Gum Treatment Aftercare

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AUGUST 13, 2025

Gum Treatment Aftercare

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Table of Contents

Do’s
Don’ts

Brush gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush twice daily.

Do not smoke or use tobacco for at least 48 hours (slows healing and increases infection risk).

Floss carefully once a day to remove plaque and food debris.

Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods for the first 24–48 hours.

Rinse with prescribed mouthwash as instructed.

Do not use alcohol-based mouth rinses.

Stick to room temperature drinks and soft diet (such as yogurt, scrambled eggs, ice cream) while numb.

Avoid poking the treated gums with your tongue or fingers.

Stay hydrated — water helps keep your mouth clean and promotes healing.

Do not disturb any blood clots.

While You Are Still Numb

  • Numbness usually wears off in a few hours — don’t be alarmed if it lasts a bit longer.
  • Do not bite or pinch your lip, tongue, or cheek to “test” numbness.
    • To check if the numbness is gone, gently graze both sides of your lips — they should feel the same.
  • Avoid eating until the numbness has completely worn off as you can accidentally bite your lip, tongue and/ or cheek which can lead to painful ulcers, chips or fracture of your teeth or existing fillings.
  • Drink only room temperature or cold water during this time.

For the Remainder of the Day

  • Do not rinse or spit for the first 30 minutes after the gum treatment. Use a tissue to wipe your mouth as needed, or swallow your saliva.
  • Avoid smoking.
  • Do not disturb the blood clots as bleeding will persist should the blood clots dislodge.
  • Drink plenty of fluids.

Bleeding

  • A small amount of bleeding is normal after gum treatment.
  • Bleeding usually stops within 30 minutes.
  • If bleeding continues beyond 24 hours or is excessive, call us immediately.

Discomfort / Pain

Please take the pain medication once you arrive home as this will help to provide a comfortable recovery experience.
Do not wait until the numbness has subsided.

  • Pain severity depends on the procedure and your health.
  • Pain and soft tissue discomfort can last 3–4 days.
    • Simple gum treatment: Use your usual over-the-counter pain relief (follow dosage).
    • Complex gum treatment: We will prescribe medication — follow instructions carefully.

Diet

  • Resume a normal diet once numbness is gone.
  • While numb, you may have soft, room temperature or cold foods like yogurt or ice cream.
  • After numbness subsides:
    • Avoid food that may get stuck or cause irritation — no seeds, nuts, popcorn, sticky or hard foods for a few days.

Oral Hygiene

  • Use the prescribed mouthwash starting today.
  • You can brush your teeth today — if the treated area feels sore, brush gently but thoroughly.
  • Good oral hygiene is key to successful gum treatment.

⚠ Emergency Situations (Call Us Immediately)

Call our clinic if you experience:

  • Heavy or persistent bleeding beyond 24 hours.
  • Severe pain not relieved by medication.
  • Rapid swelling or pus.
  • Fever or chills.