Causes of Periodontal Disease

The main cause of periodontal (gum) disease is plaque, but other factors affect the health of your gums.

Periodontal (gum) diseases, including gingivitis and periodontitis, are serious infections that, left untreated, can lead to tooth loss. Periodontal disease can affect one tooth or many teeth. The main cause of periodontal disease is bacterial plaque, a sticky, colorless film that constantly forms on your teeth. However, factors like the following also affect the health of your gums.

Smoking/Tobacco Use
As you probably already know, tobacco use is linked with many serious illnesses such as cancer, lung disease and heart disease, as well as numerous other health problems. What you may not know is that tobacco users also are at increased risk for periodontal disease. In fact, recent studies have shown that tobacco use may be one of the most significant risk factors in the development and progression of periodontal disease.

Other contributing factors include genetics, women's issues, stress, medications, grinding, diabetes, poor nutrition and obesity. These will be covered in future posts.

If you have gum disease and want to treat it without sugery, consider laser periodontal therapy. To learn more about the periodontal laser keep reading here.

Gum Disease and HIV

Study Links Acid Produced From Gum Disease With HIV

February 13, 2009

A recent study conducted by researchers in Japan found that an acid produced in the mouth because of gum disease might promote the progression of HIV, AFP/Yahoo! News reports. According to the researchers, the study, which will be published in the March issue of the Journal of Immunology, marks the first time a link has been discovered between gum disease and HIV, although previous research has linked gum disease with diabetes and heart disease. According to study author Kuniyasu Ochiai of Nihon University, butyric acid -- produced by a group of bacteria that causes periodontal disease --hinders an enzyme called HDAC, which blocks HIV from proliferating. Takashi Okamoto, molecular biology professor in central Japan's Nagoya City University, and Kenichi Imai, a research assistant at the university, also participated in the study.

Through in-vitro experiments, the researchers found that HIV quickly proliferated in two kinds of immune system-related cells after they were given culture fluid containing the gum disease-causing bacteria and butyric acid. Ochiai said, "Serious periodontal disease could lead to the development (of AIDS) among HIV-positive people ... although the probability largely depends on individual physical strength." He adds that there are "fears that even those [who] were unaware that they had contracted HIV could develop the epidemic once they have periodontal disease." The research team intends to confirm their finding in animal tests, Ochiai said (AFP/Yahoo! News, 2/11).

Laser Periodontal Therapy FAQ | Periolase Long Island

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a referral from my Dentist or Physician to see Dr. Scharf?
Many patients choose Dr. Scharf on their own. They have heard of him through word of mouth from a friend, family member or colleague. Many of our patients find out about us from the internet. We welcome all new patients and you don’t have to referred from a Dentist or Physician. If you have a dentist you don’t have to leave them to see Dr. Scharf. Dr. Scharf will work closely with your existing Dentist as a team to help you. This is much like a Cardiologist who works together with the primary care physician to help their patients.

What is Periodontal Disease?
It’s an infection of the gums. It starts out as plaque, an opaque film on the teeth that hardens to form calculus or tartar. As tartar accumulates, it harbors bacteria which attacks the soft tissue around the gums. This early stage of gum disease is called Gingivitis. Symptoms include red swollen gums, bleeding, bad breath and, sometimes, an unpleasant taste in the mouth. Untreated, Gingivitis becomes Periodontitis. At this severe stage, bacteria destroys both the gums and the supporting bone structurel Pockets form where teeth are separated from the gums and surrounding bones. Left untreated, Periodontitis eventually results in tooth loss.

What's the best way to treat Periodontal Disease?
LASER PERIODONTAL THERAPY™ (LPT™) a patented new non-surgical laser alternative to gum surgery, is a less painful, less traumatic way to treat periodontal disease at any stage. It is ideal for patients who want conservative gum disease treatment.

What's different about LASER PERIODONTAL THERAPY™?
LASER PERIODONTAL THERAPY™ uses a special kind of laser called the PerioLase®, invented by two dentists in Cerritos, California. Dr. Robert Gregg and Dr. Delwin McCarthy spent years developing a better way to treat gum disease. The laser fiber, which is only about as wide as a couple of human hairs, is inserted between the gum tissue and your tooth, where it painlessly removes the noxious elements that cause gum disease.

How many treatments will I need?
LASER PERIODONTAL THERAPY™ doesn't take much time at all -- just two two-hour sessions versus eight to ten one-hour sessions with surgery. You don't have to worry about bleeding, stitches or post-treatment infection, because your gums haven't been cut.

