Gum Disease

Brooklyn City Dental

Cosmetic and General Dentists & All-on-4 Specialist located in Greenpoint Brooklyn, NY, Brooklyn, NY

Up to 47% of Americans age 30 and older have gum disease, like gingivitis or periodontitis. If your gums are red, sensitive, or swollen, it’s vital to seek professional help. At Brooklyn Dental Spa, in the Greenpoint neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York City, the team of expert dentists provides complete care for gum disease, including scaling and root planing and antibiotic therapy. To make an appointment, call the office or book online today.

718-383-0024

Gum Disease Q & A

What is gum disease?

Gum disease occurs when your gums become infected. There are several types, but Brooklyn City Dental specializes in treating two types in particular:

Gingivitis

Gingivitis occurs when plaque –– a film of saliva, food particles, and bacteria –– collects beneath your gums and on the surface of your teeth. Over time, the buildup irritates your gums, causing them to turn a bright red and bleed.

Periodontitis

Periodontitis occurs when gingivitis goes untreated. It’s a more serious infection that causes your gums to recede. Pockets form around your teeth due to gum recession, allowing harmful bacteria and plaque to collect.

What are the symptoms of gum disease?

The symptoms of gum disease include:

Swollen or puffy gums
Bright red or purple gums
Gums that feel tender
Gums that bleed
Bad breath
Pain when eating
New spaces developing between your teeth

As gum disease gets worse, you might also experience loose teeth or changes in your bite.

When should I see a specialist about gum disease?

Make an appointment at Brooklyn City Dental for gum disease treatment, if you experience symptoms like red, irritated, or sensitive gums and it’s been more than six months since your last oral exam. That’s especially true if you smoke, drink alcohol, or have an underlying health problem that increases your risk of infection, like diabetes.

How is gum disease diagnosed?

Brooklyn City Dental diagnoses gum disease during an in-office visit.

Your provider reviews your oral health history and asks about your symptoms, including when they started and if your gums bleed when you brush or floss.

Next, they conduct an oral exam, looking for plaque and tartar buildup or receding gums. Your provider also measures the depth of the gum pockets and takes a series of oral X-rays. If your provider determines that you have gum disease, they make treatment recommendations.

How is gum disease treated?

Treatment of gum disease depends on a range of factors, including the severity of the infection and its impact on your oral health. Brooklyn City Dental might recommend: