Let’s face it, when our minds are bogged down with the worries of today, losing sleep and force feeding ourselves, simple tasks like brushing and flossing becomes daunting and undesirable. Couple that with prolonged periods of stress induced cortisol levels, a trip to a Long Island Periodontist looks more and more inevitable.

It isn’t just a decline in brushing and flossing that increase your risk for gum disease. According to the President of the American Academy of Periodontology stress can make an individual more susceptible to harmful habits that negatively impact oral health such as tobacco and alcohol. These lifestyle choices are known risk factors for gum disease and when under excess stress individuals are more likely to abuse them.

If anyone ever doubted this to be fact or myth a study published in the February 2009 Journal of Periodontology confirmed that stress may interfere with oral hygiene with 56% of participants self-reporting personally neglecting their oral hygiene when experiencing prolonged stress levels.

Additionally the study reported that chronic stress was associated with higher and more prolonged levels of cortisol. Combine this data with previous research that showed increased amounts of cortisol in the bloodstream can lead to a more destructive form of periodontal disease and it becomes easy to understand how excessive stress levels can lead you down a rapid path towards advanced gum disease.

Lower Your Stress and Save Your Gums

So if excessive stress is taunting your life what can you do to reduce it? To start consider finding a healthy way to relieve your stress such as;

• Regular exercise
• Eating a well balanced diet
• Getting adequate sleep

Not only will these simple lifestyle changes reduce your risk for gum disease but they can dramatically improve your overall health as well. In fact a study published in the November 2007 Journal of Periodontology found that by taking these sorts of measures to prevent gum disease you could in fact lower your total health care expenses.

It is for all of these reasons that taking charge of your oral health should be a top priority of everyone. If you are unsure of how to proceed and would like direction in your preventative efforts from a skilled Long Island Periodontist contact Dr. Scharf. He is skilled in early detection and treatment of periodontal disease offering patients and alternative to traditional surgery. Call Dr. Scharf today at 631-661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com.

Bacteria are microscopic organisms that love to invade dark, moist environments for re-population. This bacterium come in many shapes and can lead to a plethora of illnesses when populating the human body, including gum disease. It is for this reason that we do our best to maintain good oral hygiene and follow the recommendations of our Long Island Periodontist. Yet no matter how good our efforts are they will be of little benefit if we neglect our toothbrushes!

You read correctly. Your toothbrush is the perfect environment for many bacteria to grow. When you brush your toothbrush removes bacteria from the teeth and gums. As your toothbrush sit in the holder bacteria floating around the room settle in and make themselves at home, making your toothbrush a carrier of infection and the spreader of disease.

In addition to the spread of illness harmful bacteria that lead to gum disease may be lurking in there too, waiting for us to swish that brush around our warm moist mouth. Yet with all those harmful bacteria potentially inhabiting our toothbrush how can we confidently brush those pearly whites? After all, our goal is to remove harm not replace it!

There are a few simple measures you can take to reduce the growth of bacteria on your toothbrush:

• Never share your toothbrush
• Replace your toothbrush every 3 – 4 months
• Do not share or re-use disinfectants used to clean toothbrushes
• Wash your hands before and after you brush
• Do not allow the toothpaste tube to touch your toothbrush
• Avoid using community toothbrush holders or at least ensure that the toothbrushes do not touch each other
• Don’t store your toothbrush in a closed, airtight container
• Clean the area you store your toothbrush in often
• Store your toothbrush in an upright position and allow it to dry

When considering the health of your gums don’t neglect the role your toothbrush plays. Make sure to keep it clean and maintained to reduce the risks of gum disease and the spread of infection.

If you notice changes in the health of your gums schedule a detailed evaluation with your Long Island Periodontist. For patients seeking an alternative approach to treatment 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.

