Gum Disease Treatment: What Works at Each Stage
Early gum disease (gingivitis) is reversible with a professional cleaning followed by daily brushing and flossing. Advanced gum disease needs a dentist, and treatment gets harder the longer you wait.
Dentist review pending. This guide gives general information and does not replace a dentist's exam.
What are the stages of gum disease?
Gum disease starts as gingivitis and can advance to periodontitis. Gingivitis makes gums red, swollen, and easy to bleed and is still reversible, while periodontitis damages the tissue and bone that support your teeth.
Because gum disease is usually painless, you may not know you have it. That makes regular checkups the most reliable way to catch it.
What are the warning signs of gum disease?
Watch for gums that bleed easily, look red, swollen, or tender, or pull away from teeth. Persistent bad breath or a bad taste and loose teeth are warning signs too.
- Gums that bleed easily
- Red, swollen, tender gums
- Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
- Persistent bad breath or bad taste
- Loose or separating permanent teeth
- A change in how your teeth fit together when you bite
See what normal looks like in the healthy gums guide and the gingivitis signs guide.
How do dentists treat gum disease?
The goal is to control the infection. Early gum disease can often be reversed with daily brushing and flossing, while periodontal disease needs treatment from a dentist or dental hygienist.
| Stage | Typical care | Who does it |
|---|---|---|
| Gingivitis | Professional cleaning, then daily brushing and flossing | Dentist or hygienist, then you |
| Periodontitis | Scaling and root planing (a deep cleaning), possibly an oral rinse | Dentist or hygienist |
| Advanced | Surgical treatment may be required | Dentist |
Treatment works only with good home care. Your dentist may also suggest quitting tobacco to improve results.
What can you do at home to keep gums healthy?
Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, clean between teeth, visit the dentist routinely, and quit tobacco. NIDCR lists exactly those four habits.
For between-teeth cleaning, NIDCR names floss, interdental brushes, picks, and a water flosser recommended by a dental professional. Compare options in the water flosser guide.
How much does gum disease treatment cost?
Price depends on your stage, your city, and your dentist. Earlier stages call for simpler care than advanced ones, so a checkup is the cheapest first step.
Check typical prices on the deep cleaning cost page, compare with the cost calculator, and see whether a plan or insurance lowers your bill.
Quick answers
Can gum disease be reversed?
Gingivitis can. The ADA says it is still reversible and can usually be eliminated with a professional cleaning and daily brushing and flossing. Advanced periodontitis needs ongoing dental treatment.
How common is gum disease?
The ADA reports chronic periodontitis affects 47.2% of US adults over 30.
Does gum disease cause bad breath?
It can. Persistent bad breath appears among NIDCR's symptoms.
Does gum disease cause tooth loss?
Yes. The ADA calls it a major cause of tooth loss in adults.
Spot gum trouble early
Your Grin Score looks at gum health and plaque from a short photo set, so you know when to book a visit.
Score My Grin, FreeBetterGrin shares general dental education. It does not diagnose conditions or replace care from a licensed dentist or doctor. Costs and plan terms vary by plan, state, and provider.