Bleeding Gums Treatment

Gum disease is known as periodontal disease. it is a chronic bacterial infection around the tooth that affects the gums and bone. Bleeding gums; a symptom of gum disease.

Are you experiencing bleeding gums?

Gum bleeding is usually the first sign of gum diseases. You may find your gums bleeding during brushing, flossing or even eating hard food. Other clinical signs/symptoms of gum disease include:

  • Red and swollen gums
  • Bleeding during brushing, flossing and eating hard food
  • Shaky teeth
  • Persistent bad breath

It can occur on one particular tooth or many teeth. If left untreated, this can result in bleeding gums, bad breath, shaky teeth, and eventual tooth loss. There have been studies that link gum disease to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and osteoporosis. Pregnant women with gum disease have a higher risk of miscarriage and premature birth. If you experience any of these symptoms visit your dentist.

Gingivitis – Inflammation of the Gums

Plaque causes the gums to become red, swollen and bleed easily. There is usually no pain at this stage. It is caused by inadequate oral hygiene, and is reversible with professional treatment and following good oral hygiene practices at home. When gingivitis is left untreated, it can lead to periodontitis. Toxins produced by the bacteria in plaque irritate the gums. The toxins cause a chronic inflammatory response in which the body turns on itself, thus, destroying the tissues and bones that support the teeth.

Gums separate from the teeth, forming pockets (spaces between the teeth and gums). As the disease progresses, the pockets deepen, and more gum tissue and bone are destroyed. Eventually, teeth become shaky and have to be removed. Learn more about gingivitis here.

Periodontitis

Periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial infection that affects the gums and bones around the teeth. It can affect one tooth or many teeth. It begins when the bacteria in plaque (sticky substance that constantly forms on your teeth) causes your gums to be inflamed.

Who is a Periodontist?

A periodontist is a dentist who specialises in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum disease. They receive extensive education and training in these areas and are familiar with the latest techniques for diagnosing and treating gum disease. Periodontists often treat more problematic cases, such as those with severe gum disease or complex medical history. They offer a wide range of treatments, such as scaling, root planing and root surface debridement. Root planing is when the infected surface of the root is cleaned. On the other hand, root surface debridement refers to when damaged tissue is removed. The periodontist may also provide a range of surgical procedures which may be necessary for patients with severe gum problems.

Who Should See a Periodontist?

For some, a visit to a general dentist will suffice. However, as more and more patients are exhibiting signs of periodontal disease, coupled with research that suggests a relationship between periodontal disease and other chronic diseases of ageing, periodontal treatment may necessitate a greater understanding and increased level of expertise by a trained specialist. It is best for patients with more severe levels of periodontal disease or with more complex cases to be managed by a partnership between the dentist and periodontist.

Non-surgical Treatments for Gum Disease

Professional Dental Cleaning

During a regular dental check-up, your dentist removes plaque and tartar that build up and harden on the tooth surface. The process of professional dental cleaning helps to remove plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line of all your teeth.

Scaling and Root Planing

Done under a local anaesthetic, this non-surgical deep-cleaning procedure scraps away plaque and tartar from above and below the gum line. In order to help remove bacteria, rough spots on the tooth root are also smoothed. This provides a clean surface for the gums to reattach to the teeth.

Medication

Antibiotics may be prescribed either in combination with surgery and other therapies or alone. Antibiotics help in reducing or temporarily killing the bacteria that cause gum infections. They also prevent the destruction of the tooth’s attachment to the bone.

Benefits and Consequences

Periodontal therapy advantages

Periodontal therapy has long been regarded as an excellent technique to stop gum disease and keep the mouth healthy.
 
A beautiful smile Just as important as your teeth are to the aesthetics of your smile are your gums. Periodontal therapy can help you to prevent bleeding gums (stop bleeding) and achieve clear, healthy-looking gums so you can smile with confidence!
 
Fresh breath The buildup of bacteria, plaque, and food particles below the gum line causes halitosis, or persistent bad breath, which is a key indicator of gum disease. In addition to resolving these problems, plus fresh breath.
 
Determining further health problems Routine periodontal checkups will allow your dentist to thoroughly inspect your mouth, making it possible to spot any potential abnormalities very early. The oral cavity can actually disclose a lot to your dentist about your general health.
 
