Washing your hands is more important than ever. Good physical hygiene and a visit to your Long Island Periodontist will keep your mouth healthy.

To protect your toothbrush from bacteria, follow the steps listed below.

Do:

• Wash your hands before and after brushing.
• Allow the brush to air dry after each use, since the bacteria most harmful will die when exposed to oxygen.
• Store the toothbrush in an upright position, so water drains from it and it dries faster.
• Replace it every 3-4 months or sooner if the bristles appear worn or you’ve had a cold or flu to prevent possible reinfection.
• Clean the cover or container often to kill potentially harmful bacteria that could cause periodontal diseases, a serious bacterial infection that destroys the attachment fibers and supporting bone that holds teeth in the mouth.

Do not:

• Share your toothbrush. According to the CDC, the exchange of body fluids from sharing toothbrushes could increase the risk for infections.
• Re-use or share the same disinfecting solutions or mouthwashes to disinfect toothbrushes because this can lead to cross-contamination.
• Routinely cover toothbrushes or store in closed containers. This creates a humid environment that is more susceptible to bacterial growth.
• Use a community toothbrush holder. If you must, clean it often and make sure that the bristles do not touch one another.
• Touch the toothpaste tube to your toothbrush.

Dr. Scharf treats gum disease with a laser, not a scalpel, for people who need a Long Island Periodontist and 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 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

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

Tax time is coming soon and many people will use their tax returns on something personal. Plastic surgery is one of those options. If you have problems with your teeth or gums and want to improve your smile cosmetically, then a visit to your Periodontist Long Island may be in order.

According to Kevin Moore, D.M.D., restorative dentist in Clarion, Pennsylvania. “The periodontist plays an integral part in the appearance and health of the smile,” He added that “The patient cannot achieve a winning smile without the periodontist and dentist working together to reshape the gumline or remove the gum infection.”

Rethman also say that “Periodontal plastic surgery improves the smile, and is functional as well and a soft tissue graft can reduce further recession and bone loss, and in some cases reduce tooth sensitivity. Crown lengthening uncovers the tooth or teeth and improves its function since the patient can once again feel the tooth.”

Crown lengthening is a procedure to remove the excess gum tissue, thus exposing more of the “crown” of the tooth. The gum line is then sculpted (or sutured) to create the right proportion between gum tissue and tooth surface. This sets the stage, allowing your new veneers or crowns to have the correct length and shape.

Dental implants are the answer for many people with missing or damaged teeth – they look and feel just like your own teeth. Implants enhance smiles and prevent bone loss that often accompanies dentures.

If you would like to improve your smile during tax time, then visit your Periodontist 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

Everyone loves a beautiful smile. A great smile can tell a lot about a person. When you smile you show how happy, confident and sincere you actually are. However, not taking care of your teeth can have adverse effects on your smile. With proper care Long Island gum disease does not have to be a problem.

Dental health can effect your smile

A study at the University of Maryland evaluated the smiling patterns of 21 periodontal patients while viewing a segment of a comedy program. During the program researchers studied the dimensions of the patients smile at pre-determined times. They studied how wide and high the mouth opened, as well as the number of teeth that were shown. They also looked to see if the patients covered their mouths when they smiled. They then took this information and studied it against the patients periodontal health. The researchers found that periodontal, or gum disease may negatively effect an individual’s smiling patterns and deter someone from displaying positive emotions through a smile.

Author Dr. Marita R Inglehart states “Since periodontal disease is prevalent in such a large number of adults, we sought to investigate if the disease affects a person’s smiling behavior,” She adds that “Smiling plays a significant and essential role in overall well-being.

Gum disease is preventable. A happy smile is a matter of taking care of your teeth and gums with regular brushing, flossing and periodic visits to your dental health professional. Make sure to see your dentist regularly and if you suspect you have gum disease make sure to see a professional as soon as possible.

Long Island gum disease can rob you of a beautiful smile. If you are looking for a Long Island Periodontist 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.

Why are residents smiling? Americans all over the country are using their tax refunds for dental care!

Dental professionals from all over the country have been exceptionally busy through tax season. Periodontal plastic surgery has been on the rise and according to an online survey, conducted on the American Academy of Periodontology’s web site; one out of four periodontists polled said they performed periodontal plastic surgery during the months of April through June. For some the “extra” money has changed their social lives, but more importantly it’s played a significant role in their dental care, causing many residents of the area to visit their Long Island periodontist.

It’s an investment in the future of your health and your smile. Self image and confidence has been greatly improved by those having periodontal surgery. Gum recession can be reduced with surgery. Teeth have been replaced with dental implants and smiles have returned, improving the over all the health of their gums. Dental implants have changed the way people eat, speak and laugh, giving them back the quality of life they’ve lost.

Periodontal disease is serious and can lead to bone loss and cause you to loose your teeth. It can change your facial features and damage your health. Seeking to treat gum disease, Long Island residents have found they’ve been smiling more often. Gum reconstruction and other types of gum surgery improved the health of many Suffolk and Nassau County residents.

Dr. David. Scharf is the first Long Island periodontist to be trained and certified in LANAP (Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure) and has received extensive training in implantology. He’s also s a recognized expert in the field of dental implants on Long Island. He also specializes in tooth replacement, gum disease treatment and periodontal therapy. His conservative approach to gum disease treatment is done without a scalpel, without cutting and stitching, and without painful root exposure. He does it with a laser.

Don’t give up. There’s hope for those New Yorkers worried about Long Island Gum Disease. Don’t put it off any longer. Bring back your smile! Treat Gum Disease Long Island with Dr. Scharf’s amazing non surgical technique, LANAP. If you’re looking for an alternative to surgery call Dr. Scharf at (631) 661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com.

For people referred to a Chicago Periodontist who want an alternative that uses a laser, check out Dr. Michael Marcus who can treat Chicago Periodontist disease with a laser

If you are looking for a Bay area periodontist or a Silicon Valley Periodontist who uses a laser to treat Bay area Periodontist disease, call Dr. Barney Lim.