What about recovery - will I be in pain or need to follow a special routine?
The sense of recovery is immediate, due to the laser’s ability to seal blood vessels, lymphatics and nerve endings. Of course, your tissue needs time to recover, regenerate and heal over the course of time, but after LASER PERIODONTAL THERAPY™, you can drive your car, go back to work, or do anything else you like.

I can see how good LASER PERIODONTAL THERAPY™ is - but is it very expensive and will my insurance cover it?
The good news is, LASER PERIODONTAL THERAPY™ is actually less expensive -- by about 20% -- than periodontal surgery. Dental costs vary around the country, so find a PerioLase® dentist in your area for exact figures. There is no special code for our therapy, so if your insurance company will reimburse for conventional surgery, they will reimburse for LASER PERIODONTAL THERAPY™.

My doctor said he’d have to pull my teeth because they are so loose and I don’t want to do that. Can you help?
We have been able to save a lot of teeth that other dentists wanted to extract. We have had great success in saving teeth that were to be extracted. There is nothing better than your own natural teeth. We can schedule a consultation for you.

I had x-rays a while ago. I don’t want to take them again. Can’t you look at those?
That depends on their age and quality. The conditions of your mouth change rapidly, and in order to accurately diagnose you, we will need current high quality x-rays. We take digital x-rays. These use up to 90% less radiation than conventional film based x-rays. We will only take the minimum necessary and only after you are examined to see exactly what is necessary.

How much more is the laser? I’ve been told that it is expensive.
The laser is comparable to the fee for conventional periodontal surgery. It is not more because it is new technology. Our fee has actually been less than some of the offices using the conventional technique.

How will I feel after the laser surgery?
You may experience some ache, throbbing or soreness. The doctor will prescribe some antibiotics and an anti-inflammatory to take care of any discomfort you may experience.

How many appointments will I need?
Usually two treatment visits and a couple of post-operative visits. The doctor will then prescribe visits with a hygienist every three months to keep up what he has started.

I only need a cleaning. That is all I have ever needed and had. I still be a patient
Yes we do cleanings in the office. We have an excellent prevention program and some patients come here just for that.

Will my insurance cover this?
We do not use any special codes because it is laser. We use the same codes that every office uses.

Do you offer financing?
We offer Care Credit Financing. It is a credit card for medical as well as dental services. It is easy to qualify for, and if you’d like, we can mail you an application. Many patients are surprised that they can have a very low monthly payment and treat their gum disease.

How do I know this will work? I had surgery 4 years ago, and I now need it again.
The doctor can answer all of your questions regarding treatment. LANAP gives better, longer-lasting results than conventional surgery. In fact, 98% of LASER PERIODONTAL THERAPY™ treated patients remain stable after five years, while only 5% reportedly remain stable after surgery. Dr. Scharf will examine your mouth thoroughly to determine if the laser is right for you. You can meet the doctor and staff and have a demonstration of the laser performed for you. He will discuss all your treatment options with you as well as the pros and cons of each option so that you can made the treatment decision that you feel is right for you. If you just want to see the laser without an examination just call and ask for a appointment for a “Laser Meet and Greet.”

Gum Surgery Alternative Long Island | LANAP Suffolk County

People looking for an alternative to gum surgery should consider laser periodontal therapy with the Millennium Laser.
Dr.
To learn about gum disease treatment Long Island visit Dr. Scharf on the Web.

Whoppi goldberg and her experience with gum disease | Periolase Long Island

Whoppi Goldberg recently discussed her gum disease. She discussed on The View that the years of dental neglect have finally caught up with her. This does not have to happen to you. If you want to learn more about Long Island periodontal disease and gum disease treatment dental implants on Long Island and Suffolk County or treating gum disease with a periodontal laser on Long Island Suffolk Nassau and Queens follow these links. If you have questions about laser periodontal treatment visit the FAQ

Here is the Video

You need to see a Periodontist Now What??

Your family dentist is recommending that you visit my office, or you have chosen to see me on your own so that the extent of your periodontitis or gum disease may be evaluated. I am a specialist in this area of dentistry and I am known as a periodontist.

Commonly known as Pyorrhea, periodontal disease is a progressive ailment suffered, to some extent, by nearly 90% of adults over age 35. It is the primary reason for loss of teeth by people over 30.

Periodontal disease begins when bacteria invade the gum tissue surrounding the teeth. Once this bacterial invasion takes hold, the gums become puffy, bleed easily, and gradually lose their "grip" on the teeth they are supposed to protect.

Pockets for where the gum loses its grip. These pockets allow more bacteria to lodge under the gum line below the reach of a toothbrush. Some of the bacteria produce toxins that attack the bone which supports the teeth. Without treatment, teeth become loose and may need to be removed.

