What Does Periodontal Disease Mean?

Periodontal disease, commonly called gum disease, is inflammation of the gums. How far the inflammation has spread will determine your stage of gum disease. The first stage is gingivitis, which is when the infection hasn’t spread to beneath your gums where it can do considerable damage. The second and third stages of gum disease are destructive, so we offer patients treatment for gum disease in West Hartford to stop the disease from destroying the bone and tissue which hold the teeth firmly in place.

Why Do Some People Get Gingivitis and Others Don’t?

People who don’t clean their teeth properly at the gumline often develop gingivitis as the plaque buildup irritates the gums. A schedule of six-month exams with teeth cleanings can catch problems before gingivitis starts. Of course, some people are more susceptible than others; heredity, smoking and certain medications can increase your chances of developing gingivitis.

What Are the First Signs of Gingivitis?

You may notice these gingivitis symptoms if you have the earliest stage of gum disease:

Tender gums that may bleed during your oral care routine
Puffy gums
Gums that are bright red or purple instead of a healthy pink color

Please phone us for an exam and gingivitis treatment if you notice any of the warning signs of gingivitis. The disease could progress if you don’t get gingivitis treatment. Gingivitis does not automatically turn into periodontitis, but everyone with periodontitis once had gingivitis that wasn’t cured.

Which Gum Disease Symptoms Are Visible First?

The first signs of gingivitis are usually visible, but people may mistake them for normal changes in their mouth as they get older. Bleeding gums are not normal. If gingivitis progresses to the next gum disease stage, you will notice:

Chronic bad breath
Gum recession
Teeth appear longer
Pus pockets between teeth
Changes in your bite
Gums bleed for no reason
Teeth begin to shift or become loose

Don’t ignore these gum disease symptoms, since they’ll only get worse without treatment. Gum disease at this stage won’t stop by itself.

Gum Disease Stages

Gingivitis: Gingivitis is a form of gum disease that’s reversible. The disease only affects the gum that surrounds your teeth. Many people ignore gingivitis symptoms, such as bad breath, believing they’re normal occurrences. A gingivitis cure will prevent the disease from manifesting into a more serious form of gum disease. You can still get gingivitis if you have implants or dentures, since plaque can accumulate on artificial and natural teeth.
Periodontitis: Gingivitis will turn into periodontitis when the bacteria in plaque get under your gum line. The area under your gum is a periodontal pocket that should be one to three millimeters deep. Your dentist will painlessly measure the pockets to see if they’re four or more millimeters deep, which will help to diagnose periodontitis. This moderate form of gum disease generally occurs in people in their 30s and 40s. There can be some bone and tissue loss at this point.
Advanced Periodontitis: Advanced periodontitis is characterized by additional bone and tissue loss resulting in loose teeth or teeth that fall out on their own. You may notice severe halitosis, painful chewing and gums that ooze pus.

Is There a Reliable Gingivitis Cure?

You can find OTC products that claim to offer a gingivitis cure, but none can match the results you’ll see when you visit a dentist. Many patients with gingivitis have tartar, as well as plaque, at their gum line. Dental professionals are the only ones who can scrape tartar off your teeth. Gingivitis treatment supervised by a dentist works well because it includes a professional teeth cleaning.

What Is Gum Disease Treatment Like If I Have Periodontitis?

Treatment for periodontal disease will vary depending on whether you have periodontitis or severe periodontitis. Periodontitis treatment usually consists of a scaling and root planing procedure, commonly called a deep cleaning. You may also receive antibiotics. Advanced periodontitis treatment may include surgery to reduce pockets, and grafts to replace bone and gum tissue lost because of advanced gum disease.

Is Reversing Gum Disease a Treatment Option?

Reversing gum disease is a treatment option if you have gingivitis symptoms because there is a gingivitis cure. If you have one of the two later stages of gum disease, there isn’t any gum disease cure, only treatment to minimize the signs of gum disease and stop further damage. You won’t automatically lose your teeth if you get proper dental care. Our dentists offer treatment for gum disease in West Hartford that will stop gum disease from causing any further damage.

Book Online Now

Complete the form below to book your appointment today.

