Menopause is one of those inevitable that enter the lives of women worldwide. With it come hot flashes, mood swings, osteoporosis, and even gum disease. For some woman working closely with a Periodontist in Chicago can improve the health of their gums while going through menopause.

According to a recent study published in the Journal of Periodontology estrogen deficiency and osteoporosis speed the process of bone loss following menopause, which may lead to tooth loss, making it important for women entering menopause to take a few extra measures in maintaining a healthy smile.

What researchers found was women taking estrogen supplementation might reduce inflammation of the gums and frequency of attachment loss in women showing signs of osteoporosis, a common ingredient of menopause, to help protect that natural smile. Estrogen is a common supplement provided to women with menopause to help reduce the risk of osteoporosis, alleviate common menopause symptoms and reduce the risk for coronary artery disease.

In addition to estrogen supplements women should be sure to keep all regular dental check-ups throughout the year. It is also a good idea to receive regular periodontal evaluations for early detection and treatment if the need should arise. On a daily basis monitor the health of your mouth for any signs of gum disease including:

• Bleeding gums while brushing or flossing
• Persistent bad breath
• Red or swollen gums
• Receded gums

If signs of gum disease develop and you are looking for a Periodontist in Chicago contact Dr. Marcus. He can treat gum disease with a laser rather than a scalpel.

Daily monitoring of your gums while brushing and flossing is repeatedly proven to be a wise choice. It allows you to stay on top of things like periodontal disease or similar infections. Daily monitoring will also ensure you notice unusual lumps or blisters that may require treatment by a Periodontist in Chicago, giving you a constant upper hand in oral health.

According to a case recently featured in the Journal of Periodontology a 48-yr old man found a lump on his gums and decided to have a periodontal exam done with the University’s dental school where they discovered this lump was more than your typical acidic blister.

After a biopsy the growth was identified as squamous cell carcinoma and was surgically removed by removing the gum tissue and part of the jawbone. For this gentleman finding the oral cancer was a blessing since it revealed a rare systemic disease that could have later threatened his life unexpectedly after failing to heal correctly. The disease they found was a systemic illness known as a protein S deficiency.

Regular periodontal exams are the best way to ensure the health of your gums and to screen for possible oral cancers. In addition to regular periodontal exams monitor your gums daily for signs of early gum disease including; red or swollen gums, persistent bad breath, a change in how your teeth (or dentures) fit in your mouth, bleeding gums and loose or missing teeth.

During your exam your Periodontist will be able to identify early signs of gum disease, oral infections and even oral cancers. In addition to the expected oral symptoms a regular periodontal exam can help identify and diagnose systemic illnesses early enough to have positive responses to treatment.

If you’ve been referred to a Periodontist in Chicago contact Dr. Michael Marcus. He is trained in the early detection, treatment and prevention of periodontal disease using a laser treatment, making your experience as comfortable as possible. Give Dr. Marcus a call today.

Gum disease may be one of the easiest diseases to prevent, yet so many Americans find themselves battling the disease every day. One major factor for frequent trips to the Periodontist in Chicago is a stubborn view that flossing isn’t that important. On the contrary a recent study conducted at the New York University found that flossing plays a significant role in the prevention of gum disease.

The study observed 51 sets of twins between the ages of 12 to 21 where each twin was given a randomly assigned oral care regimen to carry out over the course of two weeks. One twin brushed with a manual toothbrush and toothpaste while the other brushed with a manual toothbrush and toothpaste as well as flossed.

When the two week study was complete samples were taken from each twin to determine the level of bacteria associated with gum disease in each participant. Interestingly enough the study showed that not only does flossing dramatically reduce the level of bacteria it also showed how quickly bacteria build-ups to begin with. All in all, flossing is crucial to your oral health.

The reason is explained in the understanding of how gum disease develops. It begins with the build-up of plaque around the tooth surface. As the plaque builds the gums begin to recede from the tooth, forming pockets. These pockets become ideal habitats for bacteria growth. The bacteria infection soon leads to chronic inflammation of the soft tissue, or gum disease.

