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Bleeding, receding or tender gums may signal gum disease. Pine Grove patients can learn how gingivitis and periodontitis are assessed, treated and kept stable.
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Gum disease begins when plaque builds up along the gumline and causes inflammation. In its early stage, called gingivitis, gums may bleed and look red or puffy but can often recover with better cleaning. If it progresses to periodontitis, the bone and tissues supporting the teeth can be damaged, leading to loose teeth and eventual tooth loss.
Pine Grove patients concerned about their gums can be assessed at our Port Dover office. The dentist and hygienist will measure gum health, explain what stage is present and recommend a plan suited to your situation.

Recognize the signs
Gums that bleed when brushing or flossing, look red or swollen, or feel tender are common early signs. Bad breath or a bad taste may accompany them. Many people assume bleeding is normal, but healthy gums usually do not bleed with gentle cleaning. Noting these signs early gives the best chance of reversing inflammation.
Receding gums, teeth that look longer, new gaps, loose teeth, pus around the gumline and changes in how your teeth fit together can indicate more advanced disease. Pain is not always present. If you notice any of these, book an assessment rather than waiting for your next routine visit.
Assessment
The hygienist or dentist uses a small probe to measure the depth of the space between each tooth and the gum. Deeper pockets can indicate loss of attachment. X-rays show bone levels around the roots. Together, these findings help classify the disease and guide treatment decisions, and they give a baseline for future comparison.
Smoking, diabetes, certain medications, stress, pregnancy and genetics can all influence gum health. The dentist will ask about these factors because they affect how gums respond to treatment. Managing contributors, such as controlling blood sugar or quitting smoking, can significantly improve outcomes alongside dental care.
Treatment
Gingivitis is often treated with a thorough professional cleaning and improved home care. The hygienist removes plaque and tartar and shows you techniques to clean along the gumline. Many people see reduced bleeding within a few weeks once consistent brushing and cleaning between teeth become routine.
Periodontitis may need scaling and root planing, a deeper cleaning below the gumline, often done with local anaesthetic over one or more visits. A re-evaluation follows to check how the gums have responded. Persistent deep pockets may lead to discussion of further treatment or referral to a periodontist.
Staying stable
Brush twice daily with a soft brush, angling bristles toward the gumline, and clean between teeth every day with floss, interdental brushes or a water flosser. Ask which tools fit the spaces in your mouth. If you smoke, quitting makes a significant difference. Consistent habits are central to keeping gums healthy.
Once periodontitis has been treated, more frequent cleanings, often every three or four months, are commonly recommended. These visits allow the team to monitor pocket depths and remove buildup before it causes further damage. Report bleeding, swelling or loose teeth between visits.
Planning your appointment
Call our Port Dover office to book an examination and gum assessment. Mention bleeding, recession or loose teeth so the team allows enough time for measurements.
Bring your medication list and mention diabetes, smoking or pregnancy. Records from previous gum treatment are helpful if you have them.
Before you book
Have a question about your situation? Our team can help you plan a visit.
Gingivitis, the early stage, can often be reversed with professional cleaning and consistent home care. Periodontitis causes bone loss that does not fully return, but treatment can stop or slow progression and keep teeth stable.
Local anaesthetic is usually used, so most people feel pressure rather than pain during the procedure. Some tenderness and sensitivity afterward are common and tend to settle within a few days.
Bleeding usually indicates inflammation caused by plaque. Gentle, consistent brushing and cleaning between teeth often reduces it within a couple of weeks. If bleeding persists, have your gums checked by the dental team.
Research has linked gum disease with conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. The relationship is complex, but keeping gums healthy is part of overall wellbeing. Mention health conditions to your dentist.
Many people with treated periodontitis are seen every three or four months. The interval depends on how stable your gums remain. The team will recommend a schedule and adjust it based on your progress.
After gum disease treatment, regular maintenance visits help keep pockets stable. Pine Grove patients can learn what these cleanings involve and their timing.
Prevention means fewer fillings and healthier gums over time. Pine Grove patients can learn about hygiene visits, fluoride, home habits and personal risks.
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