When people think of psoriasis they often think about dry itchy skin or sore spots that need a dermatologist to heal properly. I don’t think anyone would consider periodontal disease having anything to do with it either. Unless of course you were a dermatologist with the ability to think outside the box for a moment.

That’s exactly what Dr. Nakib, resident at the Department of Dermatology and Internal Medicine did in her recent study that looked at the possible connection between gum disease and psoriasis. Using self-reported data from more than 60,000 women on periodontal bone loss the study compare incidence of psoriasis to the severity of gum disease. Additionally they evaluated associations between incident psoriasis and self-reported history of periodontal surgery and tooth loss in the past two years.

To the surprise of many those findings showed that women who reported mild to moderate or severe bone loss had a significantly higher risk of psoriasis compared to woman who reported no bone loss. As for oral surgeries women who reported a history of periodontal surgery or three or more root canals were also at a significantly higher risk for incident psoriasis.

Keeping Gum Disease Out of the Equation

Let’s face it, gum disease is nothing to full around with whether it’s linked to psoriasis or not. Previous studies have shown a correlation to other systemic illnesses as well that could put your life at risk. To ensure you’re doing your best to stay healthy you’re approach needs to be prevention of oral disease all together.

Prevention is easier than you might think. It begins with an understanding of what they early warning signs are including; red, swollen gums, frequent bleeding when brushing, flossing or chewing, and persistent bad breath.

But knowing the warning signs aren’t enough.  It’s vital to be at the top of your oral hygiene on a daily basis. To get your started you should:

• Brushing and flossing at least twice a day
• Using a daily mouthwash to remove loose particles and kill bacteria
• Include some fresh fruits and vegetables in you daily diet
• Drink plenty of water
• Avoid excessive acidic foods and sugars
• Visit your dentist twice a year for a check-up and cleaning

If you want to take an extra step in the prevention of periodontal disease on Long Island Dr. Scharf can help. Skilled in the early detection and treatment of gum disease he can eliminate infection using a laser, not a scalpel. Give him a call today at (631) 661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com.

Saturated fat has long had the reputation of unhealthy and an ingredient to be avoided wherever possible. The health effects include cardiovascular disease and several types of cancer. Stated simply, foods that contain saturated fats can hurt your overall health. But according to a recent study saturated fat may also increase your risks for periodontal disease.

The study looked at 264 individuals who were 75 years old. The results showed that nonsmokers who consumed a high intake of saturated fat had an adjusted risk of 1.92 for developing periodontal disease compared to those with a low saturated fat intake.

While this study alone isn’t a confirmed connection between saturated fat and gum disease the markers are enough to catch attention. If you want to maintain a healthy mouth you may want to keep this study at the front of your thoughts when developing a plan for prevention.

Five Steps to Prevention

• Step One:  Regular brushing but not just any old flop the brush around your mouth brushing. You need to thoroughly brush your teeth using a circular motion being careful to hit every surface of your tooth and gum. You want to brush the outside of your teeth, the inside of your teeth and the chewing surface.
• Step Two: Regular flossing has to be just as thorough beginning on one side of the mouth and working your way around to the other. To clean your tooth most effectively you need to form a “C” shape around both sides of your tooth and gently raise the floss from the gum line to the top of the tooth.
• Step Three: Rinse with mouthwash at least once a day to help wash out any loose food particles that still remain. Mouthwash also helps to destroy bacteria that can harm your teeth and gums.
• Step Four: As an extra step consider improving your diet by consuming adequate water each day. Limit foods that contain saturated fats and add more fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Step Five: The next important step for prevention is regular dental exams. Make sure to see you dental every 6 months for a professional cleaning and annual exams. I recommend also seeing a Periodontist once a year for a detailed evaluation of your gums to help catch warning signs early.