To improve your chances of preventing gum disease start at the source, prevent plaque build-up by flossing every day. But brushing and flossing alone may not be enough. You need to ensure your technique is right, removing plaque from every surface of the tooth. Additionally it’s important to see your dentist regularly for a detailed cleaning.

It’s your mouth; shouldn’t you do everything you can to keep it healthy? As part of your daily routine monitors your mouth for any unusual changes including red or swollen gums, bleeding when you brush and loose or missing teeth since these could be early warning signs of gum disease.

If signs of gum disease develop contact a local Periodontist as soon as possible. For people who need a Periodontist in Chicago and want an alternative to gum surgery Dr. Michael Marcus treats gum disease with a laser, not a scalpel. Give him a call and schedule your appointment today.

The term gene therapy is most commonly associated with a technique used to correct defective genes responsible for disease development. In most gene therapy studies, a “normal” gene is inserted into the genome to replace an “abnormal,” disease-causing gene. This amazing medical procedure has made leaps and bounds in the treatment of debilitating defects. Now, thanks to new and improved research studies, this same therapy is knocking on doors of every Periodontist in Chicago.

The University of Michigan published their study in the Journal of Periodontology that discussed a recent breakthrough in the possibility of using gene therapy to restore damage caused by periodontal disease. During the study researchers inserted a bone morphogenetic protein gene that encodes a bone-stimulating factor into an inactivated virus in rats where the gene was then transferred into grown skin cells.

Once complete these genetically-engineered cells were transplanted into larger periodontal bone defects surrounding the teeth. The result was regenerated tooth-supporting structures such as the jawbone, periodontal ligament and the protective coating on the teeth.

Although this study has miles to go before it can be sure gene therapy will successfully repair damage caused by periodontal disease it does provide hope to Periodontists worldwide. According to the President of the American Academy of Periodontology Periodontists have been discussing the possibility of gene therapy in their treatment approach for years and are relieved to see some supporting evidence that this dream may soon be a reality.

If with growing treatment options it’s important to do your best to prevent gum disease all together. Periodontal disease begins with plaque build-up around the teeth and gums. This build-up leads to bacteria growth that later result in inflammation of the gums. This inflammation is the start of your periodontal disease.

By maintaining proper oral health and having your teeth cleaned and checked by a skilled dental practitioner you can dramatically reduce your risks of gum disease. If you are in need of a Periodontist in Chicago contact Dr. Michael Marcus. He treats gum disease with a laser, not a scalpel.

When it comes to periodontal disease, or gum disease, the average American knows what it is and what it means for them. Some individuals are primarily concerned with tooth loss while others are simply embarrassed by persistent bad breath. Regardless of which symptom is your biggest discomfort consider arming your defenses against gum disease by following a recommended diet from your Periodontist in Chicago.

The American Academy of Periodontology published a poll on their website that discovered nearly 65% of Periodontists believe nutrition plays a major role in periodontal health. In addition to that belief 3 out of 4 of the 135 Periodontists polled recommend consuming more vitamin C to their patients. Other supplements making the top of the chart for periodontal health included multivitamins, calcium and vitamin E.

Before considering how these supplements can improve your periodontal health let’s take a closer look at what periodontal disease truly is. In its most common form gum disease is gingivitis, which is an infection in the gums. This infection often leads to periodontitis, an inflammation of the gums, which is characterized by deep pockets forming around your teeth causing bone loss. The two major factors to keep in mind when thinking of nutrition and gum disease is that gum disease is simply and infection of the gums and inflammation of the soft tissue.

A proper diet will supply your body with enough nutrients to help counter the affects of gum disease. For improving your immune system to fight the infection vitamin C is an excellent immune booster. Furthermore taking calcium helps to build strong bones, repairing potential damage from severe inflammation.

