Eliminate bad breath by visiting your periodontist Long Island.

“One of the most common misconceptions is that halitosis is caused by the foods you eat,” said Gordon Douglass, D.D.S., president of the American Academy of Periodontology. “Actually, bad breath can be caused by the sulfur compounds released from our digestive process.”

Anaerobic bacteria that live within the surface of the tongue and throat break down proteins in food, blood and diseased oral tissue. When these bacteria come in contact with certain amino acids in proteins, sulfur compounds are released from the back of the tongue and throat causing your yuck mouth.

While many manufacturers promote home remedies to tame the beast, they only mask the problem or have the potential to cause more harm. The only way to rid yourself of the beastly breath is to find its source.

“The only full-proof way of eliminating halitosis is to see your periodontist or dentist to determine the cause,” said Douglass. “There could be many factors at play, such as gum disease, a dry mouth or certain medical conditions.” He added, “Many home remedies exacerbate the problem or are just temporary fixes. You should see a specialist to determine the most effective treatment.”

“People looking for a Long Island Periodontist should contact Dr. Scharf at (631) 661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com . He can treat gum disease with a laser rather than a scalpel. “

The American Academy of Periodontology asked its members for the most ineffective home remedies their patients have used to tackle yuck mouths. Excessive use of these products may lead to gum disease Long Island

1. Excessive use of mouthwash. Produces sloughy, stinky tissue that is worse than what your breath is already like.
2. Breath mints. A sweet smelling mouth doesn’t mean a healthy mouth. Long-lasting sugar candies subject teeth to acid attacks, increasing your risk for cavities.
3. Chewing gum. Chewing gum can increase salivary flow, but only masks bad breath. Try drinking water throughout the day instead.
4. Mint chew tobacco. Smokeless tobacco causes gums to recede and increases the chance of losing the bone and fibers that hold your teeth in place, and more importantly, causes oral cancer.
5. Infomercial Items. Only use items that have the ADA Seal of Approval. Unapproved items could do more harm than good.
6. Vodka martinis or sour mash whiskey. Alcohol may further the problem by making your mouth dry, whereby saliva is unable to remove oral bacteria.
7. Brushing with cleanser. Many chemicals used for household cleaning are poisonous and should not be consumed – this is one of them.
8. Intestinal cleansing methods. Bad breath does not originate from the stomach. Actually, anaerobic bacteria in your mouth produce smelly sulfur compounds that cause bad breath.
9. Rinsing with kerosene. Talk about putting your mouth on fire!
10. Tongue piercing. Anything that allows you to harbor more bacteria on your tongue, like tongue jewelry, increases your chance of bad breath.

According to a study in the Journal of Periodontology, researchers at the University of Michigan may have found how gene therapy can help restore the damage caused by advanced periodontal disease, a chronic bacterial infection that destroys the gums and bone supporting the teeth, allowing millions of Americans to keep their natural teeth for a lifetime. See your periodontist in Long Island for more information on how to avoid gum disease.

The reconstruction of lost periodontal support including bone, ligament, and cementum is a major goal of therapy. Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) have shown much potential in the regeneration of the periodontium. Limitations of BMP administration to periodontal lesions include need for highdose bolus delivery, BMP transient biological activity, and low bioavailability of factors at the wound site. Gene transfer offers promise as an alternative treatment strategy to deliver BMPs to periodontal tissues.

The main cause of periodontal disease is a hard substance called plaque, a sticky colorless film that constantly forms on the teeth. Toxins produced by bacterial plaque irritate the gums and stimulate a chronic inflammatory response in which the tissues and bone that support the teeth are broken down and damaged. Gums separate from the teeth and form deepening pockets that become infected. As the disease progresses, the pockets deepen further and more gum tissue attachment and bone are lost. Eventually, teeth can become loose and may have to be removed.

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

Gingival overgrowth is a condition in which the gingival tissues become swollen and grow over the teeth. Overgrown gums make it easier for bacteria found in plaque to accumulate and attack supporting structures of the teeth, potentially leading to severe periodontal infection. Steroid abuse may give you gum disease Long Island.

Researchers found that prolonged use of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) is closely associated with significant levels of gingival enlargement, according to a study in the Journal of Periodontology.

“It was found that AAS abusers had statistically significant levels of gingival enlargement compared to non-users, requiring a gingivectomy (removal of excess or diseased gum tissue) for many cases,” explains Onur Ozcelik, DDS, PhD, Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Periodontology, Cukurova University, Adana, Turkey. “Although it has been reported that many of the adverse effects of AAS abuse are fully reversible within several months after the cessation of the drug, it is not known if gingival enlargement would also regress after the withdrawal of AAS.”

