Gum disease is a common infection of the soft tissue in the mouth taunting millions of Americans each year. As they struggle through the treatments for Chicago gum disease many begin to slack off or get off track. According to a recent stud this attitude could impact more than your smile!

According to a new study published in the Journal of Periodontology there may be a direct link between gum disease and prediabetes and with 54 million people in the United States showing signs of prediabetes the link between gum disease and prediabetes is a growing concern.

Prediabetes is a condition where your blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be classified as diabetes. Out of the 54 million people with prediabetes the American Diabetes Association estimates that a significant number of them will develop Type 2 diabetes within 10 years.

Tackling Gum Disease and Prediabetes Together

Researchers found having periodontal disease can alter your metabolic conditions, which in turn leads to prediabetes and the progression to Type 2 diabetes. So the treatment options you choose go hand in hand with correcting gum disease and prevention of prediabetes, making the job have higher stakes.

Don’t let gum disease take its toll on your health. Step up and take measures to protect yourself today. If you notice any signs of gum disease including, red or swollen gums, bleeding while you brush or persistent bad breath contact a Periodontist right away. Early treatment could be the difference in your test results.

Patients who are looking for a Periodontist to help monitor and teat the progression of Chicago gum disease should contact Dr. Marcus. He can treat gum disease with a laser rather than a scalpel.

Cardiovascular health is frequently at the top of many American’s priorities when it comes to their lifestyle. It is usually the motivating factor for those early morning jogs, healthy meals and frequent check-ups at the doctor. But how many American’s consider Chicago gum disease as a risk factor for cardiovascular health?

According to two separate studies published in the Journal of Periodontology there is substantiated evidence to support the claim. The first study evaluated 150 individuals with periodontal disease. The second study looked at the DNA of the bacteria residing in the plaque and found the exact same DNA in the individuals’ heart arteries.

As far-fetched as this may seem it’s rather simple to explain. Each pocket along the gum line contains tiny pores. Prior to the gums becoming inflamed the pores are too tiny for the bacteria to fit through. However, as the bacterial infection progresses chronic inflammation develops in the gums, enlarging the size of the pores. Once large enough the bacteria can pass through the pores and enter the blood stream, traveling all over the body.

In addition to depositing bacterium in various organs along the way your tainted blood enters the heart dropping off more passengers within the valves making oral care a top priority in your cardiovascular routine.

To improve your oral health and reduce the risk of heart disease monitor your mouth daily for signs of periodontal disease including:

• Red or swollen gums
• Frequent bleeding while brushing or flossing
• Persistent bad breath
• Changes in the way your teeth fit in your mouth
• Gums that have pulled away from your teeth
• Loose or missing teeth

If signs of gum disease develop contact a local Periodontist right away. It’s important to have Chicago gum disease treated by a skilled professional as soon as possible. If you’re interested in alternative treatments to traditional surgery contact Dr. Michael Marcus. He treats gum disease with a laser, not a scalpel.

It’s time for your summer vacation and the whole family is packed and ready to go. As you count through your packing list the kids echo of “check” in the background. Soon you’re satisfied that everything is in place and it’s time to go! Yet there may be one item you didn’t consider when preparing for your trip, Chicago gum disease.

Gum disease is a chronic inflammation of the soft tissue in your mouth and can progress at a rapid speed. In fact in as little as two weeks of improper oral care the bacteria levels in your mouth can double, increasing your risk for gum disease.