Although proper nutrition is recommended by so many Periodontists and will dramatically reduce the risk of gum disease it can’t do the job alone. Optimal prevention involves a natural balance of a healthy diet, daily brushing and flossing, regular dental check-ups and avoidance of harmful substances such as tobacco and alcohol.

It’s your periodontal health and you should stop at nothing to preserve that beautiful smile. If you notice signs of gum disease seek treatment as soon as possible. If you are looking for a Periodontist in Chicago you can contact Dr. Marcus. He can treat gum disease with a laser rather than a scalpel, giving you optimal comfort in your treatment plan.

Have you ever sat back and wonder about the overall benefits of drinking milk? Perhaps if you’re trying to lose weight you’ve considered the new idea of milk helping to slim your waistline. If you’re a parent I’m sure you’ve considered the many benefits dairy has for your growing child. Now, thanks to a recent study published in the Journal of Periodontology there is one more benefit of dairy to add to your list. The benefit this study revealed was adding dairy to your diet can actually reduce your risk for needing a Periodontist in Chicago .

The study was conducted by Dr. Yoshihiro Shimazaki of Kyushu University in Fukuoka, Japan. Dr. Shimazaki had this to say, “This study reinforces what much of the public already knows – the importance of dairy in helping achieve a healthy lifestyle, including a healthy mouth.”

The study evaluated two periodontal perimeters of participants aged 40 through 70 including periodontal pocket depth (PD) and clinical attachment loss (CAL). What researchers found was participants who consumed 55g of dairy products each day had a significantly lower instance of periodontal disease.

In simple terms, encouraging daily intake of dairy products, whether for our children or ourselves, not only does a body good, but it does your gums good too. And with the stealthiest of gum disease anything you can do to reduce your risks is worth your efforts. To begin familiarize yourself with the signs of gum disease such as:

• Red, swollen gums
• Bleeding while brushing or flossing
• Loose or missing teeth
• Persistent bad breath
• A change in the way your teeth (or dentures) fit in your mouth
• Gums that have pulled away from your teeth

To arm yourself against this silent epidemic monitor your mouth daily for these signs and contact your dentist right away if you notice any unusual changes. Maintain a daily habit of proper oral care including both brushing and flossing. Eat a well balanced diet and be sure to include your daily dose of dairy to protect the health of your mouth.

If signs of gum disease develop, early intervention is the key. To have treatment with a Periodontist in Chicago that does not involve the use of a scalpel contact Dr. Marcus. He treats gum disease with a laser giving his patients a comfortable alternative to surgery.

Myth or facts; which should you focus your oral health care on? That may sound like a silly question to most however the Periodontist in Chicago sees many patients who have based their oral care on common misconceptions. These misconceptions eventually left these patients in need of Periodontist. To help protect your teeth and gums and avoid unwanted treatment, it’s time to recognize exactly what is fact and what is myth.

Myth Number 1: We brush to remove food from our teeth. Food removal is not the only reason we need to brush our teeth. In fact, brushing helps remove plaque from around the gum line. If we fail to remove plaque on a regular basis it will lead to inflammation in the gums, which in turn leads to periodontal disease.

Myth Number 2: Bleeding gums are normal. If you experience bleeding gums when you brush and floss it’s not due to brushing or flossing too hard. Bleeding gums is one of eight signs of gum disease and should be evaluated by a Periodontist right away.

Myth Number 3: Oral health has no impact on overall health: The health of your gums does in fact impact your overall health. Researchers have completed multiple studies that show a direct link between gum disease and heart disease, stroke, preterm births, low birth weight babies and complications with diabetes or respiratory disease.

Myth Number 4: Bad breath means you didn’t brush: Though some bad breath can occur simply because you didn’t brush your teeth, persistent bad breath may not go away no matter how well your brush. The reason is that the odor is coming from sulfur created by certain bacteria. This sulfur often resides on your tongue. By brushing your tongue when you brush and floss you can dramatically improve your breath.

