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.

Good oral hygiene puts individuals on a direct path to preventing gum disease and tooth decay. By practicing good techniques patients can reduce risks of inflammation of the gums, cavities in the teeth and deterioration overall. While all these practices traditionally satisfy the needs of the Periodontist on Long Island new researcher shows evidence that your regular doctors will be pleased as well.

Research has long suggested a link between gum disease and chronic health issues such as heart disease, stroke and even diabetes but why the link existed seemed to elude many researchers. Now, more targeted studies have led to a new theory that it is the inflammation that may link the mouth and body.

To better understand let’s take a closer look at inflammation. The role of inflammation is to aid the body in the healing process. It is the body’s instinctive reaction to fight off infection, guard against injury, or shield against irritation. Unfortunately, over time this once beneficial inflammation can become harmful and lead to dysfunction of the infected tissue. This in turn leads to more severe health complications.

Inflammation in the mouth appears to be no different than inflammation in other areas of the body. For so long dental practitioners believed that gum disease was solely the result of a bacterial infection caused by a build-up of plaque between teeth and under the gums. Researchers now suspect that the more severe symptoms like swollen and bleeding gums, recession around the gum line and bone deterioration are more likely caused by chronic inflammatory response to the bacterial infection.

Periodontists have used this research data to hypothesize that it is this inflammatory response in the mouth that is the cause behind the periodontal-systemic health link. The reason for this theory is because many of the diseases associated with periodontal disease are also systemic inflammatory disorders. Some of these diseases include cardiovascular disease, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic kidney disease and certain forms of cancer.

Protecting Your Health through Oral Hygiene

So what can you do to keep your body healthy? For starters consider having a detailed periodontal exam completed so you can have a base point and know where you stand in terms of the current health of your teeth and gums. Then discuss what oral hygiene regimen is best for your situation. In the meantime here are a few general practices you can take while waiting for your evaluation:

• Brush and floss twice daily
• Ensure you are brushing the complete surface of your teeth. On average it should take roughly 2 minutes to complete brushing when done properly
• Ensure flossing all surfaces of each tooth using the ‘c’ shape around each side of the tooth
• Observe your mouth daily for unusual changes and have anything new looked at immediately

When it comes to the health of your gums you’re not only saving your teeth, you could be saving yourself a long life of more serious health complications. Take charge of your oral health today! People looking for a Periodontist on 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.

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.

Gum disease isn’t just about your gums anymore. According to a new study published in the Journal of Periodontology there may be a direct link between periodontal disease and prediabetes. With 54 million people in the United States showing signs of prediabetes the link between Long Island gum disease and prediabetes is more than just a little unsettling.

Prediabetes is a condition where your blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be classified as diabetes. Out of the 54 million people with prediabetes the American Diabetes Association estimates that a significant number of them will develop Type 2 diabetes within 10 years.

Controlling both Gum Disease and Prediabetes

The studies found that having periodontal disease can alter your metabolic conditions. This is believed to be what leads to prediabetes and the progression to Type 2 diabetes. This makes having regular periodontal exams a top priority whether or not you have prediabetes!

The best way to learn proper care of your gums is to work closely with a Periodontist. He can thoroughly evaluate the current health of your gums and assist you in developing the right plan of action tailored just for you.

Keeping your gums healthy at home is as simple as following a few practical guidelines:

• Brush at least twice a day
• Include daily flossing after your brush to clean between your teeth and along the gum line
• Keep your regular dental check-ups and cleanings
• Have a regular periodontal evaluation to monitor the health of your gums
• Observe your mouth for any unusual changes to your teeth or gums
• Schedule an appointment with a Periodontist or trained practitioner as soon as possible if you notice any signs of gum disease

Patients who are looking for a Periodontist to help monitor progression of Long Island gum disease 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.

Periodontal disease attacks the soft tissue in your mouth affecting millions of Americans daily, often resulting in a need for a Periodontist Long Island. As patients struggle through treatment plans many find themselves thinking how much simpler things would be if they had followed a few preventative measures from the start. Now, thanks to a recent study this just got easier.

The study evaluated 1,775 patients who had 3,694 teeth extracted in an effort to determine commonalities between each patient have lost teeth. What they found was that more teeth per patient were lost as a result of gum disease than any other cause with periodontal disease accounting for the majority of extracted teeth in patients over 35.

