Gum disease attacks millions of Americans each year, leaving them wishing they had taken appropriate steps to avoid the Periodontist Long Island. Now, thanks to a recent study Americans can have the upper hand when it comes to gum disease.

1,775 patients, who had 3,694 teeth extracted, were evaluated in an effort to determine commonalities between each patient experiencing tooth loss. 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.

This data was used to compile six risk factors that increase your chances for developing gum disease. These factors include:

1. Age
2. Gender
3. Smoking
4. Lack of professional maintenance
5. Inadequate oral
6. Health factors

Know what factors increase your risks can empower you to stay ahead of your oral health. 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.

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 signs of gum disease develop Dr. Michael Marcus treats gum disease with a laser, not a scalpel. This is great news for people who have been referred to a Periodontist Chicago and are interested in an alternative to surgery.

Are you afraid of the dark? What about fear of cats or dogs? Both of these fears are common across America; however they aren’t the only fears taunting the adult population. According to a recent poll conducted by the American Academy of Periodontology many Americans share a fear of visiting the Periodontist Long Island for a treatment.

As popular as this fear is it appears 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.

With so few patients ever experiencing discomfort where does this fear come from? It would seem the majority of fears originate from stories shared by family and friends who received treatments 10 years earlier, with little awareness that the advances in dentistry has paved a new road for today’s patients.

Advances with modern dentistry has allowed Periodontists country wide to offer less evasive treatment plans. Stay on the lookout for early warning signs of gum disease including:

• Bleeding while brushing and flossing
• Red or swollen gums
• Loose or missing teeth
• Persistent bad breath
• Changes in the way your teeth fit in your mouth

Don’t let fear keep you from having a healthy smile. If you’re experiencing anxieties when thinking about periodontal treatment rest assured knowing there are less evasive options available today. For patients who want to be sure they are receiving a comfortable treatment Dr. Michael Marcus is a Periodontist Chicago who treats gum disease with a laser, not a scalpel.

Gum disease comes with many different symptoms, including potential tooth loss and often leaves sufferers concerned about the long-term health of their teeth. To the hope of many a recent study published in the Journal of Periodontology showed improved prognosis when it comes to keeping your teeth following periodontal surgery compared to other treatment methods.

The study evaluated the outcome of three different treatment options for patients with moderate to severe periodontal disease including surgical treatment, non-surgical treatment or no treatment at all, where forty-eight percent of the teeth receiving the surgical treatment showed improved prognosis compared to only 12% for either of the other two options. Additionally the study revealed that 35% of the teeth that did not receive any treatment actually worsened in prognosis.

Study author Stephen Harrel points out that the results of this study are very important for patients who want to keep their teeth for a lifetime, sharing that it’s essential for patients to understand that optimal results are not always possible with non-surgical methods used, and with no treatment.

When it comes to keeping your smile beautiful be as informed as possible. To help keep your teeth at their best for a lifetime consider practicing a few simple oral hygiene routines including;

• Brush daily using a medium or soft bristled brush,
• Floss using proper technique ensuring to clean every surface of your teeth and gum line,
• Eat a healthy diet and drink plenty of water,
• Keep scheduled cleanings every 6 months with your dentist,
• Have regular periodontal exams

As an extra measure observe your mouth daily for early warning signs of gum disease that may include: red or swollen gums, bleeding while brushing or flossing, persistent bad breath, loose or missing teeth. If you notice any unusual changes and need to see a Periodontist Chicago, contact Dr. Michael Marcus. He can effectively treat gum disease with a laser, not a scalpel.

Have you noticed a change in your gums and how the sit around your teeth? If so you could be looking at the start of a receded gum line. If your gums are receding it’s crucial that you see a Periodontist Chicago as early as possible to discuss possible treatment options. However if you’re a smoker be prepared to have to give up those cigarettes!

It’s no surprise to smokers for a dentist to recommend avoiding smoking right after treatment. But to encourage a complete cessation may come as a surprise to many. But when it comes to corrective periodontal treatment plans continued smoking could result in a complete repeat of your original complaint, receded gums.

