The study showed that all groups with insufficient Calcium intake saw an acute inflammatory reaction in periodontal tissues and disruption of the gingival epithelium, the tissues surrounding the teeth, in addition to increased attachment loss, and increased alveolar bone loss. Those groups which were lactating saw even greater attachment loss and bone loss.

“We know a high-Calcium diet can promote healthy teeth and gums,” said Dr. Preston D. Miller, DDS, President of the American Academy of Periodontology, “But this research indicates that nursing mothers should be especially conscious of having enough Calcium in their diet. While breast milk is critical to their baby’s bone development, mothers should be sure to have enough calcium, or risk bone loss in her mouth, which can worsen periodontal diseases. Given that a thorough periodontal evaluation should be done as soon as a woman finds out that she is pregnant, monitoring periodontal tissues, including more frequent cleanings during pregnancy and continuing until 3 months after delivery, will help assure periodontal health

Dr. Scharf treats gum disease with a laser, not a scalpel, for people who have gum disease long island and want n alternative to gum surgery call Dr. Scharf at 631-661-6633  or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com

“According to the Surgeon General’s Report, about 37 percent of children have not had a dental visit before starting school,’ said Michael McGuire, D.D.S., president of the AAP. “When children don’t see dental professionals they miss the opportunity to have problems caught early before they escalate into larger, more expensive problems to treat, and parents miss the opportunity to learn how to promote good oral habits in their children.” Check your child for Long Island Gum Disease.

Advice for parents

Early diagnosis is important for successful treatment of periodontal diseases. Therefore, it is important that children receive a periodontal examination as part of their routine dental visits. Be aware that if your child has an advanced form of periodontal disease, this may be an early sign of systemic disease. A general medical evaluation should be considered for children who exhibit severe periodontitis, especially if it appears resistant to therapy.

Many medications can dry out the mouth or pose other threats to oral health. Be sure to tell your dental professional about any medications your family members are taking. Monitor your family to see if anyone has the habit of teeth grinding. Grinding can increase the risk of developing periodontal disease, in addition to causing cracked or chipped teeth. Dentists can make custom-fitted night bite guards to prevent teeth grinding at night.

Researchers suggest periodontal disease can pass through saliva. This means that the common contact of saliva in families may put children and couples at risk for contracting the periodontal disease of another family member. If one family member has periodontal disease, all family members should see a dental professional for a periodontal evaluation. The most important preventive step against periodontal disease is to establish good oral health habits with your child. There are basic preventive steps to help your child maintain good oral health:

• Establish good oral health habits early. When your child is 12 months old, you can begin using toothpaste when brushing his or her teeth. However, only use a pea-sized portion on the brush and press it into the bristles so your child won’t eat it. And, when the gaps between your child’s teeth close, it’s important to start flossing.

• Serve as a good role model by practicing good oral health care habits yourself.

• Schedule regular dental visits for family checkups, periodontal evaluations and cleanings.

• Check your child’s mouth for the signs of periodontal disease, including bleeding gums, swollen and bright red gums, gums that are receding away from the teeth and bad breath. If your child currently has poor oral health habits, work with your child to change these now. It’s much easier to modify these habits in a child than in an adult. Since your child models behavior after you, it follows that you should serve as a positive role model in your oral hygiene habits.

Dr. Scharf treats gum disease with a laser, not a scalpel, for people who need a periodontist on Long Island and want n alternative to gum surgery call Dr. Scharf at 631-661-6633  or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com

Mark Reynolds, a professor at the Maryland Dental School , published a report of gender differences in the development and progression of the destructive periodontal disease. Long Island Gum Disease may be worse in men then in women.

In the report, the authors examined evidence for a biologic basis for males being more susceptible to gum disease than women. They conclude that sex steroids exert effects on multiple ways on the immune system regulation of inflammation. They also conclude that the root of the difference may be genetic.

Before this report was published, researchers conducted a systematic review of published population studies on the prevalence of periodontal disease. In their analysis they established that men, indeed, have a greater prevalence of periodontal disease than women globally.