Using data they compiled six risk factors that increase your chances for developing gum disease:

1. Age – where the majority of missing teeth in patients over 35 can be attributed to gum disease
2. Gender – with the greater proportion of patients who lost their teeth due to periodontal disease were men
3. Smoking – both current and past smokers accounted for 31 percent
4. Lack of professional maintenance – out of the total number of patients studied 39 percent of them stated that they had never had a periodontal visit
5. Inadequate oral hygiene – out of the patients evaluated only 16 percent reported brushing two or more times daily and 60 percent reported they either never brushed or used a tooth brush irregularly
6. Health factors - diabetes mellitus, hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis, and anterior tooth type

Regular brushing and flossing may be your most powerful tool in prevention but won’t do the job alone. Keeping your regular dental appointments and adding in a regular periodontal exam will help keep you in the lead of harmful bacteria that causes gum disease. Additionally closely observe your mouth each day for early signs of gum disease including; red or swollen gums, persistent bad breath, loose teeth, and gums pulling away from your teeth.

Prevention is always easier than treatment. Educate yourself on how to best prevent gum disease and then take action immediately. But don’t beat yourself up if you start to notice signs of gum disease. Instead remember early intervention is critical.

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

As women we treasure every moment, especially in our later years. But when menopause hits our treasures seem to lower a bit. Dealing with hot flashes, mood swings and osteoporosis is bad enough, however according to a recent study increased risks for gum disease may send you packing to a Periodontist on Long Island.

This study was published in the Journal of Periodontology and shared that periodontal disease may be another factor of menopause women are faced with. It examined the claim that estrogen deficiency and osteoporosis speed the process of bone loss following menopause, which may lead to tooth loss, making it important for women entering menopause to take a few extra measures in maintaining a healthy

Researchers evaluated estrogens role in gum inflammation and found that estrogen supplementation might reduce inflammation of the gums and frequency of attachment loss in women showing signs of osteoporosis, a common ingredient of menopause, to help protect that natural smile.

The study also showed that women who entered menopause and took estrogen supplements had lower risks for osteoporosis, which in turn leads to a lower risk of periodontal disease. Estrogen is a common supplement provided to women with menopause to help reduce the risk of osteoporosis, alleviate common menopause symptoms and reduce the risk for coronary artery disease.

In addition to estrogen supplements women should be sure to keep all regular dental check-ups throughout the year. It is also a good idea to receive regular periodontal evaluations for early detection and treatment if the need should arise.

People looking for a Periodontist on 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.

Fear is as natural to mankind as breathing, beginning as early as a few days old. Loud noises startle infants, barking dogs make toddlers cry and the dark will keep the average preschooler awake at night. A recent poll conducted by the American Academy of Periodontology indicated an even larger fear shared by Americans, a trip to the Periodontist Long Island for periodontal treatment.

Ironically this fear seems to be completely unjustified with less than 10% of patients actually experiencing any discomfort with their treatments. Out of 164 Periodontists polled, three quarters of them indicated that the majority of their patients reported no discomfort at all during treatment.

For most the origin of their fear comes from hearing about a friend or family member’s bad experience from 10 or more years ago, however advances in treating periodontal disease more comfortably make these “old” claims null and void.

Periodontists throughout the United States have taken measures over the years to help ensure a more comfortable treatment for all involved including improved methods of anesthesia, less evasive treatment plans and a thorough understanding of their patients’ anxiety and individual needs.

Gum disease is nothing to ignore since it can eventually lead to the loss of all your teeth. So put your fears behind you and schedule a periodontal exam with a Periodontist Long Island right away.

For patients who want to be sure they are receiving a comfortable treatment call Dr. Scharf. He 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.

Battling Long Island gum disease in and of itself is a daunting task that demands discipline in the home and at the Periodontist’s office. In an effort to regain a healthy mouth individuals fighting gum disease have to agree to a rigorous treatment plan and then follow through. If you’re also suffering from depression the burden of recovering a healthy mouth may be harder to obtain.

In fact the Journal of Periodontology published a study that observed patients over the course of a year and found that those with depression were twice as likely to have sub-optimal results when compared to those without depression. That’s a number worth paying attention to.