A recent study published in the Journal of Periodontology demonstrated significant evidence that smokers who continue smoking after receiving corrective procedures were 50% more likely to have their gums recede again, possibly even back to where they started.

It’s not the receded gums themselves that are impacted by the smoking. Rather it comes from the body’s impaired ability to fully and efficiently recover from the surgery involved with correcting the exposed tooth root, a procedure that is critical for the long-term health of the tooth.

When the gums have pulled away from the tooth more of the root is exposed leaving the tooth vulnerable to disease and decay. Whether the recession is caused by bacteria or some other cause the Periodontist begins by treating the source of the recession. This is then followed by a procedure to recover the tooth root to help ensure the health of that tooth.

Receded gums are nothing to glance at. In fact they could be the difference between losing your teeth and keeping your beautiful smile. If you’ve noticed a change in your gums and need a Periodontist Chicago who can treat gum disease with a laser contact Dr. Michael Marcus and schedule your appointment today.

Have you ever wondered whether or not your diet had an impact on your periodontal health? For some, diet never crosses the mind when thinking about the health of their smile. Rather the focus is frequently on proper brushing and flossing, regular dental check-ups and early intervention. For these individuals it may come as a surprise that what they eat could dictate a need, or lack thereof, for a Chicago Periodontist.

According to a recent study published in the Journal of Periodontology diet plays a significant role in the health of your gums. In fact the study reported that people who consumed low levels of calcium were twice as likely to develop periodontal disease and those with low levels of vitamin C had nearly one and one half times the risk for developing severe gingivitis.

Are you curious to know how these two dietary factors can impact your oral health? That’s simple; calcium is needed for the health of your bones and muscles. It helps develop stronger bones as well as improve the muscles ability to contract. Vitamin C is a proven antioxidant that boosts the body’s ability to fight off infection. It aids in maintaining and repairing healthy connective tissue in the body as well.

To ensure maximum benefit it is recommended to consume a daily intake of 500mg of calcium and 60ms of vitamin C each day. The best way to eat a healthy source is through your diet, however supplements are available and work great if you diet lacks either.

Vitamin C and calcium are not the only two dietary factors the study found to have a significant role in oral health; diabetics with uncontrolled diabetes can lead to periodontal disease. Diabetics are strongly encouraged to limit sugar intake and drink plenty of water to keep the mouth moist and ward of disease.

The health of your mouth is up to you. By following a few simple dietary guidelines you can help reduce the risk of infection and maintain your beautiful smile. If you notice signs of periodontal disease it’s important to contact a Periodontist Chicago as soon as possible. Dr. Marcus treats gum disease with a laser rather than a scalpel providing patients with an alternative to traditional surgery.

Taking care of your gums should be one of your top priorities, but you may not know what you can do to improve your body’s natural ability to prevent gum disease. If you take a moment to talk with your Periodontist Chicago you may be surprised to hear what he recommends.

Everyone knows the basic approach to preventing gum disease; daily brushing and flossing, proper diet, avoiding tobacco and alcohol, and keeping regular dental check-ups. According to a study published in the Journal of Periodontology there is one simple way to help reduce the risks of gum disease naturally, vitamin C.

The study observed 12,419 U.S. adults to analyze vitamin C intake and periodontal disease indicators. They found that those consuming less than half of the daily recommended intake of vitamin C were nearly one and a half times more likely to develop severe gingivitis.

Researcher Robert Genco shared that, “Periodontal disease is an inflammatory disorder that increases tissue damage and loss. Since vitamin C is known as a powerful scavenger of reactive oxygen species, which form part of the body’s antioxidant defense system, low levels of dietary vitamin C may compromise the body’s ability to neutralize these tissue destructive oxidants.”

While you’re looking at the benefits of vitamin C it’s important to consider two other factors that can have a dramatic impact on the overall health of your gums;

Researchers also found that cigarette smoke actually lowers vitamin C in your blood, placing smokers at a higher risk of vitamin C deficiency and increasing the risk of gum disease. In light of additional research it’s been found that consuming an adequate amount of calcium helps to reduce the risks of gum disease and tooth loss as well.