Still worried about staying ahead of periodontal disease? On Long Island Dr. Scharf can offer a detailed evaluation and early treatment if needed. If you’re worried about painful scalpel procedures you’ll be glad to know Dr. Scharf provides non-invasive laser therapy for a more effective and faster option. For more information call today at (631) 661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com.

Developing a solid plan to maintain oral health can sometimes prove challenging for women, especially considering that oral changes take place frequently with our ever changing hormones. The reality is the female mouth will experience episodes of acid erosion, dry mouth, gum inflammation and excessive salivary flow at various times throughout their lifetime. Whether you are striving to prevent periodontal disease on Long Island or somewhere else it’s vital to understand the various changes you’re up against.

The most common change women are up against is inflammation of the gums. This typically occurs around their menstrual cycle but often goes unnoticed. Inflammation weakens to soft tissue in the mouth and can open a window for gum disease. It’s important to recognize it early one and take some extra steps to reduce the increased inflammation.

During pregnancy is another major change in hormones and often leads to increases acids in the mouth, which in turn break down tooth enamel and weaken your gums. Acid is possibly one of the most damaging changes that occur in women’s mouths and needs to be reduced immediately.

Developing an Oral Plan that Rolls with the Changes

Your oral hygiene doesn’t have to necessarily change excessively or even at all if you develop a strategy that can protect your oral health across the board.  For a base routine consider:

• Daily brushing and flossing, both morning and night
• Eating a healthy diet daily with plenty of water
• Avoiding foods known to break down teeth and gums
• Avoid tobacco and alcohol use

For those times when a little special attention is needed:

• Dry Mouth: Try taking frequent sips of water throughout the day or chew some sugarless gum
• Excessive Saliva: try to identify what is causing it and address those areas
• Gum Inflammation: Be sure to thoroughly brush your teeth during increased levels of inflammation and rinse thoroughly with water. You can also try eating strawberries and cherries to your diet as each have shown anti-inflammatory agents.
• Acidic Erosion: During times of increased acids it’s crucial to avoid all foods and drinks that contain acid and rinse your mouth with water frequently. Acid eats away at teeth and gums at rapid speeds and can lead to disease.

For the most part your daily routine stays the same but when hormone changes occur you can stay ahead of infection and gum disease. Stay on top of your oral health and keep an eye or your mouth for signs of change.

If you’re struggling with periodontal disease on Long Island and need to see a Periodontist contact Dr. Scharf. He can treat your gum disease with a laser, not a scalpel offering you a pain free option to a healthy mouth. Contact him today at (631) 661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com.

Americans strive every day to ensure they maintain a healthy smile. From brushing and flossing to regular dental checkups individuals know the importance of taking oral health seriously.  Everyone can agree it’s important to avoid harmful foods that lead to decay and substances that increase risks for periodontitis. What some may not know is the benefits of drinking green tea in regards to maintaining a healthy mouth.

A recent study assessed the oral health of 940 men who were undergoing a preretirement exam. They assessed the oral health by examining their gums to assess probing depth, clinical attachment loss and bleeding on probing, all which are markers for gum disease. Additionally they were asked to fill out a questionnaire that asked about other habits such as smoking, frequency of brushing teeth and consumption of daily tea.

The results showed a positive relationship between regular consumption of green tea and good oral health with the daily intake showing a significant difference in gum disease. In fact the study showed that every cup of green tea actually reduced probing depth and attachment loss by corresponding percentages.

Maintaining Healthy Gums

Gum disease is perhaps one of the most overlooked oral diseases across America. This is likely due to the fact that gum disease silently lurks along your gum line until it reaches advanced stages including loos or missing teeth. To better maintain a healthy smile it’s important to recognize early warning signs including:

• Redness along the gum line
• Swollen gums or tender gums
• Gums that appear to have pulled away from your teeth
• Persistent bad breath
• Loose teeth
• Changes in the way your teeth fit in your mouth
• Easily bleeding during brushing or flossing

If you notice any of these signs it’s time to head over to see your practitioner for a detailed exam. The sooner you catch gum disease the easier it will be to treat. Don’t waste time when it comes to a healthy smile, pay attention and respond promptly.

