Posts Tagged ‘what is gum disease’

Long Island gum disease may be prevalent in children

Thursday, November 18th, 2010

Long Island Gum Disease may be prevalent in children. Common dental problems seen in children are cavities and gingivitis, which is found in the majority of U.S. children. “When these problems are not caught early and treated, they can develop into more severe problems and cause unnecessary suffering,” said McGuire. “However, much of the time, oral problems are avoidable problems.”

“According to the Surgeon General’s Report, about 37 percent of children have not had a dental visit before starting school,” said McGuire. “When children don’t see dental professionals they miss the opportunity to have problems caught early before they escalate into larger, more expensive problems to treat, and parents miss the opportunity to learn how to promote good oral habits in their children.”

National Children’s Dental Health Month is in February , but it is important to take care of children’s teeth on a daily basis. The first comprehensive study on the nation’s oral health released by the Office of the U.S. Surgeon General calls dental and oral diseases a “silent epidemic,” even in children. The report states that more than 51 million school hours are lost each year to dental-related illness. In fact, another study pointed to dental care as the most prevalent unmet health need among American children.

Dr. Scharf treats gum disease with a laser, not a scalpel, for people who 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

Not taking care of your teeth may lead to a visit with your Long Island Periodontist

Monday, November 1st, 2010

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 Acne medication is discoloring your gums see a Periodontist in Long Island

Monday, October 25th, 2010

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

Your Long Island Periodontist Can Help You Live Healthier

Sunday, April 25th, 2010

Importance of Healthy Teeth and Gums

Not many people realize that healthy teeth and gums will provide you with more than just a great smile and fewer trips to the dentist. Periodontal (gum) disease is an infection of the gums. Periodontal disease can develop from a number of reasons from poor brushing and flossing, stress, pregnancy, smoking and genetics. Because periodontal disease is a bacterial infection, the bacteria can get into your bloodstream as well as other organs in your body, causing serious health problems. In Long Island, your periodontist can help you learn good dental habits to prevent periodontal disease as well as provide treatment for any periodontal disease that may be already present.

Flossing Can Add Years to Your Life

Long Island Periodontist Dr. David Scharf provides excellent service to Suffolk and Nassau County residents by providing them with best methods to ensure their teeth and gums remain healthy as well as keeping them informed of the seriousness that can result from periodontal disease. One thing that is stressed is the importance of flossing your teeth. In fact, flossing is right along with serious measures like reducing stress or quitting smoking when it comes to things we can do to add years our life. A great start is regular flossing.

Problems that Periodontal Disease May Cause

Periodontal disease can manifest itself in many ways and cause many serious problems such as diabetes, heart disease, underweight or premature births, respiratory problems and more. Often the symptoms of periodontal disease go unnoticed unless they’re obvious like bleeding gums. Long Island residents are ensured of getting not only fast but effective treatment if they make an appointment at the first sign of a problem. If patients are not sure how to treat gum disease, Long Island is lucky enough to have the excellent services of Dr. Scharf, whose experience and expertise has helped many through the years.

Preventative Measures Are As Important as Treatment

Although certain people are more susceptible to developing gum disease than others, there are preventative measure we can all take to avoid developing periodontal disease and possibly losing years off our life

• Use the right kind of tooth brush. Although your Suffolk County dental clinic may be able to recommend or give you a toothbrush, they’ll most often recommend a soft-bristled brush and suggest it be replaced at least every couple of months.
• Brush your teeth properly with toothpaste with fluoride. Use slow circular motions with the brush keeping your brush at a 45-degree angle making sure you get every tooth.
• Avoid smoking or alcohol
• Get regular cleaning
• Watch for signs of periodontal diseases.
If you’re in doubt, Dr. Scharf, Long Island Periodontist can advise you on ways to check your teeth yourself. If you do feel you need treatment, you can contact Dr. Scharf at 631-661-6633 or visit his website at http://drscharf.com. Dr. Scharf uses a laser for gum disease rather than a scalpel.

Long Island Periodontist Reveals the Secret to Treating Gum Disease with a Laser

Saturday, April 11th, 2009

Long Island Periodontist Dr. David Scharf can treat gum disease with a laser rather than a scalpel. For people who need a periodontist on Long Island this is a real breakthrough. Here is the latest video from youtube.