Above all else it’s important to remember that gum disease is actually caused by bacteria growing in the mouth. While vitamin C can help your body fight periodontal disease it’s crucial to have the infection treated by a trained practitioner to ensure a full recovery. People looking for a Periodontist Chicago should contact Dr. Marcus. He can treat gum disease with a laser rather than a scalpel.

Melatonin is one of those supplements that is commonly used to help regulate sleep patterns naturally. If you have trouble falling asleep, many doctors will recommend adding melatonin. In fact melatonin has been found to be involved in fighting off free radicals that could lead to cancer as well as other autoimmune disorders. And now, this amazing supplement has been found to help promote bone function and stimulate the body’s immune response, two factors that can keep you away from the Periodontist Chicago.

A June publication of the Journal of Periodontology published a study, which found strong evidence that melatonin actually helped maintain bone levels in the mouth through suppressing the cells that work during bone resorption and enhancing the body’s host response to periodontal bacteria. To make this natural hormone even more effective it has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidants that improve the body’s immune system, helping fight off gum disease.

For this to make sense to you it may be necessary to fully understand exactly what gum disease is. Gum disease is a serve inflammation of the soft tissue in the mouth caused by bacteria. As the bacterium grows in your mouth it leads to gums that have pulled away from your teeth, bleeding while you brush and floss, persistent bad breath, loose or missing teeth, and a change in the way your teeth fit in your mouth.

Understanding that periodontal disease is actually inflammation resulting from a bacterial infection it becomes easy to understand how melatonin can help reduce the risks of gum disease.

Even though melatonin is a natural occurring hormone in your body it doesn’t give you a free pass on taking care of your gums. Maintaining a healthy mouth involves daily brushing, flossing and eating healthy.

If you have a higher risk of periodontal disease you can add melatonin to your daily supplements to help boost your systems response to gum disease. Additionally you can take these extra steps to protect your gums:

• Brush and floss daily
• Keep regular dental check-ups
• Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet
• Avoid tobacco and alcohol products
• Consume dairy products on a regular basis
• Use a rinse to ensure complete plaque removal

If you notice early signs of periodontal disease you should seek periodontal care immediately. If you need a Periodontist Chicago Dr. Michael Marcus treats gum disease with a laser, not a scalpel. Give him a call for a non-evasive approach to gum disease.

If you’re noticing signs of gum disease you may not think it’s really that important to see a Periodontist Chicago. After all you can simply pick up some Listerine at the store and kill germs that way right? You figure you will improve your brushing and flossing for a while and things will be just fine. The harsh reality is, it’s not just your mouth you’re taking chances with. In fact, research has shown that gum disease can lead to more serious health concerns.

There are four major areas that periodontal disease has been shown to have a negative impact. Those areas include heart disease, diabetes, preterm labor, and respiratory disease. The reason is believed to be caused by the bacteria traveling from your mouth to other parts of the body and causing infection or exacerbating existing conditions.

The health of your heart can be affected by bacterium traveling through the bloodstream as well. Research has indicated that these traveling bacteria can foster blood clots and clogged arteries. Additionally, if you have an existing heart condition periodontal disease has been linked to exacerbating the condition.

If you’re a diabetic you may want to pay special attention to your gums during your normal oral care. Researchers have found that diabetics are more susceptible to getting gum disease over patients without diabetes. And, once you have gum disease it can make it harder to control your blood sugar. This is believed to be due to indications that gum disease tends to raise blood sugar on its own.

Patients with chronic respiratory disease should be especially mindful of the impact gum disease could have on their health. The bacteria from the mouth and throat can easily travel to the respiratory tract, further aggravating existing respiratory illness. Researchers are also studying the connection between periodontal disease and the frequency of respiratory infections to see if there may be a connection.

Pregnant women who develop gum disease should seek periodontal treatment as soon as possible. It has been shown that bacteria can spread through the blood and possibly impact the health of your unborn baby. Additionally, pregnant women with gum disease are seven times more likely to have preterm labor and low birth weight babies.

