After your visit
Gum therapy post-op
How to help your gums heal after your deep cleaning.
What to expect
You'll notice less redness, bleeding and swelling in your gums. Your teeth may feel smoother, and your mouth will taste and feel better. If we used anesthetic, your lips, teeth and tongue may be numb for several hours: don't chew until it wears off, so you don't bite or burn yourself.
Caring for your mouth
Good daily home care is key to healing. Use an electric toothbrush, floss and the rinse we recommend. If we prescribed 0.12% chlorhexidine rinse, use it as labeled. You can also rinse with warm salt water 2 or 3 times a day (1 teaspoon salt in 8 oz water). Brush gently.
Discomfort
If your doctor says it's safe for you, take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen, as directed on the label, before the anesthetic wears off. Extra sensitivity to hot, cold or sweets is normal while gums heal. A sensitivity toothpaste or fluoride rinse helps. If sensitivity is severe or doesn't improve, call us.
Bleeding
Some light bleeding may happen when you brush over the next few days; it should taper off after 2 or 3 days.
Eating
Eat soft foods for a few days and chew on the side opposite the treated area.
Smoking
Avoid smoking for 24 to 48 hours. Smoking slows healing and makes it harder to keep gums healthy. We recommend quitting.
Your part
We usually treat one half of the mouth per visit. Please keep every appointment to finish the other side and your maintenance visits after.
Looking for instructions for another treatment? Post-op instructions
Questions or concerns?
Call the office where you were treated.
Fort Worth office
7540 S Hulen St
Fort Worth, TX 76133
(817) 294-1090
fortworth@polishedfamilydental.com
Glen Rose office
104 Spanish Oak Trail
Glen Rose, TX 76043
(254) 897-3143
glenrose@polishedfamilydental.com
Last updated October 2026. These are general instructions; if your doctor gave you different directions, follow those.