Gum health & periodontal care

Bleeding gums
shouldn't be ignored

Bleeding when you brush, swollen gums, or teeth that feel loose — these are signs your gums need attention. At Trust Dental, we provide thorough gum assessment and treatment at our Jurong West and Clementi clinics.

Experiencing bleeding gums or loose teeth? Get a professional assessment.

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UNDERSTANDING YOUR GUMS

What causes bleeding gums?

Bleeding gums can have several causes. Identifying the reason is the first step toward getting the right care.

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Gingivitis

Plaque build-up along the gumline causes inflammation, leading to gums that bleed easily when brushing or flossing. This is the most common cause of bleeding gums.

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Periodontitis

When gingivitis is left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis — a deeper infection that damages the bone and tissues supporting your teeth.

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Brushing Too Hard

Using a hard-bristled toothbrush or brushing with too much pressure can irritate and damage gum tissue, causing bleeding even without gum disease.

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Medication

Blood thinners and certain other medications can make your gums more likely to bleed. Let your dentist know about all medications you take.

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Pregnancy

Hormonal changes during pregnancy can increase blood flow to the gums and make them more sensitive, resulting in what is sometimes called "pregnancy gingivitis."

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Vitamin Deficiency

A lack of vitamin C or vitamin K can affect gum health and increase bleeding. A balanced diet supports healthy gums and overall oral health.

STAGES OF GUM DISEASE

How gum disease progresses

Gum disease develops in stages. The earlier it is detected, the simpler and more effective the treatment.

1

Gingivitis

Reversible

The earliest stage of gum disease. Plaque build-up irritates the gumline, causing redness, swelling, and bleeding when you brush. At this stage, there is no bone loss. With professional cleaning and consistent brushing and flossing at home, gingivitis can be fully reversed.

2

Periodontitis

Manageable

If gingivitis is not addressed, the infection spreads below the gumline. The bone and fibres that hold your teeth in place start to break down, forming pockets that trap more bacteria. Gums may recede and teeth may feel slightly loose. Deep cleaning and ongoing maintenance can help manage this stage effectively.

3

Advanced Periodontitis

Tooth loss risk

In the most advanced stage, significant bone loss occurs. Teeth may shift, become very loose, or need to be removed. Chewing can become painful and persistent bad breath is common. Treatment may involve gum surgery and long-term maintenance to preserve remaining teeth.

The sooner gum issues are treated, the better the outcome. Don't wait.

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OUR TREATMENTS

Gum treatments at Trust Dental

From routine cleaning to gum surgery, we offer a range of treatments to address gum disease at every stage.

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Scaling & Polishing

Professional removal of plaque and tartar above and below the gumline. Recommended every 6 months to maintain gum health and prevent gum disease from developing.

From $85
CHAS subsidised
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Deep Cleaning & Root Planing

A more thorough cleaning that reaches below the gumline into periodontal pockets. The tooth root surfaces are smoothed to help gums reattach and reduce pocket depth.

For moderate gum disease
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Gum Surgery

When deep cleaning alone is not enough, gum surgery allows your dentist to access and clean deep pockets, reshape bone, and restore gum tissue to better support your teeth.

Medisave claimable
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Antibiotics & Medication

In some cases, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics or antimicrobial mouth rinses as part of your gum treatment plan to help control bacterial infection.

Prescribed when needed
KNOW THE SIGNS

Warning signs of gum disease

If you notice any of these signs, it may be time to have your gums checked by a dentist.

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Bleeding when brushing

Healthy gums should not bleed when you brush or floss. Regular bleeding is a common early sign of gum disease.

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Red or swollen gums

Gums that look puffy, red, or tender instead of firm and pink may indicate inflammation from plaque build-up.

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Persistent bad breath

Ongoing bad breath that does not improve with brushing can be caused by bacteria trapped in deep gum pockets.

Receding gums

Gums that are pulling away from the teeth, making teeth appear longer, can be a sign of progressing gum disease.

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Loose teeth

Teeth that feel loose or have shifted position may indicate that the bone supporting them has been weakened by gum disease.

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Pain when chewing

Discomfort or pain when biting down can be related to gum infection or weakened support around the teeth.

Gum treatment costs are transparent — ask us about Medisave and CHAS subsidies.

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PREVENTION

How to keep your gums healthy

Good gum health starts with simple daily habits and regular dental visits.

1

Brush twice a day

Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle circular motions along the gumline, morning and night.

2

Floss daily

Flossing removes plaque and food particles from between teeth where your toothbrush cannot reach.

3

Visit your dentist regularly

Professional scaling and check-ups every 6 months help catch gum problems early, before they progress.

4

Quit smoking

Smoking weakens your immune system and makes it harder for gums to heal. It is one of the biggest risk factors for gum disease.

5

Eat a balanced diet

A diet rich in vitamins C and K, along with calcium, supports healthy gums and strong teeth.

