What is periodontal (gum) disease?

It is a chronic gum infection that destroys the supporting bone and attachment tissues that hold your teeth in your mouth.

Based on the Singapore Health Promotion Board’s Adult Health Survey (2003), 85% of Singaporeans have periodontal disease. No pain is experienced when the disease is in its early stage. However, if left untreated, it can lead to teeth becoming extremely loose with eventual tooth loss.

What are the common signs of gum disease?

• Bleeding gums during tooth brushing
• Red, swollen or painful gums
• Gum abscesses (boils)
• Loose teeth
• Spaces between teeth
• Long looking teeth
• A change in the bite
• Bad breath

What are the causes of gum disease?

Dental plaque is the main cause.  Dental plaque is the sticky, whitish firm that forms on your teeth.  If not removed, plaque will turn into a hard deposit known as calculus or tartar over time.  Calculus is very hard and can only be removed with professional cleaning.

Periodontal bacteria that reside in plaque produce toxins that irritate the gums and cause infection. In more advanced stages, the toxins destroy the bone supporting the teeth.

What are the risk factors?

• Smoking

• Diabetes

• Hormonal changes, like during pregnancy

• Some medications, e.g. anti-depressants, anti-convulsions, certain heart medications, and medications that prevent organ transplant rejection

How do I prevent periodontal disease?

• Daily oral care including proper brushing and flossing.
• Regular dental visits for professional cleaning twice a year.  Patients with higher risk of periodontal disease may require more frequent professional maintenance.

How is periodontal disease treated?

The goal of treatment is to stop the disease progression, and return your teeth and gums to good health. Our periodontist will also teach you how to maintain them.

There are several treatment phases, and varies according to the severity of your gum disease:

	Initial periodontal therapy (non-surgical)
	Treatment involves scaling (cleaning), root planing (deep cleaning) and polishing to remove plaque, calculus and bacteria from below the gumline. This may be performed under local anesthesia.
	An essential part of the treatment will also include oral hygiene instructions on how to clean your teeth properly. Following a complete full mouth treatment, your gum condition will be reviewed in 2 months.
	Reconstructive therapy (surgical)
	This may be performed after initial periodontal therapy if there are persistent deep pockets and loss of supporting bone.
	Supportive periodontal therapy
	Once the disease has been arrested, you will be seen for professional maintenance on a regular basis. This ensures your infection stays under control. Periodontal disease is a chronic disease, thus without regular careful maintenance, the disease may recur.