Not only is it important for patients to establish a regular routine for oral care, it is also important that they use proper techniques so that they don’t damage their gums. In the survey, hard bristled toothbrushes beat out popcorn seeds and candy as the item having done the most damage to patients’ periodontal health. And several periodontists wrote in that they’d also seen improperly used oral rinses, toothpicks and floss holders cause damage.

“People looking for a Long Island Periodontist should 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, not a scalpel.

Everyone loves a beautiful smile. A great smile can tell a lot about a person. When you smile you show how happy, confident and sincere you actually are. However, not taking care of your teeth can have adverse effects on your smile. With proper care Long Island gum disease does not have to be a problem.

Dental health can effect your smile

A study at the University of Maryland evaluated the smiling patterns of 21 periodontal patients while viewing a segment of a comedy program. During the program researchers studied the dimensions of the patients smile at pre-determined times. They studied how wide and high the mouth opened, as well as the number of teeth that were shown. They also looked to see if the patients covered their mouths when they smiled. They then took this information and studied it against the patients periodontal health. The researchers found that periodontal, or gum disease may negatively effect an individual’s smiling patterns and deter someone from displaying positive emotions through a smile.

Author Dr. Marita R Inglehart states “Since periodontal disease is prevalent in such a large number of adults, we sought to investigate if the disease affects a person’s smiling behavior,” She adds that “Smiling plays a significant and essential role in overall well-being.

Gum disease is preventable. A happy smile is a matter of taking care of your teeth and gums with regular brushing, flossing and periodic visits to your dental health professional. Make sure to see your dentist regularly and if you suspect you have gum disease make sure to see a professional as soon as possible.

Long Island gum disease can rob you of a beautiful smile. If you are looking for a Long Island 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.

It’s no surprise to read reports from Periodontists about how few people floss on a regular basis.  I mean who has time to floss right?  Besides, you bought one of those new toothbrushes that get ‘between’ the teeth for you!  What do you have to worry about?  Listen up Long Island, gum disease can happen to you even with that innovative toothbrush.

Flossing is a vital component to a good oral heath care routine, whether we want to do it or not.  Out of 201 Periodontists polled nearly 90% of them reported that their patients didn’t floss and 61 percent stated those that did floss could use some improvement.  Not one of them stated that new toothbrush was a better alternative!

Preventing Gum Disease through Education

Don’t let gum disease get the best of you. Establishing a regular routine and proper technique to keep your gums and teeth looking and feeling healthy for a lifetime.  To ensure you are on the right track work closely with your Periodontist or other skilled dental practitioner.

Your practitioner can help you maintain good oral health and avoid gum disease in a variety of ways:

1. Your Periodontist can use mirrors, x-rays, drawings and photos to educate patients on how to recognize periodontal disease.  The practitioner can educate both you and your spouse on the differences between healthy gums and disease.
2. Your dentist can instruct you in proper flossing techniques by observing how you floss during your routine visit and offer feedback if your technique is flawed.
3. Practitioners can help patients understand how to floss and brush without damaging their gums including which type of toothbrush to use and how to manipulate the floss between your teeth.
4. By thoroughly going over the consequences of poor oral care your Periodontist can help you eliminate bad breath, improve chewing, lower your risk for heart disease, respiratory disease and pre-term births.
5. Practitioners can help patients understand the connection between gum disease and tooth loss.

Don’t let your schedule keep you from having a healthy mouth.  If you are in need of a practitioner for Long Island gum disease Dr. Scharf treats gum disease with a laser, not a scalpel, giving you an alternative to gum surgery. Call Dr. Scharf at 631-661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com.

Did you ever wonder if your smile was affected by the health and appearance of your teeth? Obviously for those who have missing teeth they tend to smile more discreetly but what about individuals who still have their teeth but are experiencing slighter indications of deteriorating oral health. According to a study published in the Journal of Periodontology an individual’s smiling patterns are in fact affected, sometimes negatively, by Long Island gum disease.

