Support the health of your beautiful smile; give your gums the TLC that they deserve!
At Semidey Dental, we know that smile TLC is as much about the gums as it is about the teeth. We promote ‘gum luv’ at our office in Davie, Florida, because this humble pink tissue not only surrounds the teeth but also helps to stabilize and protect them. Gums can also help or hinder the overall balance and esthetics of your smile by “framing” the teeth. Our dentists, Drs. Alex Semidey and Sara Tarte, also appreciate that often, the best “treatments” are really no treatment at all. Since many oral problems, including gum disease, are preventable, we want to take that approach first by staying ahead of damage instead of reacting to it with treatment after the damage has been done.
What exactly is gum disease?
Affecting one out of every two American adults, gum or periodontal disease refers to a bacterial infection that breaks the natural seal your gums provide to the bone that anchors your teeth in place. The disease can then spread below the surface of the gums. Without appropriate treatment, harmful pathogens burrow ever deeper until a chronic condition arises that cannot be cured. Fortunately, in its earliest stages, we can effectively stop the disease and even reverse its effects.
How should I care for my gums at home?
It is essential to have a solid routine in place when it comes to oral hygiene. We can advise you on specific brushing and flossing techniques, as well as oral care products as needed. By consistently and properly caring for both your teeth and gums, you protect the seal that the gums naturally provide to anchor the teeth in their sockets.
How often should I visit you?
All patients, regardless of their risk factors for gum disease, should visit their dentist at least twice a year. During these visits, we thoroughly examine the condition of your gums.
We use special instruments to measure the pockets or spaces that form between the teeth and gums, which can indicate the presence of gum disease. Generally, the larger the space or pocket, the more severe the disease and damage to the gums.
Our hygienists will also gently, yet very effectively, clean the teeth at the gum line. It takes a well-trained hand and special tools to remove certain destructive substances, like hardened plaque (tartar).
If there are indications of gum disease, more frequent cleanings may be necessary to prevent the progression of the disease, and the frequency of visits is tailored to your specific needs. Regular visits and proactive care are essential for maintaining healthy gums and overall dental health.
What can I expect during my initial visit?
At Semidey Dental, we take a holistic and luxurious approach to gum health, treating your visits like a “gum spa” experience. Either Dr. Alex or Dr. Tarte will gather thorough records to establish your current gum health status, or baseline. We will also identify potential risk factors unique to your situation, such as inconsistent flossing and oral care, nutritional challenges, or smoking and the use of tobacco or nicotine products.
During your visit, we focus on providing a relaxing and enjoyable experience. Imagine dim lights, serene music, and warm towels to enhance your comfort. Our flavor bar allows you to choose the flavors we use during your hygiene visits, making the experience even more personalized and pleasant.
We take very detailed records and share with you the current state of your gum health, ensuring you are well-informed about your oral care. By addressing potential risks and maintaining a serene, spa-like environment, we aim to make your dental visits something you look forward to.
My gums hurt. What treatments do you offer?
Here again, we will need to assess the condition or state of your gums at our dental office in Davie, FL. While gum tenderness can be symptomatic of disease, our dentists need to confirm the presence as well as extent or stage of disease. This information is then used to develop a plan of attack. We believe in minimally invasive treatments and account for one-of-a-kind biological and genetic nuances. So, sometimes the level of care is adjusted based on how well your gums respond to initial treatment, too. Depending on your specific needs, options for therapy range from DNA testing to combat gum disease based on the presence of certain types of oral pathogens in your mouth to painless, precision laser-assisted therapy as an alternative to invasive cutting associated with conventional gum surgeries. We can even provide special oral trays to deliver powerful bacteria-fighting medicine deeply into the gums. Patients also love the added benefit of fresher breath and whiter teeth with these Perio Trays™ from Perio Protect™ and their peroxide-based medicine. To schedule a complimentary digital scan, call your “tooth tribe” at Semidey Dental today at (954) 939-0996.
FAQs
Am I at risk for gum disease?
Most people are—and many don’t realize it.
Gum disease is influenced by more than just brushing and flossing. Factors such as oral hygiene habits, nutrition, smoking, stress, and systemic conditions like diabetes and heart disease all play a role.
During your evaluation, we assess your individual risk factors and identify early signs of inflammation. This allows us to create a personalized plan focused on protecting your gum health and supporting your overall well-being.
How does gum disease develop?
Gum disease begins with the buildup of bacterial plaque along the teeth and gumline.
If not consistently removed with brushing and flossing, this plaque hardens and allows harmful bacteria to thrive. These bacteria trigger an inflammatory response in the gums, leading to redness, swelling, and bleeding—early signs of gingivitis.
