Posts Tagged ‘Periodontist Chicago’

Periodontist in Chicago Encourages Adequate Intake of Vitamins and Minerals For Healthier Smiles

Friday, February 12th, 2010

Good nutrition cannot be stressed enough. Consistent adherence to well-balanced meals does not only decrease your risks for chronic health conditions, such as diabetes mellitus, obesity and heart disease but it also significantly decreases your chances of having gum diseases. Periodontist Chicago encourages sufficient daily intake of vitamins and minerals to regain and maintain overall oral health.
Vitamin and mineral deficiencies are thought to weaken the immune system that protects your body from the damaging effects of the gum disease-causing bacteria. Once the efficiency of your immune bacteria declines, you are more likely to suffer from periodontal diseases, such as gingivitis and periodontitis. Periodontitis is the inflammation and destruction of the structures surrounding and supporting your teeth.
Two of the most important nutrients for oral health are calcium and vitamin C. Calcium is the main supportive element of the alveolar bone that supports the teeth, keeping it strong.  According to researchers, men and women who take less than 500 mg of calcium a day, or about less than 50% of the recommended daily allowance, are twice as likely to develop gum diseases.
Vitamin C, a natural antioxidant, is a valuable nutrient for healthier teeth and gums. Aside from protecting your body from the damages of free radicals, vitamin C is essential in the synthesis of collagen, the chief protein in connective tissues. Research shows that individuals who consume less than 60 mg of vitamin C a day, the RDA for vitamin C, are 1.5 times more likely to develop severe inflammation of the gums, or gingivitis, than those who consume 180 mg of vitamin C a day. Gingivitis is manifested by swelling, pain and bleeding of the gums.
To regain and maintain healthier smiles, it is recommended to eat foods rich in calcium and vitamin C. Milk, dairy products, leafy vegetables, fish and beans are good sources of calcium. Vitamin C can be obtained from broccoli, strawberries, kale, cantaloupes, kiwifruit, oranges and papayas. It is also recommended to increase your intake of water, which can greatly help in keeping moisture in your mouth. Dry mouths and mucus membranes are a good environment for growth of bacteria that cause gum disease.
In addition to good nutrition, individuals should maintain constantly maintain good oral hygiene. Brush and floss your teeth regularly to prevent the development of gum diseases. Periodontist Chicago recommends regular visits to your dentist to monitor your overall oral health.
For a healthier smile, you can visit Dr. Marcus on the web at http://michaelmarcusdds.com or you can call him at (312)263-6898. Dr. Marcus is not a periodontist in Chicago but a highly qualified general dentist who treats gum diseases with a laser, and not a scalpel.


Periodontist in Chicago Says Gum Disease Is Worsened By False Home Remedies for Bad Breath

Wednesday, February 10th, 2010

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.


Periodontist On Chicago Says Gene Therapy Can Keep You Smiling For A Lifetime

Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010

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.


Periodontist On Chicago Urges Proper Flossing To Combat Gum Disease

Monday, February 1st, 2010

Periodontist on Chicago, along with the entire periodontal community, strongly recommends daily flossing for healthier teeth and gums.  Though nearly all Americans brush their teeth, the American Dental Association estimated that only 12% of Americans floss their teeth on a daily basis. According to research, in spite of the widespread beneficial effects of dental flossing, almost half of the general population does not floss their teeth.
The American Academy of Periodontology stated that including flossing in your oral care can significantly prevent the buildup of the bacteria – containing dental plaques that cause gum disease, tooth decay and tooth loss. Once the bacteria gain access to blood circulation, the risk for the development of systemic diseases increases.
To assess the effects of dental flossing, 51 sets of twins between 12 and 21 years were included in a two – week treatment regimen. One twin was asked to brush his/her teeth using a manual toothbrush, whereas the other twin was required to floss the teeth, in addition to brushing. Twins have similar genetic make ups and are more likely exposed to similar environments with the same dietary habits and lifestyle. The researchers thought that this is an accurate way to determine the valuable effects of flossing in maintaining oral health.
The findings of the study indicated that the twins from the group that did not floss have overabundance of periodontal bacteria compared to the group that brushed and flossed their teeth. From these results, the integral role of regular flossing in maintaining oral health is established.
Flossing, if done inaccurately, can result in more damage than benefits. Improper flossing can result in gum or teeth trauma, subsequently, increasing your chances of gum disease. To maximize the beneficial effects of flossing, you can utilize the following healthy tips:
1.  Determine the best type of floss. There are many types of dental floss that you can avail of but choosing the one that meets the needs of your teeth and situation is one of the most important steps that you have to take. It is recommended to choose a dental floss that contains fluoride.
2. Before brushing, measure an arms length of floss, around 18 inches. Start by winding most of the floss around your pointer finger and thumb. Leave one to two inches of floss to work with.
3.  In a sawing motion, gently floss in between your teeth. Ensure that you do not snap the floss as this can result in gum damage.
4.  Position the floss around the base of each tooth so that it embraces it in a C shape. As you floss up and down the tooth’s surface, ensure that your floss reaches the area below the gum line.
5.  Floss all the upper and lower teeth. It is suggested to begin with the upper molars the left side and ending at the left lower molars.
6.  Use clean areas of floss as you move from one tooth to another.
7.  After flossing, brush your teeth and rinse with water.

