Key facts
- The CDC reports about 42% of US adults 30+ have periodontitis; about 8% have severe periodontitis.
- Bleeding when brushing is usually the first sign of gum disease (NHS).
- NHIS typically covers one scaling per calendar year for adults 19+, with a co-payment.
- Gum treatment fees for non-NHIS patients are quoted after an exam.
- Smoking and diabetes are major risk factors for gum disease (CDC).
What is gum treatment, and do I need it?
Gum (periodontal) treatment cleans away the plaque and tartar that inflame the gums and, in more advanced cases, damage the bone that holds teeth in place. You may need it if your gums bleed when you brush, look red or swollen, or have started to pull back from your teeth. At Lucid Dental Clinic in Gangnam, we measure your gums first, then explain what level of care fits what we find.
Gum disease is common. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that about 42% of adults aged 30 and over have periodontitis, and about 8% have a severe form. Many people do not notice it early, because it is often not painful until later stages.
What are the signs of gum disease?
The earliest sign is usually bleeding when you brush or floss. The NHS lists these warning signs:
- gums that bleed when brushing, flossing or eating hard food;
- red, swollen or sore gums;
- bad breath or a bad taste that does not go away;
- gums shrinking back so teeth look longer;
- teeth that feel loose or have shifted;
- a gum abscess or pus near a tooth.
Loose teeth, very swollen gums or pus need a prompt visit rather than waiting for a routine check-up.
Gingivitis vs periodontitis: what is the difference?
Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums only and can usually be reversed with professional cleaning and better daily care. Periodontitis means the infection has reached the bone and the fibers that anchor the teeth. Lost bone does not usually grow back on its own, so treatment aims to stop the disease and keep the teeth you have.
| Stage | What is happening | Typical care |
|---|---|---|
| Healthy gums | Firm, pink, no bleeding | Routine scaling and home care |
| Gingivitis | Gum inflammation, bleeding, no bone loss | Scaling, polishing, cleaning instructions |
| Early to moderate periodontitis | Pockets form; some bone loss | Deep cleaning below the gumline (root planing), re-check |
| Advanced periodontitis | Deep pockets, loose teeth | Deep cleaning, close monitoring, possible surgery or extraction |
What does gum treatment involve at Lucid?
- Gum exam: we measure the space between gum and tooth (pocket depth) around each tooth and note bleeding.
- X-rays: these show the bone level, which tells us whether there is periodontitis and how far it has progressed.
- Scaling: tartar and plaque are removed from above and just below the gumline. We use a quick scaling approach designed to reduce discomfort.
- Deep cleaning if needed: for deeper pockets, the root surfaces are cleaned and smoothed under local anesthesia, often in more than one session.
- Home-care coaching: we show you which interdental brushes or floss fit your gaps.
- Review: the gums are re-measured after healing to check that pockets have tightened and bleeding has reduced.
If your case needs surgical periodontal care beyond what we provide, we will tell you clearly and help with records for a referral.
Does NHIS cover gum treatment for expats?
If you are enrolled in Korea's national health insurance (NHIS), basic gum treatment and one scaling per calendar year for adults 19 and over are typically covered, with a co-payment. A Korean government policy briefing confirms annual scaling coverage for adults 19+ from January 1 to December 31 each year. Please confirm your own eligibility, as rules can change.
Visitors without NHIS pay the clinic's non-covered fee. Gum treatment is quoted after the exam, once we know how many areas need care. Our guides on NHIS dental coverage for foreigners and annual NHIS scaling explain the rules, and our blog post on NHIS teeth cleaning in Korea covers common questions.
Does gum treatment hurt?
Routine scaling usually causes mild sensitivity at most. Deep cleaning is normally done with local anesthesia, so you feel pressure and vibration rather than sharp pain. Gums can be tender and teeth sensitive to cold for a few days afterward. Some bleeding during the first cleaning is common when gums are inflamed and usually settles as they heal.
What helps gums heal after treatment?
Daily care at home makes the biggest difference. The NHS recommends brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between teeth every day with floss or interdental brushes. Smoking slows healing and is a major risk factor for gum disease, as is poorly controlled diabetes, so tell us about either at your exam.
Why do healthy gums matter for implants, veneers and braces?
Gum health comes first in any treatment plan. Implants need healthy bone and gums for long-term stability, so active gum disease is treated before dental implants are placed. Veneers and crowns need a stable gum line so edges do not become visible later. Moving teeth with braces through inflamed gums can make bone loss worse.
If your concern is cosmetic, such as gums that show too much when you smile, that is a different treatment. See our guide to gummy smile and gum contouring, which is quoted after an exam.
What are the risks of gum treatment?
Possible effects include temporary sensitivity, some gum shrinkage as swelling goes down (which can make teeth look slightly longer), and the need for repeat cleanings if pockets stay deep. Untreated periodontitis carries bigger risks, including loose teeth and tooth loss. Individual results vary; a consultation and exam are required.
Tips if you are visiting Seoul
A routine cleaning fits easily into a short trip, but deep cleaning over several areas may need more than one visit, so tell us your dates at booking. A simple teeth cleaning in Seoul can be booked on its own. For general visitor help, start at our foreign patients hub.
Book a consultation
Bleeding gums or a tooth that feels loose? Message us on WhatsApp at +82-10-8354-2975 or book a gum check. We are directly in front of Exit 3, Eonju Station (Line 9), with late hours until 20:30 Tuesday to Thursday.
Frequently asked questions
How many visits does a deep cleaning take?
It depends on how many areas are affected. Some people need one visit, while others are treated in two or more sessions, with a review after the gums have healed.
Can receding gums grow back?
Gum tissue that has receded does not usually grow back by itself. Treatment aims to stop further loss, and in some cases gum grafting may be discussed with a specialist.
Is bleeding when I floss normal?
Occasional bleeding is common if you have just started flossing, but bleeding that continues for more than a week or two usually means inflammation. It is worth having your gums checked.
Can gum disease affect my general health?
Research has linked periodontitis with conditions such as diabetes, and controlling one can help the other. Tell your dentist about your medical conditions and medicines at the exam.
Will I need antibiotics?
Most gum treatment relies on thorough cleaning rather than antibiotics. They may be considered in specific situations, such as an abscess, after your dentist has assessed you.