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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Gum Disease Treatment in Cultus
Bleeding, puffy or receding gums can signal gum disease. Cultus patients can learn how it is diagnosed, what deep cleaning involves and how to keep gums well.
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Caring for Cultus patients at our office in Port Dover
Browse every dental service for CultusHealthy gums hold your teeth
Gum disease often progresses quietly, which is why early care matters.
Gum disease begins when plaque builds up along the gumline and causes inflammation. In its early stage, called gingivitis, gums may bleed or look red and swollen. Without care, it can progress to periodontitis, where the bone and tissues supporting the teeth break down, sometimes leading to loose teeth.
If your gums bleed when you brush or you have been told you have deep pockets, our Port Dover team can help Cultus patients understand what is happening. We will measure gum health, explain the stage of any disease and discuss treatment and home care that suit your situation.
Signs and risks
Gum problems are not always painful.
What you may notice
Bleeding when brushing or flossing, red or puffy gums, persistent bad breath, gums pulling back from teeth, sensitivity and teeth that feel loose or have shifted are common signs. Many people notice little discomfort, which is why regular checkups are important. Mention any of these symptoms at your next visit, or call sooner if they worsen.
Factors that raise your risk
Smoking, diabetes, certain medications, hormonal changes, stress and a family history of gum disease can increase risk. Crowded teeth and old restorations that trap plaque can make cleaning harder. Telling the dentist about these factors helps them tailor treatment and the frequency of follow-up care. Pregnancy can also make gums more prone to bleeding and is worth mentioning.
Diagnosis
Measurements show how deep the problem goes.
Pocket depths and bleeding
The dentist or hygienist gently measures the space between gum and tooth, called a pocket, at several points around each tooth. Deeper pockets and bleeding indicate inflammation and possible bone loss. These measurements are recorded so changes can be tracked over time and treatment effectiveness can be assessed. The probing is gentle and fairly quick.
X-rays and bone levels
X-rays show the level of bone around the teeth. Comparing images over time helps determine whether gum disease is active or stable. The dentist will explain what the measurements and images mean, using terms you can understand, and describe the stage of gum disease if it is present. Ask to see the chart so you can follow progress.
Treatment
Treatment removes the bacteria driving inflammation.
Scaling and root planing
For many patients, the first step is a deep cleaning called scaling and root planing. The area is often numbed, and plaque and tartar are removed from above and below the gumline. Root surfaces are smoothed to help gums heal. This may be done over more than one visit, depending on how many areas need treatment.
When further care is needed
After healing, the dentist re-evaluates pocket depths. If some areas have not responded, additional treatment or referral to a periodontist may be recommended. Managing risk factors like smoking or blood sugar control can also improve results. Ask what the plan is if healing is slower than expected. Some tenderness after deep cleaning is normal and short-lived.
Maintenance
Gum health requires ongoing attention.
Daily home care
Brush twice a day with a soft brush angled toward the gumline, and clean between teeth daily. Interdental brushes may be more effective than floss for some people with gum disease. The hygienist can show you techniques and tools that make cleaning easier and help maintain the results of treatment. Bleeding often settles once cleaning becomes routine.
Regular maintenance visits
People who have had periodontitis often need more frequent cleanings, sometimes called periodontal maintenance. These visits help keep bacteria under control and allow early detection of any return. Keeping to the recommended schedule is one of the most important ways to protect your teeth over the long term. Booking ahead helps keep those visits on track.
Planning your appointment
Gum care from Cultus
Call our Port Dover office if your gums bleed, feel tender or look different. The team can arrange an assessment and explain how long treatment visits typically take and how many are needed.
Bring a list of medications and mention conditions like diabetes. If you smoke, the team can share resources if you are interested in quitting.
Port Dover Family Dentistry
697 Norfolk County Hwy 6, Unit 2, Port Dover, ON N0A 1N2519-583-2929Directions to our office (opens in a new tab)Office hours & contact detailsBefore you book
Gum disease questions
Have a question about your situation? Our team can help you plan a visit.
Can gum disease be reversed?
Gingivitis, the early stage, can often be reversed with professional cleaning and good home care. Periodontitis can be managed and stabilized, though lost bone does not usually grow back without specialized treatment. Early care saves more bone.
Does deep cleaning hurt?
The area is usually numbed, so most people feel pressure rather than pain. Some tenderness and sensitivity afterward is common and usually settles within days. A sensitivity toothpaste can help during that time, and rinsing with warm salt water may soothe the gums.
Why do my gums bleed when I floss?
Bleeding often indicates inflammation from plaque buildup. Keep cleaning gently, as bleeding may decrease as gums become healthier. If it continues, ask the dentist to check for gum disease. Stopping cleaning usually makes it worse.
Is gum disease linked to other health problems?
Research has found associations between gum disease and conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. Managing gum health is part of overall wellbeing, and the dentist can discuss these links. Tell your physician about gum treatment too.
How often will I need cleanings after treatment?
Many people need more frequent maintenance visits after gum disease treatment. The dentist will recommend an interval based on how your gums respond and your risk factors. It may be adjusted over time as things settle.
Ongoing gum health resources
General Dentistry →Periodontal Maintenance →
After gum disease treatment, maintenance visits help keep gums stable. Cultus patients can learn what these visits involve and how often they are recommended.
Dental Hygiene and Preventive Care →
Prevention keeps teeth and gums healthy between checkups. Cultus patients can learn about hygiene visits, home routines and protective treatments in Port Dover.