Myth Number 5: Pregnant women don’t need dental care: During pregnancy dental care becomes more important than prior to pregnancy. As pregnant women’s hormones change they are at increased risk for periodontal disease. Additionally periodontal disease can affect the health of the unborn baby or lead to preterm delivery.

Your oral health is important. Don’t be a fool about common myths and let your oral care slide. If you’re looking for a Periodontist in Chicago for your periodontal needs contact Dr. Michael Marcus. He treats gum disease with a laser, not a scalpel, giving an alternative to traditional surgery.

Have you ever considered your current acne medicine may not be the best choice for your gums? Seems an unusual question doesn’t it, after all acne affects the skin, not your gums. However, one common antibiotic used to treat acne could in fact leave you in need of Periodontist in Chicago.

Researchersat the Mayo Clinic evaluated a 29 year old female after her dermatologist noticed a deep blue discoloration on her gums and the bone surrounding her teeth. After looking over her medical history the periodontal team was able to pinpoint the cause, her acne medication.

The patient had been taking 50mg of minocycline four times a day for seventeen months to treat her acne. This particular antibiotic has been known to cause a discoloration in to the bone. The discoloration was then visible through the soft gum tissue, leaving the deep blue tint. If she were to continue using minocycline she risked her natural teeth turning blue as well, a condition that may not resolve after discontinuing the medication. After Mayo Clinic’s Periodontists relayed what they had learned to her dermatologist he discontinued the antibiotic.

In addition to minocycline there are over 400 different medications that carry side effects that could have a negative impact on your oral health. For example, many medications cause dry mouth, which can be damaging to gum tissue resulting in periodontal disease and possibly tooth decay. In addition calcium channel blockers carry a side effect of gingival overgrowth.

With so many medications possibly leading to complications with your oral health it’s important that your physician works closely with your Periodontist to ensure optimal health of your gums. Before starting any new medication check with your dentist for any possible side effects you should be aware of. If you notice any unusual changes in your mouth schedule an appointment with a Periodontist right away and be sure to bring a list of your medications to your appointment.

If you’re looking for a Periodontist in Chicago Dr. Michael Marcus treats gum disease with a laser, not a scalpel giving you a comfortable experience.

Halitosis, more commonly known as bad breath, can certainly make a great impact in your life – in a negative way.  No matter how attractive you are, nothing could make up for that foul breath you exude every time you speak. Halitosis may mean missed opportunities at work, social isolation and diminished self-esteem. Because of its negative effects in one’s personal and social life, many have turned to natural remedies to cure and prevent bad breath.
However, according to periodontists in Chicago, gum disease may be caused or aggravated by ineffective natural cures for bad breath. In actuality, many known home remedies can cause more harmful effects to your oral health. In a recent survey, members of the American Academy of Periodontology identified the most ineffective and bizarre natural remedies commonly used by their patients to cure bad breath. Surprisingly, many of those included in the list have been widely promoted as effective cures of bad breath.
It was found that excessive use of mouthwashes can make your bad breath worse.  Mouthwashes are composed of alcohol, which can cause drying of your mouth and mucus membrane. Thus, alcohol-based beverages, such as vodka martinis or whiskeys, are false natural remedies for bad breath. Your mouth must be adequately moisturized to keep the activities of anaerobic bacteria under control.
Breath mints and chewing gums may mask your bad breath for a short period of time but they can increase your risk for plaque buildup and cavities. Mints and gums are made up sugar, which are utilized by the bad breath-causing bacteria as their energy source. Mint chew tobaccos can cause receding of the gums and increase your risk of losing the bone structure that holds your teeth together.
Many have resorted to unhealthy and unsafe practices, such as using household cleansers to brush their teeth and kerosene for rinsing. These products contain chemical substances that are hazardous to health. Some have actually gone an extra mile to cure bad breath by having their tongues pierced. Any type of jewelry in your mouth can harbor more bad breath causing-bacteria, increasing your risk for halitosis. Others have repeatedly tried intestinal cleaning methods, believing that bad breath originated from the stomach. The widespread use of infomercial items, which are not approved by the ADA, have also been reported.
The surface of your tongue and throat are inhabited by millions of anaerobic bacteria, a group of microorganisms that thrive in an oxygen-free environment.  These bacteria break down proteins found in foods, blood, mucus and damaged oral tissues. Once they break down proteins at an increased rate, hydrogen sulfur vapors are uncontrollably emitted, resulting in bad breaths. Hydrogen sulfide is the chemical compound responsible for the smell of rotten eggs.
For periodontists in Chicago, gum disease and halitosis are best treated by consulting your dentists to determine and eliminate their root causes.  Brushing and flossing your teeth regularly are the best preventive measures against bad breath.
For consultation and treatment of bad breath, visit Dr. Marcus on the web at http://michaelmarcusdds.com or you can reach him at (312)263-6898. Dr. Marcus is not a periodontist in Chicago but a highly-trained general dentist, who uses a laser, not a scalpel, to treat gum diseases.

