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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Gum Disease Treatment in La Salette
Bleeding, puffy or receding gums can signal gum disease. La Salette patients can learn how gums are measured in Port Dover and what deep cleaning involves.
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Caring for La Salette patients at our Port Dover office
See every dental service for La SaletteHealthy gums hold teeth
Gum disease is common, often painless and very worth treating.
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 puffy. Left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, where bone supporting the teeth is lost. Many people have no pain until the disease is advanced.
Patients who travel in from La Salette can have their gums assessed at our Port Dover office. The hygienist and dentist will measure gum health, explain what they find and recommend treatment aimed at controlling inflammation and protecting the teeth over time.
Warning signs
Your gums often show signs before you feel pain.
Bleeding, swelling and tenderness
Bleeding when brushing or flossing is one of the earliest signs of gum inflammation. Gums may look red, swollen or feel tender. These signs are not normal, even though they are common. Early gum disease is often reversible with professional cleaning and improved home care.
Recession, loose teeth and bad breath
As gum disease advances, gums may recede, teeth may look longer or feel loose, and spaces can open between them. Persistent bad breath or a bad taste can also occur. Smoking can mask bleeding, so smokers may have gum disease with fewer obvious signs.
Assessment
Measurements show how far gum disease has progressed.
Pocket measurements
The hygienist uses a small probe to measure the depth of the space between gums and teeth. Healthy pockets are shallow, while deeper pockets suggest attachment loss. These measurements are recorded so changes can be tracked over time. Bleeding and recession are noted as well.
X-rays and risk factors
X-rays help show bone levels around teeth. The dentist will ask about smoking, diabetes, medicines, family history and stress, since these can affect gum health. Understanding your risk factors helps guide a treatment plan that addresses what is driving the disease.
Treatment
Treatment aims to remove bacteria and allow gums to heal.
Deep cleaning below the gums
For periodontitis, scaling and root planing, often called deep cleaning, removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline and smooths root surfaces. Local anaesthetic may be used for comfort. Treatment may be completed over one or more visits depending on how many areas are affected.
Re-evaluation and further care
A few weeks after deep cleaning, gums are re-measured to see how they have responded. Many pockets improve. Areas that remain deep may need further treatment or referral to a periodontist. The dentist will explain your results and the recommended next steps.
Keeping it stable
Gum disease is managed over the long term.
Home care routines
Brush twice a day with a soft brush, angling toward the gumline, and clean between teeth daily with floss or interdental brushes. Ask the hygienist which tools suit your mouth. If you smoke, quitting can significantly improve gum health and treatment outcomes.
Periodontal maintenance visits
People treated for periodontitis often need more frequent cleanings, called periodontal maintenance, to keep the disease under control. The interval is set based on how your gums respond. Keeping these appointments helps prevent the disease from returning or progressing.
Planning your appointment
Gum care for La Salette patients.
Book an assessment at our Port Dover office and mention bleeding, tender or receding gums. Bring a list of medicines and let the team know about diabetes or smoking.
If you have had gum treatment before, bring any records or mention the name of the previous office.
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.
Is bleeding when I brush normal?
No. While common, bleeding gums usually indicate inflammation. Early gum disease is often reversible with professional cleaning and better home care. Persistent bleeding should be checked.
Can gum disease be cured?
Gingivitis can often be reversed. Periodontitis can be controlled, but lost bone generally does not grow back on its own. Ongoing care helps keep the disease stable.
Does deep cleaning hurt?
Local anaesthetic is often used, so most people feel little discomfort during treatment. Gums may be tender for a few days afterward. Follow the dentist’s advice for comfort and home care.
Does gum disease affect overall health?
Research has found associations between gum disease and conditions like diabetes and heart disease. Managing gum health is a worthwhile part of caring for your overall wellbeing.
Why do I need cleanings more often now?
After periodontitis treatment, bacteria can recolonize deep areas more quickly. More frequent cleanings help keep the disease under control. The interval is based on how your gums respond.
Keeping gums stable afterward
General Dentistry →Periodontal Maintenance →
After gum disease treatment, maintenance visits help keep pockets stable. La Salette patients can learn how these visits differ from routine cleanings.
Dental Hygiene and Preventive Care →
Prevention keeps teeth and gums healthier between visits. La Salette patients can explore hygiene care, fluoride, home routines and risk checks in Port Dover.