47% of adults over 30 have some form of gum disease, and 70% over 65. Most don’t know. Gum disease is the #1 cause of tooth loss in adults — more than cavities. The good news: at every stage, it’s treatable. Earlier is easier. Eco Dental NY offers comprehensive periodontal care from cleaning to surgery in our Brooklyn office.
Call (718) 368-3368 for a gum disease evaluation, or book online.
The 4 Stages of Gum Disease
Stage 1: Gingivitis (Reversible)
- Signs: Red or swollen gums, bleeding when brushing or flossing, mild bad breath
- What’s happening: Plaque has accumulated, gums are inflamed but bone is intact
- Treatment: Professional cleaning + improved home care. Completely reversible in 2-4 weeks.
- Cost: Standard cleaning $150-250
Stage 2: Early Periodontitis
- Signs: More persistent gum bleeding, gum pulling away from teeth, bad breath, mild bone loss visible on X-ray
- Treatment: Scaling and root planing (deep cleaning under the gums), antibiotic therapy. Reversible if caught early.
- Cost: $750-1,200 for full-mouth deep cleaning
Stage 3: Moderate Periodontitis
- Signs: Significant gum recession, pockets 5-6mm around teeth, teeth feel loose, visible bone loss on X-ray
- Treatment: Deep cleaning + possible surgical access (pocket reduction), bone grafting in selected sites, ongoing 3-month maintenance
- Cost: $1,800-3,500 for treatment, plus $300-500 every 3 months for maintenance
Stage 4: Severe Periodontitis
- Signs: Loose or shifting teeth, severe recession, deep pockets 7mm+, significant bone loss, possibly some teeth not savable
- Treatment: Surgical periodontal therapy, extractions of unsalvageable teeth, possibly implants to replace lost teeth, lifetime maintenance
- Cost: $5,000-15,000+ depending on complexity
The 4-Visit Treatment Plan (Stage 2-3)
- Visit 1 — Diagnosis (60 min): Full periodontal exam, pocket depth measurements at 6 points per tooth, X-rays, treatment plan
- Visit 2 — Deep cleaning upper (60-90 min): Scaling and root planing under local anesthesia, antimicrobial irrigation
- Visit 3 — Deep cleaning lower (60-90 min): Same approach, opposite arch
- Visit 4 — Reevaluation (45 min, 4-6 weeks later): Re-measure pockets, assess healing, plan next steps
After successful treatment, 3-month periodontal maintenance cleanings replace the standard 6-month schedule.
Why Gum Disease Matters Beyond Your Mouth
Untreated gum disease is linked to:
- Heart disease — 2x risk of cardiovascular events
- Diabetes — bidirectional relationship; gum disease makes diabetes harder to control
- Pregnancy complications — premature birth, low birth weight
- Alzheimer’s risk — emerging research links periodontal bacteria to cognitive decline
- Rheumatoid arthritis — shared inflammatory pathways
Treating gum disease isn’t just about saving teeth — it’s about systemic health.
What Causes Gum Disease?
- Plaque and tartar — primary cause; bacteria below gumline trigger inflammation
- Smoking — 4-6x higher rates of severe gum disease, slower healing
- Diabetes — especially uncontrolled (A1C above 8.0)
- Genetics — 30% of population has genetic susceptibility
- Hormonal changes — pregnancy, menopause, certain medications
- Stress — affects immune response; many patients flare during life stress
- Poor nutrition — vitamin C and D deficiency increase risk
Home Care That Actually Reverses Gingivitis
- Brushing twice daily with electric toothbrush (Oral-B or Sonicare) — manual is OK but electric outperforms in studies
- Flossing daily — non-negotiable. Water flossers help but don’t replace floss for tight contacts.
- Antimicrobial rinse — chlorhexidine 0.12% prescription for 2 weeks during active disease; Crest Pro-Health (CPC) for maintenance
- Tongue scraping — daily; reduces bacterial load
- Avoiding tobacco — non-negotiable for healing
- Stress management — meaningfully impacts gum health
FAQ — Gum Disease Brooklyn
Is bleeding gums always gum disease?
Almost always. Healthy gums don’t bleed during brushing or flossing. If yours bleed, gingivitis is the most common cause. Other rare causes: bleeding disorders, certain medications, vitamin C deficiency.
Can I reverse gum disease with home care alone?
Stage 1 gingivitis: yes, with consistent improvement over 2-4 weeks. Stage 2+ periodontitis: no — calculus below the gumline cannot be removed by toothbrush. Professional deep cleaning is required.
How long does scaling and root planing take to heal?
Initial healing 4-6 weeks. Sensitivity for first 2 weeks is common. Full restoration of healthy attachment can take 3-6 months. Maintenance visits every 3 months prevent recurrence.
Is gum disease contagious between spouses?
The bacteria that cause gum disease can be transmitted through saliva. If one partner has it, the other should be evaluated. Treatment of both is more effective than treating one.
Will my insurance cover gum disease treatment?
Most insurance covers basic periodontal: 80% for deep cleanings, 50% for surgical periodontal therapy. Maintenance every 3 months is usually covered (2 standard cleanings + 2 perio maintenance per year).
How do I know if I need surgery?
If pockets remain 6mm+ after non-surgical deep cleaning, or if bone loss is moderate-severe, surgery is considered. Many patients avoid surgery with diligent non-surgical care.
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