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Treatments and drugs

By Mayo Clinic staff

There are several ways to treat gingivitis, including:

  • A thorough dental cleaning
  • Antiseptic mouth rinse
  • Brushing
  • Flossing
  • Fixing dental restorations, if necessary

Gingivitis treatment usually starts by thoroughly cleaning your teeth. This includes removing all traces of plaque and tartar — a procedure known as scaling. The cleaning may be uncomfortable, especially if your gums are already sensitive or you have extensive plaque and tartar buildup. Your dentist may also recommend using an antiseptic mouth rinse to clear away bacteria. Your dentist will also review brushing and flossing techniques to make sure you're doing these effectively.

Misaligned teeth and poorly fitting crowns, bridges or other dental restorations make it harder to remove plaque. If any of these is contributing to your gingivitis, your dentist may recommend fixing these problems as well.

Gingivitis usually clears up after a professional cleaning — as long as you continue to follow a program of good oral hygiene at home. If you're consistent with your dental hygiene, you should see the return of pink, healthy gum tissue within days or weeks. You'll need to practice good oral hygiene for life, however, so your gum problems don't return.

References
  1. What is gingivitis? American Academy of Periodontology. http://www.perio.org/consumer/gingivitis.htm. Accessed Oct. 17, 2008.
  2. Nguyen HD, et al. Common dental infections in the primary care setting. American Family Physician. 2008;77:797.
  3. Wilder RS, et al. Gingivitis and periodontitis in adults: Classification and dental treatment. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 10, 2008.
  4. Gingivitis. The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec08/ch095/ch095c.html. Accessed Oct. 17, 2008.
  5. The use and handling of toothbrushes. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/OralHealth/infectioncontrol/factsheets/toothbrushes.htm. Accessed Oct. 17, 2008.
  6. Cleaning your teeth and gums (oral hygiene). American Dental Association. http://www.ada.org/public/topics/cleaning_faq.asp. Accessed Oct. 23, 2008.
  7. Assad DA (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn., Oct. 19, 2008.

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Nov. 18, 2008

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