Most people don’t realize their gums are in trouble until the damage is already underway: no sharp pain, no obvious warning, just a quiet progression that, left unchecked, can threaten the very foundation of your smile. Gum disease is one of the most widespread oral health conditions in the country, affecting nearly half of adults aged 30 and older, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The good news is that with the right care, it’s both treatable and often reversible.
At Longwood Dental Group in Brookline, MA, our specialty dentistry team is dedicated to focusing on treating gum disease, including Dr. Avi Shainhouse, who brings additional focus to implant dentistry and gum disease treatment. Our multi-specialty model means patients receive coordinated, comprehensive periodontal care under one roof, backed by over 40 years of dental excellence and the latest in treatment technology.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is a bacterial infection of the tissues that hold your teeth in place. It starts when plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, builds up along and beneath the gumline. Without proper removal through brushing, flossing, and regular dental cleanings and exams, plaque hardens into tartar and begins to irritate the gum tissue.
The Two Main Stages
Periodontal disease typically progresses in two stages, each with distinct characteristics and treatment needs.
- Gingivitis: The earliest and most reversible stage, gingivitis causes red, swollen, and bleeding gums. At this point, the bone and tissue supporting the teeth have not yet been damaged. With treatment and improved home care, gingivitis can be fully reversed.
- Periodontitis: When gingivitis is left untreated, it progresses to periodontitis. In this stage, the inner layer of the gum and bone pulls away from the teeth, forming pockets that gather debris and become infected. Over time, the bone, gums, and connective tissue that hold teeth in place are destroyed, potentially leading to tooth loss.
Understanding which stage you’re in is the first step toward effective treatment.
Recognizing the Signs
Gum disease can develop gradually and silently, but there are warning signs worth knowing. Bleeding gums during brushing or flossing, persistent bad breath, gum recession, tender or swollen gum tissue, and teeth that appear longer than usual can all signal that something is wrong beneath the surface. In more advanced cases, loose teeth or shifting in your bite may also occur. If any of these symptoms are present, it’s important to seek periodontal evaluation promptly. Earlier intervention generally leads to better outcomes and less invasive treatment.
Periodontal Treatments We Provide
We provide the following periodontal treatments:
Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is a deep-cleaning procedure performed below the gumline to remove tartar and bacterial deposits from the root surfaces of the teeth. It is typically the first line of treatment for moderate periodontitis and, in many cases, is enough to halt disease progression and restore gum health.
Periodontal Surgery
For more advanced cases where non-surgical treatment alone isn’t sufficient, surgical options may be recommended. Procedures such as flap surgery allow the periodontist to access deeper deposits and reshape or regenerate damaged bone and tissue. These treatments are designed to reduce pocket depth, eliminate bacteria, and create an environment that can be more effectively maintained at home and through professional care.
The Connection to Your Overall Health
Gum disease doesn’t only affect the mouth. Research has linked periodontal disease to systemic conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory illness. When bacteria from infected gums enter the bloodstream, they can contribute to inflammation throughout the body.
This is one reason that maintaining healthy gums is considered an essential component of overall health, not just oral hygiene. Patients managing chronic health conditions may benefit significantly from proactive periodontal care. In some cases, addressing gum disease has been shown to improve glycemic control in people with diabetes and to lower cardiovascular risk markers.
Why Periodontal Care at Longwood Dental Group Makes a Difference
When you receive periodontal treatment at Longwood Dental Group, your care doesn’t happen in isolation. Our periodontists work directly with our general dentists, prosthodontists, and implant specialists to coordinate your treatment from start to finish. This level of internal communication ensures that every aspect of your oral health is considered and that decisions about dental implants or restorations following tooth loss account for the full picture of your periodontal health. Dr. Peter Grieco is focused on prosthodontics and restorative dentistry, and regularly collaborates with our periodontal team to ensure seamless transitions between stages of care.
Our practice has operated in the Brookline community for over 40 years, building a legacy of comprehensive care that continues to evolve with advances in dentistry. Drs. Grieco and Zachary Kano both hold teaching positions at Harvard, reflecting the caliber of clinical knowledge that informs care at our practice. We maintain our own in-house dental laboratory and utilize advanced sterilization procedures and digital technology throughout our treatment process.
When you work with our team of dentists, you’re working with a group of professionals who have built their careers around giving patients access to the kind of coordinated, uncompromising care that’s rarely found in a single location.
Protect Your Gums With Longwood Dental Group
Gum disease is common, but it doesn’t have to be inevitable, and when it does develop, it doesn’t have to mean tooth loss. Early detection and consistent treatment make an enormous difference in outcomes, and our periodontal team is equipped to address every stage of the disease with precision and care. Whether you’re noticing early warning signs or have been managing periodontitis for years, Longwood Dental Group has the full range of periodontal services to meet you where you are.
We also understand that financial considerations are part of the decision-making process. Our team is glad to walk you through your dental insurance options and help you understand how to make the most of your benefits toward periodontal care. If you’re ready to take the next step toward healthier gums and a stronger smile, we welcome you to contact our office to schedule a consultation.