If you need a referral for a skilled Periodontist Dr. Scharf treats periodontitis effectively and easily using laser therapy, not a scalpel. He can assess your situation and help you restore your gums to optimal health. Call today at (631) 661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com.

Are you among those suffering from a persistent burning sensation in your mouth? Has it reached a point intolerance and frustration? If so then you’re likely ready to begin exploring your options to make it go away. Among those options could be seeing a Periodontist about the possibility of Periodontist disease on Long Island.

For those experiencing a burning sensation in their mouth will be the first to tell you that isn’t the only complaint they have. Rather many patients report a bitter or metallic taste, dry mouth, and sore mouth or sore tongue.  Regardless if you suffer from one or multiple symptoms prolonged tolerance often leads to irritability, anxiety and often times depression.

Gum disease isn’t the only risk factor that can cause burning mouth syndrome. Other common causes include:

• Menopause in women
• Diabetes
• Acid reflux
• Cancer therapy
• Psychological problems

Regardless of the underlying cause your dental practitioner can help you rule out irrelevant factors and pin point your actual problem. Then after completing a detail oral and health history you’ll be able to develop a treatment plan suited to your specific situation to find the relief you deserve.

Don’t suffer through burning mouth syndrome any longer than you need to. Visit a Periodontist to see if  Periodontist disease on Long Island may be causing your symptoms. Contact Dr. Scharf. He’s skilled in the early detection and prevention of gum disease. Call him today at (631) 661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com.

Every American’s dream is to have that perfect smile and healthy gums. We’ll spend countless hours using the next best thing to those pearly whites, but that’s never seems to be enough. Having healthy teeth and gums begins with a proactive approach to your oral care and that approach needs a solid foundation of knowledge and understanding. It’s time to take the first step in preventing Long island periodontist disease.

The foods we eat on a daily basis have the biggest impact on our teeth and gums. The more candy and sugar we consume the higher are chances are for developing cavities and gum disease. The reason isn’t the candy itself, rather the plaque that helps break down the sugars that sit on the surface of the tooth.

Plaque, a thin bacterial build-up along the gum line, begins to digest any sugars that touch your teeth. As it digests the sugar it releases an acid onto the gums. This acid is what does the actual damage to the tooth enamel leading to cavities. As the plaque continues to build up along the gum line your gums become inflamed. This inflammation then leads to a breakdown in the soft tissue and opens the door for periodontal disease to take hold.

Take The Necessary Steps To Protect Your Teeth And Gums

The fastest way to reduce the risk of cavities or gum disease caused by sugars is to eliminate them from your diet. But let’s face it, what person truly wants to go without indulging in a little sweets now and then? The good news is there are other steps you can take to limit risk while enjoying some of your favorite snacks.

For starters, it’s a good idea for both your oral health and overall health to limit the amount of sugars you consume on a daily basis. Be mindful that many foods naturally have sugars in them while other foods contain added sugars. Simply restrict yourself to the total amount of foods with added sugars and you’ll be steps closer to reducing your risks.

Next, keep in mind that our body’s natural digestive processes are designed to aid us in reducing cavity causing acids. The very first stage in digestion is the production of saliva. This saliva naturally helps break down acids on the teeth. You mouth produces more saliva during meals than snacks so to stimulate your body’s natural defenses try eating your desserts with a meal rather than on their own.

If you need that little pick me up snack in between meals there are other safe ways to stimulate saliva. Chewing dentist approved sugar free gum is perhaps one of the easiest methods for triggering saliva and gives you the added benefit of something sweet to chew.

Let’s not forget a key factor in preventing cavities and gum disease, seeing your dentist regularly. By keeping your 6 month cleanings and annual check ups your dental practitioner will be able to catch early signs of a decline in your oral health and develop a proactive approach right away. If he notices signs of gum disease you’ll likely need to see a Periodontist to get started on treatment right away.

If you’re on Long Island and need a Periodontist Dr. Scharf treats gum disease with a laser, not a scalpel, for people diagnosed with Long Island periodontist disease. 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.

According to statistics 75% of adults in the United States are affected by some form of periodontal disease. Yet the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) feel this number may be as much as 50% underestimated. If you take those figures into consideration chances are you could be among the hundreds suffering from periodontist disease on Long Island.

Periodontist disease is an acute inflammatory response to bacteria residing in the gum line. This inflammation is the actual cause for the various symptoms including, persistent bad breath, frequent bleeding gums, red or swollen gums, and loose teeth.

It begins with plaque build-up along the gum line, which in turn leads to gums pulling away from the teeth forming pockets at the bottom of your teeth. These pockets create perfect habitats for infection to grow and move through the different stages of gum disease.

Understanding Gum Disease from A Broader Perspective

Gum disease doesn’t remain an oral health concern for very long. As the disease progresses the inflammatory response has been linked to other major disease like such as:

• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Preterm and low birth weight babies
• Chronic kidney disease
• And so much more

Scientists believe the basic link is the inflammatory process of these illnesses as they are all systemic diseases. Although plenty of research has linked these illnesses more studies are needed to determine if treating periodontal disease could help reduce the risk of developing other inflammatory diseases.

Because of this link between your oral health and overall health it’s vital to diagnose and treat periodontal disease as early as possible. To determine if you have gum disease your Periodontist will exam your gums for the early warning signs as well has how advanced the infection has become. This detailed evaluation will assist you in getting the best treatment plan possible to restore your gums to optimal health.

If you’re suffering from periodontist disease on Long Island contact Dr. Scharf for your detailed evaluation. He’s skilled in early diagnosis and treatment using a laser not a scalpel. Call today at (631) 661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com.

How many times have you heard your dentist say “Brush your teeth after every meal and make sure to visit the dentist on a regular basis? Probably plenty, but did you know that scientists are now suggesting the same thing? It turns out that scientists now see a link between inflammation of the gums, and disease in one’s body. Knowing how and why this works is beneficial for those who need a Periodontist in Long Island.

In a supplement to the Journal of Periodontology, recent discussions between healthcare professionals and dental professionals relating to inflammation of the mouth and other diseases was highlighted. A theory put forth by Periodontists, dentists who are trained in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of gum disease, is that the link between inflammation of the gums and other diseases could be an inflammatory response to bacteria in the mouth.

Diseases that are often associated with this inflammatory response include cardiovascular disease, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic kidney disease and even certain forms of cancer.

Many of the diseases associated with periodontal disease are also considered to be systemic inflammatory disorders, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic kidney disease and even certain forms of cancer. These findings suggest that inflammation itself may be the reason for the connection.

Seeing your Periodontist is suggested on a regular basis. Making sure that your mouth and gums are healthy now might alleviate pain, suffering and disease later on down the road. Periodontist stress that daily oral care, including regular brushing and flossing, and routine visits to the dentist are important factors in warding off gum disease. If gum disease develops, you should contact a dental professional, such as a Periodontist, for effective  effective treatment.

If you are in need of a Periodontist in Long Island you need to 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.

Throughout our lives we’re told many different things. Some of them are actually facts while others are purely fiction and just not true. Many of the misconceptions we’re taught to believe are perfectly safe and harmless but misconceptions about our teeth and how to care for them can cause problems that will harm and affect our teeth, mouth and smile for years. In many cases, the dental problems result in necessary visits to a periodontist. In Long Island, residents are lucky they can rely on the expertise and knowledge of Dr. David Scharf.

