After a deep cleaning (scaling and root planing)

The first day

• Avoid chewing and hot drinks until the numbness wears off, so you do not bite or burn your cheek or tongue.
• Eat soft foods for the rest of the day.
• Rinse with warm salt water (half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water) if your gums are sore.

Cleaning at home

• Start brushing and cleaning between your teeth again the same day, gently.
• If a medicine was placed in your gums, follow the instructions you were given for it. They may include not cleaning between those teeth for several days.

What to expect

• Gums may be tender, and a little bleeding when you brush is common for a few days.
• Teeth may be sensitive to cold for a few weeks. A toothpaste for sensitive teeth can help.
• As swelling goes down, the gums may shrink back slightly and some teeth may look longer.
• Dr. Smith checks your gums again several weeks after treatment to see how they responded.

Medicines

• Take any medicines exactly as Dr. Smith prescribed or recommended, and finish every antibiotic you were given.
• If you take a blood thinner or other regular medicines, follow the plan you discussed before treatment.

Smoking and alcohol

• Avoid smoking and vaping while you heal. They slow healing and raise the risk of problems.
• Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours, and while you are taking prescription pain medicine.

When to call the office

• Bleeding that does not slow after 30 minutes of firm pressure
• Pain or swelling that gets worse after the third day instead of better
• A fever
• Pus, or a bad taste or smell that does not go away
• Numbness that has not worn off by the next day
• A reaction to a medicine, such as a rash, itching, or an upset stomach that does not settle
• A painful swelling on the gum

Gum disease →