When you’re out enjoying the summer fun brushing and flossing often falls to the wayside of life. However this decision could cost you a lot! To help protect your oral health consider these 9 tips for healthy gums all summer long:

1. Store your toothbrushes in travel containers that have holes for proper air circulation. This allows the brush to thoroughly dry and discourage the growth of bacteria
2. Store toothbrushes separately to prevent the spread of bacteria
3. Thoroughly clean and disinfect the travel containers before and after your trip
4. Regularly disinfect your toothbrush while on vacation or at home by washing it in the dishwasher, storing in the fridge or place it in a cup of mouthwash
5. When traveling abroad brush with bottled water and keep your toothbrush 2-5 feet from the sink and toilet to avoid water contamination
6. Always pack extra oral care supplies in case you can’t purchase them
7. If you don’t have toothpaste, brush with water to remove food and bacteria
8. If you forget your toothbrush and are unable to purchase a new one floss and rinse with mouthwash
9. Don’t share a toothbrush because oral bacteria can be passed from one family member to another

Caring for your gums should always be a top priority. If you notice that Chicago gum disease has followed you on your vacation give Dr. Michael Marcus a call today. He treats gum disease with a laser, not a scalpel, giving you a comfortable visit every time.

Millions of Americans suffer from chronic bad breath each year with the majority of them trying more than their share of home remedies and over the counter quick fixes, only to have the odor return day after day. What these Americans need to learn is the only sure way to eliminate that persistent bad breath is to treat the cause, whether it’s caused by Chicago gum disease or natural digestive processes.

More often than not chronic bad breath is caused by natural digestive processes. Anaerobic bacteria live within the surface of your tongue and throat with one job, to break down certain food proteins, blood and diseased oral tissue. If, however this bacteria comes into contact with certain amino acids they release sulfur compounds causing bad breath.

The next common cause for chronic bad breath is gum disease. Gum disease is a chronic inflammation in the mouth caused by bacteria. As the bacteria grows it advances through stages of periodontal disease including red or swollen gums, persistent bad breath, gums receding away from your teeth and eventually tooth loss.

Recognizing the true cause of your bad breath will help you more effectively eliminate it permanently. The fastest way to identify the cause is by having a detailed evaluation with a skilled Periodontist to rule out disease or infection and help you develop a plan for eliminating the odor.

When considering which remedy to try before while you wait to see your Periodontist there are several popular remedies that show little evidence of helping eliminate bad breath. In fact, some of them may even worsen the situation after use. Those common remedies and the end result include:

• Excessive use of mouthwash – this remedy actually produces stinky tissue that is often worse than the original odor
• Breath mints – while these will mask the odor they don’t eliminate the cause. Additionally continued use of breath mints increases your risk for tooth decay
• Chewing gum – while this will temporarily increase saliva in the mouth its simply another mask
• Mint chew tobacco – this will actually lead to receded gums and increase the chance of bone loss
• Vodka martinis or sour mash whiskey – alcohol tends to dry the mouth out reducing your mouths natural ability to rinse bacteria from the surface
• Brushing with cleanser – most chemicals are poisonous if swallowed
• Intestinal cleansing methods – bad breath does not start in the stomach making this method ineffective
• Rinsing with kerosene – just plain crazy
• Tongue piercing – rather than helping reduce bad breath this remedy may actually worsen the problem since it provides a location for bacteria to hide and grow

If you really want to eliminate bad breath seek advice from those who know best, your Periodontist. To have a detailed evaluation and rule out infections like Chicago gum disease contact Dr. Michael Marcus. He treats gum disease with a laser, not a scalpel.

The health of your gums dictates the appearance of your smile. If you suffer from severe inflammation your teeth may spread apart or even fall out. Individuals with excessive gum tissue, or overgrowth, often hide their smiles do to a “gummy” appearance. When it comes to our smiles, we do what it takes to keep them beautiful. For some, what it takes could mean a change in how they treat their illness to reduce the risk of Chicago gum disease.

According to a recent study published in the Journal of Periodontology prolonged use of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) can lead to gingival overgrowth. The challenge is that AAS medications are an integral part of many American’s therapeutic treatment plan for various illnesses including asthma, chronic pulmonary disorders, severe bronchitis and more.

The study examined 24 athletes between the ages of 17 and 29 who had been using AAS for more than one year were observed. All subjects were examined for plaque levels, gingival inflammation and gingival enlargement and then compared with a control group of 20 bodybuilders who had never used AAS drugs and matched for age, education level and oral hygiene habits.

