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.

The future seems brighter and hopeful for millions of people who have lost their healthy smiles because of chronic and severe gum diseases. Periodontist on Chicago shares that through gene therapy, the lost periodontal support structures resulting from gum disease may be reconstructed.  This study is initially performed by the researchers at the University of Michigan. They concluded in their latest study that gene transfers of bone morphogenetic proteins or BMPs is a potential solution to defects in periodontal structures.
In advanced cases of periodontal diseases, the alveolar bone, ligament and cementum, the structures that support the teeth are severely damaged, which subsequently result in receding of the gums and tooth loss. Periodontal diseases are mainly caused by the buildup of dental plaques, the colorless and sticky films that accumulate on your teeth. Plaques are composed of food debris and bacteria that are easily removed by regular brushing and flossing. However, if they are not removed, the gum disease-causing bacteria release acids that demineralize the tooth surfaces causing dental caries and gum irritation. As a response to these toxins and acids, your body begins to secrete chemical substances that that destroy the integrity of the supporting structures of the teeth. As the disease advances, the teeth loosen leading to the unavoidable – tooth loss.
The researchers transplanted the genetically-engineered skin cells with bone morphogenetic protein or BMP into large areas of periodontal damage surrounding the teeth.  BMP has the ability to stimulate your cells to make new bone tissues, cartilages and cementum, the bonelike layer that covers the roots. The results of the study are promising. It was observed that the jawbone, periodontal ligament and cementum have significantly regenerated.
This is definitely good news for people who have suffered the negative consequences of severe gum diseases, which may include social isolation and diminished self-esteem. For the periodontal community, the findings of this research are a major feat. Gene therapy has long been considered a viable option for severe gum disease. Certainly, the answer to the detrimental effects of periodontal diseases may be obtained in the next few years.
Although gene therapy is a promising solution to the increasing number of individuals with gum disease, oral preventive measures and adherence to good oral hygiene is the best cure to periodontal diseases. Periodontist on Chicago recommends regular brushing and flossing of the teeth and frequent visits to your dentist. Well-balanced meals and adequate intake of calcium and vitamin C are a sure way to improve your oral health.
To prevent gum disease and its harmful consequences, visit Dr. Marcus, a highly trained general dentist, on the web at http://michaelmarcusdds.com  or you can contact him at (321)263-6898. Dr. Marcus is not a periodontist on Chicago but he can help in keeping your gums disease-free using a laser, and not a scalpel.

Patients Should Know The Difference Between Facts And Fallacies Regarding Oral Health
There are some people who are quick to believe everything they hear regardless of where they heard it or who they heard it from. This is why when it comes to oral health, the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) cautions that people need to be able to distinguish the facts from fallacies to prevent oral problems that can lead to periodontal diseases. Believing in the myths about oral health can pose serious risks to the teeth and gums.
Periodontists on Chicago are doubling their efforts to educate everyone about the facts on oral health and on proper dental care. According to the AAP, it is important to disprove these misconceptions in order for people to correctly take care of their teeth and gums and avoid the development of periodontal disease and other systemic diseases.
Oral health misconceptions are very widespread. The majority of American children ages 5-9 years have dental cavities and this number increases to 78% among teenagers around the age of 17. Additionally, 75% of adults age 35 and over are affected with periodontal diseases. This data proves how the majority of the population does not practice the proper way in maintaining oral health.
One of the most common oral health misconceptions is the purpose of brushing the teeth. Many people think that brushing is done only to remove food particles left on the teeth. However, the primary reason for tooth brushing and flossing is to avoid the build-up of plaque. Plaque is the bacteria that build up on the surfaces of the teeth that cause the development of dental cavities and periodontal disease when left uncontrolled. There are also others who believe that bleeding gums are natural. Periodontists warn this is a symptom that indicates the presence of gum disease and must not be overlooked.
A lot of people also disregard their oral health because they think that gum diseases do not affect the rest of the body. This is a mistaken belief because it has already been confirmed by numerous researches that failing to treat gum disease can trigger other systemic diseases such as diabetes, chronic kidney failure, heart disease and stroke. There is also the false impression that pregnant women should avoid dental check-ups. During pregnancy, women should take precautionary measures to prevent contraction of infection to avoid complications during the pregnancy and delivery.  Periodontal disease is just like any other infection that needs to be avoided by pregnant women. In order to prevent periodontal problems during pregnancy, women are advised to undergo periodontal screenings.
Good oral hygiene not only protects the teeth and gums from periodontal disease and other systemic diseases, it also improves their aesthetic value. However, one common problem that most people suffer from is bad breath. Although good oral hygiene helps control bad breath, there are certain bacteria that produces sulfur in the tongue that makes bad breath persist. To eliminate bad breath, dentists recommend thorough brushing of the tongue during tooth brushing.
These are the most common misconceptions about oral health that periodontist on Chicago is trying hard to dispel. Patients are always reminded to ask their periodontist first about the facts on oral health to avoid the increased risk for periodontal disease and to prevent negative effects on the teeth and gums.
Those in need for a Periodontist in Chicago that are looking for an alternative to flap gum surgery  should contact Dr. Marcus. He is not a Chicago Periodontist, but a highly trained general dentist who treats gum disease with a laser, not a scalpel.  Call Dr. Marcus at (312)263-6898.