The study included 697 patients with 85 of them being diagnosed with some type of depression. Each patient had at least three diseased sites in the mouth with an equivalent depth. The patients were monitored from the initial evaluation until the follow-up one-year later. The results showed that 7.4 percent of mentally healthy patients showed improvement where only 4.7 percent of the depressed patients showed improvement.

But what does depression have to do with the health of your gums? Simply put one major reason depressed patients show a less than optimal result is due to their attitude towards treatment. If they are feeling overwhelmed or anxious about the work ahead it could dramatically impact their commitment and cooperation at home. Equally there is a high likelihood of continued smoking as well as the possibility of having an impaired immune system.

The health of your gums plays a huge a role in the life of your teeth and naturally beautiful smile. Gum disease attacks the soft tissue inside your mouth and beginning with plaque build-up. As the disease progresses pockets form around the tooth exposing root and leading to tooth decay or tooth

Treatment of gum disease, especially at advanced stages, is often extensive and requires a commitment from both the patient and the Periodontist. If you’re dealing with depression it’s important to discuss this with your Periodontist so necessary changes can be made to your treatment plan to ensure success.

If you’re faced with the overwhelming task of fighting Long Island gum disease don’t let the treatment add to your anxiety. 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 providing you with a calm more relaxing treatment.

As you stand in front of the bathroom mirror during your regular oral hygiene routine you notice an unusual bump growing on your gum line. You take a closer look in an effort to identify the lump on your own momentarily before considering a need for a detailed periodontal exam with a Periodontist on Long Island.

While most bumps or blisters in the mouth require little to no attention there are those rare occasions that something more could be going on in there. For example consider a case featured in the Journal of Periodontology where a 48-yr old man found a lump on his gums and decided to have an exam done at the University’s dental school.

The growth was identified after a biopsy as squamous cell carcinoma and was surgically removed by removing the gum tissue and part of the jawbone. The area was then repaired using bone graft tissue. For this gentleman finding the oral cancer was a blessing since it revealed a rare systemic disease known as Protein S deficiency that could have later threatened his life unexpectedly after failing to heal correctly.

Regular periodontal exams could do more than keep your gums healthy, it could end up saving your life. To best ensure your health monitor your gums daily for signs of early gum disease including; bleeding gums while brushing or flossing, red or swollen gums, persistent bad breath and loose or missing teeth. In addition to monitoring your mouth for changes have a periodontal exam done on a regular basis and discuss any unusual changes with your dental practitioner right away.

Your gums and your body deserve the best treatment they can get. If you’ve been referred to a Periodontist on Long Island Dr. Scharf treats gum disease with a laser, not a scalpel, giving patients an alternative to gum surgery. Call Dr. Scharf at 631-661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com.

Gum disease is an inflammatory response to a bacterial infection in your mouth. It begins when plaque builds-up around your teeth forming deep pockets along the gum line. This bacterium then begins to repopulate in those pockets causing chronic inflammation. It would seem however that Long Island gum disease isn’t the only thing this bacteria leads to. According to two recent studies this bacteria may actually have a trickle affect right down to your heart.

Two studies published in the Journal of Periodontology provide support to this claim where in one study researchers evaluated 150 individuals with periodontal disease. They found that those who suffered from a heart attack had higher levels of bacteria growing in those deep pockets.

The second study looked at the DNA of the bacteria residing in the plaque and found the exact same DNA in the individuals’ heart arteries. The matching DNA from mouth to heart was consistent with different types of periodontal bacteria strengthening the claim that periodontal disease can lead to heart disease.

To better understand how bacteria in your mouth can in fact impact your heart let’s take a closer look at those deep pockets where the bacteria originates. Surrounding those pockets are tiny pores. On one side of those pores lies all the bacteria while on the other your blood flows freely.

To start with the pores are too tiny for anything to pass through them. But as the bacterial infection gets worse it leads to inflammation in the gums, causing the pores to become larger. They are now large enough for the microscopic bacteria to fit through and enter the blood stream, catching a ride to every organ in your body including the heart.

When it comes to the health of your mouth you’re not just taking chances with your teeth. Rather you’re taking chances with the health of your heart, among other organs. If you notice pockets forming around your teeth, visible as gums pulling away, contact a local Periodontist right away.

If you’re looking for an alternative treatment for Long Island gum disease 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.