What gum disease is
Gum (periodontal) disease is a bacterial infection of the tissues that support your teeth. It begins as gingivitis (red, puffy gums that bleed when you brush) and can progress to periodontitis, where the infection breaks down the bone anchoring your teeth. It is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults, and because it's usually painless, most people don't know they have it.
Warning signs
Bleeding when brushing or flossing is never normal; it's the earliest and most common sign. Others include persistent bad breath, gums that look red or pulled away from the teeth, teeth that seem longer than they used to, and any change in how your teeth fit together when you bite.
Treatment without surgery
Caught early, gum disease is reversible with professional cleaning and improved home care. Even more advanced cases usually respond to non-surgical therapy: gentle, pain-free periodontal probing to map the problem, deep cleaning (scaling and root planing) to remove bacteria below the gum line, and a personalized home care program.
Dr. Goldfarb has provided non-surgical gum therapy for 30 years. If your gums bleed, call (718) 232-2100. An evaluation is quick and painless.
Questions about your own health?
This guide is general education, not a diagnosis. For advice about your feet or your smile, come see us in Dyker Heights.
Call (718) 232-2100