Periodontist on Chicago agrees that regular flossing can make a lot of difference in your oral health. Thus, aside from brushing, you must learn the correct techniques in dental flossing.
To maintain healthy gums and teeth, visit Dr. Marcus on the web at http://michaelmarcusdds.com or you can contact him at (321)263-6898. Dr. Marcus is not a periodontist in Chicago but highly qualified general dentist that treats gum diseases with a laser, and not a scalpel.


Periodontist In Chicago Says Gum Disease Is Likely To Occur In Breastfeeding Women

Monday, January 25th, 2010

Recent Research Reveals Lactating Mothers Need More Calcium To Prevent Gum Diseases.
Mothers who have chosen to breastfeed their babies are much aware that during the entire breastfeeding period, they need to increase their intake of calories by 500 more to support the production of milk. According to periodontists in Chicago, gum disease is likely to occur in breastfeeding mothers. Recent research reveals that what most breastfeeding mothers do not know is that they also need to ensure their adequate intake of calcium in their diets to prevent the occurrence of gum diseases, which can subsequently result in loosening of the teeth.
The study conducted by Kanako Shoji and colleagues revealed that lactating rodents induced with low calcium intake are more vulnerable to develop inflammation of gum tissues. Though the research was conducted on animals, the results demonstrated that a diet high in calcium is a must in lactating mothers to preserve the alveolar bone, the bone structures supporting the teeth.
During breastfeeding, obstetricians recommend nursing mothers to add up 500 extra calories in their diets. This is mainly because, to produce sufficient amounts of milk, the body requires around 800 calories more. In connection, in order for breastfeeding mothers to produce around 25 to 35 ounces of calcium-rich breast milk each day, they need approximately a daily intake of 1200 mg of calcium from various food sources.
The daily transfer of calcium through the breast milk from mother to child is estimated to be around 250 to 300 mg. After three months of lactating, breastfeeding mothers are believed to have lost 25 to 30 grams of calcium, which is approximately 3% of the body’s stored calcium. If the mother’s calcium stores are depleting or her diet is low in calcium, the body will mobilize the calcium stores out of the bones and teeth and into the bloodstream. Calcium is necessary to continue the most important physiological processes in the body, such as the firing of neurons and the normal beating of the heart, and so, the body is in constant need of the mineral.
Once the calcium stores are severely depleted, the mother is at increased risk for bone loss, which includes the alveolar bone that supports the teeth. The study of Shoji and colleagues has also suggested that insufficient calcium intake causes inflammation of the periodontal tissues and disruption of the gingival tissue. Without a doubt, deficiency in calcium by lactation can severely compromise a woman’s overall oral health.
For periodontists in Chicago, gum disease is avoided and oral health is greatly improved with increased intake of foods rich in calcium during breastfeeding. Consuming milk and dairy, spinach, broccoli, figs, nuts, beans and tofu regularly and in adequate amounts, is recommended to protect the gums from inflammation and various diseases. Good oral hygiene, such as regular brushing and flossing of teeth, are essential to fight periodontal diseases. A regular visit to your dentist is encouraged to maintain good oral health.
Individuals who have seen or been told to see  a periodontist in Chicago but who want an alternative to cut and stitch gum surgery, can contact Dr. Marcus at (312)263-6898 or visit him at http://michaelmarcusdds.com  . Dr. Marcus is a highly trained general dentist who  does not use a scalpel, but  a laser, to treat gum diseases.


