Gingivitis Treatment in Istanbul — Symptoms, Scaling, Prevention (2026)

✍️ Reviewed by: Aykut Gürel, DDS — Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon Marmara University residency. 10+ years of clinical experience and 3,000+ implant surgeries. Works in multidisciplinary teams with periodontists for advanced gum disease cases. Updated: 17 May 2026

• Definition: Reversible inflammation of the gums caused by bacterial plaque biofilm.
• Key symptoms: Bleeding while brushing/flossing, red & swollen gums, bad breath (halitosis), gum tenderness.
• Treatment: Professional scaling (detartrage) + improved home hygiene + chlorhexidine rinse (short course).
• Recovery: Symptoms typically resolve in 1–2 weeks when treated early.
• Cost (Istanbul, 2026): Scaling 60–90 USD; deep root planing 30–50 USD per quadrant if periodontitis has begun.
• Prevention: Brush 2×/day with fluoride toothpaste, daily flossing, dental check-up every 6 months.
• Risk factor: If untreated 5–15% of cases progress to periodontitis with irreversible bone loss.

💡 Read further ↓ for symptoms in detail, causes, step-by-step treatment, prevention checklist and frequently asked questions.

Gingivitis is the inflammatory response of the gums to the build-up of bacterial plaque. It is the most common oral-health problem — affecting around half of all adults. If left untreated it can progress to periodontitis (advanced gum disease with bone loss).

With early care, gingivitis is fully reversible. This guide explains the symptoms, causes and treatment options.

Early Symptoms

• Red, swollen gums (healthy gums are pink and firm)
• Bleeding on brushing or flossing
• Tenderness of the gums
• Bad breath (halitosis)

Advanced Symptoms (Progression to Periodontitis)

• Gum recession (teeth look longer)
• Loose teeth
• Increasing gaps between teeth
• Pus discharge
• Pain on chewing

💡 At the gingivitis stage, treatment is simple. If it progresses to periodontitis, bone loss can start and treatment becomes more complex.

1. Poor oral hygiene — the commonest cause
2. Tartar (calculus) build-up — hardened plaque that cannot be removed by brushing
3. Smoking — impairs gum blood flow
4. Hormonal changes — pregnancy, puberty, menopause
5. Diabetes — poor blood-sugar control raises the risk of infection
6. Certain medications — antihypertensives and antiepileptics (gum overgrowth)
7. Stress — weakens the immune system
8. Genetic predisposition — family history matters

Home Measures

• Correct brushing technique: Soft-bristled brush at a 45° angle, twice a day, for at least 2 minutes
• Flossing: Once a day, between all teeth
• Salt-water rinse: 1 cup of warm water + 1 teaspoon of salt — 2–3 times a day
• Antibacterial mouthwash: Chlorhexidine-based, short-term use
• Stop smoking: The single most important lifestyle change

Professional Treatment

• Scale and polish: Ultrasonic removal of plaque and tartar (every 6 months)
• Subgingival debridement (curettage): Cleaning under the gum line (for moderate-to-advanced cases)
• Root surface debridement: For deep pockets (periodontitis treatment)
• Laser therapy: Bacterial elimination and tissue healing
• Antibiotics: Local or systemic antibiotics in advanced infection

1. Brush twice a day — fluoride toothpaste, soft brush
2. Floss once a day — interdental cleaning
3. Professional cleaning every 6 months — scale and polish
4. Stop smoking
5. Balanced diet — rich in vitamin C
6. Regular dental check-ups
7. Limit sugary snacks

1. Trombelli L, Farina R, Silva CO, Tatakis DN. Plaque-induced gingivitis: Case definition and diagnostic considerations. J Clin Periodontol. 2018;45 Suppl 20:S44-S67. PubMed
2. Tonetti MS, Greenwell H, Kornman KS. Staging and grading of periodontitis. J Periodontol. 2018;89 Suppl 1:S159-S172. PubMed
3. Loe H, Theilade E, Jensen SB. Experimental gingivitis in man. J Periodontol. 1965;36:177-187. PubMed

Have a gum problem? At Derya Dental Clinic in Maltepe we will assess your gum health.

📞 0216 572 05 20 💬 WhatsApp appointment

For more on gum health:

• Gum Recession Treatment — How recession progresses and how to treat it
• Bleeding Gums Causes — What bleeding gums mean
• Dental Scaling and Cleaning — Professional cleaning process
• Bone Loss Treatment — Advanced periodontal disease

This content is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a specialist for decisions about your oral and dental health.