Your health is important. Be sure to maintain daily oral hygiene and see your dentist regularly. Check your mouth daily for any signs of gum disease including red, swollen or bleeding gums, loose or missing teeth, gums that have pulled away from your teeth and persistent bad breath, visit a Periodontist right away. People looking for a Periodontist Chicago contact Dr. Marcus. He can treat gum disease with a laser rather than a scalpel.

Having confidence in your smile dramatically impacts your role in the social community. Individuals, who freely laugh at jokes, smile at comments and friendly condolences are remembered more among acquaintances. They tend to be the “popular” ones and those that easily excel in the work place. If you’re not among the group of confident smiles you soon could be after visiting a Periodontist Chicago.

According to a poll conducted at the American Academy of Periodontology’s website one out of four respondents reported the biggest flaw with their smile is that it is too gummy or their teeth appear too long, making their smiles less than confident. Surprisingly, out of the 307 individuals who completed the survey only 26 percent of them were aware that periodontal procedures existed that could correct their smiles.

While these procedures are not well-known 67 percent of Periodontists report that they are performing more periodontal cosmetic procedures than years past. These procedures are usually done for improving oral functioning, however many Periodontists willingly perform the same procedures for esthetic reasons. After all, these procedures can dramatically improve a patients smile, making them very rewarding for patient and Periodontist alike.

Two common periodontal cosmetic procedures performed include correcting excessive gummy smiles and reducing the appearance of teeth that look too long. For excessive gumminess your Periodontist can lengthen the crowns of your teeth. This procedure recontours the excess gum to expose more of the natural tooth. When the teeth appear too long the Periodontist can perform a soft tissue graft to cover exposed roots.

With periodontal cosmetic surgery there’s no reason to hide your smile any longer. Now you can join the ranks of popular smiles that are remembered among the crowd. Begin by maintaining good oral hygiene of daily brushing and flossing. Set an appointment with a Periodontist to determine if you’re a candidate for periodontal cosmetic surgery and get your treatment plan set up.

If you’re looking for a Periodontist Chicago who offers alternative treatment methods contact Dr. Michael Marcus. He specializes in the diagnoses and treatment of gum disease with a laser, not a scalpel.

For years researchers have studied the impact of periodontal disease on overall health. Each study has returned consistent results showing a definitive connection between the two, making it logical to include a Periodontist Chicago on your health care team. One recent study took a close look at the association between toothless adults and the prevalence of chronic kidney disease.

The study was conducted by Case Western Reserve University and found a significant association between chronic kidney disease and endentulism. In the study 4,053 U.S. adults, some with teeth and others without were observed for kidney function. The study found that participants who had lost all their teeth were more likely to have chronic kidney failure than those who maintained all their natural teeth.

For some it’s difficult to understand why tooth loss warrants attention for this type of study but study author Monica Fisher shared, “The rationale for examining endentulous adults in this study is to exam the long-term effects of periodontal disease on the presence of chronic kidney disease. Periodontal disease is a leading cause of tooth loss in adults; therefore endentulism is considered to be a marker of past periodontal disease in the study’s participants.”

Periodontal disease has been long believed to be a chronic inflammation resulting from a prolonged bacterial infection in the gums. This inflammation shows up as redness, swelling, and often bleeding gums and when left untreated will ultimately lead to tooth loss. Periodontal disease in and of itself is a nasty disease; however research indicates this inflammation doesn’t stop there.

Past studies have looked at the connection between mouth and body and found that inflammation may likely be the link that binds the two together. Both periodontal disease and chronic kidney disease are systemic-inflammatory disorders so it makes sense that these two would show an association if inflammation truly is the connecting factor.

For many Periodontists this discovery brings exciting news since treating periodontal disease can do more than just save your natural teeth. David Cochran, president of the American Academy of Periodontology shared, “It is exciting to think that by controlling periodontal disease the incidence of and progression of chronic kidney disease may be reduced.”

To help reduce your risks for chronic kidney disease, be proactive with your periodontal health. Contact a Periodontist Chicago and have your gums evaluated for optimum health. If you’re looking for a Periodontist who offers a less evasive approach than tradition surgery, contact Dr. Michael Marcus. He treats gum disease with a laser, not a scalpel.