Being in tune with fads and trends may do you more harm than good. This is especially true in oral piercings. In the past years, tongue, lip and cheek piercings have become a popular trend among the younger population. Though these piercings are thought to be fashion statements or forms self-expression, they can greatly increase your risk for long-term health conditions. Chicago periodontist reveals that oral piercings can cause localized gingival recessions, which can severely compromise and add stress your overall oral health.
Gingival recession, or receding gums, is an oral condition where the gum tissues surrounding the teeth are progressively lost. Gum shrinkage exposes the roots of the teeth, predisposing the loss of cementum, the roots’ surface layer and the development of sensitive teeth.  Gum receding can also cause the loss of attachment between the gums and the teeth, which increases the risk of tooth loss. Gingival recession is manifested by increased sensitivity of the teeth to hot and cold foods and beverages. Sweet, sour and spicy foods can also initiate sharp oral pains. Because of gum shrinkage, the teeth appear longer than normal. Wider spaces between the teeth are also commonly observed.
How do tongue and mouth piercings bring about gingival recession? Gum receding are caused by various factors, such as periodontal diseases, aggressive brushing, poor oral hygiene, teeth grinding and mouth trauma. Oral piercing is a form of mouth trauma. Piercings in the tongue, lip or cheek can directly rub against the gum tissue. Repeated stress and direct trauma to the gum area result in progressive receding of the gum tissues.
Aside from gingival recession, there are more negative consequences that result from oral piercings. Swelling, pain, speech difficulties, fractured teeth and metal hypersensitivity have been reported. Additionally, piercings are a good environment for bacterial growth, increasing your risk for periodontal diseases and bad breath.
The periodontal and medical communities remind individuals to consult their dentists or physicians before obtaining oral piercings. You may be required to undergo physical and laboratory examinations to determine if oral piercing is safe for you. Certain medical conditions, such as mitral valve prolapse, are contraindicated in oral piercings. It is also advised to seriously think about the pros and cons of oral piercings before getting one. Are you willing to sacrifice your health for fashion or self-expression?
If you had your tongue or lip pierced, Chicago periodontist reminds regular and meticulous oral care, most especially during the initial stages of healing. Brush your teeth, including the jewelry, regularly and thoroughly. Use a medical-grade oral rinse after meals during the first three to six weeks. Most importantly, consult your dentist regularly to ensure optimum oral health.
If you are considering about obtaining an oral piercing, you should first make an appointment you’re your dentist. You can visit Dr. Marcus on the web at http://michaelmarcusdds.com or you can reach him at (312)263-6898 to learn more about the effects and the appropriate care of oral piercings.  Dr. Marcus is not a periodontist in Chicago but a highly trained general dentist who treats gum diseases with a laser, and not a scalpel.