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.

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.

Have you ever sat back and wandered if you were more prone to disease than the person sitting next to you? If you’re a woman did you ever think that you were more likely to develop certain diseases just because of your gender?

Researchers at Friedrich Schiller University Jena asked these very questions in relation to men and woman, wanting to know if woman were more susceptible to inflammatory disease than man. Inflammatory diseases could include rheumatoid arthritis, chronic kidney disease or perhaps less obvious gingivitis.

Dr. Carlo Pergola shared, “In a series of analysis we have shown that cells from men and women react in a different manner to inflammatory stimuli.” The analysis looked at certain immune cells and found that women’s cells produced almost twice as many pro-inflammatory substances than those of men.

And so researchers aimed to find the molecular basis for this difference. What they uncovered was the enzyme phospholipase D in a man’s cells is less active than a woman’s. To further look at this difference researchers treated the woman’s cell with testosterone, which actually reduced the activity level of their enzyme phospholipase D. In other words, male testosterone is the key to reduce inflammation!

Inflammation and Your Gums

So what does this mean for women’s oral health? If your gums become inflamed the end result is gum disease as the inflammation breaks down the soft tissue of your mouth. But there are measures everyone can take to protect the health of their teeth and gums:

• Brush and floss twice daily to remove food and plaque
• Eat a healthy diet and be sure to drink plenty of water
• Fresh fruits have been reported to reduce inflammation such as strawberries and cherries
• Visit your dentist twice a year for a professionally cleaning of your teeth
• Monitor your mouth daily for any changes and discuss these with your dental practitioner right away.

By be proactive in your oral health care it doesn’t matter if you are at higher risk for inflammation because you’ll be one step ahead all the way.

Want to make sure you stay ahead in the prevention of gingivitis? Contact Dr. Scharf, a licensed Periodontist skilled in the early diagnosis and treatment of gum disease using a laser not a scalpel. Call today at (631) 661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com.

Puberty is that time in every parent’s life when they have to address a whole new area of parenting. Whether it’s setting boundaries, adjusting consequences or handing over the car keys our role as teacher takes on a new meaning. The same goes for oral care.  As your teen enters puberty increased hormone levels can trigger inflammation in mouth, leading to gum disease on Long Island.

Over the years researchers have continued to look at various aspects of gum disease and different risk factors. Multiple studies revealed there is a direct correlation between increased hormone levels during puberty and the prevalence of gum disease. The stated factor believed to be the leading cause for this relationship is that bacteria that cause gum disease are able to capitalize in the gingival changes taking place in the gum tissue. The result is increased inflammation and ultimately gum disease.

Clinically this change is noticed by excess growth of the gingival tissue, where bacteria begin to multiply. The increased hormone levels actually provide a food source for these bacteria giving them an optimal environment. This is shortly followed by red or swollen gums that may bleed while brushing or chewing.

Managing Risks for Gum Disease During Puberty

Although these changes are a natural occurrence that happens to everyone it doesn’t mean that everyone has to suffer through gingivitis. In fact by ensuring you take a few extra steps to keep your teen on top of their oral care you’ll be steps ahead at eliminating this risk completely. This is easily accomplished by properly brushing and flossing three times a day, eating a healthy diet, drinking plenty of water and keeping all scheduled dental appointments.

The next measure is to educate your teen on the signs of gum disease including:

• Red or swollen gums
• Tender gums
• Frequent bleeding when brushing
• Persistent bad breath

If you notice any of these signs it’s best to have a detailed evaluation right away. In most cases gum disease in its very early stages is easily corrected. The longer you wait the more involved your treatment will be.

If you are dealing with gum disease on Long Island Dr. Scharf can offer a non-evasive evaluation and treatment using a laser, not a scalpel. To learn more contact him today at (631) 661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com.

Did you know that more than 75% of Americans are walking around with gum disease and don’t even know it? It’s true, and it’s possible due to this disease silent progression in the early stages. This progression early on typically only consists of irregular bleeding gums and bad breath; with both potentially being so mild they go unnoticed.

But gum disease won’t go unnoticed for long. As it progresses the bleeding can become more frequent and the bad breath more persistent. You might start to feel sore spots on your gums and notice them pulling away from your teeth. The longer the disease continues to be untreated the more likely you will be to loose teeth or risk more serious health complications.

