If you've had gum surgery - please come here

[Pat58]

By the way, since we're gathering advice on this procedure, I came up with a good way to brush the teeth.

First of all - consult perio's directions on this, query the staff as often as needed, and be careful! I was told to rinse only the first day and day after. Then, to begin carefully brushing only teeth on the non-affected sides. After four days I could begin to carefully floss. (Opening the mouth and flossing moves the cheek muscles around and can tug on the graft.)

Gross, I know, and I believe that was partially responsible for the pocket infection.

Now when you can start brushing - that toothpaste is going to foam up in the mouth and burn like hell. Before the procedure get a very mild toothpaste like Tom's (wish I'd thought of that before brushing with Colgate Complete Whitening ). Start by removing the mouth guard and gently rinsing with Listerine cut with warm water. Now put the guard back in and brush the lowers that you are allowed to. This will tone down the toothpaste sting. Remove the guard and brush the uppers, being careful not to hit the host site. Finally, brush the mouthguard, rinse everything well, and gently floss.

Of course, this won't help if the graft is on the top.

[DI431]

Yes, I had it years ago. It was tough for the first week because I had stiches, so it was really hard to eat. Also, I wish I would have taked time off from work since my mouth was sore and it was hard talk, eat etc. Once the stitches were out about a week later, I was much better.