Thank you for trusting The Grove Dental with your gum care. Periodontal Therapy removes plaque, calculus and bacteria from below the gumline to help your gums heal and make the condition easier to manage.

Some tenderness and sensitivity can be normal after treatment. Following the care instructions below will help keep you comfortable and support your recovery.

The local anaesthetic may take a few hours to wear off. Until you have full feeling back:

1. Avoid eating, as you may accidentally bite your lip, cheek or tongue.
2. Avoid hot food and drinks, as you may burn yourself without realising.
3. Take care when speaking and drinking.

For the first few days, you may notice:

• Mild tenderness or soreness around the gums.
• A small amount of bleeding when brushing or cleaning between your teeth.
• Temporary sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet food and drinks.
• Tenderness where the local anaesthetic was given.

As inflammation settles, your gums may shrink slightly. This can make your teeth look a little longer or reveal small spaces between them. This does not mean the treatment has damaged your gums. It is often a sign that the swelling is reducing and the tissues are becoming healthier.

Once the numbness has completely worn off, you can eat and drink. If the area feels tender:

1. Choose softer foods for the rest of the day.
2. Avoid very hot, spicy, sharp or crunchy foods for a day or two.
3. Drink plenty of water.
4. Try to avoid smoking or vaping, as both can interfere with gum healing and make gum disease harder to control.

Keeping plaque levels low is one of the most important parts of treating gum disease.

1. Continue brushing twice a day with a soft toothbrush, using gentle pressure around tender areas.
2. Clean between your teeth every day using the floss, interdental brushes or other aids recommended by your dental team.
3. A small amount of bleeding can occur at first. Continue cleaning gently unless your dentist or Oral Health Therapist has told you otherwise.
4. If you were given a medicated mouth rinse, use it exactly as directed. Do not start or continue one unless it has been recommended for you.

If your teeth feel sensitive, a sensitivity toothpaste may help. You can use it for normal brushing and place a small smear directly onto sensitive areas after brushing. Spit out the excess rather than rinsing it away.

Take any medication prescribed or recommended by your clinician exactly as directed. If you are considering over-the-counter pain relief, follow the label and check with your dentist, doctor or pharmacist if you have a medical condition, take other medicines, are pregnant or are unsure what is suitable for you.

Periodontal Therapy is the beginning of getting gum disease under control, not the end of your care. Daily cleaning and regular maintenance appointments are essential to help keep your gums stable.

Please attend the review and maintenance visits recommended by your dental team. At these appointments, we can assess healing, check the areas below the gumline and adjust your home-care routine if needed.

Please call us if:

• Bleeding is heavy or does not settle.
• Pain is severe, is getting worse or is not improving after a few days.
• You develop increasing swelling, pus, a bad taste or fever.
• You have a reaction to any prescribed medication.
• You are worried about your recovery for any reason.

If you have any questions or concerns following your treatment, please contact The Grove Dental on (02) 8817 2879. Our team is here to help.