Thanks to a planned study by researchers at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry and Interleukin Genetics Inc. a new genetic test may soon be available to help pre-screen patients for their risk factor in developing gum disease in the future.

It has been long suspected that gum disease may have genetic links and now researchers have a means to look deeper into this theory. The study will use genetics as an underlying factor for detecting and predicting risks for gum disease. After selecting 4,000 patients to participate they will collect genetic information and group it with a series of other known risk factors. Factors that will be considered include:

• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Rate of tooth loss against available treatment plans for patients over 15

When the study is complete researchers will be able to evaluate correlations within the study group and ideally develop a marker to use genetic testing to screen for risks of gum disease.

Genetic Testing to Pre-Screen Gum Disease Risks Crosses Medical Professions

Genetic testing to pre-screen for gum disease will be made available across the globe and will mark another huge advancement in dental technology. With the ability to determine risk factors early on Periodontists can join the medical team in striving to prevent more serious diseases including, heart disease, chronic kidney disease, premature and low birth weights, osteoporosis, stroke, and respiratory disease.

Gum disease is no picnic for the sufferer and no treat for the dental practitioner trying to treat if left alone too long. With its ease of going unnoticed until reaching advanced stages offering a pre-screening option for patients as part of a regular dental routine will reduce the number of American’s walking around unknowingly allowing gingivitis to destroy their mouth.

Do you suffer from bleeding gums or suspect you might be at risk for gum disease? Don’t play the guessing game. Contact Dr. Scharf a Periodontist skilled in diagnosing and treating periodontist disease on Long Island using laser therapy. He can answer your questions and assess your needs today. Call at (631) 661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com.

Protecting your mouth from decay and gum disease should be a top priority for everyone.  How to do this effectively however can cause a lot of people to stumble. There is a lot of comfort in knowing that our toothbrushes can be our first line of defense in fighting gingivitis Long Island.

When it comes to toothbrushes we have a variety of options to choose from. Some have a soft bristle brush while others have hard bristles. Still yet you can choose between power operated or manual. Regardless of which toothbrush you choose they are each equally effective in oral care when used and cared for properly.

Making Your Toothbrush Your Best Defense

It all begins with selecting the right bristle softness. For this you may need to speak with your dental practitioner for some recommendations for your specific circumstances but generally speaking the medium bristle softness works for everyone. Soft bristles are ideal for those with sensitive gums and hard bristles come in handy when you have partials or other dental prosthetics that may be tougher to clean.

Both the powered and manual toothbrush share equal effectiveness. The benefit of a powered brush is the ease of use. Additionally the powered brushes tend to entice younger children to brush more readily since they get to use the cool toothbrush.

The next step in making your toothbrush your best defense involves proper care and storage. After brushing your teeth you need to allow your toothbrush to air dry to prevent the growth of bacteria. The best way for this to occur is by storing it bristle side up in a cup or toothbrush rack.

Finally it’s important to remember to replace your toothbrush regularly. As a rule of thumb you should replace your brush every three to four months or when the bristles are worn down.  If you notice any stains on your bristles or frayed bristles it’s likely time to replace it as well.

By choosing the best toothbrush for your specific needs and taking proper care of it your toothbrush will be the effective tool you need to remove plaque and prevent decay. If you’d like to meet with a Periodontist and discuss prevention of gingivitis on Long Island contact Dr. David Scharf at at (631) 661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com.  He can assist you in proper oral hygiene and treats gum disease with a laser rather than a scalpel.

It’s nothing new to a smoker to hear about how their cigarette use can lead to different cancers, chronic lung diseases and heart disease. Doctors are continually encouraging patients to give up smoking for better health. But smoking’s damage doesn’t stop there. Smokers are at an increased risk of developing Long Island gum disease?

Smoking’s impact on oral health is nothing new in the dental field. Tooth decay, periodontal disease and oral cancer remain an ugly side effect smoking as well as other forms of tobacco use. Smokeless tobacco contains a variety of cancer causing chemicals which are known to cause cancers of the mouth lip and tongue among other concerns.

There are several signs of oral cancer and gum disease. By familiarizing yourself with these symptoms you’ll be able to stay on top of your oral health and seek early treatment. Early signs may include; tenderness in the mouth or on the lips, any irritation such as burning or tender spots, development of a lump or leathery patch in your mouth, color changes to the soft tissue, any changes in how your teeth fit together, bleeding while brushing or flossing, and persistent bad breath.

