Everyone knows that with obesity comes a plethora of health risks including heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol and many more. Just about every doctor’s office in America provides free classes on weight management, even weight loss. There are many surgeries available to help even the stubbornness of weight patients. All these things are offered to reduce health risks that will prove to be more serious than the excess weight itself. What patients may not realize is that these measures will also reduce a need for a Chicago Periodontist.

Researchers at the University of Buffalo conducted a study using 12,367 participants aged 20 to 90 years of age with 53 percent being men, 47 percent women with 43 percent of all participants being overweight. Using the results of this study, researchers found that obesity is a significant predictor of periodontal disease independent of age, gender, race, ethnicity, and smoking. Furthermore researchers found that the severity of attachment loss increased proportionally with increasing insulin resistance.

Robert Genco, vice provost at the University of Buffalo shared, “People who have a higher body mass index produce cytokines (hormone-like proteins), that lead to systemic inflammation and insulin resistance. We propose that chronic stimulation and secretion of proinflammatory cytokines associated with periodontal infection also occurs, contributing to insulin resistance, which may further predispose to diabetes mellitus.”

Battling your weight isn’t just about heart disease or cholesterol any more. This study shows a significant cause to take your weight into consideration when adopting an oral health routine. Patients who have been diagnosed with type-2 diabetes or insulin resistance and have excess weight it’s important to monitor their mouth for early signs of gum disease daily. Early signs of gum disease include:

• Frequently bleeding gums,
• Red, swollen and painful gums,
• Persistent bad breath,
• Loose or missing teeth
• A change in the way your teeth fit in your mouth.

Keeping your mouth healthy requires daily brushing and flossing, regular dental checkups and early intervention if needed. If you notice signs of gum disease and are looking for a Chicago Periodontist who can offer an alternative to traditional surgery contact Dr. Marcus. He can treat gum disease with a laser rather than a scalpel.

Have you ever sat back and wonder about the overall benefits of drinking milk? Perhaps if you’re trying to lose weight you’ve considered the new idea of milk helping to slim your waistline. If you’re a parent I’m sure you’ve considered the many benefits dairy has for your growing child. Now, thanks to a recent study published in the Journal of Periodontology there is one more benefit of dairy to add to your list. The benefit this study revealed was adding dairy to your diet can actually reduce your risk for needing a Periodontist in Chicago .

The study was conducted by Dr. Yoshihiro Shimazaki of Kyushu University in Fukuoka, Japan. Dr. Shimazaki had this to say, “This study reinforces what much of the public already knows – the importance of dairy in helping achieve a healthy lifestyle, including a healthy mouth.”

The study evaluated two periodontal perimeters of participants aged 40 through 70 including periodontal pocket depth (PD) and clinical attachment loss (CAL). What researchers found was participants who consumed 55g of dairy products each day had a significantly lower instance of periodontal disease.

In simple terms, encouraging daily intake of dairy products, whether for our children or ourselves, not only does a body good, but it does your gums good too. And with the stealthiest of gum disease anything you can do to reduce your risks is worth your efforts. To begin familiarize yourself with the signs of gum disease such as:

• Red, swollen gums
• Bleeding while brushing or flossing
• Loose or missing teeth
• Persistent bad breath
• A change in the way your teeth (or dentures) fit in your mouth
• Gums that have pulled away from your teeth

To arm yourself against this silent epidemic monitor your mouth daily for these signs and contact your dentist right away if you notice any unusual changes. Maintain a daily habit of proper oral care including both brushing and flossing. Eat a well balanced diet and be sure to include your daily dose of dairy to protect the health of your mouth.

If signs of gum disease develop, early intervention is the key. To have treatment with a Periodontist in Chicago that does not involve the use of a scalpel contact Dr. Marcus. He treats gum disease with a laser giving his patients a comfortable alternative to surgery.

If you’re noticing signs of gum disease you may not think it’s really that important to see a Periodontist Chicago. After all you can simply pick up some Listerine at the store and kill germs that way right? You figure you will improve your brushing and flossing for a while and things will be just fine. The harsh reality is, it’s not just your mouth you’re taking chances with. In fact, research has shown that gum disease can lead to more serious health concerns.

There are four major areas that periodontal disease has been shown to have a negative impact. Those areas include heart disease, diabetes, preterm labor, and respiratory disease. The reason is believed to be caused by the bacteria traveling from your mouth to other parts of the body and causing infection or exacerbating existing conditions.

The health of your heart can be affected by bacterium traveling through the bloodstream as well. Research has indicated that these traveling bacteria can foster blood clots and clogged arteries. Additionally, if you have an existing heart condition periodontal disease has been linked to exacerbating the condition.

If you’re a diabetic you may want to pay special attention to your gums during your normal oral care. Researchers have found that diabetics are more susceptible to getting gum disease over patients without diabetes. And, once you have gum disease it can make it harder to control your blood sugar. This is believed to be due to indications that gum disease tends to raise blood sugar on its own.

Patients with chronic respiratory disease should be especially mindful of the impact gum disease could have on their health. The bacteria from the mouth and throat can easily travel to the respiratory tract, further aggravating existing respiratory illness. Researchers are also studying the connection between periodontal disease and the frequency of respiratory infections to see if there may be a connection.

Pregnant women who develop gum disease should seek periodontal treatment as soon as possible. It has been shown that bacteria can spread through the blood and possibly impact the health of your unborn baby. Additionally, pregnant women with gum disease are seven times more likely to have preterm labor and low birth weight babies.

Your health is important. Be sure to maintain daily oral hygiene and see your dentist regularly. Check your mouth daily for any signs of gum disease including red, swollen or bleeding gums, loose or missing teeth, gums that have pulled away from your teeth and persistent bad breath, visit a Periodontist right away. People looking for a Periodontist Chicago contact Dr. Marcus. He can treat gum disease with a laser rather than a scalpel.

