What is the best treatment approach for chronic gingival inflammation?

The best treatment approach for chronic gingival inflammation is the elimination of etiologic factors. Chronic gingival inflammation is primarily caused by the accumulation of plaque and calculus on the teeth, which leads to inflammation of the gingival tissues. By addressing the underlying causes—such as plaque control through proper oral hygiene practices and possibly addressing systemic factors—clinicians can significantly reduce inflammation and promote healing of the gingival tissues.

While scaling and root planing is indeed an important treatment that helps to remove plaque and calculus from the tooth surfaces, it is part of the broader strategy of eliminating etiologic factors. Antibiotic therapy may be useful in specific cases where there's evidence of systemic involvement or aggressive periodontal disease, but it does not address the root cause of gingival inflammation on its own. Gingivectomy, a surgical procedure to remove diseased tissue, may be indicated in certain situations but is typically not the first line of treatment for chronic gingival inflammation since it does not correct the underlying issue. Therefore, eliminating etiologic factors stands out as the foundational step in effectively managing chronic gingival inflammation.