Healthy gums are the foundation of a healthy smile—and a healthy body. At Park Smiles NYC in Woodmere, we take a proactive, aggressive approach to fighting periodontal disease. Serving the Five Towns and Nassau County, we utilize modern, minimally invasive therapies to halt gum infection, save natural teeth, and protect your overall systemic health. If your gums bleed when you brush, you are not alone, but you do need professional care.
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Periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the gums and the bone supporting the teeth. It begins as Gingivitis, a reversible inflammation caused by plaque buildup. If left untreated, it advances to Periodontitis, where the inner layer of the gum and bone pull away from the teeth and form pockets. These pockets collect debris and become infected, triggering the body’s immune system to break down the bone and connective tissue that holds teeth in place. It is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults.
Gum disease is often called a “silent killer” of teeth because it can progress painlessly for years. In our Woodmere practice, we educate patients to look for specific warning signs that are frequently overlooked:
“Pink in the Sink”: Noticing blood when brushing or flossing is never normal. It is an active sign of infection.
Persistent Bad Breath (Halitosis): A chronic bad taste or smell that mouthwash can’t mask, caused by bacteria trapped deep in gum pockets.
Receding Gums: Teeth that appear “longer” than they used to, indicating the gums are pulling back and exposing vulnerable roots.
Shifting Teeth: Sudden gaps opening up between teeth or a change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite.
Tenderness: Gums that feel puffy, look bright red (instead of coral pink), or feel tender to the touch.
Your mouth is the gateway to your body. Research has definitively linked periodontal disease to serious systemic health issues. The inflammation in your mouth releases markers into your bloodstream that can affect other organs. By treating gum disease at our Woodmere office, we are helping manage risks associated with:
Heart Disease and Stroke
Diabetes (gum disease makes blood sugar harder to control)
Respiratory Infections
Pregnancy Complications
We customize our approach based on the severity of your infection. We believe in starting with the least invasive, most effective options:
Professional Prophylaxis: Regular cleanings for patients with healthy gums or mild gingivitis.
Scaling and Root Planing (SRP): The gold standard for treating active gum disease (detailed below).
Antibiotic Therapy: We may place localized antibiotics (like Arestin®) directly into deep gum pockets to kill bacteria that instruments can’t reach.
Laser Therapy: Using soft-tissue lasers to gently remove diseased tissue and kill bacteria with less discomfort and faster healing than traditional surgery.
Gingival Grafts: To restore the gum line where significant recession has occurred.
This is a non-surgical “deep cleaning” performed under local anesthesia to ensure your comfort.
Scaling: We carefully remove plaque and tartar (calculus) from above and below the gum line, reaching down to the bottom of the pocket.
Root Planing: We smooth the rough spots on the tooth root. This removes bacterial toxins and provides a clean surface for the gums to reattach to the tooth, effectively shrinking the pockets.
Tooth Preservation: Treating gum disease is the single most effective way to prevent tooth loss.
Fresh Breath: Eliminating the infection cures chronic halitosis at the source.
Pain Relief: Reducing inflammation alleviates sore, bleeding gums.
Cost Savings: Treating gum disease early with non-surgical therapy is far less expensive than replacing lost teeth with implants or bridges later.
If you have not had a dental cleaning in over six months, or if you smoke, have diabetes, or have a family history of gum disease, you are at higher risk. During your comprehensive exam in Woodmere, we use a periodontal probe to gently measure the space between your teeth and gums. Pockets deeper than 3-4 millimeters typically indicate a need for periodontal therapy.
We treat the person, not just the chart. Our Woodmere team understands that gum treatment can sound intimidating. We prioritize patient education and comfort, using numbing gels and gentle techniques to make the experience stress-free. We provide long-term maintenance plans to ensure that once we stabilize your gum health, it stays that way.
Don’t ignore the warning signs. Healthy gums are essential for a beautiful smile. Contact Park Smiles NYC in Woodmere today to schedule your periodontal evaluation.
We perform deep cleanings under local anesthesia, so the procedure itself is painless. You may experience some sensitivity or tenderness for a day or two afterward, which can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and salt water rinses.
Technically, yes. The bacteria that cause gum disease can be spread through saliva (kissing, sharing utensils). While your immune system plays a large role, it is common for partners to both struggle with gum issues.
Gingivitis (early stage) is reversible and curable. Periodontitis (advanced stage) is a chronic condition that cannot be fully “cured” once bone is lost, but it can be managed and halted with proper treatment and maintenance.
Once you have been treated for periodontal disease, we typically recommend “periodontal maintenance” visits every 3 to 4 months at our Woodmere office. This frequency prevents the bacteria from repopulating the deep pockets.
The gum infection must be eliminated first. Placing an implant into infected gums carries a high risk of failure (peri-implantitis). Once your gums are healthy and stable, you can be a candidate for implants.
At Park Smiles NYC in Woodmere , NY our mission is to provide every patient with exceptional care, prioritizing comfort, compassion, and excellence at every step.
We are dedicated to delivering outstanding results through personalized attention in a welcoming and supportive environment. Led by Dr. Krystle Kendall, D.M.D., our skilled team offers a full range of top-quality dental services—all conveniently available under one roof in Woodmere .
Our skilled team in Woodmere, NY is dedicated to offering a comprehensive array of the very best dental services
Prosthodontics & Cosmetic Dentistry
Prosthodontics & Cosmetic Dentistry
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Orthodontics
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At Park Smiles in Woodmere, NY, we make it easy for you to receive top-quality dental care in a convenient and accessible location. Whether you’re due for a routine checkup or seeking specialized treatment, our friendly entire staff is here to provide exceptional service in a comfortable setting.
We look forward to welcoming you to our dental office and helping you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile. Schedule your appointment today and discover why patients trust us for many years to provide amazing results and an exceptional dental experience!
If you are ready to enhance your smile, the experienced cosmetic dentists at Park Smiles NYC are here to help. Our dedicated team offers a comprehensive range of services, from orthodontics to teeth whitening, to meet all your oral health needs. We understand the importance of a healthy smile for your overall well-being and are committed to ensuring your satisfaction throughout your treatment journey.
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