In addition to monitoring regularly for early warning signs you want to ensure you follow a good oral hygiene routine consisting of:

• Brushing and flossing twice a day
• Eating a healthy diet
• Drinking plenty of water
• Keep your regular dental check-ups each year
• Have your teeth professionally cleaned every six months

If any signs of Long Island gum disease develop get in touch with a local Periodontist.  For a Periodontist skilled in the early detection and treatment of gum disease using a laser not a scalpel contact Dr. Scharf today at (631) 661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com.

If you’re suffering from periodontitis then you’re all too familiar with the frequently bleeding gums, pain and discomfort, persistent bad breath, loose teeth and possibly even missing teeth. Being one of the largest diseases impacting American’s today you are certainly not alone. Today you dental practitioners can treat gum disease on Long Island in more effective ways than ever before.

One of the most efficient ways to accomplish this task is through laser periodontal therapy. This effective treatment was invented by two dentists in California.  Dr. Robert Gregg and Dr. Delwin McCarthy spent years developing a better way to treat gum disease. Their efforts resulted in a laser fiber that is as wide as two human hairs and can effectively remove the noxious elements that lead to gum disease.

Does Laser Therapy Really Work?

The big question asked by any patient consider laser surgical procedures is whether or not the laser really works. For some it’s hard to believe that a nonsurgical procedure can have any affect at. The truth is laser therapies have been used in medical practice since the 1960’s an continue to become more effective as dedicated doctors and dental practitioners strive to improve your treatments.

Periodontal laser therapy is no exception. The laser fiber is inserted between the gum tissue and the tooth where it removes the elements leading to gum disease. Laser therapy can be completed in as few as two one-hour sessions versus traditional treatments of eight one-hour sessions.

While more studies need to be done on speed of recovery and pain during treatment patients having already completed laser therapy shared that this approach was relatively painless, especially when compared to the use of a scalpel to treat infection.  The amount of discomfort often associated with laser treatment is throbbing or soreness.

Others stated feeling like their recover was immediate because they were able to return to their normal routines right away. Granted, as with all dental treatments, the teeth and gums will require a healing time in which you want to allow for recovery but after treatment you’ll be able to go back to work, drive your car or do anything else you typically do.

Don’t just take our word for it. If you’ve been diagnosed with periodontitis contact a Periodontist to discuss your options. If you need to treat gum disease on Long Island and are interested in laser therapy Dr. Scharf is skilled in using laser periodontal therapy to treat all stages of gum disease. Give him a call today at 631-661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com for more information.

According to the American Academy of Periodontology three out of four Americans suffer from some form of gum disease. Surprisingly not many of those Americans see a need in seeking treatment. The fact that so many individuals are comfortable with not receiving periodontal care leads many dental practitioners to believe periodontitis is misunderstood by the average citizen.

Oral health is no longer just about having a perfect smile and pleasant smelling breath. Rather numerous studies have linked untreated gum disease to more serious health concerns like diabetes, heart disease and many forms of cancer. In short your oral health can literally pave the way to multiple diseases.

Don’t be among those who don’t take their oral health seriously. Step up your game on proper hygiene by debunking the many myths surrounding oral health and let the facts speak for themselves:

• Bleeding gums – Contrary to popular belief bleeding gums while brushing, flossing or eating is not normal and should be looked into by a dental practitioner. Red, swollen and bleeding gums are important early signs of gum disease.
• Who needs to floss – Many people still believe that flossing is something we can do without. You may have heard that using mouth wash is just as effective as flossing but that’s just not the case. While mouth wash can help to reduce bacteria in the mouth it hardly compares to accurately removing plaque from the gum line like regularly flossing can do.
• Good oral hygiene means no gum disease – This misconception would certainly be a nice one wouldn’t it? Although good oral practices will reduce your risks for gum disease there are other factors that can start the process including smoking, excessive alcohol use and even genetic factors.
• Periodontists are scary – Doing anything for the first time can lead to some form of edginess but visiting a Periodontist really isn’t that bad. They’ve been specially trained in the diagnosis and treatment of all forms of oral issues and many practice non-evasively.

Understanding the facts around periodontitis and how it impacts your life is step number one maintaining optimal health. If you’re looking for a skilled Periodontist to help you evaluate the health of your gums 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.