There are many health conditions that are identified to be contagious. The common cold, upper respiratory tract infection, meningitis, and influenza, are some of the diseases known to be infectious and can be transmitted through the saliva. A study released by The American Dental Association reveals that there are substantial evidences to classify gum disease as a contagious disease. According to the study, the spread of gum disease is triggered by bacteria being passed on to others through the saliva. Highly susceptible to this bacterial infection are couples and families that have at least one family member suffering from gum disease. Periodontal disease in a family or in couples can be transmitted through kissing, sharing utensils, food and drinks, and through coughing and sneezing.
It is important for couples and families to be aware of their oral health especially if one member has periodontal disease. To avoid the spread of bacteria, family members should refrain from sharing food, glasses, and utensils to prevent the passing of saliva from any member affected with periodontal disease. Anybody who has periodontal disease is strongly advised to undergo and complete treatments with a Chicago periodontist. There should be a regular maintenance of oral health and proper cleaning techniques must be strictly enforced. Additionally, not only should the affected individuals be treated for gum disease. The whole family and partners should be screened for periodontal diseases as well. Late detection or failure to treat periodontal diseases can lead to bad breath, tooth decay and then eventually to loss of teeth.
Additional studies have also shown that gum disease can be passed on from the parents to their child through genetic makeup. Experts reveal that gum disease can also be considered as a hereditary condition just like cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure and baldness. According to studies presented by the Journal of Clinical Periodontology, 3 out of 10 people are susceptible to periodontal diseases due to their genetic makeup. For people with genetic susceptibility to gum diseases, early detection, prevention and treatment is necessary to lower the risk for gum disease.
Chicago periodontist recommend that if a family member or partner is affected with gum disease, the entire family should also undergo periodontal screening to rule out transmission of gum disease and to prevent it from occurring. Individuals who have a hereditary predisposition to gum disease must also frequently have dental check-ups and must maintain regular oral care.
Dr. Marcus is a highly trained general dentist, not a Chicago periodontist who treats gum disease with a laser, not a scalpel. For people who are considering  a periodontist in Chicago and want an alternative to flap  gum surgery, contact Dr. Marcus at (312)263-6898 or visit him on the web at http://michaelmarcusdds.com

Gums Diseases Can Be Prevented By Increased Intake Of Lactic Acid Containing Dairy Products

Maintaining or gaining back beautiful smiles need not to be expensive and complicated at all. A periodontist on Chicago reveals that increased dietary intake of lactic acid containing dairy products can greatly reduce the occurrence of periodontal disease. Periodontal diseases involve the inflammation of the tissues that surround and support the teeth. Untreated and unresolved gum diseases subsequently results in tooth loss, which is definitely something not to smile about.
The beneficial effects of dairy products on one’s health are known for so many years. Mothers constantly remind their kids to increase their intake of dairy instead of junk food to have healthier bones and teeth. But according to the research of Shimazaki and colleagues, a regular and increased intake of dairy products that contain lactic acid can reduce the development of gum diseases. Researchers found that individuals who consume 55 grams or more of dairy with lactic acid each day demonstrate decreased occurrence of gum diseases. After the results were recorded and analyzed, it was considered that the lactic acid component of these dairy products cause their beneficial effects on oral health. Thus, without a doubt, the favorable effects these products are wide-ranging, as they can also result in healthier periodontal and overall oral health.
Periodontal diseases are recently associated to various systemic diseases, such as chronic kidney disease and obesity. Usually, diseases of the gums are brought about either by destruction of the alveolar bone, the structure that supports the teeth or by increased inflammatory response of the body against the various gum-disease causing bacteria. In many conditions, a combination of these two processes is often observed.
Dairy products, such as milk, cheese and yogurt, prevent gum diseases by neutralizing the acids in the teeth and mouth. Increased acidity of the oral cavity, which is brought about by plaque buildup, can gradually dissolve the calcium on the teeth’s surfaces until tooth decay ensues. The plaques cause more damage as they can be good breeding grounds for gum disease-causing microorganisms. The lactic acid is also thought to contain some anti-bacterial properties that greatly reduce the development of gum infections and inflammation.
Aside from consuming lactic acid containing dairy products, it is essential to maintain good oral hygiene by consistently brushing and flossing the teeth. Eating well-balanced meals with foods rich in calcium and vitamin C can help individuals fight gum diseases. A periodontist in Chicago recommends you to see your dentist right away for any oral health concern and to make regular dentist appointments to monitor your periodontal status.
Individuals who want to maintain healthy gums and teeth could contact Dr. Marcus at (312)263-6898  or at http://michaelmarcusdds.com  . To treat gum diseases, Dr. Marcus does not use a scalpel, but a laser.   Dr, Marcus is not a Chicago Periodontist, but a highly trained general dentist.

