You wake early every day, ready to tackle the day’s tasks. When it comes to tight deadlines and money pinching tactics you sure know your stuff. What you may not know is that this way of living leads to higher stress levels, and that could lead to a visit with the Chicago Periodontist.

According to a study published in the February 2009 Journal of Periodontology confirmed that stress may in fact interfere with oral hygiene with 56% of participants self-reporting personally neglecting their oral hygiene when experiencing prolonged stress levels, leaving their gums vulnerable to gum disease.

To top that the President of the American Academy of Periodontology says a stressful lifestyle makes it easy for people to abuse harmful habits such as chain smoking and drinking excessive alcohol, both being proven habits to increase risk for gum disease.

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.

Reducing Stress Can Improve the Health of Your Gums and Save You Money

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, and getting adequate sleep.

What are you waiting for? Lifestyle changes as simple as these not only reduce your risk for gum disease but they can dramatically improve your overall health as well and lower your medical expenses. So get started right away by developing a plan tailored just for you.

If you are experiencing high levels of stress consider contacting a Long Island Periodontist right away. If you’re a little uneasy about treatment options you’ll be pleased to know that Dr. Michael Marcus is skilled in early detection and treatment of periodontal disease and offers patients an alternative to traditional surgery.

Bacteria are well known for its ability to infect the body and lead to various types of illnesses. To help protect ourselves we know to wash our hands frequently, don’t share drinks and cover our mouth when we cough. Sounds simple enough right? When it comes to preventing the spread of bacteria that lead to gum disease you may need to take more measures than seeing a Chicago Periodontist.

Among the many benefits of regular brushing, rarely do we consider the spread of disease or the encouragement of gum disease hiding in those soft bristles. The fact of the matter is this should be one of our primary considerations considering that when we have an illness the bacteria often spread through our saliva. The saliva then mixes with the bristles of our toothbrush and could burrow deep down where the water doesn’t rinse it away, leaving your toothbrush to carrier of various bacteria.

In addition to the spread of illness harmful bacteria that lead to gum disease may be lurking in there too, waiting for us to swish that brush around our warm moist mouth. Once there the bacteria find the perfect environment to re-populate and begin to break down your gums.

The risk of spreading disease through your toothbrush should not deter you from regular daily brushing. Rather it should motivate you to properly maintain your toothbrush. Here are a few suggestions to get you started:

• Never share your toothbrush,
• Replace your toothbrush every 3 – 4 months,
• Don’t share or re-use disinfectants used to clean toothbrushes,
• Avoid using community toothbrush holders,
• Don’t allow your toothbrush to touch other toothbrushes
• Don’t store your toothbrush in a closed, airtight container,
• Clean the area you store your toothbrush in often,
• Store your toothbrush in an upright position and allow it to dry.

Keeping your gums healthy and preventing the spread of disease can be as simple as maintaining your toothbrush. By following a few practical tips you will be well on your way to a new, healthier you.

If you notice changes in the health of your gums schedule a detailed evaluation with your Chicago Periodontist. For patients seeking an alternative approach to treatment contact Dr. Marcus. He can treat gum disease with a laser rather than a scalpel.

In every city and on every street corner facial piercing has become the norm; most predominantly mouth piercings. Whether it’s a piercing of the tongue or lip it’s no longer a shock to see. What many don’t consider however is the impact that newly accustomed piercing plays on your visits to a Chicago Periodontist. In fact a recent case report indicates that mouth piercings can lead to gingival recession, a condition where the gums pull away from your teeth.

The case report published in the Journal of Periodontology stated that it found wearing tongue, lip or cheek piercings could lead to localized gum recession surrounding the area of the piercing. When this happens it leaves both the tooth and root exposed and more vulnerable to decay and gum disease.

The information found in this report is based on the analysis of a 26 year old female who started to notice her gums progressively receding away from her teeth soon after receiving a barbell piercing in her lip. After examining her gums it was apparent that the barbell had direct contact with the receding area and believed to be the cause. This acts as evidence that for some the desire to wear facial piercings may come at a detriment to the health of their smile.

