Can gum medications alone cure gum disease?

Gum medication alone does not cure gum disease. The cause is tartar and the bacterial film attached between tooth and gum, and medication cannot remove them - it only plays a supporting role by temporarily easing symptoms such as swelling and bleeding. In many cases destruction of the supporting bone progresses quietly while medication masks the symptoms. The correct order is 1) remove the cause (tartar) with scaling and gum treatment, 2) add medication as an adjunct if needed, and 3) manage recurrence with regular check-ups. If your gums often swell and bleed, have an examination before reaching for medication.