Periodontist Long Island Encourages Healthy Diet to Prevent Gum Disease

The health of your gums determines the health of your smile. If you take necessary precautions to prevent infection and tooth decay you’ll be able to proudly sport a beautiful smile for a lifetime. These necessary precautions obviously include brushing, flossing and regular dental care. Perhaps a little less obvious way to avoid a Periodontist Long island is through your diet.

As farfetched as it may seem the Journal of Periodontology published a study that provided evidence that what you eat can have a direct impact, good or bad, on the overall health of your gums. The study showed that a diet low in important nutrients can make it hard for the body to fight off infection and repair minor soft tissue damage.

In fact it was discovered that individuals who consumed less than 500 milligrams of calcium were more likely to develop periodontal disease as measured by the loss of gum attachment from the teeth. Not only was calcium found to have a significant impact on gum disease but vitamin C intake was equally reported to have a much higher risk of severe periodontal disease if a patient consumes less than 60 milligrams each day.

The reason these two nutrients have such a strong impact are simple; vitamin C boosts the body’s immune system in fighting off infection and calcium helps to build strong bones and repair soft tissue. When taken in accordance with the daily recommended dose and proper oral care you can dramatically reduce the risk of gum disease.

It’s important to remember that gum disease requires treatment from a licensed practitioner so close observation for early warning signs is vital. Early signs to watch for include:

• Bleeding while brushing or flossing
• Red, swollen gums
• Loose or missing teeth
• Persistent bad breath
• Sore gums

If any of these signs develop contact a local Periodontist Long Island right away. If you’re looking for someone that offers an alternative to traditional surgery contact Dr. Scharf at (631)661-6633 or visit him on the web at http://drscharf.com . He can treat gum disease with a laser rather than a scalpel.