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Thegum disease develops and advances primarily because of a lack of effective hygiene, so the patient must therefore follow a daily habit of brushing and flossing, and visit a dentist, such as Dr Alex Chee regularly for cleanings and checkups (at least twice a year). He or she should also consider stopping tobacco use and other habits that harm oral health

When gingivitis is not treated, it can advance to “periodontitis” (which means “inflammation around the tooth”). In periodontitis, gums pull away from the teeth and form spaces (called “pockets”) that become infected. If not treated, the bones, gums, and tissue that support the teeth are destroyed. The teeth may eventually become loose and have to be removed.

When gingivitis is not treated, it can advance to “periodontitis” (which means “inflammation around the tooth”). In periodontitis, gums pull away from the teeth and form spaces (called “pockets”) that become infected. If not treated, the bones, gums, and tissue that support the teeth are destroyed. The teeth may eventually become loose and have to be removed.

How is gum disease treated?

The only way to stop gum disease is to remove bacterial plaque and calculus (hardened plaque deposits) from all tooth surfaces—including from the roots that lie beneath the gum line.

The main goal of periodontal treatment is to control the infection. The number and types of periodontal treatment will vary, depending on the extent of the gum disease. For deep cleaning (Scaling and root planning) the periodontist in Singapore removes the plaque through a deep-cleaning method called scaling and root planing. Scaling is the scraping off the tartar from above and below the gum line. Root planing gets rid of rough spots on the tooth root where the germs gather, and helps remove bacteria that contribute to the disease.

Any type of periodontal treatment requires that the patient keep up good daily care at home. One of the periodontist in Singapore, Dr Alex Chee may also suggest changing certain behaviors, such as quitting smoking, as a way to improve periodontal treatment outcome.

What causes gum disease? Our mouths are full of bacteria. These bacteria, along with mucus and other particles, constantly form a sticky, colorless “plaque” on teeth. Brushing and flossing help get rid of plaque. Plaque that is not removed can harden and form “tartar” that brushing doesn’t clean. Only a professional cleaning by a periodontist can remove tartar.

Gingivitis

The longer plaque and tartar are on teeth, the more harmful they become. The bacteria cause inflammation of the gums that is called “gingivitis.”

Periodontitis

Gum disease is primarily caused by bacterial plaque, a thin film of food remnants and bacteria that builds up on tooth surfaces when oral hygiene is inadequate or inefficient. The progression of periodontal disease becomes a vicious cycle: As the pockets deepen, dental hygiene becomes less effective

Periodontal diseases range from simple gum inflammation to serious disease which results in major damage to the soft tissue and bone that support the teeth. In the worst cases, teeth are lost.

However, gum treatment in Singapore, including surgery, isn’t a cure— it is just to help create an environment around the teeth and gums that make it easier to clean and maintain them. The prospect for reoccurrence is always there. Proper hygiene and maintenance by you and listening to the good advice from the Dr Alex Chee is essential for preventing this.