Everyone can tell you the risks of tooth decay and gum disease if they ignore proper oral hygiene practices. From as early as our toddler years we’ve heard from parents, teachers, doctors and dentists how important it was for our smile to maintain good oral hygiene. But many of us will recall a warning of oral health and increased risks of pneumonia.

Periodontists on Long Island disclose that recent studies not only link oral bacteria associated with gum disease to diabetes, kidney disease and heart disease but also show a direct link the development of pneumonia.

A study at Yale University School of Medicine noted a change in mouth bacteria of hospital patients preceding the development of pneumonia. What this tells doctors and dental practitioners is that the state of their patient’s mouths could prove to be a risk factor for pneumonia and other lung disease.

Healthy Mouth Healthy Lungs

This information couldn’t come at a better time than now. With the cold months of winter the number of patients presenting with respiratory illnesses such as pneumonia are always at an undesired high. The use of vaccines and education has long been the medical field’s efforts to reduce risks of infection. Now they happily add oral hygiene to their arsenal.

Maintaining good oral hygiene can be as simple as:

• Brushing twice a day for a full two minutes using fluoride toothpaste
• Flossing at least once a day to remove food from between your teeth
• Cut back on sugary and acidic foods and drinks
• See your dentist every 6 months for a regular check up and professional cleaning

While oral hygiene alone may not guarantee you’ll remain free of respiratory disease it’s certainly worth your efforts to give that added step in prevention.

If you would like to consult with a Periodontist on Long Island to discuss the health of your teeth and gums contact Dr. Scharf (631) 661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com. He’s skilled in the early diagnosis and treatment of gum disease using a laser, not a scalpel and he’s available to answer your questions.

When it comes to staying healthy not many people turn to a Periodontist on Long Island for advice, instead they seek out a medical doctor to provide their care.  After all your doctor keeps you health and your dentist protects your teeth and gums right?

While this is true in general your Periodontist has a larger role to play in your overall health than you give him credit for. To understand this statement let’s first take a look at how oral disease is connected to your overall health and what can be done about.

Oral Disease Impacts Your Health

Blood travels through every inch of your body, including your gums. The soft tissue of your mouth is actually porous, which allows bacteria to get into the tiny blood vessels in your gums. This is the pathway to your heart, lungs and every other organ in your body. Once the bacteria enter the bloodstream it is easily carried throughout your entire body.

To support the theory that comes with the understanding that bacteria can in fact spread from your gums to other organs perhaps we should share that the plaque found in your arteries, you know the kind that leads to heart disease, strokes or heart attacks, is the same plaque that is building up along your gum line!

Early Detection Is Key

If you really want to make sure your mouth is healthy you can’t always rely on the traditional methods of monitoring gum disease such as, bleeding gums, red or swollen gums or loose teeth. In fact a lot of the damage is done BEFORE any of these signs begin to show up.

So what can your Periodontist do for you?

• First the Periodontist has a better view of your overall mouth as well as experience in recognizing even the slightest of symptoms.
• Second taking advantage of improvements in technology they can do a saliva diagnostic test to determine of any bad bacteria are present.

While you wait to see your Periodontist there are steps you can take at home to prevent or minimize the spread of harmful bacteria including:

• Brush and floss twice a day
• Use mouthwash after flossing to help remove loose particles and kill bacteria
• Add foods known to have anti-inflammatory ingredients
• Be sure to consume plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables on a daily basis to keep your mouth as healthy as possible.

When you’re read to see a Periodontist on Long Island contact Dr. Scharf at (631) 661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com. With new and improved methods he can treat your gum disease using a laser, a non-invasive alternative to traditional scalpel surgery. Call today to learn more.

Living with diabetes can be a challenge at times, especially if you if you’re struggling with getting your blood sugar under control. It’s crucial to follow your specialist’s instructions when it comes to the amount of insulin to take and dietary recommendations but what if there is something more you could do to get your diabetes under control? It is possible that your Periodontist on Long Island may be able to help.

Studies have consistently shown a connection between your oral health and that of your body. In fact diabetes is one of the illnesses directly linked to oral disease. To further support this claim is one man’s story of years of uncontrolled diabetes that finally became manageable after removing his decaying teeth and treating oral infection.

