf. He can treat gum disease using a laser not a scalpel and is experienced in the early detection of gum disease. Call today at (631) 661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com.

When people think of psoriasis they often think about dry itchy skin or sore spots that need a dermatologist to heal properly. I don’t think anyone would consider periodontal disease having anything to do with it either. Unless of course you were a dermatologist with the ability to think outside the box for a moment.

That’s exactly what Dr. Nakib, resident at the Department of Dermatology and Internal Medicine did in her recent study that looked at the possible connection between gum disease and psoriasis. Using self-reported data from more than 60,000 women on periodontal bone loss the study compare incidence of psoriasis to the severity of gum disease. Additionally they evaluated associations between incident psoriasis and self-reported history of periodontal surgery and tooth loss in the past two years.

To the surprise of many those findings showed that women who reported mild to moderate or severe bone loss had a significantly higher risk of psoriasis compared to woman who reported no bone loss. As for oral surgeries women who reported a history of periodontal surgery or three or more root canals were also at a significantly higher risk for incident psoriasis.

Keeping Gum Disease Out of the Equation

Let’s face it, gum disease is nothing to full around with whether it’s linked to psoriasis or not. Previous studies have shown a correlation to other systemic illnesses as well that could put your life at risk. To ensure you’re doing your best to stay healthy you’re approach needs to be prevention of oral disease all together.

Prevention is easier than you might think. It begins with an understanding of what they early warning signs are including; red, swollen gums, frequent bleeding when brushing, flossing or chewing, and persistent bad breath.

But knowing the warning signs aren’t enough.  It’s vital to be at the top of your oral hygiene on a daily basis. To get your started you should:

• Brushing and flossing at least twice a day
• Using a daily mouthwash to remove loose particles and kill bacteria
• Include some fresh fruits and vegetables in you daily diet
• Drink plenty of water
• Avoid excessive acidic foods and sugars
• Visit your dentist twice a year for a check-up and cleaning

If you want to take an extra step in the prevention of periodontal disease on Long Island Dr. Scharf can help. Skilled in the early detection and treatment of gum disease he can eliminate infection using a laser, not a scalpel. Give him a call today at (631) 661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com.

When it comes to staying healthy not many people turn to a Periodontist on Long Island for advice, instead they seek out a medical doctor to provide their care.  After all your doctor keeps you health and your dentist protects your teeth and gums right?

While this is true in general your Periodontist has a larger role to play in your overall health than you give him credit for. To understand this statement let’s first take a look at how oral disease is connected to your overall health and what can be done about.

Oral Disease Impacts Your Health

Blood travels through every inch of your body, including your gums. The soft tissue of your mouth is actually porous, which allows bacteria to get into the tiny blood vessels in your gums. This is the pathway to your heart, lungs and every other organ in your body. Once the bacteria enter the bloodstream it is easily carried throughout your entire body.

To support the theory that comes with the understanding that bacteria can in fact spread from your gums to other organs perhaps we should share that the plaque found in your arteries, you know the kind that leads to heart disease, strokes or heart attacks, is the same plaque that is building up along your gum line!

Early Detection Is Key

If you really want to make sure your mouth is healthy you can’t always rely on the traditional methods of monitoring gum disease such as, bleeding gums, red or swollen gums or loose teeth. In fact a lot of the damage is done BEFORE any of these signs begin to show up.

So what can your Periodontist do for you?

• First the Periodontist has a better view of your overall mouth as well as experience in recognizing even the slightest of symptoms.
• Second taking advantage of improvements in technology they can do a saliva diagnostic test to determine of any bad bacteria are present.

While you wait to see your Periodontist there are steps you can take at home to prevent or minimize the spread of harmful bacteria including:

• Brush and floss twice a day
• Use mouthwash after flossing to help remove loose particles and kill bacteria
• Add foods known to have anti-inflammatory ingredients
• Be sure to consume plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables on a daily basis to keep your mouth as healthy as possible.

When you’re read to see a Periodontist on Long Island contact Dr. Scharf at (631) 661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com. With new and improved methods he can treat your gum disease using a laser, a non-invasive alternative to traditional scalpel surgery. Call today to learn more.

