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.

Obesity has been a growing problem in the United States with more and more Americans finding they are overweight. Dieting and exercise work for some but others are faced with bigger challenges and need more help in losing weight. For these patients gastric bypass surgery is often a solution.  But a recent study indicates that losing weight may not be the only thin bypass surgery has to offer. With the reduction in inflammation your Long Island Periodontist can share in the joys of your weight management plan.

The study looked at 15 people 6 months after having gastric bypass surgery. Each of the participants had a decrease in inflammation causing proteins and an increase in proteins that reduce inflammation. Chief investigator Gary D. Miller stated, “We’re amassing evidence that weight loss is a very important part of changing the way the body’s systems work in people with high-risk diseases like diabetes and heart disease.” If weight loss can reduce inflammation in the body imagine the overall impact this can have on your health, including your oral health.

Gum Disease Caused by Inflammation

Periodontal disease affects millions of Americans daily but few really understand what the disease is, how it progresses or even how to make it go away! Gum disease begins with plaque build-up along the gum line, which in turn leads to pockets around the base of your teeth. These pockets later become home to bacteria that go to work irritating the soft tissue in your mouth.

This irritation triggers inflammation in the gums which progresses to more advanced stages of gum disease. Typically it begins with bad breath, tenderness and may bleeding while brushing or flossing. As it advances your gums pull further away from your teeth leading to loose teeth that will eventually fall out if left untreated.

It’s easy to see how measures to reduce inflammation within your body as a whole can have a positive impact on the overall health of your gums. But weight loss alone isn’t going to prevent gum disease. You’ll need to take a few measures on your own including:

• Brushing and flossing at least twice a day
• Eating a healthy diet and drinking plenty of water
• Avoiding the use of tobacco and alcohol
• Limit the intake of acidic and high sugar foods or drinks.
• See your dentist twice a year for regular check-ups

Staying on top of your oral health is your responsibility and you shouldn’t take it lightly.  If you need to see a Long Island Periodontist for a detailed gum evaluation but are worried about the visit contact Dr. Scharf. With new advancements in periodontal care he can offer a non-evasive exam and pain free treatment using laser therapy, not a scalpel. Call today at (631) 661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com to learn more.

Perhaps it has never crossed your mind that the health of your heart could possibly have anything to do with your Long Island Periodontist. If you look closely at the years of research completed you will quickly realize that gum disease has consistently been linked to other systemic diseases, including heart disease.

Dr. Stanley Wang, Cardiologist and partner at Austin Heart shares, “There have been several clinical trials that show treatment of tooth disease can act to reduce subsequent inflammation in the body. The question is whether that reduces subsequent heart attacks.”  He states that the real key is inflammation.  As a cardiologist this link has proven to be very significant to Dr. Wang and he urges dental practitioners to make their patients more aware.

For years Dr. Wang has been connecting the dots between gum disease and heart disease and while the actual impact on heart attacks remains unclear it is evident that infections in the mouth activate the immune system. Once activated chemicals enter the bloodstream and can lead to damage of the blood vessels, including those in the heart.

Keeping Your Mouth Healthy

It stands to reason that if infections in the mouth can lead to damage to the blood vessels then staying on top of our oral health can lead to a healthier heart overall. To begin it’s important to recognize early warning signs and know when it’s time to call your dentist. The following list are potential indications that you may be developing gum disease:

• Red, swollen or bleeding gums
• Gums that are tender when touched
• Persistent bad breath
• Gums that have pulled away from your teeth
• A change in the way your teeth or dentures fit in your mouth
• Sores that won’t heal
• Loose teeth

If you notice and of these signs you should have them checked out as soon as possible. To see a Periodontist who offers alternatives to traditional treatment methods contact Dr. Scharf at (631) 661-6633. He treats gum disease using a laser, not a scalpel. Call today or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com.

With the rising number of patients being diagnosed with gum disease it isn’t any wander that researchers are continually investigating this disease. Researchers are seeking to understand the link between oral health and overall health and what connections there are between the two.  A recent study conducted at New York University has found a strong connection between gum disease and Alzheimer’s disease, catching the attention of your Long Island Periodontist.

