Gingivitis treatment options
Gingivitis is treated by removing plaque and tartar, controlling gum inflammation, and improving daily cleaning around every tooth.
How is gingivitis treated around every tooth?
Gingivitis is treated by removing plaque and tartar, controlling gum inflammation, and improving daily cleaning around every tooth.
What is the gingiva and why can it become inflamed?
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gingiva, the soft tissue forming the gum margin around teeth. Plaque bacteria trigger redness, swelling, tenderness, and bleeding, but the supporting bone is not yet lost as it is in periodontitis.
How should you clean your gums during treatment?
Brush the gumline gently with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, then clean between teeth with floss or an interdental brush. A dentist or hygienist can examine the gum pockets and remove hardened calculus with hand or ultrasonic instruments; an antiseptic rinse may be advised for a limited period when appropriate.
When should ongoing gingivitis symptoms be examined?
Arrange an examination if bleeding, swelling, bad breath, or soreness continues despite careful cleaning, or if gums pull away from teeth. Prompt care is needed for facial swelling, fever, pus, loose teeth, or difficulty swallowing.
What should you ask about gingivitis or periodontitis?
Ask whether the findings are gingivitis or periodontitis, whether any calculus remains below the gumline, and which interdental tool fits your spaces. Also ask when your cleaning should be reviewed and whether a mouth rinse is appropriate for you.
Frequently asked questions
Can gingivitis go away?
Early gingivitis can improve when plaque and calculus are removed and daily cleaning is consistent.
Does bleeding mean I should stop brushing?
No. Brush gently at the gumline and arrange an examination if bleeding persists or is heavy.
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Who wrote this page
This library is published by Dental Nation, a licensed dental group practising in the United Arab Emirates. Pages are written and overseen by the same clinical team that treats patients in our clinics, and are held to a fixed editorial standard for safety and accuracy.
This page is patient education, not medical advice, and cannot replace an examination. Anything urgent — facial swelling, trauma, uncontrolled bleeding or severe pain — needs a dentist or emergency care now.