Periodontal Care in North Langley
Healthy gums and supporting bone are the foundation of a healthy smile. Periodontal care focuses on preventing, identifying, and managing conditions that affect the gums and the structures that support your teeth.
At AltaVia Dental, we carefully monitor gum health as part of your ongoing dental care and provide individualized treatment when signs of periodontal disease are present.
Periodontal disease, commonly called gum disease, is an inflammatory condition affecting the gums and supporting tissues around the teeth.
The earliest stage is gingivitis, which may cause redness, swelling, or bleeding. Without appropriate care, some cases can progress to periodontitis, where the tissues and bone supporting the teeth begin to break down.
Possible signs of gum disease include:
- Bleeding when brushing or flossing
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Persistent bad breath
- Gum recession
- Teeth that appear longer than before
- Changes in the spaces between teeth
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Discomfort when chewing
Because gum disease can sometimes progress without obvious discomfort, routine dental examinations and periodontal measurements are important.
Your dentist and dental hygienist may evaluate the health of your gums by examining the tissues around your teeth, measuring periodontal pockets, assessing bleeding and inflammation, and reviewing dental X-rays when appropriate.
Treatment depends on the severity of the condition and may include:
- Professional dental cleanings
- Scaling and root planing
- Individualized home-care recommendations
- Ongoing periodontal maintenance
- Referral for periodontal surgery or other specialized treatment when appropriate
Our focus is on helping control inflammation, protect the supporting structures around the teeth, and maintain oral health over the long term.
Consistent home care plays an important role in preventing and managing gum disease.
We generally recommend:
- Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
- Cleaning between the teeth every day with floss or another recommended interdental aid
- Attending regular dental and hygiene appointments
- Following a personalized maintenance schedule when periodontal disease is present
Your dental team can also recommend specific tools or techniques based on your individual needs.
Periodontal Care at AltaVia Dental
If you are experiencing bleeding gums, gum recession, persistent bad breath, or other changes in your gum health, we can assess what may be contributing and discuss appropriate treatment.
Our North Langley dental team takes a preventative, evidence-based approach focused on preserving your natural teeth and supporting long-term oral health.