: Periodontist in Chicago States Gum Disease Is Common Among Steroid Abusers

Monday, January 11th, 2010

Anabolic steroid abuse has been commonly associated to a wide range of undesirable effects. Men who abuse steroids have been found with increased incidence of acne and enlarged breasts. Prolonged steroid use can result in the development of more serious adverse effects, such as malignancy of the liver and heart attacks. Recently, research reveals that anabolic steroid abuse can severely compromise one’s oral health. According to periodontists in Chicago, gum disease associated to gingival or gum enlargement is frequently seen in individuals who use steroids for prolonged periods of time.
Researchers at the Cukorova University in Turkey conducted a study consisting of athletes ages 17 to 29 who have been using anabolic steroids for more than a year. It was found that these athletes have demonstrated significant enlargement of the gums compared to a group of bodybuilders who are steroid-free. The research group concluded that anabolic steroid abuse can significantly increase your risk for gingival enlargement.
Gingival enlargement or overgrowth is an oral condition where the gum tissues enlarge and become swollen, growing over the teeth. As the gum tissues progressively increase in size, the tissues become more dense than normal. Gum inflammation begins to interrupt speech and eating. As gingival enlargement advances, oral pain, bleeding of the gums and tooth movement occur. However, its most serious effect in oral health is the probable development of severe periodontal diseases. As gum tissues begin to grow over the crown of the teeth, it becomes more difficult to brush and floss the teeth thoroughly. Dental plaques build up, and the overgrown gums harbor more gum-disease causing bacteria.  Because of these conditions, periodontal diseases develop over time.
The periodontal community is not too surprised with this finding. Anabolic steroids are chemical substances that resemble the androgens, also known as the male hormones. During periods of hormonal fluctuations, most especially in pubertal boys, changes in the periodontal and gingival tissues have been observed. Aside from their role in development of secondary sexual characteristics, such as enlargement of the penis and testes, androgens are known to accelerate muscle development, bone growth and production of the red blood cells. Thus, anabolic steroids are commonly abused by athletes who desires of gaining weight, power, strength, endurance and speed.
For periodontists in Chicago, gum disease associated to gingival enlargement must be given the right treatment and care to prevent its damaging effects. Anabolic steroid cessation is the first and most important step in stopping and preventing the unfavorable side effects of prolonged steroid use. It is important to consult your physician who can help you take the appropriate steps during the cessation program.
For treatments of dental and gum diseases, you can visit Dr. Marcus, a highly trained general dentist, on the web at http://michaelmarucsdds.com or you can reach him at (312)263-6898. Dr. Marcus is not a periodontist in Chicago but he can help you keep your healthy smile through a laser, and not a scalpel.


Gum Health Says Much About One’s Diet, Periodontist in Chicago Agrees

Monday, January 4th, 2010

Many efforts have been made to encourage the young and old alike to maintain good nutrition and well-balanced diets. However, many are not well aware that good nutrition, aside from providing the body adequate amounts of energy and protection from various diseases, significantly improves gum health. Periodontist on Chicago, along with other periodontists in the country, could not agree more.
According to a survey conducted by the American Academy of Periodontology or AAP, around 65% of periodontists believe that good nutrition plays a major role in an individual’s overall oral health. Though well-balanced diets are initially recommended to prevent certain gum diseases, periodontists recommend the intake of certain vitamins and minerals to promote healthier teeth and gums.
Periodontists recommend adequate intake of food sources rich with vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, broccoli, cantaloupes, turnips, berries and potatoes. Vitamin C is necessary for the normal growth, maintenance and repair of all tissues in the body. It is needed to form collagen, the main protein of connective tissues, which include the gums.  Vitamin C is also an antioxidant that blocks off the damaging effects of free radicals, the by-products of food conversion to energy. This vitamin can also boost up the immune system to fight off any disease-causing microorganisms in the body.
It has been shown that with low vitamin C intake, individuals are vulnerable to acquire periodontitis, a bacterial infection that causes damages to the bones and tissues supporting the teeth. Gingivitis, or the inflammation of the gums and the surrounding teeth, is more likely to occur if vitamin C intake is insufficient. With severe vitamin C deficiency, scurvy, a condition where the gum bleeds, ensues. The gums are usually purple and spongy.
It is also recommended to load up on food sources with high calcium content, like milk and other dairy products. Around 99% of calcium in the body is absorbed in the bones and teeth to keep them healthy and strong. Calcium helps you regain and maintain that healthy smile by limiting bone loss around the tooth roots brought about by various gum diseases. A study revealed that women who are low in calcium increase their risk of periodontal diseases by as much as 54%.
Vitamins A and D and phosphorus are also some of the nutrients that you some consume to maintain healthier teeth and gums.
To encourage healthier gums and teeth, periodontist on Chicago recommends individuals to take vitamin C or calcium supplements if their diet lacks any of these nutrients. It is essential to limit the intake of fruit juices and beverages that are high in sugars that can make your oral cavity a good breeding ground for bacterial growth. These drinks are also highly acidic and can cause gum abrasion and tooth decay. Drink at least 8 glasses of water each day to wash away the food and to neutralize the plaques. Brush and flossing are advised right after eating sticky foods, such as raisins to keep you from losing that healthy and beautiful smile.
For consultation and treatment of gum disease, visit Dr. Marcus on the web at http://michaelmarcusdds.com or you can contact 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.


