Healthy Gums Are the Foundation of a Healthy Smile

Your teeth can only be as healthy as the gums supporting them. Gum disease (periodontal disease) is one of the most common dental conditions in adults — and one of the most underestimated. It starts silently, often without pain, and progresses to become a leading cause of tooth loss.

At Enhance Dental Centre in Kitsilano, we take gum health seriously. Our periodontal treatments address gum disease at every stage — from early gingivitis to advanced periodontitis — helping you keep your teeth for life.

Understanding Gum Disease

Gum disease is caused by bacterial plaque that builds up along and below the gumline. Left uncleaned, it triggers inflammation, causes gum recession, and eventually destroys the bone supporting your teeth. There are two main stages:

Gingivitis: Early stage — gums are red, swollen, and bleed easily when brushed. Fully reversible with professional care and good home hygiene.
Periodontitis: Advanced stage — infection spreads below the gumline, damaging bone and connective tissue. Manageable with treatment but not fully reversible.

Warning Signs of Gum Disease

Bleeding gums when brushing or flossing
Red, swollen, or tender gums
Persistent bad breath
Gums pulling away from teeth
Loose or shifting teeth
Changes in how your teeth fit together when biting

Our Periodontal Treatment Approach

Treatment depends on how far the disease has progressed. Our options include:

Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning)

For moderate gum disease, this non-surgical procedure removes plaque and tartar from below the gumline and smooths root surfaces to help gums reattach and heal.

Periodontal Surgery

For more advanced cases, surgical intervention may be needed to access and clean deep pockets, reshape the gumline, or regenerate lost bone tissue.

Ongoing Periodontal Maintenance

Once treated, regular maintenance cleanings every 3–4 months help keep gum disease under control long-term.

Gum Disease and Your Overall Health

Research has linked periodontal disease to serious systemic health conditions including heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and complications during pregnancy. Treating gum disease isn’t just about your mouth — it’s about your whole body.

Frequently Asked Questions — Periodontal Care

Q: Is gum disease reversible?

A: Gingivitis (early gum disease) is fully reversible with professional treatment and improved home care. Advanced periodontitis can be effectively managed but the damage to bone and tissue is not fully reversible.

Q: Does treating gum disease hurt?

A: Deep cleaning is performed with local anaesthetic so you won’t feel pain during the procedure. Some post-treatment sensitivity is normal and temporary.

Q: How do I know if I have gum disease?

A: Common signs include bleeding gums, bad breath, and gum recession. However, gum disease can be present without obvious symptoms — which is why regular dental exams are so important.

Q: Can gum disease come back after treatment?

A: Yes — gum disease can recur without ongoing maintenance care and good home hygiene. That’s why regular periodontal maintenance appointments are essential.

Q: Does insurance cover gum disease treatment?

A: Many dental plans provide coverage for scaling and root planing and periodontal maintenance. Our team will review your coverage and provide detailed estimates before treatment.

We recommend scheduling a consultation to create a treatment plan for your specific needs. After a consultation, we will be able to determine which of these procedures will work to treat your periodontal concerns. Every operation is different, but most gum surgeries take about 1-2 hours.