What is gum disease?
Gum disease is a common condition caused by bacteria in the mouth. It can lead to sore, swollen gums that bleed easily when you brush or floss your teeth. Left untreated, gum disease can cause serious health problems such as tooth loss and even systemic infection.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to prevent and treat gum diseases before they become more serious. In this article, we’ll discuss what causes gum diseases, how to identify them and how to effectively treat them. Additionally, we’ll cover tips on how to prevent gum diseases in the future and what lifestyle changes you should make for a healthy smile!
What are some treatments for gum disease?
Gum diseases are treated in various ways, depending on the stage and severity of the disease, through improved oral hygiene, non-surgical treatment plans and surgical procedures.
First and foremost, it is important to practice good dental hygiene such as brushing and flossing regularly. Additionally, regular dental check-ups will allow your dentist to identify any early signs of gum diseases so they can be addressed quickly.
If the gum disease has advanced beyond reversing it with simple brushing and cleaning, non-surgical procedures that are less invasive will be recommended next, or in more serious cases, may recommend surgical procedures.
Non-surgical procedures focus on managing bacterial growth, while surgical procedures aim to repair the tissues that support and surround the teeth.
Here at WeSmile Dental, we provide various gum treatment options that cater to a wide-range of severities and our treatment plan can be customised to the individual’s condition and general oral health. Read on to find out more about the different types of gum diseases:
- Gingivitis
- Periodontitis
- Receding gum
Red, swollen or bleeding gums – Gingivitis
What causes gingivitis?
The initial stage of gum disease is caused by bacteria in the mouth. If you notice red, swollen, or bleeding gums while brushing or flossing your teeth, it may be a sign of gingivitis (also known as gum inflammation), which is the mildest and most common form of gum disease.
How to treat gingivitis?
Your dentist can check for early symptoms of gum disease by using a small tool to probe and examine your gums during a regular dental check-up. X-rays may also be ordered to check for any bone loss, depending on your individual condition.
If your condition is not too severe, your dentist will keep track of your symptoms during your dental check-ups every 6 months to prevent it from getting worse. You can even reverse gum inflammation by maintaining good oral hygiene through regular brushing and flossing, along with professional cleaning.
Degenerative gum disease – Periodontitis
What causes periodontitis?
Degenerative gum disease, also known as periodontitis, is a more advanced form of gum disease caused by bacteria in the mouth. If left untreated, it can lead to tooth loss, bone loss, and even systemic health issues.
Periodontitis is characterised by inflammation of the gums, which can cause pockets to form between the teeth and gums. Bacteria can build up in these pockets and lead to further infection, causing the gums and bones to deteriorate over time.
Risk factors for periodontitis include smoking, genetics, diabetes, and poor oral hygiene. Symptoms may include gum recession, teeth sensitivity, bleeding gums, and loose teeth.
How to diagnose and treat periodontitis?
To diagnose periodontitis, a dental professional will measure the pockets between the teeth and gums and may take X-rays to evaluate the bone levels.
Treatment for periodontitis typically involves deep cleaning procedures such as scaling and root planing to remove bacterial buildup and smooth the roots of the teeth. In more severe cases, surgical treatments may be necessary, such as pocket reduction surgery or bone grafts to regenerate lost bone tissue.
Our team of experts at WeSmile Dental are committed to providing the best care for our patients suffering from degenerative gum disease. Our treatment plans include a combination of non-surgical, minimally invasive and surgical options tailored to each patient’s needs and condition.
These may range from a simple professional cleaning and improved oral hygiene, to more complex procedures such as osseous surgery or guided tissue regeneration.
Learn more about periodontitis here.
Receding gums
What causes receding gums?
Receding gums are usually caused by degenerative gum disease as covered above. If you have receding gums, you may need to seek professional treatment from your dentist in order to prevent further damage and maintain good oral health.
How to treat receding gums?
At WeSmile Dental, we offer various options for receding gums treatment including surgical options such as:
- Flap surgery Periodontal flap surgery, also called pocket reduction surgery, involves lifting the gums to remove calculus from deeper pockets and promote healing of the periodontal tissue. Afterward, the gums are stitched back in place to ensure a tight fit around the tooth.
- Soft Tissue Graft – This procedure strengthens thin gums or fills in areas where gums have receded, improving the aesthetics of your gum line and preventing further gum recession. A graft of tissue from the roof of your mouth is used, which is then stitched to the gum tissue surrounding the exposed root of your tooth.