Facial piercings spread like wild fire across the globe as young and old alike jumped on board with this new way of adding a little bit of spice to your style grew in popularity. The younger group frequently sports multiple piercings and competes with their peers for the “coolest” look. The older group, though done with modesty, still competes for the best barbell or placement in the crowd. What many Americans may not realize is they are equally competing for an unwanted to trip to a Long Island Periodontist.

According to a case report published in the Journal of Periodontology wearing tongue, lip or cheek piercings could lead to localized gum recession surrounding the area of the piercing leaving the tooth root exposed and vulnerable to infection. This infection is often the beginning of advanced periodontal disease, a condition demanding the attention of a skilled practitioner.

The report is analyzed a 26 year old female who started to notice her gums progressively receding away from her teeth soon after receiving a barbell piercing in her lip. After her gums were examined by licensed Periodontists it was apparent that the barbell had direct contact with the receding area and was believed to be the cause.

Another risk factor with facial piercings involves the risks of infection. Your mouth has over a million bacterium hanging around at any given moment, waiting for an opportunity to set up housing. A new piercing gives these bacteria the perfect housing. In addition to infection new piercings come with increased saliva, redness and even pain.

If you plan to sport facial piercing of your own be sure to understand the risks you’re taking on. It is equally important to familiarize yourself with the signs of gum disease which include; red, swollen and bleeding gum, persistent bad breath, receding gums, and loose or missing teeth.

If early signs of gum disease develop seek treatment right away. 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 rather than a scalpel.

Obesity is a growing concern in America with more children struggling with weight than ever before. Parents and practitioners alike aim high to reduce obesity and employ healthy eating and exercise habits to improve overall body health. After seeing a study published by the University of Buffalo it’s clear that overall body weight isn’t the only factor Americans need to consider. Researchers found that obesity is a significant predictor of periodontal disease, a disease that requires care from your Long Island Periodontist.

The study was conducted using 12,367 participants aged 20 to 90 years of age with 53 percent being men, 47 percent women and 43 percent of all participants were overweight. A detailed analysis of the national sample suggests that insulin resistance mediates the relationship between obesity and periodontal disease. While obesity by itself is a difficult challenge to conquer adding periodontal disease on the top can prove to be very challenging for patients to understand and improve upon.

Robert Genco, vice provost at the University of Buffalo had this to say, “People who have a higher body mass index produce cytokines (hormone-like proteins), that lead to systemic inflammation and insulin resistance. We propose that chronic stimulation and secretion of proinflammatory cytokines associated with periodontal infection also occurs, contributing to insulin resistance, which may further predispose to diabetes mellitus.”

Recognizing that periodontal disease is a severe inflammatory response to bacteria it makes more since that systemic inflammation caused by obesity can increase the risk of periodontal disease. To best protect yourself pay close attention to your weight and insulin resistance. Talk with your doctor and dental practitioner to learn as much as you can about the prevention of gum disease.

If you’ve been diagnosed with type-2 diabetes or insulin resistance and have excess weight it’s crucial that you monitor your mouth for early signs of gum disease which may include; frequently bleeding gums, red, swollen and painful gums, persistent bad breath, loose or missing teeth and a change in the way your teeth fit in your mouth.

To help stay on top of your oral health maintain daily oral hygiene of brushing and flossing. Visit your dentist every six months for a detailed cleaning and evaluation of your teeth and gums. At each visit have your dentist observe your brushing and flossing technique and offer suggestions for improvement.

If you notice signs of gum disease and are 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 rather than a scalpel.

Look younger than you have in years! Now that’s a statement that has everyone’s head turning in the hope of taking back a few years of their youth. The plethora of products available on the market to “reduce aging” and “rejuvenate your skin” is everywhere. But anti-aging creams and rejuvenating lotions aren’t the only steps you can take to reclaim your youth.

According to Dr. Michael Roizen your Long Island Periodontist may play a key factor in adding a few years to your life. In fact, Dr.Roizen appeared on Oprah and 20/20 sharing his plan with the world and promoting his book on how proper care of your teeth and gums can add up to 6.4 years to your life. I bet proper oral care would have never made your list of anti-aging products that keep you looking younger and living longer!

