Gingivitis and Gum Disease (adjunctive care)
Also known as: gingivitis, gum disease, periodontitis, bleeding gums
Gingivitis is gum inflammation causing bleeding when brushing; untreated it can progress to periodontitis and tooth loss. Dental cleaning and home care are the treatment. Chinese medicine frames gum problems as Stomach Heat rising or Kidney deficiency loosening the teeth, used only alongside dental care.
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Lifestyle & Diet
- •Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and clean between teeth daily — this is the treatment.
- •See a dentist or hygienist for a professional clean; gingivitis is reversible, periodontitis is not.
- •Quit smoking and manage diabetes — both accelerate gum disease.
- •Limit sugary drinks and snacks between meals.
Cautions & Contraindications
- •Chinese medicine never replaces dental cleaning and periodontal care.[,]
- •Spreading facial infection needs same-day medical or dental care.[,]
When to reassess or seek care again
Confirm dental appointment is booked. Review gum bleeding and home care at 4–6 weeks; ongoing bleeding despite good cleaning needs dental review.
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Sources & Further Reading
Clinical guidance, red flags and safety notes on this page draw on the following current sources alongside the classical references above.
- Healthdirect Australia · 2024
- ADA · 2024
- NICE · 2023
- AHPRA / Chinese Medicine Board of Australia · 2024
Educational reference for licensed practitioners. Not a substitute for individual clinical assessment. Refer to conventional care for any red-flag or undiagnosed presentation.