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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Gum Disease Treatment in Selkirk
Bleeding, receding or tender gums can signal gum disease. Selkirk residents can learn how it is assessed, treated and kept under control in Port Dover.
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Serving patients from Selkirk at our Port Dover office
See every service for Selkirk patientsHealthy gums hold teeth in place
Bleeding gums are worth taking seriously.
Gum disease starts as gingivitis, inflammation caused by plaque along the gumline, and can progress to periodontitis, where the tissues and bone supporting the teeth are damaged. Early stages are often painless, which is why bleeding when brushing, puffy gums or persistent bad breath should not be ignored.
Treatment usually happens over a series of visits, so Selkirk patients benefit from knowing the plan before starting. At our Port Dover office, the hygienist and dentist can measure gum health, explain how advanced any disease is, and outline cleaning, home care and follow-up suited to your situation.
Spot the signs
Gum disease often develops quietly.
Early warning signs
Gums that bleed when brushing or flossing, look red or swollen, or feel tender are common early signs. Bad breath that does not go away can also be related. At this stage, called gingivitis, the damage is usually reversible with professional cleaning and improved daily care, so acting early can make a significant difference.
Signs of more advanced disease
As gum disease progresses, gums may recede, teeth may look longer, spaces between teeth may widen and teeth can become loose or shift. Pus around teeth, a change in how teeth fit together and sensitivity at the gumline may appear. These signs suggest periodontitis and warrant a thorough assessment and treatment plan.
Assessment
Measurements show how far disease has progressed.
Pocket charting and X-rays
The hygienist or dentist uses a small probe to measure the depth of the space between gums and teeth at several points around each tooth. Deeper pockets and bleeding indicate inflammation or loss of attachment. X-rays show bone levels. Together, these findings help classify the disease and guide the treatment plan.
Risk factors that matter
Smoking, diabetes, certain medications, pregnancy, stress and family history can all influence gum disease. Crowded teeth and old restorations may make cleaning harder. Discuss your health and habits openly. Managing these factors, alongside dental treatment, can improve your response to care and help keep gum disease under control.
Treatment
Treatment aims to reduce inflammation and stop progression.
Deep cleaning
For many patients, the first step is scaling and root planing, a deep cleaning that removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline and smooths root surfaces. Local anaesthetic is often used for comfort, and treatment may be divided into several visits. Afterward, gums are re-evaluated to see how they have responded.
Further treatment if needed
If pockets remain deep or bone loss is significant, the dentist may discuss additional treatment or referral to a periodontist. Teeth with severe bone loss may not be savable. The dentist will explain the outlook for each area and help you understand which teeth may need closer attention over time.
Staying on track
Gum disease needs ongoing management.
Daily care at home
Brush twice daily with a soft brush, angling toward the gumline, and clean between teeth every day using floss or interdental brushes. Ask the hygienist to show you the tools and techniques that suit your mouth. If you smoke, consider seeking support to quit, as smoking can affect healing and the progression of gum disease.
Regular maintenance visits
After active treatment, periodontal maintenance visits are often recommended more frequently than standard cleanings. These help keep bacteria under control and allow the team to monitor pocket depths over time. Report bleeding, swelling or loose teeth between visits. Consistent maintenance is key to protecting your teeth long-term.
Planning your appointment
Planning gum care from Selkirk.
Contact our Port Dover office to book a gum assessment and mention any bleeding, tenderness or loose teeth. Ask how many visits treatment may involve so you can plan the trips.
Bring a list of medications and mention conditions such as diabetes or pregnancy, which can affect your gums and treatment.
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?
Occasional bleeding is common but often indicates inflammation. Persistent bleeding suggests gum disease and should be assessed. Gentle, consistent cleaning often helps, but a professional evaluation identifies whether further treatment is needed.
Can gum disease be cured?
Gingivitis, the early stage, can often be reversed with professional cleaning and good home care. Periodontitis can usually be controlled but needs ongoing management because lost bone does not simply grow back. The dentist will explain what to expect in your case.
Does deep cleaning hurt?
Local anaesthetic is often used to keep the area comfortable during deep cleaning. Some tenderness or sensitivity afterward is common and usually settles within days. Let the team know about any worries beforehand so they can plan for your comfort.
Can gum disease cause tooth loss?
Yes. Advanced gum disease can break down the bone and tissue that hold teeth in place, leading to loosening and eventually loss. Early treatment and regular maintenance visits help protect the teeth and can slow or stop the progression.
Is gum disease linked to other health problems?
Research has suggested links between gum disease and conditions such as diabetes. Managing both oral and general health is important. Let the dentist know about your medical history so care can be coordinated.
Keeping gums healthy long term
General Dentistry →Periodontal Maintenance →
After gum disease treatment, regular periodontal maintenance helps keep it under control. Selkirk patients can plan these visits with our Port Dover hygiene team.
Dental Hygiene and Preventive Care →
Preventive care combines professional cleanings with habits that suit you. Selkirk patients can build a practical hygiene plan with our Port Dover team.