President of the American Academy of Periodontology backs Dr. Roizen’s claims sharing that it makes sense when you consider that gum disease is caused by bacterial infection in the gums, which can spread through the bloodstream to other areas of the body and bacteria leads to health complications.

To help keep your mouth healthy and improve your health for a longer happier life the American Academy of Periodontology offers 10 tips for staying on top of your oral health:

1. Use a soft bristled toothbrush when brushing your teeth. The soft bristles allow you to better reach every surface on your teeth. Be sure to replace your toothbrush when the bristles begin to fray or bend to ensure optimal brushing.
2. Use a fluoride based toothpaste to help reduce tooth decay.
3. When brushing your teeth be sure to use proper technique to clean every surface of your teeth. Hold the brush at a 45 degree angle along your gum line and brush in a circular motion when brushing the fronts of your teeth. Then position your tooth brush vertical and gently move back and forth to get between the teeth. Finally, move the brush back and forth on the biting surface of your teeth. If you want to make sure your technique is good ask your dental practitioner to provide a demonstration.
4. It’s important to floss every day in addition to brushing. Place the floss between each tooth and wrap the floss in a C-shape around the tooth. Then gently slide the floss up. Repeat on the other side for the adjoining tooth and so on throughout your mouth.
5. Brushing’s primary job is to remove plaque from the surface of your teeth. To help make sure you’ve done the job right you can purchase a tablet or mouth wash that will stain the plaque on your teeth.
6. If you use tobacco products, stop.
7. Watch for early warning signs of periodontal disease and seek treatment right away. Early signs include; bleeding gums while brushing, persistent bad breath, red or swollen gums, a change in the way your teeth or dentures fit in your mouth, and loose or separating teeth.
8. If you are one of those who grind your teeth you may need to have a dental practitioner fit you with a mouth guard to help protect the soft tissue around your teeth.
9. Monitor any medications you are taking since many of them have side effects that could aide in the development of gum disease.
10. Visit a dentist and Periodontist regularly.

By following these simple tips daily you will be on your way to a healthy smile and longer life! If you’re looking for a Long Island Periodontist 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

Periodontal disease, that sneaky infection in the gums that inevitably leads to tooth loss when untreated, has now been added to the list of “communicable” diseases. According to an article published in the September 1997 edition of the Journal of Periodontology you may want to visit a Long Island Periodontist at the first signs of gum disease.

Periodontal disease is caused by an inflammation to a bacterial infection in the mouth. This bacterium grows along the gum line and in between your teeth inflaming the gums and leading to sore gums, redness, swelling or bleeding, bad breath, and eventually loose and missing teeth. Like all bacteria periodontal disease is not partial to one mouth over another. In fact the bacteria will grow in any mouth that isn’t properly cared for, catching a ride on your saliva.

So how can you protect yourself and those you love from the spread of periodontal disease? Though sneezing won’t spread the bacterium like that of the cold or flu viruses sharing drinks and food can. You should use a designated toothbrush and don’t share it around with others, even your family. Take your oral health just as seriously as you do your overall health and you will easily reduce your risk of spreading gum disease.

Be mindful of changes in your mouth and contact your dental practitioner right away if you notice any early signs of gum disease. Be sure to maintain a good oral hygiene routine daily and visit your dentist every six months for a cleaning and exam. If you follow these simple steps you’ll keep healthy gums for years to come.

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

Cosmetic surgery has become one of the fastest growing trends in America, so much so that you can view reality t.v. programs on multiple cable channels. From your nose, to your cheeks, even unwanted scars, you can make changes to your appearance for a healthier, more attractive you. Even your Long Island Periodontist can assist you in your cosmetic surgery needs!

The American Academy of Periodontology conducted a poll on their website asking consumers how they spent their tax refunds. The results demonstrated that the majority of survey participants used their refunds for periodontal plastic surgery.