This patient had been struggling for years to control his diabetes and get his insulin levels under control. He worked closely with his specialist with little success. In just 10 days after treating his oral infections he experienced a sudden drop in blood sugar that lead to a trip to the ER. It was soon determined that his current insulin dosage was too high.

Treating Oral Disease Lowered Blood Sugar

So what changed? For years the insulin was forced to battle both his diabetes and the oral infection. Once his dental practitioner removed the decaying teeth and treated the infection his body no longer required the high doses of insulin.

If you want to effectively manage your diabetes it’s crucial to consider the health of your mouth as well. This begins with a daily monitoring of your teeth and gums for any signs of disease including:

• Red or swollen gums
• Tender spots on your gums
• A change in the way your teeth fit in your mouth
• Gums pulling away from the teeth
• Frequent bleeding while brushing or flossing
• Persistent bad breath

If you have questions about the connection between your oral health and the management of your diabetes talk with your specialist. Ask what they think and how they feel about the need to treat gum disease and if they can give you a recommendation for a local Periodontist. Take charge of your medical care and stay ahead of your diabetes.

If you need to see a Periodontist on Long Island Dr. Scharf offers new and innovative approaches to laser therapy using a laser not a scalpel. Give him a call to discuss your needs at (631) 661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com.

Bruxism, more commonly known as teeth grinding, affects Individuals across the globe and is an increasing complaint by Americans. More and more patients are complaining of having an achy jaw or waking with stiff mouth. Both are commonly associated with bruxism and as one Periodontist on Long Island warns could lead to more serious oral complications.

Jaw pain and tightness could be a result of teeth grinding also known as bruxism, which often occurs in your sleep. But grinding can do more than just cause an achy jaw. Excessive grinding can lead to the breakdown of tooth enamel, making the tooth surface more susceptible to decay, as well as cause an inflammation in the soft tissue, which in turn opens a door for gum disease.

What Causes Bruxism?

There are four common causes for bruxism including:

• Stress
• Misaligned or broken teeth
• Neurological disorders
• Certain psychiatric medications

With the increased demand and chasing the dream lifestyle today it’s no surprise that more and more Americans are grinding their teeth while they sleep. Stress is a leading cause for tension in the muscles and your jawbone is no exception. If you live a hectic lifestyle you may want to consider developing some relaxation techniques before going to sleep at night.

Next on the list are misaligned or broken teeth. This is one of those causes that is easily identified at a regular dental exam and remedied by following the treatment plan of your dentist. If you are grinding your teeth a lot and haven’t seen a dentist in a while it’s a good idea to rule out any dental needs as soon as possible.

Then we have neurological disorders such as Huntington’s or Parkinson’s disease that can result in teeth grinding. Both diseases involve the muscle tissue where the neurological receptors in the brain begin to die, leading to involuntary twitching or movement of muscles. This could be the cause of your jaw biting down. For this reason it’s best to discuss any other possible medical symptoms you may have with your regular practitioner.

Teeth grinding is more than just grinding your teeth. The excessive pressure associated with grinding does lead to enamel breakdown and inflammation of the gums. Don’t suffer through bruxism any longer than you have to. For a Periodontist on Long Island who offers modern non-evasive techniques contact Dr. Scharf. He’s a Suffolk Periodontist trained in laser therapy techniques as an alternative to traditional surgery using a scalpel. Call today at (631) 661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com to learn more.

Regular dental check-ups help you screen against gum disease and tooth decay and are a critical part of your preventative care. During these visits you receive a detailed evaluation grouped with a dental x-ray. Thanks to advances in modern dentistry your Periodontist on Long Island has access to imaging technology that reduces exposure to radiation and provides a better x-ray.

Digital imaging is a radiograph that uses plastic holders and a small electronic sensor placed in the mouth to capture an image. Once complete the image is transferred directly to a computer for easier viewing and manipulation.

Perhaps the coolest part of digital x-rays is the ability for your dentist to zoom in on areas of concern. They can adjust lighting and view an enhanced version of the picture as well. Additionally many errors that traditionally require an x-ray re-do can be easily corrected on the computer without having to re-film your mouth.

Why Are Radiographs Important

When your dentist examines your mouth he is only able to see what’s on the surface. However a lot of oral complications begin under the surface and do not become noticeable to the naked eye unt9il their advanced stages, if at all.

