New gum tissue was placed to cover exposed roots or thicken thin gums. The graft must not be disturbed for it to attach.
Protect the graft
- Do not pull your lip to look at the graft or touch it with your tongue or fingers.
- Do not brush or floss the graft area until your dentist tells you to.
Palate (if tissue was taken from the roof of your mouth)
- The palate may be sore for 1–2 weeks. Wear your palatal guard or stent if one was given.
- Some bleeding from the palate can occur; press with gauze or a moist tea bag for 20–30 minutes.
Eating
- Avoid chewing, hot drinks and biting your cheek, lip or tongue until the numbness wears off, usually within 2–5 hours. Watch children closely.
- Eat soft, cool foods for 1–2 weeks and chew away from the graft.
- Avoid hard, crunchy, sticky, spicy or very hot foods (chips, nuts, seeds, popcorn, toffee) until your dentist says it is OK.
Cleaning
- Clean the rest of your mouth normally. Use your prescription rinse gently if one was prescribed.
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.
- If you were prescribed antibiotics, take every dose until they are finished unless your dentist tells you otherwise.
Avoid
- Avoid smoking, vaping and alcohol for at least 72 hours, or longer if your dentist advises. They slow healing and raise the risk of complications.
- Avoid strenuous exercise for a few days.
Call our office right away if
- Bleeding that soaks through gauze and does not slow after an hour of firm pressure
- Swelling that is getting worse after the third day, or spreads toward your eye, jaw or neck
- Fever, chills, or pus or a bad taste that keeps coming back
- The graft moves, looks loose or stitches come out early
- Rash, itching, or any other reaction to a medicine (stop it and call; for trouble breathing call 911)
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.