New Research Finds that Estrogen Supplements Could Affect Progression of Periodontal Disease in Pre-Menopausal Women
It is a common occurrence for pre-menopausal women to consider hormone replacement therapy to combat the symptoms of menopause, including mood swings, hot flashes and fatigue. According to a recent article published in the Journal of Periodontology, hormone replacement therapy may also benefit pre-menopausal women’s oral health. The article indicated that estrogen supplements prescribed to women within five years of menopause may actually slow the development of periodontal disease. While more research is needed to solidify the findings, researches encourage pre-menopausal women who are suffering from periodontal disease to consult with a periodontist in Chicago for more information.
Research has shown that at least 50% of Americans over the age of 55 are currently suffering from advanced stages of periodontal disease. Researchers have been exploring the role that estrogen deficiency and osteoporosis play on the speed at which oral bone loss occurs following menopause, which could contribute to the increased risk of tooth loss. Researchers analyzed women who were currently suffering from osteoporosis to investigate how estrogen supplements affected oral health. According to the study, researchers found that estrogen supplements could decrease the risk of detachment of the oral fibers that support the teeth as well as lower rates of inflammation of the gums.
For women who are currently weighing the pros and cons of estrogen supplements to treat osteoporosis, this may be another benefit for them to consider. Researchers estimate that osteoporosis affects more than 25 million women in America, oftentimes resulting in bone loss. This new study emphasizes that estrogen helps to prevent bone loss. In addition, in pre-menopausal women, estrogen has been shown to reduce symptoms of menopause including hot flashes, irritability and could actually reduce the risk of developing coronary artery disease. Researchers want to emphasize the role of tobacco on the progression of periodontal disease and point out that smoking increased the rate at which the disease progressed at a much faster rate in comparision to women who had an estrogen deficiency. This information provides yet another reason for women, especially those suffering from periodontal disease to quit smoking as soon as possible to avoid very serious health complications.
While new research emphasizes the benefits of hormone replacement therapy as a means to slow the progression of periodontal disease, women are encouraged to consult with their doctor as well as a periodontist in Chicago to find out if this treatment is optimal for their particular situation. If you are currently suffering from periodontal disease and have questions about the treatment options available, contact Dr. Michael Marcus today. Dr. Marcus is a highly recommended general dentist who treats gum disease with a laser instead of a scalpel for faster healing and less discomfort. Finally, there is an alternative to old cut and stitch surgery methods to treating gum disease. For more information on treating gum disease with state of the art laser technology, contact Dr. Marcus at (312) 263-6898.

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.

Study Indicates That Steroid Abuse May Cause Gingival Enlargement

Steroids are substances that have similar properties to that of male hormones. Different variations of steroids are often abused by body builders and athletes to speed up the development of muscles and enhance athletic performance. Steroids used in this manner are illegal and can be very dangerous. Abuse of steroids exposes the individual to very serious side effects including acne, enlargement or shrinkage of some body parts, heart complications, liver disease, and can lead to uncontrollable, erratic, aggressive behavior. Recently, researchers have discovered that the abuse of anabolic androgenic steroids may be associated with gingival enlargement resulting in an increase in gingival index stores, or varying degrees of gingivitis, and could increase the chances of developing Chicago Gum Disease.

According to a recent article published in the Journal of Periodontology, abusing anabolic androgenic steroids for an extended period of time has been linked to the development of gingival enlargement. Gingival enlargement is characterized by gum tissue that swells to a level to where it will actually grow over the teeth. This overgrowth inhibits the risk of developing and accumulating plaque embedded with bacteria that over time will attack the oral bone and supporting structures of the teeth. If the oral bone is attacked by the bacteria for a prolonged period of time, the bone structures can become weak and the teeth may become loose and eventually fall out.

Periodontists typically treat gingival overgrowth with a procedure called a Gingivectomy. A gingevectomy involves removal of the excess gum tissue. While researchers know that gingival enlargement and inflammation was more prevalent in anabolic steroid abusers than non abusers, more research is needed to determine if the gingival enlargement will regress with discontinued use. Investigators are still seeking more information to conclude that gingival enlargement is a result of the steroid abuse as opposed to being a result of the side effects, including hormonal imbalance. In the past, changes in the gum tissue have been noted in parts of the human lifecycle where hormones are imbalanced, including menopause, puberty and the menstrual cycle. As more information becomes available, researchers will be able isolate the direct cause of the gingival enlargement to educate the public. At any rate, abuse of anabolic steroids is dangerous to your health and carries many side effects in addition to Chicago gum disease.

You should know your options regarding treatment and prevention of periodontal disease. Thanks to modern day technology, there is finally and alternative to old stitch and sew methods to treating gum disease. Dr. Michael Marcus is a highly trained general dentist, who treats gum disease with a laser instead of a scalpel for less discomfort and faster healing. Don’t delay your treatment any longer. To find out how you can get a perfect, healthy smile, contact Dr. Michael Marcus at (312) 263-6898 today.

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.