A Comprehensive Look at Gum Disease Treatment in Singapore

Gum diseases can be caused by various factors, including lifestyle and hygiene habits. Understanding these risk factors can help you better maintain gum health and reduce the risk of disease. These factors include:

• Abysmal oral hygiene. Irregular tooth brushing and/or incorrect brushing techniques can lead to the accumulation of bacteria and dental plaque (a sticky film composed of bacteria that forms on teeth), leading to gingivitis and periodontitis.
• Smoking. Smoking increases the risk of gum diseases as it impairs blood circulation and suppresses immunity, causing unpleasant breath that lingers.
• Sugary foods and drinks. Consuming large amounts of sugar-rich products can contribute to the formation of cavities and gum inflammation.
• Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. Patients with diabetes are at increased risk of gum diseases due to metabolic disorders and reduced resistance to infections.
• Hormonal changes. Periods of hormonal fluctuations such as pregnancy, menstruation, and menopause can increase gum sensitivity and exacerbate inflammatory processes.
• Stress. Chronic stress can weaken the immune system, making gums more vulnerable to inflammation.
• Genetic predisposition. Genetic factors can influence individual susceptibility to gum diseases.
• Clenching and grinding your teeth: Force from these actions may accelerate the rate at which the supporting tissues of the teeth are broken down.

Regular scaling and polishing, beyond personal hygiene routines, are essential in preventing gum diseases. These cleanings remove plaque and tartar (hardened dental plaque that forms on teeth) build-up inaccessible by daily brushing and flossing, keeping gums healthy and preventing the progression of periodontal disease.

Professional dental cleaning is vital for removing dental plaque and tartar, especially effective for mild gum disease. Using specialised tools, this process cleans roots below the gum line and helps remove plaque, which is crucial in the early stages to prevent further inflammation and protect teeth. Root planing is also preventative for those with healthy gums.

Gum contouring helps to reshape excessive or uneven gums. Utilising precise surgical techniques, it trims away excess gum tissue to reveal more of the teeth, or adds tissue where needed. This surgery not only improves gum health by removing overgrowth but also enhances the symmetry and appeal of one's smile, balancing the gum-to-tooth ratio for a harmonious aesthetic.

Dental bone grafting aims to restore or correct bone tissue in the area of ​​the teeth. It may in the transplantation of your own bone material or synthetic materials, such as gum grafting. This enables the restoration of the jaw bone, the support of teeth, and the creation of a suitable foundation for tooth implantation.

These are surgical procedures aimed at restoring and maintaining healthy gums. They include the removal of diseased tissues, treatment of pockets between teeth and gums, as well as correction of receding gums. One example is Open Flap Debridement (OFD), a type of pocket reduction surgery involving the surgical opening of gum tissue to remove plaque and tartar from deep periodontal pockets. Surgery is directed toward gum disease treatment, tooth loss prevention, and smile aesthetics improvement.

This technique encourages the natural regrowth of bone and gum tissue lost to periodontal disease. By placing a biocompatible barrier (material that's compatible with living tissue; prevents adverse reactions) between the bone and gums, it allows bone cells to proliferate, leading to increased support for teeth and potentially reversing some of the damage caused by periodontitis.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) therapies use a patient's concentrated platelets for tissue healing. In periodontal disease, they promote bone and soft tissue regeneration, enhance post-surgery healing, and shorten recovery time.

Preventing gum diseases is easier than treating them, as advanced stages can threaten chewing function. Here are some recommendations that may help:

• Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft toothbrush and use dental floss to remove dental plaque. Avoid applying excessive pressure while brushing.
• Incorporate dental floss or interdental brushes into your daily routine to clean the spaces between your teeth.
• Use antiseptic mouthwashes to rinse your mouth and reduce bacterial activity around your teeth.
• Schedule preventive check-ups and cleanings with your dentist at least once every six months.
• Maintain a balanced diet with nutritious foods including fruits, vegetables, and dairy products to support gum health.
• Reduce consumption of sugars and acidic foods contributing to dental plaque formation.
• Quit smoking, as it is a risk factor for gum diseases.
• Monitor your overall health and promptly seek dental attention at the first signs of problems.

• Infections can sometimes occur as a complication of treatment.
• For dental implants, peri-implantitis is a potential complication that’s characterised by gum inflammation and bone loss around the implant.

At Nuffield, rest assured that you’re in good hands: our dentists are trained, experienced, and we take every precaution to ensure your experience is a safe and comfortable one.