A deep cleaning removes hardened tartar and bacteria from below the gumline so inflamed gums can tighten and heal.
First few days
- Avoid chewing, hot drinks and biting your cheek, lip or tongue until the numbness wears off, usually within 2–5 hours. Watch children closely.
- Gums may be tender, and may bleed a little when you brush for a few days.
- Teeth can be sensitive to cold for a few weeks as the gums tighten. A sensitive-teeth toothpaste can help.
Eating
- Choose softer foods for a day or two and avoid very spicy, crunchy or hot foods that irritate the gums.
Cleaning
- Keep brushing gently twice a day with a soft brush, and clean between your teeth daily. Gentle cleaning is essential for healing even if gums bleed a little.
- Starting the day after, gently rinse with warm salt water (about ½ teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water) after meals and at bedtime, unless told otherwise.
- Use any prescription rinse or medicine placed in the gums exactly as directed.
Medicine
- Take pain relievers or any prescribed medicine exactly as your dentist or pharmacist directed. Do not take more than the label or prescription allows, and tell us about any allergies or other medicines you take.
Follow-up
- Keep your re-evaluation and gum maintenance visits. Gum disease is controlled, not cured, and needs regular care.
Avoid
- Smoking makes gum disease worse and slows healing. Ask us about help to quit.
Call our office right away if
- Swelling, fever or pus
- Bleeding that does not stop with gentle pressure
- Pain that is getting worse after 3 days
This handout is general information. Always follow the specific instructions your dentist gives you, which may differ from this sheet. For a medical emergency, such as trouble breathing or swallowing, swelling spreading toward the eye or neck, or bleeding that will not stop, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. Content last reviewed: 2026-10.