Good oral health care should be taught at an early age to establish the habit of proper maintenance of the teeth and gums. Since a child’s teeth are still at its development stage, care should be given to create a strong and healthy foundation of the teeth and gums.
Unfortunately, many kids are still suffering from dental problems despite constant reminders to parents to guide their children towards a healthy and proper dental habit. According to a report from the Office of the U.S Surgeon General, there are an increasing number of children suffering from Chicago gum disease each year. This is due to failure to provide for the dental health needs of the children. It has been estimated that roughly 37% of school age children haven’t had any dental check-ups.
A strong foundation of oral health improves the chances of the child to avoid periodontal disease in the future, therefore reducing the incidence of periodontal diseases. To encourage the parents and their children to practice good oral hygiene, dentists need to educate them in the benefits of proper routine oral care. Good oral health maintenance that starts from childhood will prevent the development of periodontal disease and other systemic disease that are linked to it. Good oral care will also greatly improve the appearance of the smile, making children more confident and comfortable with their teeth and gums.
The most common oral problems that children suffer from are dental cavities. Although cavities are treatable, delay in treatment can cause further damage to the teeth. According to a recent study released by the Office of the U.S Surgeon General, non-attendance of children in school days is often times caused by dental problems. To combat this problem and to promote good oral health, dentists are looking for ways to educate and provide for the oral needs of the children. In Texas, for instance, over 120 dentists volunteer to provide dental treatments to children from low-income families.
The American Academy of Periodontology has set guidelines that can help parents and their children achieve good oral health. Aside from frequent visits to the dentist, the following are valuable information that can help avoid development of Chicago gum disease in the future: (1) Children are recommended to start brushing their teeth with a very small amount of toothpaste at the age of 1.  Flossing can be started as soon as there are no more gaps in between the teeth, (2) Constantly remind children of brushing their teeth at least twice a day. Encourage your children by showing them that you are also practicing good oral hygiene, (3) Regularly check a child’s teeth and gums for bleeding, swelling and inflammation. Visit a dentist immediately if any of the above symptoms occur and (4) To lower the risk for gum disease, children should avoid eating foods that are high in sugar. Their diet must be composed by healthy foods that are rich in Calcium and Vitamin C.
For people who are in need of treatment for Chicago gum disease and are looking for an alternative to flap  gum surgery should  contact Dr. Marcus at (312)263-6898 or visit him on the web at http://michaelmarcusdds.com.   Dr. Marcus is a highly trained general dentist who  treats gum disease with a laser, not a scalpel.

They say that a smile is the shortest distance between two individuals. Smiling is the best way to start interacting with other people as it exudes warmth, earnestness, happiness and beauty. However, recent studies have indicated that a smile does not only provide an aesthetic value to a person’s face.  It also serves as an indicator of how well-maintained the gums and teeth are. For everyone in  Chicago gum disease is deemed critical when it comes to an individual’s sociability and how others perceive their personalities.

According to researchers, the presence of gum disease is found to influence people’s smiling behavior, therefore, negatively changing their facial expressions and stripping them of their confidence. An evaluation was performed on 21 patients, all with different degrees of periodontal health, in order to conclude whether or not a gum disease can affect the quality and behavior of an individual’s smile.  The participants in the study were asked to watch a comedy program while researchers evaluate each of the subjects smile behavior by observing the quality of their smile and the mannerisms manifested during the study.