Not only do facial piercings expose the tooth root and leave your teeth more vulnerable they also open a window of opportunity for bacterial infections. The mouth houses millions of bacteria making hygiene maintenance crucial when sporting jewelry around the mouth. Infection is common with new piercings along with swelling, increased saliva and pain.

When it comes to oral piercings it’s important to observe your mouth daily for any unusual changes such as receding gums. Additionally anyone with piercings needs to be aware of early warning signs of gum disease including:

• Red, swollen and bleeding gum
• Persistent bad breath
• Receding gums
• Loose or missing teeth

If early signs of gum disease develop seek treatment right away. For patients looking for a Chicago Periodontist who offers alternatives to traditional surgery consider contacting Dr. Marcus. He can treat gum disease with a laser rather than a scalpel.

Everyone knows that with obesity comes a plethora of health risks including heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol and many more. Just about every doctor’s office in America provides free classes on weight management, even weight loss. There are many surgeries available to help even the stubbornness of weight patients. All these things are offered to reduce health risks that will prove to be more serious than the excess weight itself. What patients may not realize is that these measures will also reduce a need for a Chicago Periodontist.

Researchers at the University of Buffalo conducted a study using 12,367 participants aged 20 to 90 years of age with 53 percent being men, 47 percent women with 43 percent of all participants being overweight. Using the results of this study, researchers found that obesity is a significant predictor of periodontal disease independent of age, gender, race, ethnicity, and smoking. Furthermore researchers found that the severity of attachment loss increased proportionally with increasing insulin resistance.

Robert Genco, vice provost at the University of Buffalo shared, “People who have a higher body mass index produce cytokines (hormone-like proteins), that lead to systemic inflammation and insulin resistance. We propose that chronic stimulation and secretion of proinflammatory cytokines associated with periodontal infection also occurs, contributing to insulin resistance, which may further predispose to diabetes mellitus.”

Battling your weight isn’t just about heart disease or cholesterol any more. This study shows a significant cause to take your weight into consideration when adopting an oral health routine. Patients who have been diagnosed with type-2 diabetes or insulin resistance and have excess weight it’s important to monitor their mouth for early signs of gum disease daily. Early signs of gum disease include:

• Frequently bleeding gums,
• Red, swollen and painful gums,
• Persistent bad breath,
• Loose or missing teeth
• A change in the way your teeth fit in your mouth.

Keeping your mouth healthy requires daily brushing and flossing, regular dental checkups and early intervention if needed. If you notice signs of gum disease and are looking for a Chicago Periodontist who can offer an alternative to traditional surgery contact Dr. Marcus. He can treat gum disease with a laser rather than a scalpel.

This video shows how gum disease can be treated by a laser, not a scalpel like a Chicago Periodontist.

Chicago Periodontist Laser Alternative to Gum Surgery – Free videos are just a click away

Not many people would consider their oral health when thinking about aging or living a longer life. Eating well, drinking plenty of water and avoiding toxins sit right at the top of a healthy life, but not brushing and flossing. Then again, if you were to ask Dr. Roizen his position on it he would tell you that regular appointments with a Chicago Periodontist will indeed lengthen your life.

In fact you may have seen Dr. Rozien on Oprah or 20/20 when he shared his plan on how healthy teeth and gums can add 6.4 years to your life. Sound unbelievable? Dr. Robert Schoor, President of the American Academy of Periodontology shares this makes sense considering that gum disease is merely a bacterial infection of the gums. This bacterium can spread through the bloodstream affecting other areas of the body and leading to health complications.

So what can you do to protect the health of your teeth and gums and invariably add years to the end of your life? First, get educated on gum disease and its development. Knowing what you’re up against will empower you to prevent it at all costs. Early signs to be mindful of include:

• Bleeding gums while brushing
• Red, swollen or tender gums
• Loose or missing teeth
• A change in the way your dentures fit
• Persistent bad breath

Second make sure you’re brushing and flossing technique are correct. When brushing the front surface of your teeth you want to hold your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle along the gum line and brush in a circular motion. Next, hold your brush vertically and move the toothbrush gently back and forth. Finally, place the toothbrush on the biting surface of your teeth and brush in a back and forth motion. Repeat for the back side of your teeth before moving on to flossing.

