How long does it take for gingivitis to heal after a dental cleaning?

Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
Updated on May 23, 2025
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When a patient has gingivitis, generally, dental cleaning can reduce some of the inflammatory irritation. However, there is no specific time frame for how long it will take to recover from gingivitis solely through dental cleaning. If a patient has gingivitis, it is still advisable to use some medications, such as oral anti-inflammatory drugs. For example, antibacterial drugs against anaerobic bacteria like metronidazole, tinidazole, or ornidazole, can be combined with some antibiotics, commonly amoxicillin or cephalosporins, or erythromycin. Additionally, patients must pay attention to oral hygiene, rinse their mouths promptly after meals, brush their teeth morning and night, and cultivate correct dietary habits. It is important to avoid spicy and overly hard foods in the diet. Furthermore, patients should ensure to eat plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits and schedule regular teeth cleanings to reduce the irritation caused by gingivitis.

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Written by Wang Ji Zhong
Internal Medicine
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Is amoxicillin effective for gingivitis?

Gingivitis is primarily caused by the presence of dental plaque on the gums, which is erosive due to the large amount of bacteria. Taking oral amoxicillin, an antimicrobial drug, does not show a very obvious effect. One reason is that the gum tissue is relatively tough, and the concentration of the drug in the gum tissue when administered systemically is not sufficient to provide the expected therapeutic effect. Another reason is that oral bacteria, mostly anaerobic bacteria, cause this condition, and general anti-inflammatory drugs do not work well. The best method to treat gingivitis is still dental cleaning, which can directly remove the bacteria on the gums, clearly affecting the treatment. Subgingival scaling is also effective, which can lead to better outcomes.

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Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
1min 3sec home-news-image

Why Gingivitis Always Persists

The treatment of gingivitis first requires patients to pay attention to adjusting their diet and lifestyle, as gingivitis is greatly related to the dietary habits of the patient. Patients who do not pay attention to oral hygiene over a long period and indulge excessively in eating and drinking, often consuming barbecued or fried foods, are likely to experience issues such as increased heat in the body or a reduction in immune resistance, depleting some of the body’s energy. Therefore, it is recommended that patients maintain a light diet, eat more fresh vegetables and fruits, drink more water appropriately, and ensure adequate rest, avoiding staying up late. Additionally, patients should initially undertake treatment with anti-inflammatory medications, often involving anti-anaerobic or antibiotic drugs, which can effectively treat gingivitis. Additionally, patients can also routinely get their teeth cleaned in daily life, which can effectively relieve the symptoms of gingivitis.

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Written by Li Bao Hua
Dentistry
1min 2sec home-news-image

Can gingivitis heal itself?

Gingivitis is difficult to heal on its own and requires corresponding treatment. Gingivitis is inflammation of the gum tissue, characterized by redness of the gums, swelling, pus leakage, or bleeding during brushing and eating, with bleeding during brushing being a common symptom that often prompts timely medical attention. Examination of the teeth can reveal a large amount of dental plaque, tartar, or biofilm around the gum area. In such cases, timely dental cleaning is necessary to remove these deposits. During the removal process, bleeding from the gums may worsen, and it may be necessary to apply medication around the gums, using anti-inflammatory drugs to help alleviate the inflammation. If the inflammation is controlled, gingivitis may be managed, but without treatment, gingivitis cannot heal by itself.

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Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
1min 10sec home-news-image

How long does it take for gingivitis to heal after a dental cleaning?

When a patient has gingivitis, generally, dental cleaning can reduce some of the inflammatory irritation. However, there is no specific time frame for how long it will take to recover from gingivitis solely through dental cleaning. If a patient has gingivitis, it is still advisable to use some medications, such as oral anti-inflammatory drugs. For example, antibacterial drugs against anaerobic bacteria like metronidazole, tinidazole, or ornidazole, can be combined with some antibiotics, commonly amoxicillin or cephalosporins, or erythromycin. Additionally, patients must pay attention to oral hygiene, rinse their mouths promptly after meals, brush their teeth morning and night, and cultivate correct dietary habits. It is important to avoid spicy and overly hard foods in the diet. Furthermore, patients should ensure to eat plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits and schedule regular teeth cleanings to reduce the irritation caused by gingivitis.

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Written by Li Cui
Dentistry
1min 6sec home-news-image

What is the difference between gum swelling and pain due to "heatiness" and gingivitis?

Swollen and painful gums due to "heatiness" is also a type of gingivitis, which encompasses a range of conditions. It is essentially a general term for inflammation of the gums. Therefore, it is recommended that patients should distinguish the cause, as "heatiness" can lead to symptoms like swollen and painful gums. In such cases, patients can clear the "heat" by taking some herbal medicines or teas that reduce "heatiness," drinking more water, and adjusting their diet, which generally can provide quick relief. If a patient has poor oral hygiene, such as a lot of dental plaque or tartar on their teeth, this can continuously irritate the gums and cause chronic gingivitis, leading to pain. The medications used in these cases are generally similar, thus patients do not need to be overly anxious. Appropriate use of drugs like periodontal health supplements or artificial bezoar metronidazole can effectively reduce inflammation and relieve pain. (Medication should be taken under the guidance of a physician.)