Researchers also found that gingival inflammation was higher in the AAS user group compared to the non-AAS users. “Further studies are required to find out if increased gingival scores in the user group are a direct effect of AAS or if the inflammation is a result of compromised oral hygiene due to gingival enlargement,” said Ozcelik.

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

The study showed that all groups with insufficient Calcium intake saw an acute inflammatory reaction in periodontal tissues and disruption of the gingival epithelium, the tissues surrounding the teeth, in addition to increased attachment loss, and increased alveolar bone loss. Those groups which were lactating saw even greater attachment loss and bone loss.

“We know a high-Calcium diet can promote healthy teeth and gums,” said Dr. Preston D. Miller, DDS, President of the American Academy of Periodontology, “But this research indicates that nursing mothers should be especially conscious of having enough Calcium in their diet. While breast milk is critical to their baby’s bone development, mothers should be sure to have enough calcium, or risk bone loss in her mouth, which can worsen periodontal diseases. Given that a thorough periodontal evaluation should be done as soon as a woman finds out that she is pregnant, monitoring periodontal tissues, including more frequent cleanings during pregnancy and continuing until 3 months after delivery, will help assure periodontal health

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

Since its discovery in 1917, melatonin has been found to be involved in many biological functions such as setting the body’s sleep rhythms and fighting off free radicals that may lead to cancer and other autoimmune diseases. It may be that Melatonin could keep you from making an emergency trip to your Periodontist Long Island. The authors of this study conducted an extensive review of the literature (e.g., PubMed, Science Direct, Web ofKnowledge, etc.) to evaluate the potential effects of melatonin on the oral cavity, including: melatonin as an antioxidant and free radical scavenger; melatonin as a host modulation agent; melatonin as a promoter of bone formation; and melatonin and periodontal disease. This review found strong evidence that melatonin may play a key role in periodontal health by helping to maintain bone levels in the oral cavity through suppressing the cells that work during bone resorption, and enhancing the body’s host response to the periodontal bacteria. One of the most devastating effects of periodontal disease is bone loss in the jaw which often leads to tooth loss.

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

Periodontal or gum (gum) disease includes, including gingivitis and periodontitis. These are serious infections that if not treated can lead to tooth loss. If you think you may be suffering from gum disease keep reading this article and see your periodontist Long Island.

The word periodontal means “around the tooth.” Periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the gums and bone supporting the teeth. Periodontal disease can affect one tooth or many teeth. It begins when the bacteria in plaque (the sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth) causes the gums to become inflamed.

Respiratory Disease Research suggests that bacteria found in the throat as well as bacteria in the mouth can be drawn into the lower respiratory tract causing infections or worsening existing lung conditions. Studies are in progress to learn to what extent oral hygiene and periodontal disease may be associated with more frequent bouts of respiratory disease in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. While numerous studies point to periodontal disease as a risk factor for these health conditions, proof that treating periodontal disease will benefit overall health will come only with so-called intervention studies.

These types of studies are currently underway to answer questions such as: If periodontal disease is treated, is the patient less likely to have a premature baby? “Once this research is complete, I think we’ll begin to see a major change in how we manage patients. Medical and dental practitioners will have to work together much more closely,” said Caton. “In the meantime, taking care of your gums will definitely help prevent tooth loss, and it may make you healthier as well,” said Caton. While an estimated 35 percent of the population age 30 and over has periodontitis an advanced form of periodontal disease), many people do not even realize they have it. Periodontal disease is often silent, meaning symptoms may not appear until an advanced stage of the disease. Signals that you should visit a dentist or periodontist include:

• Bleeding gums during brushing

• Red, swollen or tender gums

• Gums that have pulled away from the teeth

• Persistent bad breath • Pus between the teeth and gums

• Loose or separating teeth

• A change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite

“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.“

Up to 30% of the population may be genetically susceptible to developing severe periodontal disease, according to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Periodontology. These findings could result in the early identification and treatment of at-risk patients.Based on this research, the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) recognizes that treatment of gum disease may involve entire families. If your family member has gingivitis, you should see a Long Island Periodontist.

