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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Gum Disease Treatment in Jarvis
Bleeding, puffy or receding gums can signal gum disease. Learn how Jarvis patients can have gums assessed in Port Dover and what deep cleaning and follow-up involve.
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Seeing Jarvis patients at our Port Dover office
Every dental service for Jarvis patientsHealthy gums hold your teeth
Gum disease is quiet, so early signs matter.
Gum disease begins when plaque bacteria inflame the gums, a stage called gingivitis. Without treatment, it can progress to periodontitis, where the tissue and bone supporting the teeth break down. This often happens without pain, which is why bleeding gums, bad breath or gums pulling away from teeth deserve attention.
Gum health is assessed at our Port Dover office for patients who make the trip from Jarvis. Measurements and X-rays show what stage you are at, and the hygienist and dentist explain what treatment would help.
Warning signs
Bleeding is not normal, even if it is common.
Early signs of gum inflammation
Gums that bleed when you brush or floss, look red or swollen, or feel tender are signs of inflammation. Many people assume a little bleeding is normal, but healthy gums usually do not bleed with gentle cleaning. At this stage, gum disease is often reversible with professional cleaning and improved home care.
Signs of more advanced disease
Persistent bad breath, gums receding from teeth, teeth that look longer, new spaces between teeth, loose teeth or changes in how your bite fits can indicate periodontitis. Pus around the gums is another sign. These changes involve loss of support and need professional treatment to manage.
Assessment
Measurements show what cannot be seen.
Pocket measurements
The hygienist or dentist gently measures the space between each tooth and gum, called a pocket. Deeper pockets suggest loss of attachment. Bleeding, recession and tooth mobility are also recorded. These measurements provide a baseline that can be compared at future visits to track whether treatment is working.
X-rays and risk factors
X-rays show bone levels around the teeth. Risk factors such as smoking, diabetes, certain medications, stress and family history are discussed, since they influence how gum disease progresses and responds to treatment. Your general health and gum health are connected, so share relevant medical information.
Treatment
Treatment matches the severity of the disease.
Professional cleaning and scaling
Gingivitis is often managed with a thorough cleaning and better daily hygiene. Periodontitis usually requires scaling and root planing, a deeper cleaning below the gumline to remove tartar and smooth root surfaces so gums can reattach. This may be done over several visits with local anaesthetic for comfort.
When further care is needed
After initial treatment, the gums are re-evaluated. If deep pockets remain, additional treatment or a referral to a periodontist may be discussed. In some cases, antimicrobial products may be recommended. The dentist will explain the plan and what results are realistic.
Maintenance
Gum disease is managed over the long term.
Daily home care
Brush twice daily along the gumline and clean between teeth every day, using floss, interdental brushes or a water flosser as recommended. The hygienist can demonstrate techniques for areas you tend to miss. If you smoke, quitting can significantly improve how your gums respond to treatment.
Regular periodontal maintenance
Periodontitis requires ongoing professional care, often with more frequent cleanings than usual. These maintenance visits remove bacteria from deep areas and monitor pocket depths. Keeping a consistent schedule helps prevent the disease from progressing and protects the teeth over the years.
Planning your appointment
Getting your gums checked from Jarvis
Call our Port Dover office to book a gum assessment. Mention bleeding, recession, loose teeth or bad breath so enough time can be set aside.
Bring a list of your medications and let the team know about diabetes, smoking or other factors that affect gum health.
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 cured?
Gingivitis can often be reversed. Periodontitis can be controlled but not undone completely, as lost bone usually does not return. Ongoing care helps keep it stable.
Does deep cleaning hurt?
Local anaesthetic is often used to keep you comfortable. Some tenderness or sensitivity afterward is common for a short period and usually improves as gums heal.
Is gum disease linked to other health problems?
Research links gum disease with conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. Managing gum health is part of overall health. Share your medical history with the team.
Why do my gums bleed?
Bleeding is usually a sign of inflammation from plaque. If it continues despite good home care, have your gums assessed to check for gum disease.
Will I lose my teeth?
Untreated periodontitis can lead to tooth loss, but treatment and maintenance can help keep teeth for many years. Early diagnosis improves the outlook.
Ongoing gum care
General Dentistry →Periodontal Maintenance →
After gum disease treatment, regular periodontal maintenance helps keep pockets stable. Learn what these visits involve and how often Jarvis patients may need them.
Dental Hygiene and Preventive Care →
Prevention is the most effective dental care. Learn how hygiene visits, fluoride, home routines and diet advice help Jarvis patients keep teeth and gums healthy.