FAQ: All About Gum Disease

Jackson Heights DentistAt Fedida Family Dentistry & Dental Spa, we welcome patients from Jackson Heights, Queens, and Brooklyn, NY. Dr. Fedida offers general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry services to ensure that we can treat most dental concerns all under one roof. One of the most common dental concerns that we treat in our Jackson Heights dentist office is gum disease; however, many patients do not know what gum disease is, why it occurs, and how it is treated. Learn the answers to frequently asked questions about gum disease below:

What is gingivitis?

Gingivitis is considered to be the earliest stage of gum disease progression. If you have gingivitis, you will notice a small amount of blood in the sink following brushing or flossing your teeth. This is a sign that your dental health is being affected by plaque or tartar buildup that has begun to develop on your dental structures. Plaque and tartar buildup occurs when food residue is allowed to harden on your dental structures due to a lack of proper oral hygiene. By improving your oral hygiene and ensuring that you are brushing and flossing at least twice a day, you may be able to reverse gingivitis and avoid the risk of gum disease development.

What is gum diseaase?

If your dental health worsens following experiencing gingivitis, you likely have gum disease. Symptoms of gum disease include tender gums, gumline recession, bad breath, loose teeth, and discolored gums. Left untreated, gum disease may also cause tooth loss. These symptoms occur because the bacteria inside of the plaque and tartar buildup on your teeth begin to eat away at your soft tissues, causing them to become inflamed or infected. It’s important to contact your New York dentist as soon as possible if you think that you are experiencing the symptoms of gum disease.

How can I prevent gum disease?

To prevent gum disease, patients should practice a strict at-home oral hygiene routine, brushing once in the morning and once in the evening. Flossing is also essential to preventing gum disease progression. Most plaque and tartar buildup can be found in the in-between spaces of your teeth as well as along your gum line. By flossing these areas, you can reduce the amount of buildup and prevent gum disease progression. By eating a healthy diet and avoiding excessively sugary or sticky foods, you can reduce your risk for gum disease.

What are my treatment options for gum disease?

Treatment options for gum disease vary on a case-by-case basis. Dr. Fedida will examine your smile and determine which treatment option is best for you. A deep cleaning of the inner pockets of your gums, also known as scaling and root planing, is an effective treatment option for removing the bacteria around the gums. Laser dentistry may be incorporated into your treatment plan to safely remove any infected tissue. For more extreme cases, osseous surgery may be needed to clean above and below the gumline. The only way to know which treatment option is right for you is to schedule an appointment with your Jackson Heights, NY dentist. Dr. Fedida welcomes new patients to Fedida Family Dentistry & Dental Spa. He looks forward to helping you restore your smile and your peace of mind.