To effectively evaluate your teeth, gums and bones a radiograph will be needed. Some diseases best viewed by an x-ray include:

• Small decay between the teeth
• Bone destruction from infection
• Bone loss as a result of gum disease
• Developmental abnormalities
• Certain tumors
• Effects of trauma
• Position of teeth that have not broken through the gums yet

The point of regular dental check-ups is to provide optimal care and catch disease early. Advances with digital imaging allow your dental practitioner to have a close up and accurate view of what’s going on inside your mouth.

When it’s time for your check up visit a qualified Periodontist on Long Island by contacting Dr. Scharf who specializes in modern dental practices. You can call him at (631) 661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com.

Thinking of gum disease as a public health concern may come as a surprise to many at least until you read a study published by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) disclosing that the prevalence of gum disease was originally underestimated by as much as 50% causing the CDC to state gum disease is a growing public health concern. If this new estimate is accurate then it makes perfect sense for a Periodontist on Long Island to be part of the solution for a public health concern.

Once you fully understand what gum disease is and how it impacts your oral and overall health you will quickly begin to see CDC’s concern. Gum disease is a chronic inflammatory disease in the gum tissue that begins with from plaque buildup. This plaque causes the gums to pull away from the gums leaving pockets around the base of the tooth. These pockets make perfect homes for bacteria growth that inevitably leads to inflammation.

If left untreated this inflammation leads to advanced forms of gum disease that can result in a number of health concerns such as bacterial infections in the gum, bacteria traveling in the blood stream throughout the body, increased risk for heart disease and diabetes, as well as a weakened immune state making some individuals more vulnerable to infection

Take that understanding and group it with a study completed by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey that found that the prevalence of true disease was a good 50% higher than originally thought and you have a foundation for a public health concern.

Taking Steps to Prevent Gum Disease

So how can a Suffolk Periodontist help? It all begins with a solid oral hygiene routine at home consisting of;

• Twice daily brushing and flossing
• Twice yearly dental exams that help remove plaque build-up and put a stop to early stages of gum disease before it becomes a problem
• Eating a healthy diet
• Avoiding products known to harm teeth and gums like smoking and alcohol consumption

The next steps include seeing a Periodontist each year and developing a plan for prevention. Your Periodontist will assess your oral care needs and lifestyle to assist you in making a plan you can stick with. If early signs of gum disease have already developed your plan will include an appropriate approach for treatment as well.

If you’re looking for a Periodontist on Long Island Dr. Scharf is skilled in the early detection, prevention and treatment of gum disease. If you find yourself already a victim you can breathe easy while receiving your laser treatment for gum disease. Give Dr. Scharf a call today at 631-661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com.

The majority of periodontists recommend calcium supplements and multivitamins for patients who are not getting adequate amounts from their diet. Calcium and multivitamins will help you to skip seeing your periodontist on Long Island. Many patients seem to listen to this advice. In a separate poll of consumers visiting the AAP’s website, nearly57 percent of 477 respondents said they have tried improving their diet to help improve periodontal health.

“Research has proven that people who consume inadequate amounts of calcium and vitamin C have higher rates of periodontal disease,” said Michael McGuire, D.D.S.,president of the AAP. “However, many other nutrients likely play a role in maintaining good periodontal health too.”

Conversely, some foods are best avoided to maintain good periodontal health. The top culprit chosen by periodontists was popcorn, because the husks can get caught in between the teeth and gums and cause abscesses.

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

When you smile do you feel like people are staring at your teeth and gums? For some individuals their smiles display excessive gummy tissue that is unattractive to look at. For others their gums may be pulled noticeably off of their teeth, making them not so pleasant to look at. Either scenario will leave you displaying only a closed mouth smile. That is at least until you discover how beautiful your smile truly can be with a Periodontist Long Island.

According to a poll conducted on the American Academy of Periodontology’s website about one in four people complain of having a smile that is too gummy or teeth that appear too long.  Yet only 26% of them were aware of procedures to correct these issues.  That would make cosmetic periodontal procedures one of America’s beauty secrets lurking behind beautiful smiles!

Periodontal Cosmetic Surgery Procedures

For excessive gum tissue your Periodontist can perform crown lengthening procedures that recontour excess gum and bone to expose more of the natural tooth. Once this procedure is complete the tooth is ready for the crown to be placed giving you a longer tooth with less gum tissue.

