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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

We rely on our Long Island Periodontist for many things including detailed periodontal exams, prevention and treatment of gum disease as well as restoring our natural smile after lost teeth. According to numerous studies we may also rely on our Periodontist to help reduce risks of certain types of cancers, but exactly how accurate is that claim?

After a thorough review of 10 years of data researchers from the University of Helsinki in Finland and Complutense University of Madrid disclose that the actual link between between oral disease and certain types of cancers hasn’t really been proven, rather studies have shown an “indication” of a link between the two. Study authors stated that without more studies specifically seeking evidence of a relationship between oral disease and cancer then claims of an actual link is undetermined.

For example studies revealed that there is a small but significant increase in overall cancer risk for those with gum disease. Another study discloses that oral cancers worldwide are greatly increased by cigarette and alcohol consumption. While there are indications of a link between oral disease and certain cancers there is hardly enough evidence to claim an actual link.

How Does Oral Disease Impact Your Life?

Although there is no proven relationship connecting the two oral disease does in fact have a dramatic impact on the average person’s life. From pain, to bad breath or even missing teeth an individual suffering from any form of oral disease tends to make lifestyle changes to accommodate their mouths. Some of those changes may include:

• Changing how and where they eat
• Covering their mouth when talking or laughing
• Avoiding social interactions altogether due to embarrassment
• Giving up favorite foods

Oral disease does take its toll both physically and emotionally but you don’t have to hide or let it control your life. Instead contact your dental practitioner and discuss your symptoms and find out what they recommend. Stay on top of your daily oral hygiene and keep regular dental checkups. If you notice any unusual changes don’t wait to see your dentist since the sooner treatment starts the easier it will be.

If you notice signs of gum disease and need to see a Long Island Periodontist contact Dr. Scharf. He can treat your gum disease with a non-evasive laser therapy that will eliminate disease and help restore your gums health. Call today at (631) 661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com.

Exposure to the sun comes with its ups and downs. Everyone enjoys a warm sunny day that can be spent on the beach or at the local park. But many are unsure of how much “exposure” to the sun is safe or even what time of day we should stay inside. However if you ask your Long Island dentist you might be surprised to hear him tell you to spend some quality time in the sun during when it is highest in the sky at solar noon.

Sun exposure and dental health is really nothing new. Since the mid 1800’s researchers have been evaluating the relationship between sun exposure and dental cavities. In fact during the Civil War the number of men rejected to do lost teeth was much higher in cloudy regions versus the sunnier regions.  But it was studies like the one completed by Clarence Mills and Bio East that linked sun exposure and the prevalence of tooth decay.

In addition to their study several studies from the 1920’s and 1930’s looked specifically at the relationship between Vitamin D and teeth. Beginning with dogs and then moving on to children researchers looked closely at the effects of Vitamin D and cavities, which revealed that appropriate levels of Vitamin D did in fact have a positive effect on the prevention of dental cavities.

Protecting the Health of Your Teeth

Maintaining good oral health doesn’t have to be a tedious job day in and day out. By following a few simple and practical techniques you can help ensure your teeth stay at their best.

• Brush and floss daily. The best way to keep your teeth and gums healthy is to ensure you keep them clean by brushing and flossing away built up food and plaque.
• Don’t forget the mouthwash. Studies have shown that adding mouthwash to your daily brushing and flossing routine can help kill bacteria and wash away and food particles that were loosened by not completely removed when brushing.
• Eat healthy every day. By consuming a daily intake of fresh fruits and vegetables, drinking plenty of water and avoiding sugars and acids you’ll be steps ahead in the prevention of tooth decay and gum disease.
• Avoid alcohol and tobacco use. It has been shown countless times that excessive use of alcohol and tobacco stain the teeth, lead to inflammation of the gums and the potential break down of your tooth’s surface.
• Add some Vitamin D. Numerous studies dating back to the mid 1800’s have shown that a daily intake of 1000-4000 IU/d of vitamin D3 or 15-20 minutes of sun exposure with 20-30% of your body surface exposed can dramatically help in the prevention of cavities.