Having confidence in your smile dramatically impacts your role in the social community. Individuals, who freely laugh at jokes, smile at comments and friendly condolences are remembered more among acquaintances. They tend to be the “popular” ones and those that easily excel in the work place. If you’re not among the group of confident smiles you soon could be after visiting a Periodontist Chicago.

According to a poll conducted at the American Academy of Periodontology’s website one out of four respondents reported the biggest flaw with their smile is that it is too gummy or their teeth appear too long, making their smiles less than confident. Surprisingly, out of the 307 individuals who completed the survey only 26 percent of them were aware that periodontal procedures existed that could correct their smiles.

While these procedures are not well-known 67 percent of Periodontists report that they are performing more periodontal cosmetic procedures than years past. These procedures are usually done for improving oral functioning, however many Periodontists willingly perform the same procedures for esthetic reasons. After all, these procedures can dramatically improve a patients smile, making them very rewarding for patient and Periodontist alike.

Two common periodontal cosmetic procedures performed include correcting excessive gummy smiles and reducing the appearance of teeth that look too long. For excessive gumminess your Periodontist can lengthen the crowns of your teeth. This procedure recontours the excess gum to expose more of the natural tooth. When the teeth appear too long the Periodontist can perform a soft tissue graft to cover exposed roots.

With periodontal cosmetic surgery there’s no reason to hide your smile any longer. Now you can join the ranks of popular smiles that are remembered among the crowd. Begin by maintaining good oral hygiene of daily brushing and flossing. Set an appointment with a Periodontist to determine if you’re a candidate for periodontal cosmetic surgery and get your treatment plan set up.

If you’re looking for a Periodontist Chicago who offers alternative treatment methods contact Dr. Michael Marcus. He specializes in the diagnoses and treatment of gum disease with a laser, not a scalpel.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For years researchers have studied the impact of periodontal disease on overall health. Each study has returned consistent results showing a definitive connection between the two, making it logical to include a Periodontist Chicago on your health care team. One recent study took a close look at the association between toothless adults and the prevalence of chronic kidney disease.

The study was conducted by Case Western Reserve University and found a significant association between chronic kidney disease and endentulism. In the study 4,053 U.S. adults, some with teeth and others without were observed for kidney function. The study found that participants who had lost all their teeth were more likely to have chronic kidney failure than those who maintained all their natural teeth.

For some it’s difficult to understand why tooth loss warrants attention for this type of study but study author Monica Fisher shared, “The rationale for examining endentulous adults in this study is to exam the long-term effects of periodontal disease on the presence of chronic kidney disease. Periodontal disease is a leading cause of tooth loss in adults; therefore endentulism is considered to be a marker of past periodontal disease in the study’s participants.”

Periodontal disease has been long believed to be a chronic inflammation resulting from a prolonged bacterial infection in the gums. This inflammation shows up as redness, swelling, and often bleeding gums and when left untreated will ultimately lead to tooth loss. Periodontal disease in and of itself is a nasty disease; however research indicates this inflammation doesn’t stop there.

Past studies have looked at the connection between mouth and body and found that inflammation may likely be the link that binds the two together. Both periodontal disease and chronic kidney disease are systemic-inflammatory disorders so it makes sense that these two would show an association if inflammation truly is the connecting factor.

For many Periodontists this discovery brings exciting news since treating periodontal disease can do more than just save your natural teeth. David Cochran, president of the American Academy of Periodontology shared, “It is exciting to think that by controlling periodontal disease the incidence of and progression of chronic kidney disease may be reduced.”

To help reduce your risks for chronic kidney disease, be proactive with your periodontal health. Contact a Periodontist Chicago and have your gums evaluated for optimum health. If you’re looking for a Periodontist who offers a less evasive approach than tradition surgery, contact Dr. Michael Marcus. He treats gum disease with a laser, not a scalpel.

Gum disease is characterized by red, swollen and bleeding gums, loose teeth, bone loss and receding gums. For the longest time dentists believed this to be a result of bacterial infection from plaque build-up around the gum line. Now, your doctor may team up with a Periodontist in Chicago as evidence shows that gum disease could be a systemic-inflammatory disorder that my lead to more serious health problems.

Though more research is needed to know the exact biological connection between inflammation in the gums and your overall health enough research has been done to indicate a direct connection between those suffering from periodontal disease and other health issues such as, heart disease, chronic kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and many other systemic disorders.

Inflammation is the body’s natural defense when injury occurs. Signs of inflammation include heat, pain, swelling and redness around the injury. These symptoms act as a protective barrier so the body can heal the area. While inflammation’s primary job is to protect and heal, chronic inflammation has been known to lead to a dysfunction of the infected tissue. According to Dr. Susan Karabin “gum disease is a textbook case of an inflammatory response.”

More and more dentists agree there is a connection between the mouth and body with the only gray area being exactly how it connects. Periodontists who are specially trained in the diagnosis and treatment of gum disease believe the inflammatory response to the bacteria in the mouth may be the cause behind the periodontal-systemic health link. For this reason they are encouraging patients to be on top of their oral health and for physicians to team up with Periodontists if the need arises.

To help avoid gum disease Periodontists recommend daily brushing and flossing, routine visits to a dentist and periodic evaluations with your Periodontist. If signs of gum disease do develop the patient is encouraged to update the health record with their practicing physician to better coordinate care.

For patients seeking a Periodontist in Chicago and an alternative to traditional surgery treatments for gum disease Dr. Michael Marcus treats gum disease with a laser, not a scalpel, giving you a relaxing treatment. Don’t wait another minute to have your periodontal health set in the right direction.

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.

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.