Receding Gums in Singapore: Prevention, Treatment and Care

• Genetic Susceptibility: A significant portion of the population is genetically predisposed to gum disease, affecting gum health despite diligent oral care.
• Aggressive Brushing: Incorrect brushing technique can wear away enamel and lead to receding gums.
• Insufficient Dental Care: Neglecting proper brushing, flossing, and antibacterial rinsing allows plaque to harden into tartar, necessitating professional cleaning.
• Hormonal Changes: Women may see gum sensitivity increase during hormonal fluctuations, making gums more prone to recession.
• Tobacco Use: Smokers and tobacco users face a higher risk of stubborn plaque and gum recession.
• Teeth Grinding: Excessive force from grinding can cause gums to recede.
• Crooked Teeth/Misaligned Bite: Irregular force distribution from misaligned teeth can lead to receding gums.
• Oral Piercings: Jewellery in the lip or tongue can irritate and wear away gum tissue.
• Health Conditions: Conditions like diabetes and HIV, along with certain medications causing dry mouth, heighten the risk for receding gums due to reduced saliva and increased vulnerability to bacterial infections.
• Age and Gender Factors: Receding gums predominantly affect adults over 40, often misinterpreted as a normal ageing process, with a higher incidence in men than women.
• Trauma to Gums: Physical injuries or trauma to the gum tissue can also contribute to the recession, adding to the complexity of its causes.

• Visual Indicators: Gums visibly receding, creating gaps between teeth and altering gum tissue's appearance.
• Tooth Sensitivity: Teeth becoming more sensitive to hot, cold, and sweet stimuli, hinting at underlying gum issues. Sensitivity may also occur during dental cleanings.
• Gums Bleeding and Grinding: Gums bleed with brushing or flossing; nocturnal teeth grinding may signal recession.
• Gum Inflammation: Gums appear red and swollen, often a sign of irritation.
• Odour: Persistent bad breath can accompany gum recession.
• Gum Pain: Discomfort or pain localised at the gum line.
• Tooth Root Exposure: Receding gums may reveal tooth roots.
• Tooth Mobility: Teeth may become loose, further indicating advanced gum recession.

These diagnostic tools and techniques enable dental professionals to accurately assess gum recession and devise appropriate treatment plans.

• Visual Examination: Dentists start with a visual inspection of the gums for signs of recession, such as exposed tooth roots and changes in gum line.
• Dental Probes: Utilise periodontal probes to measure pocket depths around teeth, assessing the extent of gum recession.
• Gingival Probing: Measures the gap between the gum line and where the gum tissue firmly attaches to the tooth, indicating recession severity.
• Digital X-rays: Provide images of the bone structure beneath the gums to evaluate bone loss associated with gum recession.
• Intraoral Cameras: Allow for a detailed view of the teeth and gums, aiding in identifying recession not visible to the naked eye.
• Periodontal Charting: Documents the health status of teeth and gums over time, tracking recession progression.
• Patient History Review: Assessing habits such as brushing technique, tobacco use, and previous orthodontic treatment that may contribute to recession.

Discover compassionate treatments tailored to you at Nuffield Dental. Contact us for a consultation today.

• Increased Tooth Sensitivity: Having sensitive teeth might indicate that the enamel on your teeth is wearing down, or that your gums are already receding, exposing the more sensitive parts of your teeth.
• Higher Cavity Risk: Exposed tooth roots are more prone to decay.
• Aesthetic Concerns: Receded gums can alter the appearance of your smile.
• Teeth Loosening: Recession can weaken the support for teeth, potentially leading to loss.

• Severe Tooth Decay: Without the protection of gums, roots are vulnerable to aggressive decay.
• Periodontal Disease: Recession can be both a cause and a symptom of gum disease, worsening oral health.
• Infection: Exposed roots are susceptible to bacterial infection, leading to further gum damage.
• Bone Loss: Advanced gum recession can lead to the deterioration of jawbone, complicating future dental interventions.

• Practise good oral hygiene: Brush twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush; floss daily.
• Use the correct brushing technique: Gentle circular motions, avoiding aggressive or harsh scrubbing.
• Choose the right toothpaste: look out for ingredients such as fluoride, hydroxyapatite for enamel repair, potassium nitrate for sensitivity, xylitol to combat decay, and calcium phosphate technologies for remineralisation.
• Regular dental check-ups: Professional cleanings prevent plaque and tartar buildup.
• Quit smoking: Tobacco use is a significant risk factor for gum disease.
• Correct misaligned teeth or grinding: Misalignment or bruxism can put extra force on teeth, exacerbating recession.
• Limit sugary foods and acidic drinks: Reduces risk of tooth and gum issues.
• Stay hydrated: Promotes saliva production, protecting gums.
• Use a therapeutic mouthwash: Helps reduce plaque and can remove food particles.
• Manage stress: High stress can weaken the immune system, making it harder to fight off infections including gum disease.

• Gum treatment costs can vary based on the severity and specific procedures needed.
• Deep cleaning (e.g. root planing) typically ranges from $185.30 to $327.00.
• Periodontal surgery (e.g. gum grafting) costs approximately $327.00 to $436.00.
• Regenerative procedures (e.g. pinhole gum rejuvenation) are available starting from $970.

• CHAS (Community Health Assistance Scheme) provides subsidies for medical and dental care.
• CHAS Orange and CHAS Blue cardholders can enjoy dental subsidies, including for gum treatment.
• Pioneer Generation and Merdeka Generation status also offer subsidies for selected dental procedures.
• Dental insurance policies can also cover treatments for receding gums, depending on the plan's coverage details.

• At Nuffield Dental, our dentists are skilled and qualified, but it doesn’t stop there. All our dentists have to complete ‘Continuing Professional Education’ requirements to be registered with the Singapore Dental Council.
• We insist on our dental nurses having official staff training four times a year.
• We provide Dental Surgery Assistant (DSA) training for all staff to familiarise them with theoretical terms as well as practical experience with dental instruments, equipment, and treatments.

Feel free to consult us to discuss the best way to fix your dental problem or that of your family. If you have any questions, we’d love to hear from you!