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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Gum Disease Treatment in Silver Hill
Bleeding, puffy or receding gums are early signs of gum disease. Silver Hill patients can learn how gingivitis and periodontitis are assessed and treated.
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Every dental service for Silver HillHealthy gums hold teeth in place
Gum disease is common, often painless and very treatable early.
Gum disease starts when plaque along the gumline irritates the tissues, causing gingivitis: red, swollen gums that bleed when you brush. Left unchecked, it can progress to periodontitis, where the attachment between gums and teeth breaks down and the supporting bone is lost. Teeth may eventually loosen. Because it rarely hurts early on, many people do not notice it.
Silver Hill patients with bleeding or receding gums can have them assessed at our Port Dover office. The dentist and hygienist measure gum health, explain what stage the problem is at and suggest treatment, from improved home care and cleanings to deeper therapy or referral.
Warning signs
Gums often give warnings before teeth are affected.
Early signs of gum problems
Gums that bleed when you brush or floss, look red or puffy, feel tender or have pulled back slightly from the teeth are early warning signs. Persistent bad breath or a bad taste may also be present. These symptoms are common but should not be ignored, since gingivitis can often be reversed.
Signs of more advanced disease
Teeth that look longer, feel loose or have shifted, gaps that appear between teeth, pus near the gums or changes in the way your teeth fit together can suggest more advanced periodontitis. Smokers may have less bleeding despite significant disease, which can hide the problem.
Assessment
Careful measurements show how healthy the gums are.
Measuring gum pockets
The hygienist or dentist gently measures the space between gum and tooth at several points around each tooth. Deeper pockets, bleeding and recession help indicate the extent of disease. X-rays show whether bone has been lost. These findings are recorded so changes can be tracked over time.
Understanding risk factors
Smoking, diabetes, pregnancy, some medications, stress and genetics can all influence gum disease. Sharing your medical history helps the team understand your risk and tailor treatment. Managing conditions such as diabetes can support gum healing, so the dentist may encourage coordination with your physician. Mention any recent changes in your health between visits.
Treatment options
Treatment is matched to how far the disease has progressed.
Cleaning above and below the gum
Gingivitis often improves with a thorough professional cleaning and better daily home care. For periodontitis, deeper cleaning, sometimes called scaling and root planing, removes tartar and bacteria from below the gumline and smooths root surfaces. This is often done with freezing, sometimes over more than one visit.
Advanced care and referral
If pockets remain deep after initial treatment, more frequent maintenance visits, localized therapies or referral to a periodontist may be recommended. In some cases surgery helps reduce pockets or regenerate lost tissue. The dentist will explain the options and expected outcomes for your situation, including what a referral would involve.
Ongoing control
Keeping gum disease under control is a long-term effort.
Daily home care
Brush twice a day with a soft brush, angled toward the gumline, and clean between teeth every day with floss or interdental brushes. Quitting smoking improves healing significantly. The hygienist can recommend tools and techniques suited to your teeth and any gum recession. A consistent routine at home does as much as any appointment.
Regular periodontal maintenance
After treatment, many people need more frequent cleanings to keep bacteria under control and monitor pockets. Keeping these appointments helps prevent the disease from progressing. Report any increased bleeding, swelling or loosening of teeth between visits so it can be addressed early. Booking the next visit before you leave keeps the schedule on track.
Planning your appointment
Booking gum care from Silver Hill
Contact our Port Dover office if your gums bleed, feel tender or seem to be receding. Mention any health conditions or medications, since these can influence gum health and treatment.
If you have had gum treatment elsewhere, bring records or ask your previous office to send them before your appointment.
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 reversed?
Gingivitis, the early stage, can often be reversed with professional cleaning and good home care. Periodontitis can be controlled with treatment, but lost bone and gum attachment generally do not fully return.
Is bleeding when I brush normal?
Bleeding is a common sign of gum inflammation, not something to ignore. Gentle, consistent cleaning often helps. If bleeding persists for more than a couple of weeks, have your gums assessed.
Does deep cleaning hurt?
Freezing is commonly used, so most people feel little discomfort during treatment. Some tenderness or sensitivity afterward is normal and usually eases within a few days. Let the team know if any area feels very tender.
Is gum disease linked to other health problems?
Research has found links between gum disease and conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. Managing gum health is part of overall well-being, and your dentist may encourage coordination with your physician.
Will I lose my teeth?
Not necessarily. Many people keep their teeth for life with treatment and ongoing care. Advanced disease can lead to tooth loss, which is why early diagnosis and consistent maintenance matter.
Keeping gums healthy long term
General Dentistry →Periodontal Maintenance →
After gum treatment, regular maintenance keeps pockets in check. Silver Hill patients can learn how these visits differ from cleanings and why timing counts.
Dental Hygiene and Preventive Care →
Prevention means fewer fillings and healthier gums over time. Silver Hill patients can learn how hygiene visits, fluoride and daily habits protect teeth.