Professional tooth cleaning in addition to brushing and flossing may be recommended twice per year or more frequently for severe cases. Antibacterial mouth rinses or other aids may be recommended in addition to frequent, careful, tooth brushing and flossing. Systemic illness or other conditions should be treated. Removal of plaque from inflamed gums may be uncomfortable. Bleeding and tenderness of the gums should reduce within 1 or 2 weeks after professional cleaning and careful oral hygiene .
Healthy gums are pink and firm in appearance.
Strict oral hygiene must be maintained lifelong or gingivitis will recur. Call your health care provider if the dentist recommends medical treatment of underlying conditions that contribute to the development of gingivitis. A cross section illustration of the tooth. The gums are shown in pink and the bone is yellow. The infected gums swell, bleed easily, recede, and loosen from the teeth.