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Bleeding, puffy or receding gums can signal gum disease. Port Ryerse patients can learn about deep cleaning, home care and follow-up at our Port Dover office.
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Caring for Port Ryerse patients at our Port Dover office
Every dental service for Port RyerseHealthy gums hold your teeth
Gum disease begins when plaque along the gum line inflames the tissue, causing redness, puffiness and bleeding. Left alone, it can progress to periodontitis, where the bone and fibres holding teeth in place break down. Many people feel no pain until teeth loosen, so regular assessment is the best way to catch it.
Those living in Port Ryerse who have noticed bleeding when brushing, receding gums or persistent bad breath can have their gums measured and assessed at our Port Dover office. The team will explain the stage of disease and what treatment and home care can achieve.

Signs and stages
Gingivitis is the early, reversible stage. Gums may be red, swollen and bleed when brushing or flossing. There is no permanent damage to bone at this point. Improved daily cleaning and a professional cleaning often bring gums back to health within weeks.
Periodontitis involves loss of supporting bone and the formation of pockets between gums and teeth. Signs include receding gums, persistent bad breath, gaps appearing between teeth and loosening. Damage is usually not reversible, but treatment can halt progression and stabilize the teeth.
Assessment
The hygienist or dentist measures the depth of the space between each tooth and gum with a small probe. Bleeding, recession and tooth mobility are recorded. X-rays show bone levels. These measurements create a baseline to track whether treatment is working over time.
Smoking, diabetes, certain medications, stress, pregnancy and family history all influence gum disease. Sharing your full health history helps the team understand your risk and tailor treatment. Managing conditions like diabetes alongside dental care can improve results.
Treatment
Scaling and root planing, often called deep cleaning, removes plaque and tartar from tooth surfaces beneath the gum line and smooths roots so gums can reattach. Local anaesthetic is often used for comfort. Treatment may be divided across several appointments to cover different areas of the mouth.
After healing, gums are re-measured to check improvement. Areas that do not respond may need additional cleaning, medication placed in pockets or referral to a periodontist for surgical treatment. The dentist will explain the reasoning and expected benefit of each option.
Staying stable
Brush twice daily along the gum line and clean between teeth every day using floss, interdental brushes or a water flosser. The hygienist can recommend tools suited to your spacing. Quitting smoking significantly improves gum health and response to treatment.
People treated for periodontitis usually need more frequent cleanings to keep bacteria under control. These periodontal maintenance visits monitor pockets and catch any return of disease early. Keeping to the recommended schedule is one of the strongest predictors of keeping your teeth.
Planning your appointment
Call our Port Dover office to book a gum assessment. Mention symptoms such as bleeding, recession or loose teeth so enough time is set aside.
Bring a list of medications and let the team know about diabetes, smoking or pregnancy, which can affect gums.
Before you book
Have a question about your situation? Our team can help you plan a visit.
Bleeding gums are common but not normal. They usually indicate inflammation from plaque. Improved cleaning often helps, but persistent bleeding should be assessed for gum disease.
Early gingivitis can usually be reversed. Periodontitis can be controlled but often not fully reversed, as lost bone does not typically regrow. Treatment and maintenance aim to stop progression.
Local anaesthetic is often used to keep you comfortable. Gums may be tender for a few days afterward, and teeth may be sensitive. This usually improves as gums heal.
Research has found associations between gum disease and conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. Managing gum health is part of overall wellbeing. Discuss your health history with the dental team.
Not necessarily. With treatment, good home care and regular maintenance, many people with periodontitis keep their teeth for years. Advanced cases may lose some teeth, so earlier treatment is better.
After gum disease treatment, regular maintenance visits help keep it under control. Port Ryerse patients can plan a realistic schedule with our Port Dover team.
Prevention keeps teeth and gums healthy between visits. Port Ryerse households can get hygiene advice, cleanings and protective care at our Port Dover office.
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New patients and CDCP patients are welcome. Tell us how we can help and our Port Dover dental team will follow up with you.
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