Because this destruction usually occurs beneath the gum line, the gum tissue may appear normal. This explains why many people discover too late that they have the disease. Only a thorough periodontal examination can reveal if hidden disease is present.


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Periodontal Disease Progression


What Can Be Done?

Appropriate treatment along with follow-up care by you and your family dentist can help to prevent recurrence of the disease.

Treatment usually begins with a thorough cleaning of the tooth roots and any gum pockets. The plaque and calculus are removed and tooth roots smoothed to eliminate any crevices that can harbor plaque.

This is followed by a daily home care program including careful brushing and flossing to remove plaque from under the gum margins.Dental Implant New York, Babylon Periodontal Services, Babylon Tooth Cleaning, Periodontist Long Island, Scharf DMD

Sometimes, the biting surfaces of the teeth may be adjusted to evenly distribute the chewing pressures throughout the mouth.

Other forms of treatment are necessary to help the gums reattach to the teeth for those patients who postpone periodontal care until the disease has progressed to an advanced state.

What happens on my First Visit?

Since your resistance to disease is affected by many factors, we begin with a medical history and dental history. This is followed by a thorough periodontal examination of your mouth.

At your second appointment, the findings and a recommended treatment plan will be reviewed with you. You may find it helpful to bring your spouse or a friend with you to this appointment. Many patients find such a person's opinion very valuable. In most cases no treatment is performed at this appointment.

Can I Delay Treatment to a More Convenient Time?

Delaying diagnosis and treatment means delaying the benefits that treatment provides. Immediate diagnosis and treatment prevents further destruction to the gum and bone tissue. Your ability to enjoy a wide variety of foods and to taste your food properly will be protected. Also, you can avoid suffering unnecessary pain caused by the disease.

With treatment, a patient can eliminate the unpleasant taste in the mouth often associated with the disease as well as the embarrassment of offensive breath. Your appearance will be protected through early treatment as successive loss of teeth often encourages lines, wrinkles and a "sunken" look due to the loss of tone in the facial muscles.

A patient's self-confidence and self-image is often renewed through an improved appearance. Early treatment is also less expensive.

Periodontal disease can be stopped. Your mouth can be restored to health. And, with help from your family dentist, the disease need not return.

Is it worth it to keep up with maintenance visits after Periodontal therapy?

You bet it is. Periodontal treatment is divided into two phases. The first phase or the active phase is designed to get your mouth healthy. The second phase or the maintenance phase is designed to keep your mouth healthy. Gum disease is s chronic disease. You can never be immune to it. But you can minimize the chances of it coming back. Studies have shown that periodontal treatment with maintenance is very effective at preserving ones teeth and dramatically reducing the incidence of tooth decay and gum disease recurrence. Studies have also shown that periodontal treatment without maintenance is of little value in the long run in preserving periodontal health.

To learn more visit us on the web at these sites

Dr. Scharfs overall web site. Learn all about perio.dental implants and lasers. Also be sure to read the patient letters section drscharf.com

To learn about dental implants on Long Island and Suffolk County visit drscharf.com , dentalimplantssuffolkcounty.com or dentalimplantsonlongisland.com

For GREAT information on treating gum disease with a laser visit
LILaserPerio.com or laserperio.blogspot.com

Best of all is a personal appointment with Dr. Scharf call 631-661-6633 to schedule yours today.

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Watch this video t see how the periodontal laser works. Visit us on the web at lilaserperio.com or drscharf.com For an appointment call 631-661-6633

Researchers report periodontal disease independently predicts new onset diabetes

Controlling gum disease is important for your overall health. This does not have to mean conventional cut and sew gum surgery. visit LiLaserperio.com for more information.

Periodontal disease may be an independent predictor of incident Type 2 diabetes, according to a study by researchers at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health. While diabetes has long been believed to be a risk factor for periodontal infections, this is the first study exploring whether the reverse might also be true, that is, if periodontal infections can contribute to the development of diabetes. The full study findings are published in the July 2008 issue of Diabetes Care. The Mailman School of Public Health researchers studied over 9,000 participants without diabetes from a nationally representative sample of the U.S. population, 817 of whom went on to develop diabetes. They then compared the risk of developing diabetes over the next 20 years between people with varying degrees of periodontal disease and found that individuals with elevated levels of periodontal disease were nearly twice as likely to become diabetic in that 20 year timeframe. These findings remained after extensive multivariable adjustment for potential confounders including, but not limited to, age, smoking, obesity, hypertension, and dietary patterns.

"These data add a new twist to the association and suggest that periodontal disease may be there before diabetes," said Ryan T. Demmer, PhD, MPH, associate research scientist in the Department of Epidemiology at the Mailman School of Public Health and lead author. "We found that over two decades of follow-up, individuals who had periodontal disease were more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes later in life when compared to individuals without periodontal disease."

