Care of the Area:
- Do not touch, stretch, or irritate the area with your tongue or fingers.
- Do not brush near the surgical site for the first 24 hours.
- After 24 hours, you may resume gentle brushing around the area. Be careful not to disturb the healing tissue.
Rinsing:
- Begin warm salt water rinses (½ teaspoon salt in 8 oz of warm water) after 24 hours.
- Rinse gently—do not gargle or swish forcefully.
- Rinse 2–3 times daily, especially after meals.
Diet:
- Stick to soft foods (e.g., yogurt, eggs, mashed potatoes, smoothies without a straw, pasta, soups that are not too hot).
- Do not use a straw for the first 2–3 days to avoid disturbing the healing site.
- Avoid hard, crunchy, or sharp foods (chips, popcorn, pretzels, toast, etc.) for about one week.
- Drink plenty of fluids and maintain good nutrition to support healing.
Discomfort Management:
- Mild discomfort or swelling is normal.
- Take ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) as directed for pain relief.
- Follow the dosing instructions on the package unless otherwise directed by your provider.
Additional Notes:
- Slight bleeding or oozing is normal for the first few hours.
- Avoid strenuous activity for 24 hours.
- Contact our office immediately if you experience:
- Excessive bleeding
- Significant swelling or pain
- Fever or signs of infection (pus, foul taste, or odor)