I’m a New Patient
Existing Patient

Our patients leave smiling


Awesome staff, wonderful doctors and a high level of professionalism is the reason I’m still a client for over 20yrs. Thank you Dr Guidice for your patience and kindness. From the moment you enter the office, the welcoming staff just brightens your day. Kudos guys; GREAT WORK!!! Michelle M East Hartford CT
Floyd G.
Read more reviews

I had a tooth pulled! Other than that it was a good experience, everyone there is great….
Richard S.
Read more reviews

A five star experience!
Beverly G.
Read more reviews

Professional, friendly and painless
Gemma P.
Read more reviews

Michelle is a very talented and wonderful Hygeniest. She does great work and is personable which makes my dentist visit more comfortable and enjoyable.
Jay W.
Read more reviews

Family and I have been seeing this group for over 7 years. Nothing but good experiences. I would consider most of the staff is knowledgeable, friendly and professional. The most I have waited for an appointment is 10 minutes and that was once out of over a dozen visits. Questions are always answered and concerns are always addressed. Hygienists and front desk staff do all the work and doctors chec…
Bella E.
Read more reviews

Staff is easy to work with and my hygienist soline is the best
Nicholas G.
Read more reviews

I have always received excellent care in this office.
Charlene P.
Read more reviews

very out standing staff
Angel V.
Read more reviews

Excelent customer service at the front desk. Excellent job with the higienist assistant, very professuonal, very kind, very gentle.
Henry T.
Read more reviews

The staff is awesome!
Lisa G.
Read more reviews

My hygienist, Michelle, is FANTASTIC! This dental office is absolutely wonderful, and I highly recommend them! The front desk staff is warm, welcoming, and knowledgeable. They put everyone at ease, no matter what age. It may sound weird, but I LOVE going to the dentist!
Valerie M.
Read more reviews

Dr. Glazman is fantastic! I’ve been seeing her for several years for a variety of dental needs. She has beautifully (and painlessly) repaired 5 weakened teeth in my mouth with crowns (some needing root canals). She has filled a couple cavities as well. She is professional and kind. She is also very comforting during the procedures, as is her assistant. I trust Dr. Glazman explicitly and despite…
Craig F.
Read more reviews

Everyone at the front desk is very nice and personable. However; Michelle is an absolute super-star. She is the most detailed and thorough dental hygienist that I have had in over 10 years. She has a great demeanor and her energy is calming and reassuring. I am extremely pleased with her cleaning and recommendations. She definitely loves her job and is committed to doing a fabulous job A+++.
M P.
Read more reviews

Josette is the only hygienist I’ve seen for the past 5+ years now and she is great! Jackie at the front desk is fantastic and has gone out of her way to help. I’ve also had work done by Dr. Guidice who does a great job, and the assisting hygienist with Dr Guidice is kind and answered any questions I asked. The staff takes a genuine interest in their patients – highly recommend th…
Alana W.
Read more reviews

Great hygenists and dentists
Trevor D.
Read more reviews

Very professional and patient centric. My hygienist is awesome and the reason I keep going back!
Nicola T.
Read more reviews

My experience at this office is always flawless, I have been to several dentist and none can compare to this one. Jackie and the front desk are always professional and on point. My hygienist Lena does a great job and finally Dr. Guidice is great, best dentist I’ve ever had. I would recommend this dentist/office to any and everyone I thank you guy’s for a seamless experience!!
Tyco H.
Read more reviews

Excellent dentists (I see Dr. Glazman) and staff. Always friendly and helpful. On time and organized. I started using this practice when I was working in Hartford. I haven’t worked there for 10 years but still use the practice, driving an hour from home, because I’m so confident in the quality of the care.
Dan B.
Read more reviews

Celine is the absolute best hygienist – keeps my teeth in great shape and always with a smile! Knowledgeable, prompt and always a pleasure to see.
LBF
Read more reviews

Jelena is a very professional and friendly dental hygienist. She is caring to patients and she makes me feel very comfortable and at ease during cleaning. I love having her as my hygienist & always request her.
Joycelyn J.
Read more reviews

I have been going to this place for the past eight years and it has been wonderful especially Josette and Jackie they are helpful and inform
Saeid M.
Read more reviews

The staff are helpful and kind. They are willing to answer all questions if able. They offer insightful information about your visit and how to stay up on your dental hygiene. I always feel welcomed by the staff! -Alisha C.
Alisha C.
Read more reviews

Dr Guidice is a wonderful dentist! Truly a great office, attentive staff and a very comfortable atmosphere.
Camille D.
Read more reviews

Jelena is very good! I come to her every time… She cleans my teeth great and I always walk out of the office happy! Great place to come to!
Emily L.
Read more reviews

Been coming here for years after a bad dental experience. Great experience every time with my Hygienist Celine Feel wonderful every time I leave with my sparkling clean smile!!!
Summer A.
Read more reviews