Also of interest, the researchers found that those study participants who had lost all of their teeth were at intermediate risk for incident diabetes. "This could be suggestive that the people who lost all of their teeth had a history of infection at some point, but subsequently lost their teeth and removed the source of infection," noted Dr. Demmer. "This is particularly interesting as it supports previous research originating from The Oral Infections and Vascular Disease Epidemiology Study (INVEST) which has shown that individuals lacking teeth are at intermediate risk for cardiovascular disease" said Moïse Desvarieux, MD, PhD, director of INVEST, associate professor and Inserm Chair of Excellence in the Department of Epidemiology at the Mailman School and senior author of the paper.

The contributory role of periodontal disease in the development of Type 2 diabetes is potentially of public health importance because of the prevalence of treatable periodontal diseases in the population and the pervasiveness of diabetes-associated morbidity and mortality. However, observes Dr. Demmer, more studies are needed both to determine whether gum disease directly contributes to type 2 diabetes and, from there, that treating the dental problem can prevent diabetes. In addition to Dr. Desvarieux, David R. Jacobs Jr., PhD, professor in the Department of Epidemiology and Community Health at the University of Minnesota, also contributed to the research.

Source: Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health

Laser Periodontal Therapy Long Island | Periodontal Laser Long Island| Suffolk County Nassau County

Inflammation and Gum Disease

CHICAGO—November 24, 2008—Brush after every meal. Floss daily. See your dental professional regularly. These instructions make sense coming from your dentist to help you sustain your oral health. But now not only dentists, but also many physicians are stressing the importance of maintaining oral health in an effort to keep the rest of the body healthy. Research has long suggested an association between gum disease and other health issues—including heart disease, stroke and diabetes—but now scientists are beginning to shift their focus to understanding why these connections exist. An emerging theory, and one gaining support from researchers worldwide, is that inflammation may link the mouth to the body.

Inflammation is the body’s instinctive reaction to fight off infection, guard against injury or shield against irritation. Inflammation is often characterized by swelling, redness, heat and pain around the affected area. While inflammation initially intends to heal the body, over time, chronic inflammation can lead to dysfunction of the infected tissues, and therefore more severe health complications.

According to Dr. Susan Karabin, Past President of the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) and a practicing periodontist in New York City, periodontal disease is a textbook example of an inflammatory disorder: “For many years, dental professionals believed that gum disease was solely the result of a bacterial infection caused by a build-up of plaque between the teeth and under the gums. While plaque accumulation is still a factor in the development and progression of gum disease, researchers now suspect that the more severe symptoms, namely swollen, bleeding gums; recession around the gum line, and loss of the bone that holds the teeth in place, may be caused by the chronic inflammatory response to the bacterial infection, rather than the bacteria itself.”

Periodontists, the dentists specially trained in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of gum disease, hypothesize that this inflammatory response to bacteria in the mouth may be the cause behind the periodontal-systemic health link. Many of the diseases associated with periodontal disease are also considered to be systemic inflammatory disorders, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic kidney disease and even certain forms of cancer, suggesting that inflammation itself may be the basis for the connection.

“More research is needed to pinpoint the precise biological mechanisms responsible for the relationship between gum disease and other disease states,” says Dr. Karabin. “However, previous findings have indicated that gum disease sufferers are at a higher risk for other diseases, making it more critical than ever to maintain periodontal health in order to achieve overall health.”

To avoid gum disease, Dr. Karabin recommends comprehensive daily oral care, including regular brushing and flossing, and routine visits to the dentist. If gum disease develops, a consultation with a dental professional, such as a periodontist, can lead to effective treatment. Patients diagnosed with gum disease should also disclose all health conditions to his or her dental professional, and be sure to update other health care professionals on his or her periodontal health.

A recent supplement to the Journal of Periodontology highlighted current discussions between dental professionals and health care professionals on the role of oral inflammation in the progression of other disease states. As research continues to emerge that supports the mouth-body connection, the more vital it becomes that both dentists and physicians work together to ensure the most comprehensive wellbeing for their patients.

For more information on the role of inflammation in oral health, tips on how to prevent or treat gum disease, a risk assessment self-test, or a referral to a local periodontist, visit www.perio.org.

A copy of the JOP supplement Inflammation and Periodontal Diseases: A Reappraisal is available to the media by contacting the AAP’s Public Affairs Department at 312/573-3242.

About the AAP

The American Academy of Periodontology is an 8,000-member association of dental professionals specializing in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the gums and supporting structures of the teeth and in the placement and maintenance of dental implants. Periodontics is one of nine dental specialties recognized by the American Dental Association.