Over 30 years of experience
Forest Hills, Queens
112-03 Queens Blvd, Suite 211, NY 11375
Healthy gums are the foundation of a beautiful smile — and your overall health. At Madison Dental Art, we treat all stages of gum disease, from early gingivitis to advanced periodontitis, with comprehensive periodontal care designed to stop the progression of infection and restore your smile. Our experienced team is here to help you protect your gums for life.
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an inflammatory condition affecting the soft tissue and bone that support your teeth. It develops in stages — and the earlier it’s caught, the easier it is to treat.
Gingivitis is the earliest and most treatable stage of gum disease. It occurs when plaque — a sticky film of bacteria — builds up along the gumline and causes inflammation. At this stage, the damage is limited to the gums only and is fully reversible with professional treatment and improved home care.
Common causes of gingivitis include:
Poor oral hygiene and plaque buildup
Hormonal changes (pregnancy, puberty, menopause)
Certain medications that affect gum tissue
Medical conditions such as diabetes
Genetics or family history
Orthodontic appliances that are difficult to clean around
Crooked or misaligned teeth
Signs you may have gingivitis:
Red, swollen, or puffy gums
Bleeding when brushing or flossing
Bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth
Gum tenderness or sensitivity
Slight gum recession
If gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis — a more serious infection that affects not just the gums but the bone and ligaments supporting your teeth. Periodontitis cannot be fully reversed, but it can be controlled and managed with proper professional care.
Additional signs of advanced gum disease include:
Swollen, red, or tender gums
Persistent bad breath or bad taste
Gum recession — teeth that appear longer than usual
Loose or shifting teeth
Pain while chewing
Pus between gums and teeth
During your visit, your dentist will perform a comprehensive periodontal evaluation that includes:
Visual examination of your gums and teeth
Periodontal charting — measuring pocket depth around each tooth
Digital X-rays to assess bone levels and detect any underlying bone loss
Checking for signs of gum recession or tooth mobility
Identifying any signs of infection that may require further attention
Our treatment approach depends on the stage and severity of your condition.
For Gingivitis (Early Stage)
Professional cleaning (prophylaxis) to remove plaque and tartar
Antibacterial mouth rinses or prescription gels
Personalized oral hygiene education
Routine follow-up appointments to monitor progress
For Periodontitis (Advanced Stage)
Scaling and root planing — a deep cleaning procedure that removes bacteria from below the gumline
Antibiotic therapy to eliminate persistent infection
Laser therapy to disinfect gum pockets and promote healing
Periodontal maintenance visits every 3–4 months
Referral for periodontal surgery if deep pockets or bone loss require more advanced intervention
Gum disease doesn’t just affect your mouth — research links periodontal disease to an increased risk of heart disease, diabetes complications, and other systemic health issues. Treating gum disease early is one of the most important investments you can make in your overall health.
The good news: when caught in the gingivitis stage, gum disease is completely reversible. The key is not to wait.
1. What is the difference between gingivitis and gum disease?
Gingivitis is the earliest stage of gum disease, affecting only the gums. If untreated, it progresses to periodontitis, which damages the bone and tissue supporting your teeth. Gingivitis is reversible; advanced periodontitis is not, but it can be managed.
2. How do I know if I have gingivitis or periodontitis?
Gingivitis shows as red, swollen gums that bleed easily. Periodontitis involves deeper symptoms like gum recession, loose teeth, and bone loss — visible on dental X-rays. A periodontal exam at our Forest Hills office will give you a definitive answer.
3. Can gum disease be reversed?
Gingivitis is fully reversible with professional cleaning and improved home care. Advanced periodontitis cannot be fully reversed, but it can be stopped and controlled with ongoing treatment.
4. How long does gum disease treatment take?
Gingivitis can improve in a few weeks with consistent care. Periodontitis requires a longer treatment timeline — typically several visits for deep cleaning followed by regular 3–4 month maintenance appointments.
5. Is gum disease treatment painful?
Most treatments are comfortable with local anesthesia. Mild soreness after deep cleaning appointments is normal and resolves within a few days.
5. What causes gum disease?
The primary cause is plaque buildup from poor oral hygiene. Contributing factors include smoking, diabetes, genetics, hormonal changes, certain medications, and a diet low in vitamin C.
If you’re experiencing any signs of gum disease — from mildly bleeding gums to more serious symptoms — don’t wait. Early intervention makes all the difference.
📍 Location: 112-03 Queens Boulevard, Suite 211, Forest Hills, NY 11375
📞 Call us: (718) 268-8228 | (718) 268-1281
📧 madisondentalny@gmail.com
112-03 Queens Boulevard, Suite 211, Forest Hills, NY 11375
VIEW ON GOOGLE MAPS Posted on Mary WalkerTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The Service is excellent. No waiting to be seen. Appointments are on target. The Staff give them all anA++. Try Madison Dental you just might like them. The best!!!Posted on KN wigginsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Not only is DDS Chao wonderful and patience but so is the entire staff. It's always a pleasant experience.Posted on Valerie CantyTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I love my dentist. They are caring, patient however I was disappointed in the no communication given regarding my procedure and extras. Otherwise I'm sure they deserve another chance since I've been going for so many yearsPosted on Rosalie BernsteinTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Waiting area is modern and immaculate. Staff is very friendly. Most importantly Dr Chao is wonderful. He is gentle, kind, positive and very competent. He put me at ease and efficiently and effectively did the necessary exam and cleaning. I was very pleased with my first visitPosted on Andy WooTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Emergency Swollen gums visit. The infection was relieved promptly. Excellent service & friendly staff.Posted on JNK TTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Best dentist, clean and gentle. I wouldn't trust anyone else.Posted on Enrique GuzmanTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Dr. Zheng does great quality work. Good attention to patient needs. The facilities are clean and orderly.Posted on lisa kushnickTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I can’t say enough about Madison Dental Art. Dr.Chao is the best dentist I have gone to by far. He’s very patient and understanding when it comes to my fear of the dentist. He’s very gentle and never rushes a procedure. He tells me what he’s doing before doing anything. The front staff is very welcoming and friendly they make you feel like they know you forever. They also send you reminders about your up coming appointments. I wouldn’t go any place else!
6. What causes gum disease?
The primary cause is plaque buildup from poor oral hygiene. Contributing factors include smoking, diabetes, genetics, hormonal changes, certain medications, and a diet low in vitamin C.