Periodontists In Chicago Believes Melatonin Contains Anti-Gum Disease Properties

Thursday, December 24th, 2009

Research Reveals Increased Salivary Melatonin Can Protect Gums From Various Diseases
Melatonin has been widely accepted as a treatment of various medical conditions, most notably for sleep disorders. For many years, melatonin supplements are known to regain and maintain normal sleep patterns in individuals who suffer from sleep disruptions, which are linked to various health conditions. But in a recent research, it is revealed that melatonin supplements have something more to offer. Authors of the research suggest that melatonin contains gum protective properties, which is greatly beneficial for individuals who want to maintain good oral health until they reach the old age.
Periodontist Chicago believes, along with many members of the periodontology community, that melatonin and its use in periodontal health is something worth for further investigation and study. At present, researchers are only starting to discover the many valuable effects of melatonin. Its favorable effects in oral health are not far from being possible.
Melatonin is believed to prevent periodontal diseases by encouraging bone formation and by strengthening the immune system to effectively fight off any gum disease-causing microorganisms. It is thought that melatonin maintains the integrity of the alveolar bones, the structures that surround and support the teeth, by inhibiting the activities of the osteoclasts. Osteoclasts are bone cells that break down the bone. Increased osteoclastic activity is considered as the major cause of osteoporosis in women after menopause.  Because of its effects on the bones and immune system, melatonin could prevent or reduce the occurrence of tooth loss, most especially during an advanced age.
Dr. Galindo, a dentist from the University of Granada, Spain, reveals that individuals with higher salivary melatonin obtained lower community periodontal index or CPI. CPI score is used to evaluate one’s periodontal status. The lower the CPI score, the better is the gum health status. Additionally, it was observed that the older population is found with lower salivary melatonin and higher CPI scores compared to a younger group. This is possibly the reason why the elderly are more vulnerable to gum diseases and tooth loss.
Melatonin, a hormone, is secreted by the pineal gland. Aside from its ability to improve sleep disorders, it also contains some antioxidant effects that protect the body from systemic inflammatory responses and oxidative damages caused by free radicals. Free radicals are normal by products metabolism, where the body obtains the much needed energy from various food sources. It is also believed that melatonin contains some anti-aging properties.
Periodontist Chicago suggests that, although melatonin can protect the gums from various diseases, there is no better way to maintain good oral health by consistently brushing and flossing your teeth. It is also recommended to maintain a well-balanced diet, which contains foods that are rich in calcium and vitamin C. Individuals who want to keep their healthy smiles should visit their dentists regularly to check on the status of their oral health.
Dr. Marcus is a general dentist, not a Chicago periodontist.  He  helps individuals regain and maintain their healthy and beautiful smiles. You can contact him at (312)263-6898 or you can visit http://michaelmarcudsdds.com. Dr. Marcus uses a laser, not a scalpel, to treat gum disease in Chicago.


Periodontist In Chicago can Dispel these Myths About Oral Health Care

Monday, December 7th, 2009

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.


Periodontist In Chicago Recommends Increased Dairy Intake To Have Healthier Smiles

Thursday, November 19th, 2009

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.