CarolinasDentist Blog

How Do We Treat Gum Disease?

Dark-haired woman ponders her gum disease against a gray wall

Healthy gums act as anchors for strong, healthy teeth. At CarolinasDentist, we prioritize our patients’ gum health because we know that every healthy smile needs a strong foundation. However, gums often need some extra assistance when it comes to battling gum disease.

What Is Gum Disease?

Gum disease occurs when the tissue surrounding your teeth becomes irritated and/o infected. Poor oral hygiene is usually the culprit. When bacteria feed upon your dietary sugars, they produce damaging acids and accumulate into a sticky biofilm called plaque. Plaque not only causes cavities, but also can build up underneath your gumline and irritate the soft tissue around your teeth, causing gum recession.

If plaque isn’t daily cleaned away with brushing and flossing, it will continue to grow and damage your gums. Eventually, your gums will become infected. Gum disease occurs in two stages: gingivitis, where gums are irritated and inflamed, and periodontitis, where gums are infected.

How Is Gum Disease Treated?

First, we try to keep it from developing in the first place through good preventive care. However, early-stage gum disease can often be reversed with improved at-home oral hygiene and routine professional dental cleanings at one of our many locations.

But if your gum disease requires treatment, we often utilize Perio Protect®. Perio Protect involves custom-fitted trays that fit over your teeth like a retainer to apply medication below your gumline. You wear these trays in the comfort of your own home to treat early-stage gum disease.

For more advanced cases of gum disease, we may recommend procedures like scaling, root planing, or other types of surgery.

Watch Out for Red Flags!

If you’ve noticed some of the early warning signs of gum disease like swelling, tenderness, bleeding, or abnormal redness, let our team know. During your next office visit, we’ll evaluate the health of your gums. Then, our team will come up with an individualized treatment plan to restore the health of your gums.

To ask us questions about gum disease or to schedule a checkup, contact us today!

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Andrew Callender

Andrew Callender

Regional Director of Operations

Andrew Callender was born and raised in Denver, Colorado, and serves as one of our Regional Directors of Operations at CarolinasDentist, focusing on our Western NC and Charlotte regions. He joined the leadership team in 2025 and earned his degree from Western Colorado University. Andrew brings over 12 years of experience in dentistry, including more than 10 years of progressive leadership in healthcare operations and three years serving as a Regional Director of Operations. He relocated to North Carolina in 2023 and has quickly made an impact across the region.

Andrew is passionate about delivering outstanding patient care through operational excellence. He is committed to fostering an environment that aligns with CarolinasDentist’s values and culture while leveraging diverse perspectives and experiences to support team success and growth. His leadership style is rooted in collaboration, consistency, and continuous improvement.

Outside of work, Andrew enjoys spending time with his wife and their four children. He’s an avid golfer and also enjoys walking his lab, Harper—making the most of his time outdoors with family and fresh air.

Nate Bunyak

Nate Bunyak

Regional Director of Operations

Nate Bunyak brings a little bit of Pittsburgh grit and a whole lot of energy to everything he does. He is one of the Regional Director of Operations at CarolinasDentist focusing on our Triangle region, joining the team in 2026. Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, Nate graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) with a degree in Marketing and Management—and has been putting both to work ever since. Three years ago, he traded in steel city winters for North Carolina sunshine—and hasn’t looked back.

When he’s not working, Nate is all about family life with his wife, Melissa, and their three kids—Bryce, Molly, and Connor. Whether cheering on their activities, exploring the outdoors, or simply embracing the joyful chaos of a busy household, he makes the most of every moment with his family.

An avid hiker and nature enthusiast, Nate loves adventures that combine fresh air, beautiful views, and lasting memories. That same adventurous, positive spirit carries into his work—he’s driven, all-in, and always ready to take on what’s next.

Jenna Holland

Jenna Holland

Regional Hygiene Director

Jenna Holland is a Fayetteville native and serves as Regional Hygiene Director, joining the leadership team in 2026. She began her career with CarolinasDentist in June 2016 as a dental hygienist in the Fayetteville office after graduating from Fayetteville Technical Community College. Over the years, she has grown within the organization, building strong relationships with both patients and team members while staying rooted in her passion for patient care.

Jenna is deeply committed to promoting overall well-being through oral health and believes in the powerful connection between a healthy smile and a healthy body. In her leadership role, she especially loves mentoring and coaching hygienists, helping them grow in confidence, strengthen their clinical skills, and develop into exceptional providers. She takes pride in supporting her team and fostering an environment of continuous learning and encouragement.

Her best advice for patients is simple: stay consistent with routine check-ups and cleanings to maintain optimal health. Outside of the office, Jenna enjoys traveling—especially to warm, tropical destinations—and is engaged to her high school sweetheart, adding a personal touch to her passion for caring for others.

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