Researchers found prolonged use of anabolic androgenic steroid medications did in fact lead to gingival enlargement, also called inflammatory enlargement of the gums. This soft tissue overgrowth not only reduces the beauty of your smile but additionally increases the risk of advanced gum disease.

When taking steroids for an extended length of time be sure to discuss the risks of gum disease with your doctor. Be sure to maintain good oral hygiene and observe your mouth daily for any changes in your gums. If you notice signs of Chicago gum disease contact Dr. Michael Marcus. He can treat gum disease with a laser, not a scalpel, giving you a comfortable visit every time.

Breastfeeding comes as one of the most natural methods of caring for our newborn children. But with it comes the responsibility of learning how to eat properly to ensure the health of our children. On top of a healthy baby nursing mothers who don’t consume adequate calcium could have an increased risk of Bay Area gum disease.

A new study appeared in a January issue of the Journal of Periodontology where researchers from Tohoku University in Japan investigated whether or not breastfeeding had an impact on bone loss surrounding the root of your teeth. The study was conducted using rat models of experimental periodontitis. The results showed that nursing mothers could put the bone structure surrounding their teeth at risk.

This research further emphasizes the importance of having adequate calcium while breastfeeding. Though the study was completed using rats, it showed evidence that a nursing mother could in fact suffer from increased bone loss, especially those with insufficient calcium to begin with.

All groups within the study who suffered from insufficient calcium intake had an acute inflammatory reaction in the gum tissue as well as a disruption in the soft tissue surrounding the teeth. But the reaction didn’t stop there. Those same groups also suffered from increased attachment loss and an increase in bone loss. These results are definitely something to think about.

Maintaining proper oral health goes far beyond the basic brush and floss twice a day rule. Ensuring adequate calcium intake while breastfeeding is crucial to the overall health of your teeth and gums. If you’re not sure how much calcium your body needs consult with your doctor to determine the best daily amount.

Additional ways to help keep your gums healthy include:

• Brush and floss daily using a soft bristle toothbrush
• Eat a well-balanced diet
• Avoid tobacco and alcohol products
• Consume a healthy amount of calcium each day
• Drink plenty of water
• Keep all your regular dental check-ups for optimum oral health

Residents at risk for Chicago gum disease should contact Dr. Michael Marcus. He treats gum disease with a laser, not a scalpel, giving you a comfortable visit every time.

Your child’s health rests solely in your hands. You make decisions based on what is best for them as they grow and mature. Proper diet, vaccines, regular health check-ups and tender loving care when they are sick all come naturally to parents. Even with the natural desire to care for our children and keep them healthy the U.S. Surgeon General reports that the silent epidemic of gum disease sneaks up on our children yearly.

In fact the report noted that each year 51 million school hours are lost as a result of dental related illnesses. The report further disclosed that dental care was the most prevalent unmet health need among American children. The solution is to educate and empower parents across the U.S. on the importance of oral care as early as infancy.

This education includes teaching parents how to properly brush and floss daily as well as how to teach their children adequate oral care. They’ll learn about what to expect with regular dental check-ups and how often they should be offered. Parents and children alike will gain confidence in their knowledge on proper oral care, helping to reduce the number of children suffering for that silent disease.

In addition to teaching families 120 dentists got together to volunteer their time brining dental care to children in need. They deliver this care to thousands of low-income children using their Mobile Dental Unit traveling from school to school. But bringing dental care to these children is only the beginning of their healthy smiles. To make their efforts worthwhile there are a few things parents can do at home:

• Establish good oral habits early
• Provide well balanced meals each day
• Set an example of good daily brushing and flossing
• Keep routine dental check-ups
• Educate your child about the risks of tobacco and alcohol use

Taking the extra steps necessary to keep your kids smiles healthy can make the difference in their health and life all around. With fewer missed hours at school and lower bacteria in the body their development is sure to be at its best.