Transparent pricing

Gum treatment costs

Clear pricing for every stage of gum treatment. CHAS subsidies and Medisave apply where eligible.

🧹
Scaling & Polishing
Routine plaque and tartar removal · recommended every 6 months · CHAS subsidised
CHAS
From $85CHAS subsidised
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Deep Cleaning (Root Planing)
Thorough cleaning below the gumline · for moderate gum disease · per quadrant pricing
PER QUADRANT
From $150per quadrant
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Gum Surgery
For advanced gum disease · access deep pockets and reshape bone · Medisave claimable
MEDISAVE
From $500Medisave claimable
CHAS Accredited

CHAS subsidies available for gum treatment

Scaling: up to $40 · Polishing: up to $30.50 · Consultation: up to $30.50 (PG cardholders). CHAS Blue, Orange, Pioneer and Merdeka Generation cardholders receive subsidies. Bring your CHAS card and NRIC.

View full CHAS subsidy guide →

All prices shown are before GST (9%). Final fees may vary based on individual assessment. *After Medisave/CHAS subsidy where applicable.

Our gentle approach means you'll feel comfortable throughout treatment.

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FAQ

Common questions about gum health

Why do my gums bleed? +

Bleeding gums are most commonly caused by plaque build-up along the gumline, which leads to gingivitis (gum inflammation). Other causes include brushing too hard, certain medications (such as blood thinners), hormonal changes during pregnancy, and vitamin deficiencies. If your gums bleed regularly, it is a good idea to have them checked by a dentist.

Is gum disease reversible? +

Gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease, is fully reversible with professional cleaning and good oral hygiene at home. Once gum disease progresses to periodontitis, it cannot be reversed, but it can be managed effectively with deep cleaning, regular maintenance visits, and in some cases, gum surgery.

How much does gum treatment cost in Singapore? +

At Trust Dental, scaling and polishing starts from $85 and is CHAS subsidised. Deep cleaning (root planing) costs vary depending on severity and the number of teeth involved. Gum surgery, when needed, is Medisave claimable. We provide a full cost breakdown before any treatment begins.

Can I use Medisave for gum treatment? +

Yes. Gum surgery (periodontal surgery) is Medisave claimable at Trust Dental. Routine scaling and polishing is not covered by Medisave but is eligible for CHAS subsidies. Our team will help you understand which subsidies apply to your treatment.

Are bleeding gums serious? +

Bleeding gums should not be ignored. While occasional bleeding may result from brushing too hard, frequent or persistent bleeding is often a sign of gingivitis or early gum disease. If left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, which may lead to bone loss and tooth loss. Early treatment is straightforward and effective.

Can gum disease be reversed? +

Gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease, is fully reversible with professional cleaning and improved oral hygiene habits at home. However, once gum disease advances to periodontitis, the damage to bone and tissue cannot be undone. It can be managed effectively with deep cleaning, ongoing maintenance, and sometimes gum surgery to prevent further progression.

How often should I get scaling and polishing? +

Most dentists recommend professional scaling and polishing every 6 months to maintain healthy gums and prevent plaque build-up. If you have a history of gum disease, your dentist may recommend more frequent visits, such as every 3 to 4 months, to keep the condition under control.

Is deep cleaning painful? +

Deep cleaning (root planing) may cause some discomfort as it involves cleaning below the gumline. Your dentist can apply local anaesthesia to numb the area and ensure you are comfortable during the procedure. After treatment, mild sensitivity is normal and typically subsides within a few days.

What causes receding gums? +

Receding gums can be caused by gum disease, aggressive brushing with a hard-bristled toothbrush, teeth grinding, tobacco use, or genetic factors. When gums recede, more of the tooth root is exposed, which can lead to sensitivity and an increased risk of decay. Your dentist can assess the cause and recommend appropriate treatment.

Can gum disease affect my overall health? +

Research has shown links between gum disease and several systemic health conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections. The bacteria associated with periodontal disease can enter the bloodstream and contribute to inflammation elsewhere in the body. Maintaining healthy gums is an important part of your overall health.

Can I use CHAS for gum treatment? +

Yes. CHAS subsidies apply to scaling (up to $40), polishing (up to $30.50), and consultations (up to $30.50) for Pioneer Generation cardholders. Merdeka Generation, CHAS Blue, and Orange cardholders also receive subsidies at lower rates. Bring your CHAS card and NRIC to your appointment. Trust Dental Surgery is CHAS accredited at both our Jurong West and Clementi clinics. See our full CHAS subsidy guide for details.

Clinics in Jurong West and Clementi. Evening appointments available.

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Healthy gums start with a single visit

Whether it's bleeding gums, loose teeth, or a routine clean, our team at Trust Dental is here to help. We'll explain everything clearly, give you upfront pricing, and create a treatment plan that fits your needs.

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