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.

New Research Indicates that Certain Risk Factors May Increase the Risk of Tooth Loss
According to a recent article published in the Journal of Periodontology, certain individuals may be increasingly susceptible to the destruction caused by periodontal disease in comparison to others. The study found that individuals who are exposed to certain risk factors have an increased chance of experiencing tooth loss as a result of periodontal disease. According to the periodontist Chicago residents who have an association with the following risk indicators have the highest chances of losing their teeth to periodontal disease:
1.Age – Older individuals are at higher risk of tooth loss
2.Male Gender — Previous studies have shown that men often have practice less than optimal oral hygiene habits compared to women, which could account for this incidence
3.Smoking – Yet another reason for smokers to quit smoking to increase their chances of keeping their teeth
4.Lack of Professional Maintenance – It is recommend to keep regular appointment with a dental professional for cleanings and oral evaluations
5.Inadequate Oral Hygiene – Regular and Proper brushing and flossing is vital
6.Diabetes Mellitus – Individuals with diabetes are more likely to lose their teeth to periodontal disease, perhaps due to diabetes weakening the body’s ability to fight infection
7.Hypertension – High Blood Pressure
8.Rheumatoid Arthritis – Individuals with arthritis are at a higher risk for losing their teeth
9.Anterior Tooth Type – The longer thinner teeth in the front of the mouth
According to the study, several thousand patients were examined who had their teeth extracted and researchers found that more teeth were lost as a result of periodontal disease than those without periodontal disease. A majority of the tooth extractions were performed on individuals over the age of 35, implying that older individuals are more susceptible to tooth loss. In addition, many of the patients had diabetes mellitus and hypertension in common. The study also showed that more men lost their teeth in comparison to women. One of the findings that may not be a surprise to many is that over one third of the patients who had their teeth removed were smokers. Finally, more than half of the patients reported that they brushed their teeth infrequently and irregularly.
The study emphasizes the importance of identifying risk factors in order to educate patients and communicate the best prevention methods for individuals. Periodontal disease is the number one cause of adult tooth loss in America today. According to the periodontist Chicago residents who have an association with the risk factors listed below should be aware of their increased risk of losing their teeth to periodontal disease.
If you are suffering from periodontal disease and have questions about the state of the art treatment options available using lasers, instead of a scalpel, contact Dr. Michael Marcus today. Dr. Marcus is a highly trained general dentist who uses lasers instead of a scalpel to treat gum disease for faster healing and less discomfort. For more information on how you can get the perfect smile you deserve, 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.

Recent Study Indicates That Smoking Could Be Detrimental to Effects of Oral Surgery
It is no secret that smoking is harmful to your health. Smoking has been shown to cause many very serious health complications including emphysema and lung cancer, leading to the death of approximately 400,000 people each year. Those that do not die from tobacco use often get very sick and suffer in a variety of ways with increased use over time. In addition, smoking drastically affects an individual’s oral health and has been known to cause tooth discoloration, delayed oral healing after surgery or oral illness, oral cancers and tooth loss. According to the periodontist Chicago residents are highly advised to stop smoking immediately if they want to avoid very serious health complications down the road.
A recent study published in the Journal of Periodontology shed some light on the effects of smoking following an oral surgery. The study found that smokers were less likely to have long term desirable results from oral plastic surgeries. The study evaluated smokers for two years following an oral surgery to analyze the effects of cigarette smoke on the treatments. The study found that smokers had more gum rescission around the surgical area and the soft tissue had difficulties in reattaching to the root surface of the teeth in comparison to non smokers in the same time frame. Smoking also makes it harder for the body to recover and heal itself following an oral surgery.
Individuals that smoke should be aware of the effects smoking has on the long term results of periodontal plastic surgery. Because of the effects of smoking on the outcome, it is highly recommended that individuals quit smoking before an oral surgery so as not to undo the benefits sought out as a result of the surgery. According to a periodontist in Chicago, if a patient chooses to continue smoking following a periodontal surgery, they should expect less than optimal long term results.
Many Americans are now aware that smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke is detrimental to overall and oral health. Dental professionals recommend that patients quit smoking immediately to avoid very serious oral health complications including periodontal disease. If you have questions about or would like more information about treatment options available to cure gum disease, contact Dr. Michael Marcus today. Dr. Marcus is a highly trained general dentist who treats gum disease using lasers instead of a scalpel. State of the art laser technology allows patients to experience less discomfort and faster healing when treating gum disease. Don’t delay your treatment any longer. For more information on how you can get the perfect smile you have always dreamed of, call Dr. Marcus at (312) 263-6898 today.