Eliminating tartar Plaque and tartar buildup above and below the gum line can cause major tooth problems if left untreated. Because tartar and plaque are not always simple to distinguish and treat on your own, regular professional examinations are essential to maintaining your dental health over the long term.

What are the consequences of gum disease?

Untreated gum diseases lead to tooth loss and halitosis (bad breath). It can also increase your risks for heart disease, blood clot, stroke, and osteoporosis. Bleeding gums can affect your immune system. Pregnant women with gum disease have a higher risk of miscarriage and premature birth.

Aftercare

How to take care of your gums after treatment

Normal brushing/flossing
Post-gum treatment maintenance includes brushing and flossing twice a day. You may feel uncomfortable doing this, but it should pass within three days of treatment. Like gum bleeding, this should subside as you continue brushing and flossing.
 
If your gums are sensitive, brush your teeth in circles with a gentle toothbrush. This is essential to avoid gum treatment aftercare-induced irritation.
 
Gums Look Different
Finally, as you follow your gum treatment aftercare, your gums should get less red and swollen. When the swelling subsides, they may contract slightly toward your jaw, revealing more of your teeth’s roots.

How can we prevent gum disease?

Proper daily toothbrushing twice a day and flossing at least once a day is important to prevent gum diseases.

Regular dental visits for professional cleaning once every 6 months is also necessary to remove tartar and to better clean those areas that you may have missed. This regular visit can help prevent gum & oral disease.

 

Insurance & Subsidies

AIA dental Insurance

AIA

DentalPlus Clinic is an AIA accredited clinic. Patients with AIA Dental coverage can enjoy treatment under AIA coverage.

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Medisave dental claim

Medisave

We are CPF Medisave accredited for dental surgery. Approved procedures include wisdom teeth surgery, dental implants and biopsy.

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CHAS

We also provide subsidized co-payment inclusive to outpatient dental services under the Community Health Assist Scheme (CHAS). 

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Baby Bonus Scheme CDA

We are a Baby Bonus approved institution. Funds from CDA accounts can be used for dental treatment of the child and their siblings.

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KHOO LEE HUAY
KHOO LEE HUAY
16/06/2023
I have been a dental patient ever since DentalPlus was started by Dr Audrey Ng. Caring, patience professional competencies are hallmarks of the clinic. Have been treated by Dr Lynn n Dr Mabel. The latter , who did a dental crown for my molar, did a very good job. She is gentle, reassuring n explained every step in her procedures. The admin and nursing staff are also pleasant and courteous towards their patients. Well Done! 👍 👍.
Samantha Wong
Samantha Wong
14/06/2023
Dr Mable is the best dentist I’ve ever met. She is gentle, patience, easy to talk to and passionate about providing care.
Katherine Soh
Katherine Soh
27/05/2023
Dr Giselle Lim is wonderful. She is very clear in her communications and understands patients well. Both my husband and I love the way she cares for our teeth! The clinic assistant is also very good and gets our appointments booked easily online and with SMS reminders. Overall so glad I live near this dental clinic!
Rina Quek
Rina Quek
24/05/2023
Lynn is patient, friendly and make every visit very pleasant.
Vincent Tai
Vincent Tai
18/05/2023
Anita is really good with her pleasant voice & she's pretty articulate interacting with ppl. And Mabel is also v. patient & kind thru'out my treatment.. The rest of the staff also impressed me much with their positive vibe . Anyway thanks a zillion for a blessed experience altogether .
Matthias Hehn
Matthias Hehn
16/05/2023
Very good care taken of my dental issues, local anaesthetic and advice - happy to have found this dentist
Cxyn
Cxyn
10/05/2023
This is my second visit to Dentalplus in Telok Blangah. Dr. Mabel Chek was very pleasant, gentle and courteous dentist. I am glad as she will make an effort to explain practically every step of the dental procedure, ensuring that patients understand what will happen next. Also, the background music truly helps to relax throughout the dentist visit. Happy to be taken care by Dr Chek and her great team members.
brandon Tan
brandon Tan
05/05/2023
A very professional dental clinic and whole dental cleaning process was very thorough

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