A proper flossing technique involves gently sliding floss in between two teeth. Then wrap the floss in a C-shape around the side of one tooth while gently sliding the floss upwards. Then repeat on the adjoining tooth before moving the floss to the next two teeth.

A few other tips recommended by the American Academy of Periodontology to ensure healthy teeth and gums include: using a soft bristled toothbrush, use a toothpaste with fluoride, use plaque staining mouth rinse to identify plaque on your teeth, and use a mouth guard while sleeping if you have a tendency of grinding your teeth.

Don’t let gum disease come between you and a long healthy life. Schedule an appointment with a Chicago Periodontist today and get off on the right track for a healthy mouth. If you’re interested in a non-evasive approach for treating gum disease Dr. Michael Marcus treats gum disease with a laser, not a scalpel.

Across the globe you’ll see news broadcasts about preventing the spread of the flu, common cold, and other viral infections that travel on tiny saliva droplets through the air. When children are diagnosed with strep and similar bacterial infections they are kept home from school and treated by their doctor in an effort to protect those around them from getting sick. How often do you hear of a need to visit a Chicago Periodontist to prevent the spread of gum disease?

According to an article published in the September 1997 issue of the Journal of Periodontology periodontal disease could be passed between family members, couples and even friends since the disease is caused by bacteria in the mouth. This bacterium can be transferred from one person to another in the saliva when sharing food, drinks, and even affection and could eventually lead to the spread of gum disease.

Something as personal as your oral care could quickly become a family matter if you don’t take extra measures to prevent spreading the disease. The easiest way to protect those you love is to maintain a healthy mouth through regular oral hygiene and dental checkups. Always be on the lookout for early signs of gum disease including;

• Red, swollen or bleeding gums
• Sore gums
• Loose or missing teeth
• Changes in the spaces between your teeth
• Persistent bad breath

If signs of periodontal disease develop take measures to help prevent spreading the bacteria to other family members until you’re seen by a Periodontist. Talk with your dentist about the possibility of having other family members evaluated for signs of gum disease as well. Early intervention means minimal complications with you and your families’ gums.

To have your gums evaluated and treated with a non-evasive approach, contact Dr. Michael Marcus. He is a Chicago Periodontist who specializes in the treatment of gum disease with a laser, not a scalpel.

Do you find yourself hiding your smile because of the appearance of your gums or teeth? Ever wish there was a plastic surgery to fix it? The good news, there is. In fact a recent survey indicates that many Americans took advantage of their tax refunds to visit a Chicago Periodontist and fix their smiles.

According to Michael Rethman the survey confirmed that one out of four Periodontists polled performed most of their periodontal plastic surgery during tax season, April through June. This just further demonstrates the growing popularity cosmetic surgery, even where your smile is concerned, is a growing trend, and for good reason.

Many of the patients who have had periodontal plastic surgery shared that they were embarrassed by their own smiles and felt uncomfortable showing their teeth when they laughed. After receiving surgery these same patients were confident with their smiling face.

But who should consider having periodontal plastic surgery? For starters patients who have an excessive amount of gum tissue often appear to have a “gummy” smile. This is often due to having short crowns on the teeth and can easily be corrected by extending the length of the crowns.

A second candidate for receiving periodontal cosmetic surgery is patients who have the opposite of a gummy smile, teeth that appear too long for their gums. A simple procedure called soft tissue graph allows a Periodontist to increase the gum line and reduce the visible crown. The end result is a beautiful smile.

A third candidate is individuals who are missing one or more of their teeth. These patients tend to avoid smiling as a result of “gaps” between their teeth. The solution is to receive dental implants. These implants are placed surgically into your jaw and serve as an anchor for an artificial tooth crown. Once complete you’ll have a full smile once again.

Regardless of why a patient is seeking periodontal cosmetic surgery there is one thing that remains, a desire to look their best when they smile. Unattractive smiles impact self-esteem and confidence in the social world. Now there is a way to change all that.