If you notice signs of Chicago gum disease and are interested in a Periodontist who offers an alternative to the traditional scalpel treatment contact Dr. Michael Marcus. He treats gum disease with a laser, not a scalpel giving patients a comfortable alternative for care.

A recent poll conducted by the American Academy of Periodontology asked Periodontists the question “Are the majority of your patients adequately concerned about the health of their gums?” 201 Periodontists responded to this question disclosing that many patients should be doing more to prevent Chicago gum disease in their daily oral hygiene routine.

Periodontists disclosed that flossing frequency is where many patients are lax. Another major area is with patients brushing and flossing technique in spite of being shown proper technique while at the Periodontist’s office. Surprisingly, the biggest offenders in poor oral hygiene habits turned out to be males over females with 97 percent of respondents reporting their female patients having better oral hygiene habits than their male patients.

It’s not just the technique or frequency of brushing and flossing that can lead to gum disease. Periodontists reported that hard bristled tooth brushes, popcorn, improperly used mouth rinse and floss holders tend to cause damage to the gums as well. With a few simple practices you can be well on your way to keeping a healthy smile.

Unsatisfactory home oral care can easily be corrected by visiting your Periodontist. They can show you how to properly brush and floss your teeth as well as assist you in selecting the right toothbrush for your gums. You can discuss what foods to limit and extra measures you may need to take to prevent unintentional damage to the gum line.

In addition to keeping a beautiful smile healthy gums help to improve the functioning of your mouth, lower health risks such as, heart disease, respiratory disease, preterm births and diabetes as well as help you keep your natural teeth. Respectively, gum disease should not be taken lightly.

You should contact your Periodontist right away if you notice any changes in your mouth such:

• Loose teeth or missing teeth
• Changes in the space between teeth
• Redness, swelling or tender spots on your gums
• Gums that have pulled away from your teeth
• Persistent bad breath
• Bleeding gums

Gum disease is serious business. That’s why it’s good to know Periodontists like Dr. Michael Marcus treats gum disease with a laser, not a scalpel. This is great news for people who have been referred as a result of Chicago gum disease.

In today’s hustle and bustle for job security candidates are taking extra measures to improve their resumes. Some are going extra lengths for interview coaching and investing in top of the line clothing. All these efforts aim to improve their chances in the work force when competition is at its highest. In Chicago gum disease may well prove another effort to change position on the competition

According to a study conducted at the University of Michigan gum disease could have a negative impact on an individual’s smile patterns. So much so that it may prevent them from smiling all together. In this study researchers evaluated 21 periodontal patients while viewing a comedy program. The researchers assessed three different measurements; the horizontal width of participants smiles, the open width and the frequency in which they covered their mouths all together.

The results found an undeniable correlation between the severity of participants gum disease and the way they smiled. For example the more severe the disease, as diagnosed by having deep periodontal pockets or loose and missing teeth, the less likely participants were to smile freely with an open mouth. The milder the disease the more openly participants smiled.

When competing in today’s work force every opportunity to grab the leading edge is vital. If you take two candidates interviewing for one position, the employer is more likely to choose the interviewee with the most confidence and outgoing mannerisms. Your smile is possibly your strongest indicator of these two qualities.

To help keep your smile confident and beautiful you can follow a few simple rules:

• Brush and floss daily
• Keep regular dental check-ups every 6 months
• Have a periodontal exam annually
• Eat a healthy diet
• Avoid excessive alcohol use
• Avoid tobacco of any kind
• Limit acidic drinks
• Drink plenty of water each day

By sticking to these practical rules you can keep a healthy smile and hold your own in the competitive work world. If signs of periodontal disease should develop don’t delay in seeking treatment. In Chicago gum disease can be accurately diagnosed and treated by Dr. Michael Marcus. He offers an alternative to surgery using laser therapy for the treatment of gum disease.

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.