- Guided Tissue Regeneration (GTR) – This procedure is typically performed alongside flap surgery and is used to encourage the regrowth of bone and gum tissue that has been destroyed due to loss of support for your teeth. A mesh-like fabric is inserted between the gum tissue and bone to promote the growth of new bone by prohibiting the gum tissue from growing into the area where bone should be.
What is the gum treatment cost in Singapore?
The cost of gum treatment depends on the type of treatment needed and can range from a few hundred dollars to thousands.
At WeSmile Dental, we offer competitive prices for our treatments and provide payment plans that can be customised to suit your budget. We also accept CDC vouchers, Medisave & CHAS.
We believe in providing quality treatment options at an affordable cost, so you can get the dental care that you need without breaking your bank. Learn more about our prices.
Other FAQS about gum diseases and treatment
How to prevent gum disease?
Gum disease is preventable and regular dental check-ups are key in maintaining good oral health. Here are some tips to help keep your gums healthy:
- Brush twice a day for two minutes with a fluoride toothpaste
- Floss daily to remove plaque and food particles between teeth
- Eat a healthy diet with limited sugar and processed carbs
- Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings
- Quit smoking or other tobacco use
- Use an antimicrobial mouthwash to kill bacteria
- Monitor any changes in your gums or mouth and make sure to contact your dentist if you notice anything unusual
By following these simple tips, you can help keep your teeth and gums healthy and prevent the onset of gum disease.
At WeSmile Dental, our team is dedicated to providing the best care for our patients and helping them maintain a healthy smile for life. To learn more about how to care for your gums and how we can help, feel free to reach out to us ([call](tel:+65 64560406), Whatsapp)!
Are there any natural treatment for gum infection?
Aside from the traditional gum treatments mentioned, there are also natural remedies that are available online that you can try at home to help with gum infection. For example, many online DIY remedies include ingredients such as saltwater mouthwash, tea tree oil, and turmeric powder.
While natural remedies for gum infections may be appealing to some individuals, it is important to exercise caution and use discretion when trying them out. While some remedies, such as saltwater mouthwash and tea tree oil, may provide temporary relief from the symptoms of gum disease, they may not address the root cause of the problem.
Furthermore, many natural remedies may have potential risks and side effects, particularly if they are not used correctly or in appropriate doses. For example, using too much tea tree oil can result in skin irritation, while the use of turmeric powder may result in staining of the teeth or tongue.
Rather than relying solely on natural remedies, it is important to seek professional treatment from a dentist if you are experiencing symptoms of gum disease. A dentist can properly diagnose the condition and recommend an appropriate course of treatment, which may include deep cleaning, antibiotics, or surgical procedures.
Can I do gum recession treatment at home?
Gum recession treatment requires the help of a qualified professional and should not be attempted at home. While there are some over-the-counter products available for minor gum problems, these products may not provide effective relief from severe periodontal disease or other forms of gum diseases.
Furthermore, self-treatment with over-the-counter products may cause further damage to the gums. Therefore, it is important to seek professional help from a qualified dentist if you are experiencing any symptoms of gum recession or other gum diseases. The dentist can provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend the most appropriate treatment for your condition.
Is hydrogen peroxide gum disease treatment harmful?
Hydrogen peroxide is sometimes used as a natural remedy for gum disease. While hydrogen peroxide can be effective in reducing plaque and bacteria in the mouth, it may also cause irritation to the gums and teeth if used too frequently or in strong concentrations.
Therefore, it is important to consult with your dentist before using hydrogen peroxide for gum disease treatment. The dentist can advise you on the proper use and concentration of hydrogen peroxide to reduce the risk of any potential harm. Additionally, it is important to continue regular dental check-ups to ensure that any gum problems are monitored and treated appropriately.
Gum disease treatment is not out of reach with quality dental care
Gum disease is a common condition caused by bacteria in the mouth and can have serious consequences if left untreated. Fortunately, there are steps that you can take to prevent gum diseases or treat them once they’ve developed. Regular brushing and flossing, as well as professional dental check-ups, are essential for maintaining healthy gums. Additionally, natural remedies such hydrogen peroxide may be used under the guidance of your dentist to reduce plaque and bacteria levels in the mouth. By following these simple tips and seeking professional help when necessary, you will be able to keep your teeth and gums healthy for life!
Need more guidance and advice on what to do next to treat your gums? Learn more about our gum treatment options or book an appointment with us using the form below!