Periodontal (gum) disease may be passed from parents to children and between a couple. According to an article in the September 1997 issue of the Journal of the American Dental Association, researchers suggest bacteria that cause periodontal disease pass though saliva. This means that the common contact of saliva in families puts children and couples at risk for contracting the periodontal disease of another family member. Periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss

Gingivitis and periodontitis are both form of Periodontal disease. If left untreated gingivitis and periodonti . Periodontal literally means “around the tooth.” Periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial infection that attacks the bone and sums as well as the surrounding teeth. . Periodontal disease can affect one tooth or many teeth. It begins when the bacteria in plaque (the sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth) causes the gums to become inflamed.

There are many forms of periodontitis. The most common ones include the following.

• Aggressive periodontitis occurs in patients who are otherwise clinically healthy. Common features include rapid attachment loss and bone destruction and familial aggregation.
• Chronic periodontitis results in inflammation within the supporting tissues of the teeth, progressive attachment and bone loss. This is the most frequently occurring form of periodontitis and is characterized by pocket formation and/or recession of the gingiva. It is prevalent in adults, but can occur at any age. Progression of attachment loss usually occurs slowly, but periods of rapid progression can occur.
• Periodontitis as a manifestation of systemic diseases often begins at a young age. Systemic conditions such as heart disease, respiratory disease, and diabetes are associated with this form of periodontitis.
• Necrotizing periodontal disease is an infection characterized by necrosis of gingival tissues, periodontal ligament and alveolar bone. These lesions are most commonly observed in individuals with systemic conditions such as HIV infection, malnutrition and immunosuppression.

Periodontal (gum) disease may be passed from parents to children and between a couple. According to an article in the September 1997 issue of the Journal of the American Dental Association, researchers suggest bacteria that cause periodontal disease pass though saliva. This means that the common contact of saliva in families puts children and couples at risk for contracting the periodontal disease of another family member. Periodontal disease can lead to tooth loss

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

Unsatisfactory home care seems to persist despite the fact that nearly all the periodontists surveyed reported that they or a staff member review and ask patients to demonstrate oral home care techniques either every visit or on those visits when it seems necessary. When trying to motivate and educate patients, periodontists report that mirrors, X-rays, and drawings or photos depicting periodontal disease are helpful. “I like to have the patient and spouse in the exam room and show both, with a hand mirror, the difference between healthy gums and disease. I point out plaque and pocket depths,” said Steven Uretsky, D.M.D., a private practitioner in Pittsburgh. Patients should not be afraid to ask their periodontists to help them improve their oral care techniques or to use visuals to help them understand what’s happening in their mouth, said survey participants. If you would like to see these comparisons for yourself contact your Long Island Periodontist.

An online poll conducted by the American Academy of Periodontology shows that Periodontists say that many of their patients should be doing more to protect their periodontal health. It also raises the question of are the majority of patients concerned about the health of their gums?

Periodontal disease is the main cause of tooth loss in adults. Nearly 90 percent of the 201 periodontists polled reported that flossing frequency is one of the areas of oral care that patients are most lax in, and about 61 percent reported that their patients’ flossing technique could use improvement, two essential components of an effective oral care regimen.

Good oral hygiene is necessary for healthy teeth and has also been shown to have a positive effect on the rest of the body as it relates to other illnesses. Find out more with a call or visit to your Long Island Periodontist. Dr. Scharf treats gum disease with a laser, not a scalpel, for people who need a periodontist on Long Island and want n alternative to gum surgery call Dr. Scharf at 631-661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com

If you are taking medication for acne or several other bacteria infections ou might be at risk for gaining a blue stain on your gums. The drug Mynocyclin that is used to treat acne infections also causes damage to your gums. If you have noticed a difference in your teeth then consider contacting a Periodontist in Long Island

The Journal of Periodontology upheld this information by pointing to a case study that reported that minocycline, a commonly prescribed antibiotic in the treatment of acne and rheumatoid arthritis, can cause the teeth and bone to discolor.

According to this case report, approximately three to six percent of long-term users of minocycline will develop dental staining.  Luckily the discoloration does not harm the teeth, but just like acne it can make smiling embarrassing. It causes a blackish blue tint on the gums and this can be unsightly for many.

Gordon Douglass, D.D.S. and President of the American Academy of Periodontology. States that “Periodontists have known for awhile that medical drugs can affect a person’s oral health, and this is a reminder for patients to inform their dental professionals of all medications they are taking.”

He goes on to add that “Like acne, periodontal disease can take away a person’s confidence and smile, also like acne, periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial infection. Whereas acne inflames the walls of the hair follicles causing the walls to inflame and break, periodontal disease destroys attachment fibers and supporting bone that hold the teeth into the mouth.”

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