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Gum Disease

The Silent Threat: Understanding and Preventing Gum Disease

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Gum Disease Treatment Queens

Taking care of your gums is an essential part of your oral hygiene. Gum care starts at home, with a daily hygiene routine that includes flossing to clean below the gum line. Your dentist and hygienist will monitor the health of your gums and can recommend the best gum disease treatment options if they detect signs of inflammation or periodontal (gum) disease.

What is Periodontal (Gum) Disease?

Gum disease is a progressive disease that breaks down the gum tissue and bone surrounding your teeth. It is caused by bacteria in plaque and dental calculus. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to tooth loss and contribute to other systemic health problems, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease and dementia.

According to the Canadian Dental Association, 7 in 10 adults will experience gum disease in their lifetime. The good news is gum disease is preventable and can be reversed if it’s caught early enough.

If it’s been more than 6 months since your last professional cleaning, request an appointment today!

The Silent Threat: Understanding and Preventing Gum Disease

Gum disease can seriously compromise your oral health if left untreated. At Astoria Dental Group in Queens, NY, Drs. Clifford Degel and Carmen Every-Degel provide expert care to address and reverse periodontal disease. Learn why early treatment is so important — and how we can help.

Request a Consultation: (718) 278-1123

What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease (also called periodontal disease) is an infection caused by bacterial growth in the mouth. It’s preventable and treatable, especially when addressed early. Here’s how it progresses:

Gingivitis

Early-stage gum disease marked by red, swollen gums that may bleed while brushing. It can usually be reversed with plaque removal and improved hygiene.

Periodontitis

When gingivitis is left untreated, it can develop into periodontitis. This stage causes pockets to form between the teeth and gums, leading to visible recession and irritation.

Advanced Periodontitis

At this stage, patients may experience bone loss, loose teeth, and further gum recession. More invasive treatments are typically required.

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DDS

Clifford Degel

With over 35 years of experience helping patients maintain, restore, and revitalize their smiles, Dr. Clifford Degel is considered a top dentist in Queens. Dr. Degel is known for exquisite cosmetic and restorative dentistry work at his state-of-the-art, full service practice, Astoria Dental Group.

With over 35 years of experience helping patients maintain, restore, and revitalize their smiles, Dr. Clifford Degel is considered a top dentist in Queens. Dr. Degel is known for exquisite cosmetic and restorative dentistry work at his state-of-the-art, full service practice, Astoria Dental Group.

Born and raised in New York, Dr. Degel loves the area and the people. He is passionate about his chosen career, particularly the role he is able to play in the well-being of his patients. Using advanced Implant techniques as well as cosmetic dentistry, Dr. Degel has been instrumental in changing the lives of his patients, restoring severely compromised smiles to full function and aesthetic beauty. That is why he is called the Smile Dr.

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DDS

Carmen Every-Degel

Recognized as a top Invisalign® dentist, Dr. Every-Degel provides dramatic transformations with the discreet, convenient system, along with various cosmetic treatments such as smile makeovers and other procedures designed to deliver a brighter, more brilliant smile.

Dr. Carmen Every-Degel is a renowned dentist and vital member of the team at Astoria Dental Group. Experienced in all aspects of the dental arts, she specializes in advanced cosmetic dentistry. Drawing on her personal and professional experience, she understands the impact quality dental treatments can have on overall confidence and well-being. Dr. Every-Degel enjoys helping patients in Queens achieve stunning smiles.

Additional Information

Early Signs of Gum Disease (Gingivitis)

Signs of early gum disease, or gingivitis, include red, swollen gums. Your gums may also be tender or bleeding. It’s important to note that gum disease is often a silent disease – many people don’t notice any symptoms until it’s in its more advanced stages.

Symptoms of periodontal (gum) disease:

  • Red, swollen or sore gums
  • Receding gums
  • Bad breath
  • Pain when chewing
  • Loose or sensitive teeth

You can treat gingivitis at home by eating a healthy diet, brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing daily. This will help reduce harmful bacteria in your mouth and give your gums a chance to recover.