Led by Dr. Angela Kamer, assistant professor of periodontology and implants dentistry the study looked at twenty years of accumulated data from earlier studies on inflammation of the gums and the connection to overall health. The data revealed that those with gum disease at 70 were nine times more likely to test in the lower range of brain function tests compared to those without gum disease.

With so much support showing a confirmed link between oral health and other disease why does so many continue to neglect their oral care needs? For some this may be a result of limited understanding on what oral care is and for others it may be a result of simply not understanding the risks. Regardless, it’s critical that everyone who is interested in remaining healthy step up and properly care for their teeth and gums.

Reducing Risks of Alzheimer’s Through Oral Care

Good oral hygiene begins at home with the basics. Although keeping your regular dental check-ups is important what you do in between plays a vital role in healthy teeth and gums. To keep your mouth healthy you should:

1. Brush twice daily, but don’t just brush, take the time to brush correctly paying close attention to the gum line.
2. Remember to floss twice daily after brushing. This helps to remove plaque from the hard to reach surfaces of your teeth.
3. Limit the intake of sweets and acidic foods and drinks. When you want to snack select fresh fruits and vegetables instead.
4. If you wear dentures it’s important that you brush your gums twice daily to prevent the build-up of plaque.

By making sure the basics are covered you’ll be steps ahead when seeing your dentist at your six month check-ups. If you are concerned about gum disease and would like and evaluation with a Long Island Periodontist contact Dr. Scharf, he specializes in treating gum disease with a laser not a scalpel. Call today at (631) 661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com.

What does it mean to have a healthy smile? Typically it means to have healthy teeth and gums free of cavities and missing teeth. Of course we want our gums to be healthy and free of sores. To achieve this we brush and floss daily, keep appointments with our dentist and Long Island Periodontist and follow trusted recommendations from friends and family. Now thanks to new research there’s another natural and safe approach we can use to protect the health of our teeth and gums.

The British Journal of Nutrition published a study conducted by Illinois Institute of Technology and University of California-Davis. The study looked at strawberries and the impact on inflammation in the body. Researchers found that consumption of a strawberry drink actually lowered inflammatory markers in participants.

Using 24 volunteers they divided them into two groups where both consumed a high carbohydrate and moderate fat meal. This diet is known to produce inflammatory and insulin responses after eating and served as an excellent control to monitor inflammation levels after drinking a strawberry beverage. One group received the strawberry beverage and the other group was given a placebo beverage.

There are several biomarkers for inflammation that were used for this study including C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-10, IL-18, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). Blood was drawn from each participant and compared to these markers. The results were stunning:

• Consumption of the strawberry drink was associated with 25% lower level of IL-6 six hours after consumption
• CRP levels were 13% lower following consumption of the strawberry drink
• Blood levels of two strawberry compounds significantly increased following ingestion of the strawberry beverage
• The delayed response of anti-inflammatory response is completely independent of the antioxidant effects of strawberries, which occurs immediately.

What Does Strawberries Have to Do With Gum Disease?

So how does this study hold up against gum disease? That’s simple really. Gum disease is merely a chronic inflammation in the soft tissue of your mouth. This inflammation is the actual culprit for the damage you notice as periodontitis progresses including receded gums, sores, bleeding, bone loss and missing teeth. If strawberries are showing significant reduction of inflammatory markers on this study then why wouldn’t they help to reduce overall inflammation, including that caused by gum disease?

Now I’m not claiming that daily consumption of strawberries will keep gum disease away and relieve all your worries. You’ll need to visit a Periodontist for that. But strawberries could help to reduce the damage causing inflammation associated with the disease so why not give it a try?

If you need to see a Long Island Periodontist and prefer alternative treatments to traditional surgery contact Dr. Scharf. He uses the most up to date techniques in laser therapy to treat gum disease painlessly and effectively. Call today at (631) 661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com.