Dr. Scharf has made quite a name for himself throughout both Nassau County and Suffolk County Long Island for his safe and popular alternative to gum surgery as well as the care and treatment he provides his patients. It’s a well-known fact that if you need gum reconstruction, Long Island is the place to come. It’s also a great place to learn which of these dental stories we’ve heard as children are true and which or misconceptions!

Even some of the most intelligent adults in the world believe many myths they’ve either been told as children or heard somewhere. By helping to get rid of these common myths, we can prevent more people from suffering from tooth decay, gum disease, tooth loss and many other illness and infections of the mouth. It’s a known fact that over 75% of the adults over 35 years old have some sort of periodontal disease, which can lead to damage to the teeth and supporting bones. The number one reason for tooth loss is periodontal disease and dental cavities. To avoid needing gum reconstruction, Long Island periodontists can help get you on the right track to good dental care.

Some of the common myths you may have heard about oral health include:

Bleeding gums are normal. Because one of the 8 signs of gum disease is bleeding gums, your Long Island periodontist will recommend treatment immediately to eliminate this problem.

The main reason you brush your teeth is to get out food debris. Brushing and flossing every day will help prevent plaque, a major cause of gum and periodontal disease.

Poor dental care doesn’t affect your overall health. Gum infections can cause bacteria to enter your blood stream and go to major organs, causing other health problems.

Bad breath comes from poor oral hygiene. Bacteria, which cause bad breath, may be present even with good oral hygiene. A buildup of sulfur on your tongue can cause bad breath so brush your tongue as well.

Pregnant women don’t need to go to the dentist. Infections in the mother, including periodontal disease, can affect your unborn baby’s health, so continue seeing your periodontist in Long Island and give your baby every advantage!

Whether you need treatment or just a consultation with a periodontist in Long Island, contact Dr. Scharf at 631-661-6633 or visit him on the web at treats gum disease with a laser, not a scapel as an alternative to gum surgery.

Millions of Americans suffer from chronic kidney disease. It’s a debilitating disease which can affect blood pressure and can contribute to heart disease. It also affects bone health, and studies now show that kidney disease may be linked to gum disease as well. Early detection and treatment can prevent kidney disease from progressing and getting worse. If gone untreated, waste can build up in your blood and put your life at risk. Once the disease progresses dialysis or a kidney transplant may be necessary. Long-term kidney problems have significant repercussions on other illnesses. One proven method for preventing kidney disease is to visit a periodontist on Long Island to address your oral health.

According to the National Kidney Foundation, one in nine Americans has chronic kidney disease. Taking care of your gums is one way to help prevent this deadly disease. Detecting and treating periodontal disease can not only save your teeth, but your life. By treating gum disease, you will be avoiding serious health problems like chronic kidney disease. Preventative measures and proper gum care should be practiced in order to avoid gum disease. Brushing properly, flossing and regular dental visits will help keep your teeth and gums healthy and free from disease.

When bacteria in the plaque that builds up on your teeth starts to cause inflammation around your gums, that indicates the early stages of gum disease. Periodontal disease is an infection of the tissues that support your teeth, but it can be treated successfully. Gums pull away from the teeth and form pockets, resulting in bleeding and gum inflammation. Periodontal treatment on Long Island and procedures can be performed to stop further gum recession. Deep-cleaning and scaling may be performed to remove plaque and tartar. Surgery may be recommended if inflammation and deep pockets remain.

Known by his patients for his kind and gentle manner, Long Island Periodontist, Dr. David Scharf, puts his patients at ease. Specializing in gum disease treatment and periodontal therapy, Dr. Scharf’s non invasive, non surgical treatment is an innovative way to treat gum disease.

The health of your kidneys depends on the health of your mouth. Don’t neglect your gums any longer and practice good dental care. Controlling periodontal disease can save your teeth.

People residing in Suffolk and Nassau County who are looking for an alternative and searching for a Long Island periodontist who uses laser instead of a scalpel should contact Dr. Scharf at (631-661-6633) or visit his web site at http://drscharf.com