So you just had your gum contouring procedure, and you’re wondering what to do next?
Most patients are relieved to have their gum line looking the way they want to. But it’s important to remember that the aftercare process is just as important as the procedure itself.
To help you out, we’ve put together this handy gum contouring aftercare guide. This will cover both immediate post-procedure care and long-term care so you can maintain your new and improved smile for years to come.
Gum contouring can noticeably improve the appearance of your gum. It also improves oral health by removing excess tissue and uneven gum line. However, like any other dental treatment, proper aftercare is crucial.
It's essential for ensuring proper healing, minimising discomfort, and preventing any potential complications. Complications such as infections or excessive bleeding.
Furthermore, following the aftercare instructions can improve the overall outcome by maximising the success of your gum contouring treatment. Below, we'll cover some of the most important aftercare steps to keep in mind.
Avoid eating or drinking right away: Give yourself some time to recover before consuming food or drinks. Avoiding foods and drinks will allow the anaesthetic to wear off and reduce the risk of injury.
Take prescribed medication: If the dentist prescribed any over the counter medication or antibiotics, make sure to take it as directed. It can help with any discomfort you might feel once the anaesthetic wears off. And as for the antibiotics, it will prevent infection from occurring.
Avoid hard, sticky and crunchy foods: Following your procedure, stick to soft foods instead of sticky, hard and crunchy foods. These consist of yoghourts, smoothies, mashed potatoes, and soups. This will help your healing after gum contouring by not adding stress.
Rinsing with salt water: To help keep the area clean and encourage healing, rinse your mouth frequently with warm salt water. In a glass of warm water, put a teaspoon of salt in it, then swirl it around your mouth for thirty seconds.
Don't brush and floss for a full day: Wait until 24 hours to brush or floss. Your gums will have enough time to heal as a result. After a day, brush and floss your teeth gently to avoid the treated area.
Brush and floss frequently: Brush twice a day and floss at least once a day to keep your gums healthy. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles, and take extra care when brushing near the treated area. This will reduce the likelihood of plaque buildup and subsequent gum disease.
Be gentle when brushing: Brush gently the treated area for a few days after your procedure. Once you do resume brushing, be very gentle to avoid irritating your gums and gum recession. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoid harsh brushing motions.
Add Antimicrobial mouthwash to your oral hygiene: Use an antibacterial mouthwash daily. This is to maintain healthy teeth and gum. Mouthwash with antibacterial promotes healing and prevents infections that could damage your gums.
Keep track of your follow-up appointments: Remind yourself to visit your trusted clinic for post-procedure check-ups. This allows them to keep an eye on your healing process and handle any potential problems or concerns.
Keep an eye on your diet: Eat fewer acidic and sugary foods, as these can cause plaque formation. These may also cause discomfort and irritation. Rather, go for a nutritious diet such as fruits and vegetables, which helps promote good oral health and keep your gums in top shape.
With a few simple precautions and regular oral hygiene, you can maintain your new and improved gums. Make sure to follow these additional important steps for proper aftercare:
Stay hydrated: The key when it comes to healing and overall oral health is hydration. Water acts as a natural cleanser that rinses away food debris and bacteria that could irritate your gum treatment. It also aids in the production of saliva, which naturally fights germs and helps heal wounds.
Avoid foods that can irritate your gums: Avoid anything that may irritate or damage your gums, especially when they are healing. This includes hot and spicy foods, as well as acidic drinks like coffee or citrus juices. Instead, eat soft vegetables and nutritious foods.
Report any complications: If you experience swelling, excessive bleeding, or severe pain right after your operation, contact your dentist for immediate pain management. These could be signs of an infection or other complications that require prompt attention.
Visit your dentist regularly: Attend your regular dental appointments to ensure the health of your gums and teeth. Dentists may also recommend touch-up treatments or additional care. This is to maintain your gum contouring results.
You can guarantee appropriate recovery and preserve your newly enhanced gum line by adhering to this aftercare plan. Remember, a good oral hygiene routine is key to preventing gum problems and maintaining healthy and good-looking gums.
To lessen the pain and swelling, place an ice pack on the affected area and gently cover it for ten to fifteen minutes. Remind yourself to avoid contact with the ice pack away from your skin. You can wrap it in a clean towel or cloth.
An ailment that is comparable to frostbite, known as "ice burn", can result from applying ice directly to the skin. It may harm the cells in your skin, resulting in blisters and discomfort.
When it comes to your gums, they're extra sensitive in your surgery site, and we certainly don't want to add an 'ice burn' to your gum condition. Without protection from coldness— It's like a protective barrier, delivering the cool relief you need without the risk of ice burn.
It's important to avoid any physical activity that may increase swelling or cause discomfort in the treated area. Take some rest and give your gums a chance to heal properly.
Gum contouring aftercare is crucial for maintaining good oral health. This promotes proper healing and ensures long-lasting results. By following these simple recovery process, you can minimise any potential complications.
Remember to always consult with your dentist for personalised aftercare instructions. Also, attend all scheduled follow-up appointments for the best possible results.
Hold your head slightly up to help reduce swelling. This will reduce the pressure on your gums and stop the excessive blood flow to the head and fluid accumulation. This may also facilitate healing and improve blood flow.
This is especially useful after a procedure like gum contouring, where the gum tissue in your mouth has been reshaped. By reducing the pressure and fluid build-up in your gums, you can immediately decrease the swelling and discomfort. This speeds up the healing process.
In addition, elevated head positioning can also enhance circulation and oxygenation. These are important for tissue repair and recovery.
While gum contouring is a simple procedure that can greatly enhance your gummy smile, aftercare is just as important as the procedure itself. It's the care you give your gums post-treatment that will determine your results.
Maintaining good oral hygiene, staying hydrated, avoiding irritating foods, and keeping regular dental appointments are key to successful recovery and long-term results. Remember to also report any complications or concerns to your dentist for prompt treatment.
Consider that preserving good oral health is a process rather than a destination. Though there may be some challenges along the way, with the right maintenance, your new smile will add up to your self esteem.
