Treatment
Gingivitis usually clears up after a professional cleaning by a dentist
or hygienist, followed by proper daily oral hygiene. The cleaning
involves the removal of all tartar and plaque from your teeth. Removing
the tartar and plaque eliminates the source of irritation for your gums,
allowing the gums to heal. Your dentist or hygienist can give you advice
on the proper way to care for your teeth and gums on a daily basis. Your
gums may return to a healthy look and feel within days or a few weeks of
a good cleaning and proper daily hygiene.
If gingivitis has progressed to periodontitis, you'll need more
extensive treatment. Your dentist may try to clean out the pockets of
bacteria between your gums and teeth and may recommend use of
antibiotics. In advanced stages of periodontitis, you may need surgery.
