Periodontal Maintenance Care
Supporting long-term gum health with gentle, evidence-based care
Periodontal maintenance is an essential part of caring for patients with a history of gum disease. Once periodontal disease has been treated, ongoing maintenance appointments help prevent relapse, control inflammation, and protect the health of the supporting structures around your teeth.
At St. Charles Dental Hygiene Clinic, we provide comprehensive, gentle periodontal care focused on long-term stability, comfort, and individualized prevention.
Periodontal maintenance is a specialized cleaning performed at regular intervals after periodontal disease has been diagnosed or treated. Unlike a standard dental cleaning, periodontal maintenance targets areas affected by bone loss, pocketing, inflammation, and ongoing bacterial activity.
This type of care is recommended every 3–4 months, depending on your periodontal condition and risk factors.
Understanding the Stages of Periodontal (Gum) Disease
HEALTHY GUMS
- Firm, pink tissues
- No bleeding during brushing or flossing
- Pocket depths 1–3 mm
- No bone loss
Goal: Maintain through routine care.
GINGIVITIS
- Red, swollen, or shiny gums
- Bleeding during brushing or flossing
- Plaque and biofilm buildup
- No bone loss
Key Point: Completely reversible with professional cleaning + improved home care.
MILD PERIODONTITIS (Early Bone Loss)
- Pocket depths 4–5
- Early bone loss visible on radiographs
- Bleeding on probing
- Possible early gum recession
Key Point: Damage is not reversible, but can be stabilized.
MODERATE PERIODONTITIS
MODERATE PERIODONTITIS
- Pocket depths 5–7 mm
- Moderate bone and attachment loss
- Visible gum recession
- Increased bleeding and inflammation
- Possible early tooth mobility
Key Point: Requires periodontal therapy + 3–4 month maintenance intervals.
Advanced Periodontitis
MODERATE PERIODONTITIS
Advanced Periodontitis
- Pocket depths 7 mm or deeper
- Severe bone loss
- Loose or shifting teeth
- Significant gum recession
- Risk of abscesses and tooth loss
Key Point: Chronic disease requiring close monitoring and ongoing maintenance.
Common Symptoms of Gum Disease
Even in early stages, gum disease often progresses without pain.
Watch for:
- Bleeding during brushing or flossing
- Swollen, tender, or red gums
- Gum recession or “longer-looking” teeth
- Persistent bad breath
- Teeth feeling loose or shifting
- Spaces forming between teeth
- Sensitivity to cold or pressure
- Visible tartar buildup
- Changes in bite or the way teeth come together
If you notice any of these signs, early assessment is key to preventing further progression.
When to Call Your Dental Hygienist
You should schedule a periodontal assessment if you experience:
- Bleeding gums for more than one week
- Puffy or tender gums
- Sudden sensitivity along the gumline
- A bad taste in your mouth that doesn’t go away
- Loose teeth or changes in alignment
- Pain when chewing
- Receding gums
- A history of gum disease and it’s been more than 3–4 months since your last maintenance visit
You should also call if you have health factors that increase periodontal risk, such as:
- Diabetes
- Smoking or vaping
- Pregnancy or hormonal changes
- High stress levels
- Dry mouth
- Family history of periodontal disease
Early intervention always leads to better outcomes.
