About Gum Disease and Bad Breath Care
Gum disease is an infection of the tissues that support your teeth. It usually starts when plaque builds up along the gumline, and without treatment it can lead to swollen, bleeding gums and eventually loose teeth or tooth loss. Bad breath often goes hand in hand with gum disease, because bacteria collect in inflamed gums.
At Rundlehorn Smiles Dental in NE Calgary, our dentists look for the source of the problem, not just the symptoms. Early treatment is gentler, simpler and far more effective than waiting, so we encourage you to book as soon as you notice a change.
Our Gum Disease and Bad Breath Services
Periodontal (Gum) Care
Periodontal care focuses on treating and preventing gum disease with thorough cleanings, careful monitoring and a maintenance plan built around your needs. It can calm bleeding and swollen gums and helps protect the bone and tissue that hold your teeth in place. Learn more about Periodontal (Gum) Care.
Bad Breath Treatment
Persistent bad breath, also called halitosis, usually has a cause that can be found and treated, from bacteria buildup and gum disease to dry mouth. We identify the source and apply targeted treatment, so you get lasting results instead of a temporary mask. Learn more about Bad Breath Treatment.
Scaling and Root Planing
Scaling and root planing is a non-surgical deep clean below the gumline. It removes plaque and tartar from the tooth roots and smooths the surfaces so gums can heal and reattach, helping stop gum disease before it progresses. Learn more about Scaling and Root Planing.
Signs You May Need Gum Disease or Bad Breath Care
- Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
- Red, swollen or tender gums
- Bad breath or a bad taste that does not go away
- Gums that are pulling away from your teeth
- Teeth that look longer or feel loose
- Spaces or pockets forming between your teeth and gums
Gum disease can be painless in its early stages, so a regular dental exam matters even when nothing hurts.
The Benefits of Treating Gum Disease and Bad Breath
- Prevent tooth loss: Early treatment protects your teeth and gums from irreversible damage.
- Support your overall health: Healthy gums reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes complications.
- Fresher breath and comfort: Treating the cause reduces inflammation, bleeding and odour at the source.
- More confidence: Speak, smile and spend time with others without worrying about your breath.
What to Expect
- Exam and X-rays. We examine your teeth and gums and take X-rays where needed to see what is happening below the surface.
- Clear diagnosis. We explain what we find in plain language and what is causing your symptoms.
- Treatment plan. You receive a written plan and an itemised estimate before any treatment starts.
- Treatment. Depending on your needs, this may include a professional cleaning, a deep cleaning below the gumline or targeted care for the cause of bad breath.
- Home care and follow-up. We show you how to keep your gums healthy at home and schedule maintenance visits when needed.
Why Choose Rundlehorn Smiles Dental
- Dentists who explain the why before the what, with no pressure
- Thorough exams that look for the root cause, not just the symptom
- A calm pace, and sedation options for anxious patients
- Gum treatment is among the services commonly covered for eligible patients under the Canadian Dental Care Plan, and we are a participating provider
- Open seven days a week, with evening hours until 8 PM Monday to Saturday
- One family dental clinic for every age
Cost of Gum Disease and Bad Breath Treatment
The cost of gum care depends on how far the problem has progressed and which treatment you need, from a routine cleaning to a deep cleaning below the gumline. After your exam, we give you a written, itemised estimate before any treatment begins.
We direct bill most major insurers and are a participating CDCP provider, and flexible payment options are available for larger treatments. Call us at 403-300-2233 for a personalized quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does gum disease look like?
Early gum disease usually shows up as red, puffy or tender gums that bleed when you brush or floss. As it advances, gums may pull back from the teeth, breath may stay unpleasant and teeth can feel loose. Because the early stages are often painless, a dental exam is the best way to know for sure.
Can gum disease be reversed?
Early gum disease, called gingivitis, can often be reversed with a professional cleaning and better daily home care. Once it advances to periodontitis, damage to the bone and tissue that support your teeth cannot be undone, but treatment can stop it from getting worse. The earlier you are seen, the more we can protect.
Why do my gums bleed when I brush?
Bleeding gums are most often a sign of inflammation caused by plaque along the gumline. Brushing too hard can also irritate gums. If the bleeding continues for more than a week or two, book an exam so we can check for gum disease.
What causes persistent bad breath?
Most persistent bad breath starts in the mouth, from bacteria on the teeth, tongue and gums, gum disease, cavities or dry mouth. Less often it is linked to other health conditions. A dental exam can identify the cause, and professional cleaning with targeted care usually helps.
How do I know if I need a deep cleaning?
A deep cleaning, called scaling and root planing, is usually recommended when a dentist finds signs of gum disease below the gumline, such as bleeding, deep gum pockets or buildup on the roots. Only an exam and X-rays can confirm it, so book a visit and we will explain your options.