If your teeth appear too long your Periodontist can perform a soft tissue graft. This procedure covers exposed roots with gum tissue from another source providing a more attractive smile while simultaneously offering protection of the exposed roots from decay.

These procedures are growing more popular in periodontal practices with 67% of Periodontists reporting an increase in cosmetic periodontal procedures over the last five years. But after discovering that new and improved smile you’ll want to be sure to keep it healthy by visiting your Periodontist regularly.

People looking for a Periodontist Long Island 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 and is skilled in the area of periodontal cosmetic surgery.

Acne is one of those things that can lead many people to seek aggressive treatments to clear up their skin as quickly as possible. The blemishes are not only embarrassing but often times painful as well. When seeking treatment for acne it may be advisable to consult with a Periodontist on Long Island before taking prescribed medications.

When it comes to acne treatment dermatologists commonly prescribe minocycline since it has proven affective in multiple cases. However effective minocycline is in treating acne it may come at a price. The Journal of Periodontology published a report that stated minocycline can cause the teeth and bone to discolor, which may cause your gum tissue to appear blackish-blue in color.

Mayo Clinic researchers evaluated a 29-year old female when her gums had a dramatic blue appearance. After reviewing her medical history they discovered she had been treating acne with minocycline for 17 months and researchers cautioned her on continuing to use this medication.

They stated that discoloration of the gum tissue is not the only thing she had to worry about. If she was to continue using this medication she might experience discoloration in her teeth as well, which may not resolve after discontinuing the medication.

Oral discoloration occurs when the periodontal bone becomes discolored and shows through the gum tissue as a blackish-blue. While having acne can have a detrimental impact on your confidence and smile imagine the impact if your teeth and gums were a tint of blue!

Oral Discoloration and Gum Disease

Although the discoloration itself will not harm the teeth or gum tissue it wouldn’t hurt to visit a dentist to help ensure the health of your gums. Periodontists and dental practitioners have known for a while about the impacts of medications and oral health. One example is medications that cause dry mouth, which can damage the gum tissue and possibly lead to periodontal disease.

When you are using any kind of medication therapy it is a good idea to monitor the condition of your teeth and gums for early warning signs of periodontal disease which may include, persistent bad breath, receding gums, loose teeth, bleeding, red and swollen gums, and a change in the way your teeth fit together.

To help prepare for your dental visit write down all the medications you are currently taking as well as the dose to better assist the dentist in evaluating your situation. If your evaluation shows signs of periodontal disease caused by your medications or otherwise you will probably be referred to a Periodontist in your area for treatment.
If you’ve been referred to a Periodontist on Long Island Dr. Scharf treats gum disease with a laser, not a scalpel. If you’re looking for an alternative approach to your periodontal care call Dr. Scharf at 631-661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com.

You read correctly. According to a study published in the Journal of Periodontology chronic kidney disease, a debilitating disease than can eventually lead to heart disease or even kidney failure, appears to be more prevalent among endentulous, or toothless adults. Rationale; untreated periodontal disease leads to a chronic inflammation often resulting in tooth loss; CKD is a known inflammatory disease. This knowledge makes your Periodontist on Long Island an important part of your health care team.

The study examined kidney function and periodontal indicators including dentate status of adults 40 and older. After accounting for other risk factors of CKD the results showed that participants who lost all their teeth were more likely to have CKD when compared to patients who had all their natural teeth.

Combating Gum Disease to Reduce Risks of CKD

To help reduce the risk of chronic kidney disease and other inflammatory illnesses may very well be as simple as proper oral hygiene. Begin a good oral routine and stick to it. For optimal health your routine should include brushing and flossing twice a day, regular dental checkups, eating a healthy diet and drinking plenty of water. If you notice signs of gum disease remember that early treatment is crucial. Early warning signs may include:

• Red, swollen or bleeding gums
• Gums pulling away from the teeth
• Persistent bad breath
• Loose or missing teeth
• Changes in the way your teeth fit in your mouth

If you’re in need of a Periodontist on Long Island who offers alternatives to traditional surgery contact Dr. Scharf. He treats gum disease with a laser, not a scalpel. Call Dr. Scharf at 631-661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com for more information.