Cleaning for gingivitis (gum inflammation)
A typical case, in 6 steps over 1 visit. Typical result: a good dental cleaning usually clears up gingivitis, as long as you keep up cleaning at home. Every step names its source.
Not yet reviewed by a licensed clinician. Every step names its source.
Cleaning for gingivitis (gum inflammation) · Visit 1
Checking your gums
Your dentist inspects your mouth for bleeding, signs of infection such as redness and swelling, loose teeth and gums pulling away from your teeth. If they suspect gum disease, X-rays can show whether it has affected the jawbone underneath.
Source: clevelandclinic.org
Steps in a typical case
Checking your gums
Your dentist inspects your mouth for bleeding, signs of infection such as redness and swelling, loose teeth and gums pulling away from your teeth. If they suspect gum disease, X-rays can show whether it has affected the jawbone underneath.
Visit 1 · Source 1
Thorough cleaning
Your dentist or periodontist thoroughly cleans your teeth to remove harmful bacteria, plaque and tartar.
Visit 1 · Source 1
Scaling and polishing
The hygienist gently removes plaque and tartar with special tools, which may include a vibrating tool called an ultrasonic scaler. You may hear scraping sounds, but scaling should not hurt. Your teeth are then polished with a soft rubber cup and special toothpaste.
Visit 1 · Source 2
Mouthwash if suggested
Rinsing with an antimicrobial mouthwash can help destroy disease-causing bacteria.
Visit 1 · Source 1
Smoothing rough spots
Your dentist may fix or remove crowns, fillings or bridges that stick out or do not fit right, because smoother surfaces are easier to keep clean.
Visit 1 · Source 1
Learning home care
You learn how to clean your teeth properly at home and get help scheduling checkups. Brushing twice a day and flossing daily help keep gingivitis from coming back.
Visit 1 · Source 1
Typical trade-offs
| Visits | Typically most cleanings take 30 to 60 minutes, and special cleanings might take longer. Source 2 |
|---|---|
| Time to final result | Typical result: a good dental cleaning usually clears up gingivitis, as long as you keep up cleaning at home. Source 1 |
| How long it lasts | Typically gingivitis is reversible with proper care and maintenance, but it can come back. Source 1 |
| Upkeep | Typical upkeep: daily brushing and flossing, plus regular dental checkups, because gum disease is usually painless. Source 3 |
Figures for a typical case from the sources below. A dentist can say how a given case differs.
Questions to ask your dentist
- The typical case takes one visit. Would mine, and how long would it take?
- What are my other options, including waiting, and what happens if I wait?
- How long does it usually last in a case like mine, and what upkeep will it need?
- Will it hurt, and what can I eat or do while it heals?
- What will it cost me, and will my insurance cover it? Ask which billing codes apply (the typical case uses D4346).
- How many of these have you done, and who would do mine?
Sources
- Gingivitis. Cleveland Clinic. my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10950-gingivitis-and-periodontal-disease-gum-disease. Accessed November 14, 2026.
- Dental cleaning. Cleveland Clinic. my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/11187-dental-check-up. Accessed November 14, 2026.
- Gingivitis. ADA MouthHealthy. www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/gingivitis. Accessed November 14, 2026.
Osler Press procedure library, version 2026.11.0. Billing codes for the typical case: D4346.