Although you can brush away plaque, calculus (hardened plaque) can only be removed by your dental hygienist. Be sure to keep up with regular professional dental cleanings to keep hard-to-reach areas free of bacteria. Most people should get their teeth professionally cleaned at least every six months. Your hygienist may recommend more frequent cleanings depending on the condition of your teeth and gums.

If it’s been more than 6 months since your last professional cleaning, request an appointment today!

What Are the Dangers of Untreated Gum Disease?

Gingivitis and Inflammation

Bacteria can enter the bloodstream and contribute to heart disease or respiratory infections like pneumonia.

Root Canal Infection

If gum disease leads to tooth decay, bacteria can infect the pulp and require a root canal. Severe cases may require extraction.

Tooth Misalignment

Gum disease can loosen teeth and shift their position, leading to misalignment and the need for orthodontic treatment.

Tooth Loss

Advanced periodontal disease can destroy supporting tissue and result in tooth loss, which is more expensive to treat than early gum disease.

Dental Abscess

An untreated infection can result in an abscess — a painful pocket of pus that requires immediate care.

Gum Disease Risk Factors

Even with good hygiene, certain risk factors can increase your chances of developing gum disease:

  • Smoking or tobacco use
  • Diabetes and other health conditions
  • Obesity
  • Advanced age
  • Family history of gum disease
  • Dry mouth
  • Poor nutrition
  • Hormonal changes (e.g., pregnancy)

Getting Here

Located in Queens, NY, we’re two blocks from the N/W Broadway station and walking distance from R/M Steinway St station.

You can also take the Q102 or Q104 bus. Our office is right near the Broadway stops.

Having Trouble Getting Here? Call Us At (718) 278-1123

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Geovanni RojasGoogle Review

“I’ve been coming to Astoria Dental Group for 2 years. Dr. Degel, his team, Carlemi and Nicole are great! They always make every visit comfortable and pleasant. Highly recommend!”

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Al ObuchowskiGoogle Review

“Great experience, Dr Degel was professional and walked me through the entire process. He has a great dentist side manner. Would recommend him 110%”

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Ivo NeninGoogle Review

“My family of 4 has been going to Astoria Dental for 15 years and the service is always courteous and professional. We are happy patients.”

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Nelson OGoogle Review

“I am fairly new to Astoria Dental Group but I've had some work done there. I am pleased with the work that has been done so far. The staff is very professional. The dentist clearly knows what he's doing. I would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone.”

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  • Benefits are determined by each individual’s insurance, not the dental practice.
  • Insurance companies will typically cover up to 50 percent of the total cost, but rarely more.
  • Some more extensive procedures and treatments may require a longer authorization from your insurance carrier.

Symptoms of Gum Disease

Early Symptoms Advanced Symptoms
Bad breath Tooth loss
Gum tenderness Gum recession
Swollen or red gums Loose teeth
Bleeding during brushing or flossing Jawbone deterioration

Early detection is easy — just keep up with regular dental visits. If you’re noticing any symptoms, contact our Queens, NY, office today.

Routine Care Is Key

Regular checkups and proper at-home care are the most effective ways to prevent gum disease.

Experiencing Symptoms of Periodontal Disease?

Early care can stop gum disease from progressing to advanced stages that may require surgery or result in tooth loss. Our dentists provide gentle, effective treatment to help preserve your smile.

Treating Early-Stage Gum Disease

Early gum disease can often be reversed with a professional cleaning and improved home care. Antibiotics may also be prescribed to reduce bacteria.

We may perform scaling and root planing — a deep cleaning procedure to remove plaque above and below the gumline. Planing smooths rough spots on tooth roots to help prevent bacteria from accumulating and allows the gums to reattach to the teeth.

Treatment Options for Advanced Gum Disease

If your gum disease has progressed, more involved treatments may be recommended:

  • Gum grafting to restore recessed or diseased gum tissue
  • Dental implants to replace lost teeth
  • Bone grafting to rebuild lost jaw tissue

Mini dental implants are also available — offering a stable, long-lasting tooth replacement without adhesives. Both traditional and mini implants help preserve jawbone health and prevent further atrophy.

Book an Appointment

or call 718-278-1123

What are the symptoms of gum disease?

How is gum disease diagnosed?

Is gum disease reversible?

What treatments are available for gum disease?