The study was conducted at the University of Michigan and evaluated the smiling patterns of 21 periodontal patients while viewing a segment of a comedy program. At predetermined measurement points throughout the segment, the researchers assessed three dimensions of each patient’s smile: the horizontal width of the mouth in millimeters, the open width of the mouth in millimeters, and the number of teeth shown.

In addition, the researchers also noted the number of times the patient covered his or her mouth while watching the segment. Individual perceptions of how the patient’s quality of life is affected by oral health were also considered. The data were then evaluated along with a clinical exam of the patient’s periodontal health.

The findings indicated that the severity of gum disease has a definite impact on how confidently an individual will smile. Unfortunately smiling is held in our society to identify a person’s confidence in the social and work arena as well as comfort level. Meaning if you’re restricting your smile you could be sending an unintentional message to those around you.

Treat Gum Disease and Keep on Smiling

To ensure a confident smile for years to come it’s important to treat gum disease at the earliest warning signs. Some signs may include:

• Bleeding while brushing or flossing
• Red or swollen gums
• Persistent bad breath
• Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
• Loose or missing teeth

If signs of Long Island gum disease develop contact a Periodontist as soon as possible. Dr. Scharf treats gum disease with a laser, not a scalpel. For people who want an alternative to gum surgery call Dr. Scharf at 631-661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com.

Gum disease isn’t just about your gums anymore. According to a new study published in the Journal of Periodontology there may be a direct link between periodontal disease and prediabetes. With 54 million people in the United States showing signs of prediabetes the link between Long Island gum disease and prediabetes is more than just a little unsettling.

Prediabetes is a condition where your blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be classified as diabetes. Out of the 54 million people with prediabetes the American Diabetes Association estimates that a significant number of them will develop Type 2 diabetes within 10 years.

Controlling both Gum Disease and Prediabetes

The studies found that having periodontal disease can alter your metabolic conditions. This is believed to be what leads to prediabetes and the progression to Type 2 diabetes. This makes having regular periodontal exams a top priority whether or not you have prediabetes!

The best way to learn proper care of your gums is to work closely with a Periodontist. He can thoroughly evaluate the current health of your gums and assist you in developing the right plan of action tailored just for you.

Keeping your gums healthy at home is as simple as following a few practical guidelines:

• Brush at least twice a day
• Include daily flossing after your brush to clean between your teeth and along the gum line
• Keep your regular dental check-ups and cleanings
• Have a regular periodontal evaluation to monitor the health of your gums
• Observe your mouth for any unusual changes to your teeth or gums
• Schedule an appointment with a Periodontist or trained practitioner as soon as possible if you notice any signs of gum disease

Patients who are looking for a Periodontist to help monitor progression of Long Island gum disease should 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.

Battling Long Island gum disease in and of itself is a daunting task that demands discipline in the home and at the Periodontist’s office. In an effort to regain a healthy mouth individuals fighting gum disease have to agree to a rigorous treatment plan and then follow through. If you’re also suffering from depression the burden of recovering a healthy mouth may be harder to obtain.

In fact the Journal of Periodontology published a study that observed patients over the course of a year and found that those with depression were twice as likely to have sub-optimal results when compared to those without depression. That’s a number worth paying attention to.

The study included 697 patients with 85 of them being diagnosed with some type of depression. Each patient had at least three diseased sites in the mouth with an equivalent depth. The patients were monitored from the initial evaluation until the follow-up one-year later. The results showed that 7.4 percent of mentally healthy patients showed improvement where only 4.7 percent of the depressed patients showed improvement.

But what does depression have to do with the health of your gums? Simply put one major reason depressed patients show a less than optimal result is due to their attitude towards treatment. If they are feeling overwhelmed or anxious about the work ahead it could dramatically impact their commitment and cooperation at home. Equally there is a high likelihood of continued smoking as well as the possibility of having an impaired immune system.

