Your smile is one of the first features that people notice about you—but it isn’t just your pearly whites that they’re noticing! Your gums are also an obvious part of your grin, and unfortunately, having what’s known as a “gummy smile” can ultimately affect your smile’s beauty just as much as tooth-related problems can. That said, gum recontouring is among the various treatment options used to address this issue. Here’s what you can expect following this solution so that you can feel comfortable about committing to it.
Limited Physical Activity
Generally speaking, a patient’s recovery time following gum recontouring depends on their body’s healing factor; some people recover within a few days, while others need up to two weeks. In any case, you should limit your physical activity following gum recontouring for the first few days. The increase in blood flow caused by exercise can cause complications as your mouth heals. The more time you spend resting, the easier it is for your body to quickly recuperate.
Pain Management
For most patients, there’s very little discomfort following gum recontouring; however, pain and swelling are still possibilities. This can often be managed with over-the-counter pain medication, however, avoid aspirin-based medications as they can thin your blood and cause excessive bleeding. This discomfort usually fades within a couple of days, but if things seem to worsen, don’t hesitate to contact your dentist.
Dietary Restrictions
As your gums heal, you should avoid hard and crunchy foods, foods with sharp edges, or anything notably spicy. These items can inhibit your mouth’s ability to heal properly; instead, stick with mostly soft and cool foods, such as yogurt, soft vegetables, pasta, and ice cream. It’s also worth mentioning that foods with small bits or seeds should be avoided too, as they have parts that can become trapped underneath the gums.
Protecting Your Gum Health
It’s important to maintain a consistent oral hygiene routine following gum recontouring, but you’ll need to be extra careful when brushing and flossing around the treated area. Your dentist will give you specific instructions and show you how to do this; most dentists also recommend a soft-bristled toothbrush and applying gentle pressure. Saline rinses (salt and warm water) can also be effective.
Gum recontouring is a relatively straightforward process that can yield several benefits for a person’s smile in terms of beauty and functionality. Following the above tips is a great way to ensure the treatment is successful and your recovery doesn’t encounter any speedbumps.
About the Author
Dr. James P. Kostas received his dental doctorate from the prestigious Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and has proudly served patients and families in the Burlington, MA community for several years. His practice is thrilled to offer a wide range of services including treatments like gum recontouring. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to schedule a visit for you or a loved one, feel free to contact the practice online or over the phone for further assistance: (781) 272-0441.