Saturated fat has long had the reputation of unhealthy and an ingredient to be avoided wherever possible. The health effects include cardiovascular disease and several types of cancer. Stated simply, foods that contain saturated fats can hurt your overall health. But according to a recent study saturated fat may also increase your risks for periodontal disease.

The study looked at 264 individuals who were 75 years old. The results showed that nonsmokers who consumed a high intake of saturated fat had an adjusted risk of 1.92 for developing periodontal disease compared to those with a low saturated fat intake.

While this study alone isn’t a confirmed connection between saturated fat and gum disease the markers are enough to catch attention. If you want to maintain a healthy mouth you may want to keep this study at the front of your thoughts when developing a plan for prevention.

Five Steps to Prevention

• Step One:  Regular brushing but not just any old flop the brush around your mouth brushing. You need to thoroughly brush your teeth using a circular motion being careful to hit every surface of your tooth and gum. You want to brush the outside of your teeth, the inside of your teeth and the chewing surface.
• Step Two: Regular flossing has to be just as thorough beginning on one side of the mouth and working your way around to the other. To clean your tooth most effectively you need to form a “C” shape around both sides of your tooth and gently raise the floss from the gum line to the top of the tooth.
• Step Three: Rinse with mouthwash at least once a day to help wash out any loose food particles that still remain. Mouthwash also helps to destroy bacteria that can harm your teeth and gums.
• Step Four: As an extra step consider improving your diet by consuming adequate water each day. Limit foods that contain saturated fats and add more fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Step Five: The next important step for prevention is regular dental exams. Make sure to see you dental every 6 months for a professional cleaning and annual exams. I recommend also seeing a Periodontist once a year for a detailed evaluation of your gums to help catch warning signs early.

Still worried about staying ahead of periodontal disease? On Long Island Dr. Scharf can offer a detailed evaluation and early treatment if needed. If you’re worried about painful scalpel procedures you’ll be glad to know Dr. Scharf provides non-invasive laser therapy for a more effective and faster option. For more information call today at (631) 661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com.

Dry mouth, that obnoxious state where nothing you seem to do relieves your mouth of that thick, icky feeling! We’ve all experienced it at one time or another. In fact we can probably all tell the story behind “the day I had dry mouth!” Regardless if you have a really great story to tell or not chronic dry mouth is nothing to laugh at. Rather it can have harsh side effects including gum disease. On Long Island Dr. Scharf is here to help!

Saliva is a crucial part to how your body coats and protects your mouth. It serves as a natural lubricant to harsh substances that may rub your teeth and gums while eating and it acts as a natural mouth rinse easily removing food particles from your teeth. And as if that wasn’t enough saliva is the key factor in the first stages of proper digestion. Simply put your mouth NEEDS saliva to be at its best!

What Causes Dry Mouth?

Understanding that dry mouth can lead to oral health complications is only half the battle. It’s important to also understand what causes dry mouth in order to correct it. Among the many causes are:

• Autoimmune Disorders
• Medication
• Breathing through your mouth
• Drug and alcohol use
• Dehydration

Sjorgen’s Syndrome is an autoimmune disorder that attacks the glands that make saliva and tears.  So obviously if you have this illness you’re no doubt going to experience chronic dry mouth. For you it’s best to meet with a dental practitioner right away to develop a plan to minimize the damage.

Many medications lead to a dry mouth including those used for anxiety, allergies, heart medications, and most pain medications. Correcting dry mouth under these circumstances could be as easy as adjusting your dose or frequency wherever possible.

Mouth breathing is perhaps one of the most overlooked causes for dry mouth but if you stop and think for just a minute you’ll realize that the continued passage of air is drying up your saliva faster than your mouth is producing it.

Of course drinking large amounts of alcohol or using recreational drugs can lead to dry mouth. If alcohol is the cause of your symptoms consider adding a glass of water between your alcoholic beverages to help you stay hydrated. When the body isn’t hydrated it has a difficult time producing saliva. Remember to keep yourself hydrated every day and lend a helping hand to your mouth.

If you suspect dry mouth has already taken a toll and led to gum disease, on Long Island call Dr. Scharf.  He can offer a thorough exam and non-invasive treatment plan using a laser, not a scalpel. To learn more call today at (631) 661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com.