The health of your gums plays a huge a role in the life of your teeth and naturally beautiful smile. Gum disease attacks the soft tissue inside your mouth and beginning with plaque build-up. As the disease progresses pockets form around the tooth exposing root and leading to tooth decay or tooth

Treatment of gum disease, especially at advanced stages, is often extensive and requires a commitment from both the patient and the Periodontist. If you’re dealing with depression it’s important to discuss this with your Periodontist so necessary changes can be made to your treatment plan to ensure success.

If you’re faced with the overwhelming task of fighting Long Island gum disease don’t let the treatment add to your anxiety. 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 providing you with a calm more relaxing treatment.

Gum disease is an inflammatory response to a bacterial infection in your mouth. It begins when plaque builds-up around your teeth forming deep pockets along the gum line. This bacterium then begins to repopulate in those pockets causing chronic inflammation. It would seem however that Long Island gum disease isn’t the only thing this bacteria leads to. According to two recent studies this bacteria may actually have a trickle affect right down to your heart.

Two studies published in the Journal of Periodontology provide support to this claim where in one study researchers evaluated 150 individuals with periodontal disease. They found that those who suffered from a heart attack had higher levels of bacteria growing in those deep pockets.

The second study looked at the DNA of the bacteria residing in the plaque and found the exact same DNA in the individuals’ heart arteries. The matching DNA from mouth to heart was consistent with different types of periodontal bacteria strengthening the claim that periodontal disease can lead to heart disease.

To better understand how bacteria in your mouth can in fact impact your heart let’s take a closer look at those deep pockets where the bacteria originates. Surrounding those pockets are tiny pores. On one side of those pores lies all the bacteria while on the other your blood flows freely.

To start with the pores are too tiny for anything to pass through them. But as the bacterial infection gets worse it leads to inflammation in the gums, causing the pores to become larger. They are now large enough for the microscopic bacteria to fit through and enter the blood stream, catching a ride to every organ in your body including the heart.

When it comes to the health of your mouth you’re not just taking chances with your teeth. Rather you’re taking chances with the health of your heart, among other organs. If you notice pockets forming around your teeth, visible as gums pulling away, contact a local Periodontist right away.

If you’re looking for an alternative treatment for Long Island gum disease 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.

Travel is by far one of the coolest things Americans enjoy year after year. For some planning that summer vacation is drawn out process of coordinating and rotating hot spots and so much more. Whether you prefer that 10 day cruise or lounging on the beach at Long Island gum disease risk factors are tagging along for the ride.

Gum disease just might be one of the sneakiest diseases taunting Americans worldwide. That’s because it starts in the background without any symptoms to warn you. The disease begins with plaque build on the surface of your teeth that result in tiny pockets along the gum line.

These pockets then serve as the perfect habitat for bacteria that causes gum disease. Perhaps the most amazing part is the speed in which this all takes place. Within a two week time span the bacteria in your mouth can more than double if you neglect your oral care in the slightest way.

As you prepare for that fun filled vacation, be sure to follow these pointers to ensure the health of your gums when you return:

• Store your toothbrushes in travel containers that have holes for proper air circulation. This allows the brush to thoroughly dry and discourage the growth of bacteria
• Store toothbrushes separately to prevent the spread of bacteria
• Thoroughly clean and disinfect the travel containers before and after your trip
• Regularly disinfect your toothbrush while on vacation or at home by washing it in the dishwasher, storing in the fridge or place it in a cup of mouthwash
• When traveling abroad brush with bottled water and keep your toothbrush 2-5 feet from the sink and toilet to avoid water contamination
• Always pack extra oral care supplies in case you can’t purchase them
• If you don’t have toothpaste, brush with water to remove food and bacteria
• If you forget your toothbrush and are unable to purchase a new one floss and rinse with mouthwash
• Don’t share a toothbrush because oral bacteria can be passed from one family member to another

There’s no excuse for letting your oral health decline while on vacation. Stay on top of your oral routine and monitor your mouth closely. If you notice signs of gum disease or any unusual changes you are unsure about contact your dental practitioner right away.

If you dealing with Long Island gum disease Dr. Scharf treats gum disease with a laser, not a scalpel, for people looking for an alternative to gum surgery. Call Dr. Scharf at 631-661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com.