According to Michael P. Rethman, president of the American Academy of Periodontology these survey results accurately match what Periodontists are saying in regards to when they performed the majority of their periodontal cosmetic surgeries. In fact one in four Periodontists disclosed that the majority of their surgeries were performed during tax season from April through June.

The cause the have led individuals to seek periodontal plastic surgery vary from patient to patient however there are three common reasons a patient will receive the surgery:

1. Excessive gums, resulting in a “gummy” smile
2. Long crowns, resulting in teeth that appear “too” long for their mouth
3. Missing teeth

Excessive gums are often occur when the crown of a patients teeth are too short in proportion to the amount of gum tissue. When the patient smiles their gums appear to overcrowd the mouth, leaving them self-conscious and often embarrassed. Periodontists can repair the gummy smile by lengthening the tooth crown. This procedure uncovers the teeth and even helps to improve their functioning.

Some patients suffer from a smile where the gums have receded too far back or where their teeth are too long in proportion to the amount of gum tissue. Utilizing a simple procedure called soft tissue grating the Periodontist can improve their smiles.

The final reason patients seek periodontal plastic surgery is to replace missing teeth. This is done using dental implants. The implant is surgically placed in the jawbone and then serves as an anchor for an artificial tooth crown. The end result is a natural looking smile.

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 specializes in the treatment of gum disease using a laser rather than a scalpel.

Does life have you by the cuffs? In today’s economy many people are suffering financial woes they’d rather leave behind. What they may not realize is the impact those woes can have on their oral health. Prolonged stress can exacerbate gum disease, resulting in a trip to a Long Island Periodontist.

Stress has been proven to lead to a multitude of health problems including increased blood pressure, interrupted eating habits, weakened immune system and gum disease.

It’s not the body’s reaction to stress alone that leads to increased risks for gum disease. How individuals respond to their stressful situations also play an important role. For some increased use of tobacco or alcohol provides a reduction in their stress level, offering momentary peace. However both of these choices are proven risk factors for periodontal disease and should be considered closely when attempting to relieve stress.

In February 2009 a study was published in the Journal of Periodontology that revealed 56% of the participants disclosed neglecting their oral care as a result of heightened stress levels. Without regular and proper oral hygiene the risk for gum disease rises again.

Chronic stress levels has also been closely connected with cortisol, a hormone that has been connected with a more destructive form of gum disease than that merely caused by poor brushing. Stress in and of itself not only exacerbates gum disease but can in fact cause gum disease in a very destructive form.

Severe periodontal disease leads to bone loss and diminished tissue attachment around the teeth. In past research severe gum disease has also been connected to other, more serious health concerns such as heart disease and diabetes.

To protect your overall health consider making some adjustments to your lifestyle including:

• Regular exercise to help relieve stress
• Eating a healthy diet
• Drinking alcohol in moderation
• Limit tobacco use
• Maintain regular brushing and flossing

Gum disease is not joke and your stress level has a direct impact on the severity, or even the development of gum disease. Take the time to protect your oral health today.

If you’re looking for a reliable Long Island Periodontist Dr. Scharf can diagnose and treat all types of gum disease using a laser, not a scalpel. In times of high stress why add to your stress level with old fashioned treatment methods. Call Dr. Shcarf today at 631-661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com

Importance of Healthy Teeth and Gums

Not many people realize that healthy teeth and gums will provide you with more than just a great smile and fewer trips to the dentist. Periodontal (gum) disease is an infection of the gums. Periodontal disease can develop from a number of reasons from poor brushing and flossing, stress, pregnancy, smoking and genetics. Because periodontal disease is a bacterial infection, the bacteria can get into your bloodstream as well as other organs in your body, causing serious health problems. In Long Island, your periodontist can help you learn good dental habits to prevent periodontal disease as well as provide treatment for any periodontal disease that may be already present.

