Preventive & General Dentistry
Gum Health & Periodontal Maintenance
Your gums are the foundation that holds your teeth in place, so keeping them healthy matters as much as caring for the teeth themselves. Gum care includes checking for early signs of inflammation, removing buildup below the gumline, and treating gum disease before it can harm the bone.
When gums need extra attention, a deeper cleaning — sometimes called scaling and root planing — clears bacteria from the roots. For patients managing gum disease, regular periodontal maintenance cleanings help keep things stable and prevent it from coming back.
Who it's for
- Anyone with red, swollen, tender, or bleeding gums
- Patients showing early signs of gum disease (gingivitis)
- People who need periodontal maintenance after gum treatment
- Anyone wanting to protect the bone and tissue around their teeth
What to expect
- 1
Gum evaluation
We measure your gums, check for bleeding and pocketing, and look at the bone support around your teeth.
- 2
Cleaning or deep cleaning
We remove plaque and tartar above and, when needed, below the gumline to calm inflammation.
- 3
Personalized plan
We recommend the right cleaning interval and home-care steps for your gum health.
- 4
Maintenance visits
If you've had gum treatment, periodontal maintenance cleanings keep things healthy long-term.
Recovery & aftercare
After a routine gum cleaning you can return to your day right away. After a deeper cleaning, your gums may feel a little tender for a few days and some sensitivity is normal — over-the-counter pain relief and gentle brushing usually do the trick.
Staying on the cleaning schedule we recommend and keeping up daily brushing and flossing is the key to healthy gums. We'll monitor your progress and adjust your plan as your gums improve.
Common questions
- What are the signs of gum disease?
- Watch for gums that are red, swollen, or bleed when you brush, along with persistent bad breath or gums that pull away from the teeth. Catching it early makes treatment simpler.
- What is periodontal maintenance?
- It's a specialized cleaning on a more frequent schedule for patients who've had gum disease. It keeps bacteria under control and helps prevent the disease from returning.
- Can gum disease be reversed?
- The earliest stage, gingivitis, can often be reversed with good cleaning and home care. More advanced gum disease can be managed and stabilized, but ongoing maintenance is important.
Talk to us about gum health & periodontal maintenance
Have questions or ready to get started? Book a visit and we'll examine, explain your options clearly, and care for your smile from start to finish.
Sources
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for a professional evaluation. Diagnosis and treatment should always be determined by a qualified dental professional based on your individual condition.