Whether you are working with a Long Island dentist or doing some research on your own you can take steps to keep your smile at its best.  For patients needing a Long Island Periodontist Dr. Scharf offers laser therapy to comfortably treat gum disease regardless of phase. Contact him today at (631) 661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com.

When it comes to being a smoker you tend to expect lectures about your health and how disgusting cigarettes are all around. As parents who also smoke you’ll even hear about the risks second hand smoke has on your child’s overall health, breathing and even sinuses. More recently studies are looking at second hand smoke and the risks to your child’s oral health.

According to a new study published in the Journal of Periodontology there is a correlation between environmental tobacco smoke (ETS), also known as second hand smoke, and gingival pigmentation. The study specifically looked at children whose parents were smokers and divided the children up into various age groups. What they found was the longer a child was exposed to second hand smoke the more likely their parents would be calling a Long Island Periodontist to evaluate the changes in their child’s gums.

The research team did express that while gingival pigmentation associated with second hand smoke was cosmetically unattractive it wasn’t actually harmful to your child’s mouth. However, harmful or not, the change in pigmentation should be enough for any parent to start thinking twice about the effects of second hand smoke in their child’s life.

Keeping Your Child’s Mouth Healthy

Whether pigmentation caused by ETS is a health concern or not your child’s oral care is important and any step you can take to improve it helps. For your child’s oral health consider:

• Smoking outside instead of in the house
• Never smoke in the car or other small space with your child
• Monitor your child’s brushing habits every time they brush
• Help your child floss his teeth for a complete clean
• Take your child to a child friendly dentist for his checkups twice a year

As parents it’s your job to ensure you child learns how to protect their teeth and gums early and this includes taking steps to ensure their oral health. If you can make a few changes to improve their chances of healthy teeth and gums wouldn’t you want to?

Dr. Scharf is a skilled Long Island Periodontist with years of experience in the field. Whether you have questions about gum disease or need information on appropriate treatments contact Dr. Scharf today at at (631) 661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com.

Have you been trying to conceive and wanting to make sure you’re doing everything you can to ensure an easy and successful conception? Have you been struggling with trying to conceive but can’t find any real reason for it? Perhaps you should consider seeing a Periodontist on Long Island for a detailed evaluation of your gums.

A Western Australian study called SMILE looked at 3737 pregnant women and analyzed their pregnancy planning and outcomes. It showed that those with gum disease took an average of two months longer to conceive than those without disease.

Professor Roger Hart, Professor of Reproductive Medicine at the University of Western Australia and of Western Australia said, “Until now there have been no published studies that investigate whether gum disease can affect a woman’s chance of conceiving so this is the first report to suggest that gum disease might be one of several risk factors that could be modified to improve the chances of pregnancy.”

How Gum Disease Spreads

Gum disease begins with a plaque buildup around the base of your teeth. This buildup causes the gum to pull away from the teeth, resulting in a pocket along the gum line. Food gets trapped in these pockets and provides the perfect environment for bacteria to grow.

Over the next few stages inflammation begins and spreads to adjacent teeth and gums.  While the disease spreads the bacteria can enter the blood stream and spread through your entire body, affecting various organs like your heart, kidneys, even possibly the reproductive organs.

Although gum disease is destructive and can spread through your entire system it’s fairly easy to prevent or treat. To prevent gum disease you should:

• Brush and floss daily. Be sure to clean on all surfaces of the tooth, even the hard to reach places.
• Consider using a mouthwash after you brush to help rinse out residual food and plaque
• Be sure to eat a healthy diet with fresh fruits and vegetables
• Drink plenty of water
• Avoid excessive use of tobacco, alcohol and sweets
• Visit your dentist twice a year for a thorough cleaning

Treating gum disease is easier if caught early. As soon as you notice signs of gum disease contact your dental practitioner right away. If you’re looking for a Long Island Periodontist who offers modern and effective treatment options contact Dr. Scharf. He offers laser therapy instead of a scalpel. Call today at (631) 661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com.