Contact a Chicago Periodontist to evaluate your needs today. For a non-evasive approach contact Dr. Michael Marcus who specializes in the treatment of gum disease with a laser, not a scalpel. Find out what Dr. Marcus can do for you.

Gum disease is characterized by red, swollen and bleeding gums, loose teeth, bone loss and receding gums. For the longest time dentists believed this to be a result of bacterial infection from plaque build-up around the gum line. Now, your doctor may team up with a Periodontist in Chicago as evidence shows that gum disease could be a systemic-inflammatory disorder that my lead to more serious health problems.

Though more research is needed to know the exact biological connection between inflammation in the gums and your overall health enough research has been done to indicate a direct connection between those suffering from periodontal disease and other health issues such as, heart disease, chronic kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and many other systemic disorders.

Inflammation is the body’s natural defense when injury occurs. Signs of inflammation include heat, pain, swelling and redness around the injury. These symptoms act as a protective barrier so the body can heal the area. While inflammation’s primary job is to protect and heal, chronic inflammation has been known to lead to a dysfunction of the infected tissue. According to Dr. Susan Karabin “gum disease is a textbook case of an inflammatory response.”

More and more dentists agree there is a connection between the mouth and body with the only gray area being exactly how it connects. Periodontists who are specially trained in the diagnosis and treatment of gum disease believe the inflammatory response to the bacteria in the mouth may be the cause behind the periodontal-systemic health link. For this reason they are encouraging patients to be on top of their oral health and for physicians to team up with Periodontists if the need arises.

To help avoid gum disease Periodontists recommend daily brushing and flossing, routine visits to a dentist and periodic evaluations with your Periodontist. If signs of gum disease do develop the patient is encouraged to update the health record with their practicing physician to better coordinate care.

For patients seeking a Periodontist in Chicago and an alternative to traditional surgery treatments for gum disease Dr. Michael Marcus treats gum disease with a laser, not a scalpel, giving you a relaxing treatment. Don’t wait another minute to have your periodontal health set in the right direction.

Today’s economy has an increased number of individuals unemployed and homeless. More and more Americans are faced with climbing financial stressors every day. Among their worries you’ll find, mortgage payments, food on the table, utility expenses, and so on. Rarely will you find someone concerned about the health of their gums. If you ask any Chicago Periodontist you’ll find that increased stress warrants increased concern over the health of your gums.

To help Americans understand how stress can effect the health of their gums David Cochran, President of the American Academy of Periodontology, says, “Stress may lead an individual to abuse tobacco or alcohol and to possibly even neglect his or her oral hygiene. These choices are known risk factors for the development of periodontal disease.”

Additionally a study was published in the February 2009 edition of Journal of Periodontology that confirmed stress may interfere with oral hygiene. The study concluded that 56% of participants self-reported they neglected their regular brushing and flossing while under an increased amount of stress.

Further evidence of this study found that cortisol is found at increased amounts during chronic stress, potentially leading to a more destructive form of gum disease.

And with gum disease comes risks for more severe health issues. A study published November 2007 in the Journal of Periodontology evaluated this exact concern and found that 21% of patients participating in the study had higher health costs as compared to participants with no periodontal disease.

Protect Your Gums from Daily Stressors

So what can you do to ensure the health of your gums? To begin it is vital to take special measures to reduce stressors in your day to day life. If you’re experiencing financial stress or unemployment keep in mind that these stresses could be causing you to neglect your oral hygiene. Pay special attention to the way you brush and floss each day to ensure your gums are getting the care they deserve.

In addition to tentative care set an appointment with your local Chicago Periodontist for a detailed evaluation of the current health of your gums. Take his recommendations seriously and follow the oral care regimen he sets up for you. The health of your gums has a definite connection to the stress and overall health in your life. Don’t let your oral care slip to the wayside.

If you’re looking to find a non-evasive treatment for your periodontist disease Dr. Michael Marcus is a Chicago Periodontist who treats gum disease using laser therapy, a safer more comfortable alternative to the scalpel. Schedule your appointment today.