After Gum Infection Therapy

If the area was numbed for treatment, the numbness usually wears off in 2–4 hours.

Be careful not to bite your cheek, tongue, or lip until feeling returns.

Your teeth may feel sensitive to cold or sweets for the first few weeks. This happens because the root surfaces near the gum line are now exposed as the inflamed tissue recedes.

Sensitivity toothpaste (like Sensodyne) used twice a day can help. Call if sensitivity is not improving or makes eating difficult.

Some mild bleeding during brushing for the first few days is normal as the inflamed tissue heals.

If we prescribed a mouth rinse, follow its label and the directions from your visit. Do not swallow it or use it longer than prescribed.

Some rinses can cause staining or changes in taste. Tell us if you notice these changes so we can advise you.

If the rinse causes irritation, contact us for advice before using it again.

Avoid very hot, very spicy, or crunchy foods for the first 24–48 hours while the gums are most tender. Otherwise eat normally.

Drinking plenty of water helps support healing.

Continue to brush twice a day and floss daily, even if the gums feel tender. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle pressure.

Flossing is essential for keeping bacteria out of the gum pockets while they heal.

We will go over additional cleaning tools (interdental brushes, water flosser) if appropriate for your case.