The results of the study, accompanied with data that include the participants’ dental examinations and their regard for oral health, support the theory that gum disease and other oral health problems are directly related to how an individual smiles. The participants’ smiles were assessed according to three categories: the number of teeth shown while smiling, the horizontal width of the smile and how open the mouth was when smiling. Based on the results, there is a high possibility for a patient to hide his smile behind the palm of his hand or by narrowing his smile when certain dental conditions, such as missing or moving teeth, probing depth and receding gums, are present. People are more cautious, guarded and restricted when it comes to smiling if there is an existence of a gum disease. Other negative outcomes from untreated gum disease, aside from a poor and limited smile, include bad breath, bleeding gums and falling out of teeth.

It has already been established that  Chicago gum disease does not only affects the mouth, but it also involves the other body systems, as well. With recent findings by experts, new pertinent information has surfaced regarding the effects of gum disease to a person’s socialization and personal perception. This is why it is important for everyone to maintain good oral health in order to keep the overall health in its best condition. 

For people in need of Chicago gum disease treatment, through the use of a laser instead of a scalpel, contact Dr. Marcus at (312)263-6898  or visit him on the web at http://michaelmarcusdds.com

Chronic kidney disease is becoming one of the most prevalent diseases in the country today. There are roughly 26 million Americans afflicted with chronic kidney disease (CKD), and there are still more individuals who are unaccounted for. Chronic kidney disease is a serious medical condition where the kidneys gradually lose their ability to function properly over time resulting to destruction of the functional units, which in turn, cause severe complications, such as heart diseases and uncontrolled hypertension.  The primary function of the kidneys is to remove the wastes from the body and to balance fluids and electrolytes in the body.  When affected with chronic kidney disease, the wastes start to accumulate due to the body’s failure to eliminate them.

Known factors that lead to CKD include diabetes, high blood pressure, blocked arteries and the use of antibiotics. However, recent studies indicate that loss of tooth (edentulism) may also be a significant aspect in the development of chronic kidney disease. In these studies, it is found that individuals who suffer from tooth loss are highly at risk for CKD compared to those who are not affected with edentulism. A Periodontist on Chicago suggest that good oral hygiene will lessen the risk for tooth loss and in turn, will help in lowering the possibilities of developing serious conditions that cause CKD.

Tooth loss typically occurs among old people. However, tooth loss resulting from periodontal disease is an entirely different and extremely critical situation. Experts have looked into the link between periodontal disease and renal disease. A research conducted on 4,053 individuals aged 40 years and older used their test samples and evaluation to determine the relationship between tooth loss and CKD. Risk factors such as age, ethnicity, socioeconomic status and smoking and drinking habits were indicated. Research established, from the results, that the study’s subjects who have or had tooth loss are significantly more susceptible to CKD. Those who support this study explained that the use of subjects with edentulism is crucial in determining the magnitude of tooth loss as a cause for CKD and to also establish its effects on individuals who have chronic kidney disease.

Further research is being conducted to expand the understanding on the relationship between tooth loss and CKD. Past studies have confirmed that inflammation links oral diseases to other body diseases, including CKD. Since both CKD and tooth loss go through inflammatory processes, there is a strong indication these conditions are associated through systemic inflammation. Gum diseases significantly affects the development of other disease processes in the body -from heart disease, atherosclerosis, stroke, other infections and chronic kidney disease- suggesting that indeed, periodontal-linked diseases are increasingly emerging every day. Periodontist on Chicago recommends that individuals should maintain proper oral health and hygiene to lower the risk for known and other undiscovered periodontal-linked diseases.

For consultation and treatment of gum disease, contact Dr. Marcus at (312)263-6898 or visit him on the web at http://michaelmarcusdds.com   Dr. Marcus is a highly trained general dentist   who uses laser, and not a scalpel, in treating gum diseases.   He offers a laser alternative to Chicago Periodontist gum surgery.

Patients Suffering From Depression May Be Less Likely To Experience Optimal Results From Periodontal Treatments

Clinical Depression is a disorder that drastically affects many aspects of the lives of individuals who suffer from it. In addition depression drastically affects an individual’s mood and behavior, as well as sleep patterns and eating habits, and recently researchers have also found that Clinical Depression takes a toll on a patient’s oral health too. According to a recent study published in the Journal of Periodontology, several patients suffering from Chicago gum disease who were also diagnosed with depression were observed for one year following a periodontal treatment and researchers found that these individuals were less likely to experience optimal results from the treatment compared to patients without depression.

