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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Periodontal Maintenance in Selkirk
After gum disease treatment, regular periodontal maintenance helps keep it under control. Selkirk patients can plan these visits with our Port Dover hygiene team.
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Serving patients from Selkirk at our Port Dover office
See every service for Selkirk patientsKeeping gum disease in check
Treated gums need ongoing support to stay stable.
Periodontal maintenance is a specialized cleaning schedule for people who have been treated for gum disease. Because periodontitis can return if bacteria rebuild below the gumline, these visits are usually more frequent than standard cleanings. They focus on removing deposits from deeper pockets and monitoring changes in gum and bone health.
Keeping up with a maintenance schedule means regular trips into Port Dover, so Selkirk patients often find it useful to book several visits ahead. The hygiene team at our Port Dover office will explain the recommended interval, what each visit involves and how your measurements compare over time.
Why it matters
Ongoing care helps protect the progress you have made.
Gum disease is a chronic condition
Treatment for periodontitis can reduce inflammation and pocket depths, but it does not permanently eliminate the bacteria that cause the disease. Without regular professional care, pockets can deepen again and bone loss may continue. Maintenance visits disrupt bacterial colonies before they cause further damage, helping to stabilize the condition over the long term.
Different from a routine cleaning
A routine cleaning mainly focuses on plaque and tartar above and just below the gumline. Periodontal maintenance goes further, cleaning deeper pockets and root surfaces and recording measurements to track the disease. The hygienist will explain why this type of care is recommended for you and how it differs from cleanings you may have had previously.
During the visit
Each visit combines monitoring with treatment.
Measuring and assessing
The hygienist measures pocket depths, checks for bleeding and notes any recession or tooth mobility. These readings are compared with earlier ones to see whether the gums are stable, improving or getting worse. X-rays may be taken periodically to monitor bone levels. The dentist reviews the findings and examines your teeth at the same visit or at set intervals.
Cleaning below the gumline
Plaque and tartar are removed from above and below the gumline, focusing on areas with deeper pockets. Local anaesthetic may be offered for sensitive spots. Root surfaces may be smoothed. Teeth are polished, and the hygienist may suggest fluoride or other treatments. Let the team know about any discomfort so adjustments can be made.
Your part at home
Home care makes professional care more effective.
Cleaning techniques
Brush twice daily with a soft brush, angled toward the gumline. Clean between teeth every day using floss, interdental brushes or a water flosser, depending on what the hygienist recommends for your spaces. Ask for a demonstration if you are unsure. Consistent home care between visits is key to keeping pockets from deepening again.
Lifestyle factors
Smoking significantly affects gum health and healing, so seeking support to quit can help. Managing conditions such as diabetes also supports gum stability. Tell the team about new medications or health changes. Stress and hormonal changes can influence gums too, so share anything that might be relevant to how your gums are responding.
Long-term outlook
The plan adapts as your gums change.
Adjusting the interval
Many people start with maintenance every few months. If your gums remain stable, the interval may be adjusted. If pockets deepen or bleeding increases, visits may become more frequent. The hygienist and dentist will explain the reasoning. Keeping appointments consistently is often more important than any single visit in protecting your teeth.
When further treatment is needed
If certain areas do not respond to maintenance, the dentist may suggest additional treatment or a referral to a periodontist. Teeth with severe bone loss may need closer monitoring or, eventually, other decisions. The team will discuss these possibilities openly so you can plan ahead and make choices that fit your goals.
Planning your appointment
Scheduling maintenance from Selkirk.
Contact our Port Dover office to book your periodontal maintenance and ask about the recommended interval. Booking several visits in advance can make it easier to stay on track.
Mention any changes in your health or medications since your last visit, and let the team know about areas that have felt tender or bled.
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
Periodontal maintenance questions
Have a question about your situation? Our team can help you plan a visit.
How often do I need periodontal maintenance?
Many people are seen every few months after gum disease treatment, but the interval depends on how stable your gums are. The hygienist and dentist will recommend a schedule based on your measurements and may adjust it over time as things change.
Is periodontal maintenance the same as a cleaning?
Not exactly. It is more focused on cleaning deeper pockets and monitoring gum disease. A regular cleaning is designed for people without active periodontal concerns. The hygienist will explain which type of visit suits your needs.
Can I go back to regular cleanings eventually?
Some people with stable gums may have their interval adjusted, but most people who have had periodontitis continue with a form of maintenance. The team will review your measurements and discuss whether any change is appropriate.
Does periodontal maintenance hurt?
Some areas may be sensitive, especially deeper pockets. Local anaesthetic or numbing gel can be offered. Let the hygienist know about discomfort so they can adjust their approach. Many people find visits become easier as gums stabilize.
What if my gums bleed between visits?
Some bleeding may happen, but persistent or increasing bleeding should be reported. It may indicate inflammation in certain areas. The hygienist can check those spots and suggest changes to your home care routine or visit schedule.
Gum health services
General Dentistry →Gum Disease Treatment →
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.
Teeth Cleanings →
A professional cleaning removes tartar that brushing leaves behind and checks gum health. Selkirk patients can book hygiene appointments at our Port Dover office.