If left untreated, this inflammation can progress deeper below the gumline, eventually affecting the bone that supports your teeth.
What is gingivitis?
This is the mildest form of periodontal disease. It is characterized by inflammation – red, puffy gums that bleed easily when you brush or floss. Sometimes, there are no symptoms. That’s why it is important to maintain regular checkups at our office. Our dentists can assess the health of your gums and catch problems early when there are little to no symptoms.
What happens if I don’t treat gingivitis?
Without treatment, gum disease can progress to periodontitis. This is the advanced form of periodontal disease. It means the plaque has grown underneath the gumline. Eventually, the inflammatory response mentioned above can lead to the breakdown of the supportive bone and tissues.
What are the signs of periodontitis?
At this stage, the gums pull away from the teeth. This can give your smile a “long in the tooth” appearance as more white crown is exposed and visible. As the disease continues to spread, the pockets or spaces between the teeth and gums grow deeper. The gums and bone are destroyed. Teeth may become wobbly and loose in their sockets. You may notice changes in how your teeth fit together when you bite down. Oral appliances may not fit as well as they used to. The inflammation and bacteria associated with periodontitis are also considered risk factors for developing systemic conditions like diabetes.
Can the damage be reversed?
Yes! The effects of gingivitis can be reversed. We can recommend effective home care techniques and products. We may also recommend professional services to stop the progression of the disease and heal your gums. By restoring your gum health, damage such as the loss of bone is prevented. When the supportive tissues are gone, they cannot be regenerated without professional treatment. Our office prioritizes detecting and treating problems early with minimally invasive interventions. Should you need more extensive treatment, we offer alternatives to conventional periodontal surgery.
How do you treat more advanced cases of gum disease?
Of course, this depends on the person. We need to evaluate the extent of tissue damage. As needed, we may recommend laser therapy. Lasers are a gentle and highly precise alternative to traditional surgical approaches involving cutting tissues. The laser never actually comes in contact with any tissues. It targets the areas that need to be treated, and leaves surrounding healthy tissues intact. Care is also personalized with diagnostics, such as our non-invasive oral DNA test. This test allows us to identify specific bacteria. So, we can then effectively target these disease-causing microorganisms.
What are the early signs of a gum infection?
Gum infections, often caused by periodontal disease, can begin with subtle symptoms. Many patients notice redness, swelling, tenderness, or bleeding when brushing and flossing. Persistent bad breath and gum recession may also develop. If left untreated, gum infections can progress to bone loss and even tooth loss. At Semidey Dental in Davie, Florida, Dr. Alex Semidey and Dr. Sara Tarte encourage patients to seek care at the first sign of discomfort. Early intervention allows for more conservative treatment and helps protect your oral and overall health.
How does Perio Protect treat gum disease?
Perio Protect is a non-invasive treatment designed to target bacteria deep below the gum line. Instead of relying solely on in-office procedures, this system uses custom-fitted trays to deliver antimicrobial medication directly into periodontal pockets where harmful bacteria thrive. The trays are worn each day briefly, allowing medication to remain in contact with infected areas longer than a rinse would. This targeted approach helps reduce inflammation, control infection, and slow disease progression while supporting healthier gum tissue.
Is Perio Protect a replacement for deep cleanings or surgery?
Perio Protect often complements professional cleanings and may help prevent the need for more invasive procedures in certain cases. For patients with mild to moderate gum infections, it can effectively control bacterial growth and reduce inflammation before the condition worsens. In advanced cases, additional treatment such as scaling and root planing may still be necessary. During your consultation at Semidey Dental, Dr. Semidey or Dr. Tarte will evaluate your condition and recommend a personalized plan to support long-term gum health.
How long does it take to see improvement with treatment?
Every patient responds differently, but many notice reduced bleeding and sensitivity within a few weeks of consistent use. As gum disease is chronic, ongoing maintenance is essential. Perio Protect works best when combined with routine visits and diligent at-home care. Regular monitoring allows our team to track progress and adjust treatment as needed. Early, consistent care can significantly improve outcomes and help prevent complications.
Why is treating a gum infection important for overall health?
Gum disease does not just affect your mouth. Research links untreated periodontal infections to conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory concerns. Chronic gum inflammation can strain the immune system. By addressing infections promptly with treatments like Perio Protect, patients may lower their risk of related complications. Healthy gums support a healthier body, fresher breath, and greater confidence. If you are experiencing symptoms in Davie, FL, Semidey Dental is ready to help restore your oral health.