Depression can affect treatment outcomes in many ways. First, depressed individuals may have a bad attitude about the treatment. These individuals might feel as if the actions associated with periodontal treatment are overwhelming and they could be less likely to follow directions and treatment recommendations. In addition, depressed individuals may be more likely to smoke cigarettes which has been shown to decrease the chances for optimal treatment results of periodontal procedures. Another explanation for the correlation could be that depression negatively affects and individual’s immune system, making it more difficult to fight off infection. While more research is needed to confirm the theories discussed as to the cause of why individuals with depression are less likely to experience optimal results following a periodontal treatment, the study brings to light the effects of depression on oral health and makes people aware of possible side effects that may affect them in ways they never considered previously.
While previous studies have shown that depression can negatively affect outcomes of cardiac surgery and reconstructive spinal surgery, this is the first case that shows clinical depression negatively affections periodontal treatment results. With the increased strain on Americans from the recent financial crisis and economic downturn, peridontists may want to consider pre-treatment assessments of patients to determine depressive status, which could help to improve the effectiveness of the periodontal procedures.
Depression is a fairly common ailment in which approximately 18.8 million American adults suffer from in a given year. Women tend to be more likely to suffer from depression, partly due to hormonal changes associated with the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause. Heritage could play a role in the cause of depression, as researchers have found that some types of depression are shown in families, suggesting biology as a factor. While there are many unknown variables surrounding the causes of depression and its link to the outcomes of many surgical and periodontal procedures, researchers do know that the disorder increases the chances of developing Chicago gum disease, and decreases the likelihood of positive outcomes following periodontal treatment.
If you have questions about or would like more information on the treatment options available to cure gum disease using lasers instead of a scalpel, contact Dr. Michael Marcus for more information. Dr. Marcus is a highly trained general dentist who treats gum disease using lasers instead of a scalpel. Finally there is an alternative to old cut and stitch surgery methods to treating gum disease. You can finally have the perfect smile you always dreamed of using state of the art laser technology. Don’t delay your treatment any longer; Call Dr. Marcus at (312) 263-6898 today.

Plaque Accumulating Beneath the Gum Line is Thought To Be Link Between Gum Disease And Increased Risk of Heart Attack
Researchers have known for quite awhile that individuals living with gum disease are more likely to suffer from other very serious health complications including heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. Until recently, it has been somewhat of a mystery to Chicago researchers as to the cause of the correlation between the two diseases. According to a recent article published in the Journal of Periodontology, researchers conducted two studies and uncovered evidence that bacteria accumulating beneath the gum line in the periodontal pockets could be the link between gum disease and increased risk of heart disease.
One study analyzed 150 participants who were diagnosed with periodontal disease and discovered that the level of bacteria beneath the gum line was much higher in those individuals who had suffered a heart attack. The subsequent study determined that the DNA found in the bacteria plaque was also found inside the patient’s heart arteries. These new findings support earlier theories by researchers that bacteria found in the mouth as a result of gum disease, can travel through the blood stream to reach other parts of the body. Researchers believe this process is inhibited by the chronic inflammation associated with gum disease, in that it opens up pores in the blood vessels allowing bacteria to pass through them freely.
These two studies substantiate the belief by Chicago dental professionals that gum disease is linked to other very serious systemic diseases including heart disease, diabetes, stroke and chronic kidney disease. Researchers know that the instances of these very serious health complications are higher in individuals who have been diagnosed with periodontal disease. More research is needed to solidify the findings and isolate the specific causes so that dental professionals can make attempts to stop the travel of the bacteria before it reaches the rest of the body if possible. The best protection that patients can hope for is to avoid periodontal disease altogether by practicing positive oral hygiene habits combined with regular visits to a dentist for cleanings and oral evaluations.
Patients should be aware that developing periodontal disease can have very serious consequences on their oral and overall health. If you are currently suffering from periodontal disease and have questions about state of the art treatment procedures available, contact Dr. Michael Marcus. Dr. Marcus is a highly trained general dentist who treats gum disease with a laser instead of a scalpel for less discomfort and faster healing. Your health is too important to delay treatment any longer. Contact Dr. Marcus at (312) 263-6898 for more information on how your gum disease can be treated using lasers instead of a scalpel.