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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Bacteria are well known for its ability to infect the body and lead to various types of illnesses. To help protect ourselves we know to wash our hands frequently, don’t share drinks and cover our mouth when we cough. Sounds simple enough right? When it comes to preventing the spread of bacteria that lead to gum disease you may need to take more measures than seeing a Chicago Periodontist.

Among the many benefits of regular brushing, rarely do we consider the spread of disease or the encouragement of gum disease hiding in those soft bristles. The fact of the matter is this should be one of our primary considerations considering that when we have an illness the bacteria often spread through our saliva. The saliva then mixes with the bristles of our toothbrush and could burrow deep down where the water doesn’t rinse it away, leaving your toothbrush to carrier of various bacteria.

In addition to the spread of illness harmful bacteria that lead to gum disease may be lurking in there too, waiting for us to swish that brush around our warm moist mouth. Once there the bacteria find the perfect environment to re-populate and begin to break down your gums.

The risk of spreading disease through your toothbrush should not deter you from regular daily brushing. Rather it should motivate you to properly maintain your toothbrush. Here are a few suggestions to get you started:

• Never share your toothbrush,
• Replace your toothbrush every 3 – 4 months,
• Don’t share or re-use disinfectants used to clean toothbrushes,
• Avoid using community toothbrush holders,
• Don’t allow your toothbrush to touch other toothbrushes
• Don’t store your toothbrush in a closed, airtight container,
• Clean the area you store your toothbrush in often,
• Store your toothbrush in an upright position and allow it to dry.

Keeping your gums healthy and preventing the spread of disease can be as simple as maintaining your toothbrush. By following a few practical tips you will be well on your way to a new, healthier you.

If you notice changes in the health of your gums schedule a detailed evaluation with your Chicago Periodontist. For patients seeking an alternative approach to treatment contact Dr. Marcus. He can treat gum disease with a laser rather than a scalpel.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

In every city and on every street corner facial piercing has become the norm; most predominantly mouth piercings. Whether it’s a piercing of the tongue or lip it’s no longer a shock to see. What many don’t consider however is the impact that newly accustomed piercing plays on your visits to a Chicago Periodontist. In fact a recent case report indicates that mouth piercings can lead to gingival recession, a condition where the gums pull away from your teeth.

The case report published in the Journal of Periodontology stated that it found wearing tongue, lip or cheek piercings could lead to localized gum recession surrounding the area of the piercing. When this happens it leaves both the tooth and root exposed and more vulnerable to decay and gum disease.

The information found in this report is based on the analysis of a 26 year old female who started to notice her gums progressively receding away from her teeth soon after receiving a barbell piercing in her lip. After examining her gums it was apparent that the barbell had direct contact with the receding area and believed to be the cause. This acts as evidence that for some the desire to wear facial piercings may come at a detriment to the health of their smile.

Not only do facial piercings expose the tooth root and leave your teeth more vulnerable they also open a window of opportunity for bacterial infections. The mouth houses millions of bacteria making hygiene maintenance crucial when sporting jewelry around the mouth. Infection is common with new piercings along with swelling, increased saliva and pain.

When it comes to oral piercings it’s important to observe your mouth daily for any unusual changes such as receding gums. Additionally anyone with piercings needs to be aware of early warning signs of gum disease including:

• Red, swollen and bleeding gum
• Persistent bad breath
• Receding gums
• Loose or missing teeth

If early signs of gum disease develop seek treatment right away. For patients looking for a Chicago Periodontist who offers alternatives to traditional surgery consider contacting Dr. Marcus. He can treat gum disease with a laser rather than 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.