Flossing Can Add Years to Your Life

Long Island Periodontist Dr. David Scharf provides excellent service to Suffolk and Nassau County residents by providing them with best methods to ensure their teeth and gums remain healthy as well as keeping them informed of the seriousness that can result from periodontal disease. One thing that is stressed is the importance of flossing your teeth. In fact, flossing is right along with serious measures like reducing stress or quitting smoking when it comes to things we can do to add years our life. A great start is regular flossing.

Problems that Periodontal Disease May Cause

Periodontal disease can manifest itself in many ways and cause many serious problems such as diabetes, heart disease, underweight or premature births, respiratory problems and more. Often the symptoms of periodontal disease go unnoticed unless they’re obvious like bleeding gums. Long Island residents are ensured of getting not only fast but effective treatment if they make an appointment at the first sign of a problem. If patients are not sure how to treat gum disease, Long Island is lucky enough to have the excellent services of Dr. Scharf, whose experience and expertise has helped many through the years.

Preventative Measures Are As Important as Treatment

Although certain people are more susceptible to developing gum disease than others, there are preventative measure we can all take to avoid developing periodontal disease and possibly losing years off our life

• Use the right kind of tooth brush. Although your Suffolk County dental clinic may be able to recommend or give you a toothbrush, they’ll most often recommend a soft-bristled brush and suggest it be replaced at least every couple of months.
• Brush your teeth properly with toothpaste with fluoride. Use slow circular motions with the brush keeping your brush at a 45-degree angle making sure you get every tooth.
• Avoid smoking or alcohol
• Get regular cleaning
• Watch for signs of periodontal diseases.
If you’re in doubt, Dr. Scharf, Long Island Periodontist can advise you on ways to check your teeth yourself. If you do feel you need treatment, you can contact Dr. Scharf at 631-661-6633 or visit his website at http://drscharf.com. Dr. Scharf uses a laser for gum disease rather than a scalpel.

Why are residents smiling? Americans all over the country are using their tax refunds for dental care!

Dental professionals from all over the country have been exceptionally busy through tax season. Periodontal plastic surgery has been on the rise and according to an online survey, conducted on the American Academy of Periodontology’s web site; one out of four periodontists polled said they performed periodontal plastic surgery during the months of April through June. For some the “extra” money has changed their social lives, but more importantly it’s played a significant role in their dental care, causing many residents of the area to visit their Long Island periodontist.

It’s an investment in the future of your health and your smile. Self image and confidence has been greatly improved by those having periodontal surgery. Gum recession can be reduced with surgery. Teeth have been replaced with dental implants and smiles have returned, improving the over all the health of their gums. Dental implants have changed the way people eat, speak and laugh, giving them back the quality of life they’ve lost.

Periodontal disease is serious and can lead to bone loss and cause you to loose your teeth. It can change your facial features and damage your health. Seeking to treat gum disease, Long Island residents have found they’ve been smiling more often. Gum reconstruction and other types of gum surgery improved the health of many Suffolk and Nassau County residents.

Dr. David. Scharf is the first Long Island periodontist to be trained and certified in LANAP (Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure) and has received extensive training in implantology. He’s also s a recognized expert in the field of dental implants on Long Island. He also specializes in tooth replacement, gum disease treatment and periodontal therapy. His conservative approach to gum disease treatment is done without a scalpel, without cutting and stitching, and without painful root exposure. He does it with a laser.

Don’t give up. There’s hope for those New Yorkers worried about Long Island Gum Disease. Don’t put it off any longer. Bring back your smile! Treat Gum Disease Long Island with Dr. Scharf’s amazing non surgical technique, LANAP. If you’re looking for an alternative to surgery call Dr. Scharf at (631) 661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com.

For people referred to a Chicago Periodontist who want an alternative that uses a laser, check out Dr. Michael Marcus who can treat Chicago Periodontist disease with a laser

If you are looking for a Bay area periodontist or a Silicon Valley Periodontist who uses a laser to treat Bay area Periodontist disease, call Dr. Barney Lim.