
Healthy gums play an important role in protecting your teeth and supporting your overall oral health. When the gums become inflamed or infected, the condition can gradually affect the tissues and bone that hold your teeth in place.
At PoCo Dental Group, we provide gum disease treatment in Port Coquitlam based on the condition of your gums and your individual oral health needs. Our dental team evaluates signs of gum inflammation, infection, and periodontal changes before recommending appropriate care.
If you have noticed bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, gum recession, or changes around your teeth, a dental assessment can help determine what may be causing the problem.
Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is an inflammatory condition that affects the gums and supporting structures around the teeth. It commonly begins when plaque and bacteria accumulate around the gumline.
Without effective oral hygiene and professional dental care, plaque can harden into tartar. The gums may become irritated and inflamed, making it more difficult to keep the area clean.
Gum disease can develop in different stages. The two commonly discussed stages are gingivitis and periodontitis.
Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease. At this stage, the gums may appear red, swollen, or irritated and may bleed during brushing or flossing.
Other signs can include tenderness around the gums and persistent bad breath. Gingivitis may often be managed with professional dental care and improved daily oral hygiene before deeper supporting structures are affected.
When gum disease progresses, inflammation and infection can affect the tissues and bone supporting the teeth. This more advanced form of gum disease is known as periodontitis.
The gums may begin to pull away from the teeth, creating deeper spaces where bacteria can accumulate. Over time, changes to the supporting bone may occur and teeth can become loose.
Managing periodontitis usually requires ongoing periodontal care and regular monitoring.
Gum disease does not always cause significant pain during its early stages. This means some patients may not realize there is a problem until the condition has progressed.
Common signs of gum disease may include:
Bleeding gums should not automatically be considered normal. If your gums regularly bleed or appear inflamed, schedule a dental examination to have the area assessed.
The gums and supporting bone help hold your teeth in position. When periodontal disease progresses, these supporting structures may gradually become damaged.
Managing gum disease may help:
Early assessment is important because gum disease can progress without causing significant discomfort.
Gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease, can often improve with professional dental care and consistent oral hygiene. A dental assessment can help determine the condition of your gums and the care you may need.
Bleeding gums may be associated with plaque buildup and gum inflammation. Brushing technique and other oral health factors may also contribute. Regular bleeding should be assessed by a dental professional.
Gingivitis affects the gums and is considered the early stage of gum disease. Periodontitis is a more advanced condition that can affect the tissues and bone supporting the teeth.
Persistent bad breath may be associated with gum disease and bacterial buildup around the teeth and gums. A dental examination can help identify possible oral causes of ongoing bad breath.
A deep dental cleaning generally refers to scaling and root planing. The procedure involves cleaning plaque and tartar from around and below the gumline and treating the root surfaces of affected teeth.