Celine is a great hygienist, very thorough and very warm and pleasant. I have been going to them for years.
Cynthia L.
Read more reviews

In all my years of getting dentistry care, Karolina Heath, is by far the best RDH I have ever had the pleasure of finding. Sadly she left my Danbury location, but my loss is your gain in West Hartford. Ask for her by name!
Mike D.
Read more reviews

Jackie and Josette are great!!! They always have a smile and are accommodating. They make each visit feel like you’re not at the dentist’s office.
Jose D.
Read more reviews

Jelena makes my dental cleaning, a relaxing experience. She is thorough, and very informative! Also saw Dr. Guidice today. Very pleasant.
Janet J.
Read more reviews

They greatly explain everything that is wrong with you and they work with you to make sure you get the very best treatment possible. Definitely recommend!
Wesley S.
Read more reviews

I love this place great services I can’t complain been here for many years and I love my hygienist Jelena and dentist Dr. Guidice
Marie C.
Read more reviews

I love the people here I been coming here forever they do excellent work!!!!!
Christine F.
Read more reviews

Everybody at the office is very nice. It’s the bet experience I’ve ever had. Jackie is a pleasure to talk to at the front desk :)
Jerry S.
Read more reviews

I have been coming to the office for a few years now and I love the friendly environment. It really makes me feel at ease during my visit. I have been seen by a couple of the hygienist and they were all nice. When I needed dental work, Dr. Guidice has always been super gentle with me and made me feel relaxed.
Jenny M.
Read more reviews

Our family has been coming here for years. We absolutely love our hygienist, Michelle. She is very thorough without feeling rushed, but always is done in a reasonable amount of time. She is compassionate and empathetic and it shows in her work. I’ve seen many hygienists in my life and she has been, by far, the best. Thank you Michelle!
Kelly C.
Read more reviews

Dr. Guidice it’s the best. Made me feel relaxed, we developed good rapport right away. He’s a confident and knowledgeable clinician. He did not advise any unecessary work. I’ll be going back for my dental care.
Kenny G.
Read more reviews

Dr. Guidice is by far the best dentist I have ever had. His entire front desk staff especially Jackie, Tasha and Monika are extremely professional and courteous. Celine (Dental hygienist) is very patient and knowledgeable. I’ve also had the pleasure of meeting several other staff members such as Josette(Dental hygienist) and Dr. Glazman who always make you feel welcome. I would recommend thi…
Paul T.
Read more reviews

Dr. Guidice is the best. He cares. Plain and simple. He answered my questions about the work I had previously done with another dentist. He didn’t try to do unnecessary work but instead made sure to put me at ease.
Krzysztof L.
Read more reviews

Ever since my family moved to West Hartford,CT. I have been going to this dental office ( for 10+ years.) They have the same staff as when I started so obviously they have become family. The front office personnel are outstanding professional employees with a caring attitude And easy to have a simple conversation with. Celine knows what she is doing professionally. She has cleaned my teeth , taken…
Jim G.
Read more reviews

I want to say what a great experience I had going to this practice. I am unfortunately not blessed with great chompers, yet the care and judgement free environment at this practice is refreshing. Dr Guidice is personal yet always professional and I am glad I was able to come under his care. I can honestly say I look forward to my next visit to the practice.
J M.
Read more reviews

Great visit and experience. Dr. Guidice was very professional and able to address my emergency situation on a short notice. Thanks for the office staff for getting me in. I’ll be back!!
Paul L.
Read more reviews

All the staff there are very friendly. I went in for a routine teeth cleaning & was done in a timely manner,Megan answered my questions & Jackie the receptionist took care of my appointment setup. Overall it was a pleasant experience & most importantly very clean office, would recommend anyone to this dental office.
Luis D.
Read more reviews

The Ladies at the office are pleasant helpful and very knowledgeable. My cleaning was done in timely manner. I would recommend them.
Walter C.
Read more reviews

This has been my dentist for several years and they have always treated both me and my teeth fairly well. Recently I developed a latex allergy and when I let them know they got out a box of non latex gloves and put a sticker on my chart so other doctors would know. They also always give me a great report on my teeth.
Abbey F.
Read more reviews

I have been going to Dr Glazman at this practice for the last few years, and I can’t recommend her enough. As a matter of fact, she is the only dentist I have ever felt that I *wanted* to reccomend, and I do so with great enthusiasm. Going to the dentist is not typically an enjoyable experience, but Dr Glazman’s gentle bedside manner makes me feel as relaxed as I possibly can. As a…
Laura F.
Read more reviews

Gum Treatment in West Hartford, CT