Gum Graft Aftercare Guide: What to Expect & How to Heal Faster

If you’ve recently had gum graft surgery, this gum graft aftercare guide is your essential roadmap to healing faster and more comfortably. Whether you’re preparing for your first procedure or navigating your recovery, understanding how to care for your mouth post-surgery is crucial for long-term success. At Boulevard Dental Group in Woodland Hills, we’ve helped hundreds of patients across the San Fernando Valley recover from gum procedures with confidence and minimal discomfort.

What Happens After Gum Grafting?

Gum grafting is a common procedure to restore receding gum tissue, protect exposed tooth roots, and improve the health and appearance of your smile. Following surgery, patients typically experience:

• Mild discomfort or soreness

• Swelling at the graft site

• Sensitivity, especially to hot or cold foods

These symptoms usually begin to subside within 3 to 5 days, with full healing taking anywhere from 1 to 2 weeks depending on the extent of the graft and how well aftercare instructions are followed.

1. Gum Graft Aftercare Diet: Soft Foods That Support Healing

What you eat after surgery plays a major role in how quickly and smoothly you heal. For the first week:
Best foods include:

• Mashed potatoes

• Yogurt and smoothies (avoid using a straw)

• Scrambled eggs

• Applesauce

• Cold soups like gazpacho or broth-based soups at room temperature

• Cooked oatmeal or cream of wheat (cooled)

Avoid these foods:

• Crunchy chips or toast

• Spicy dishes

• Acidic fruits like oranges or tomatoes

• Hot beverages (they may irritate the graft)

• Anything that requires chewing near the graft site

Stick to small meals and chew away from the surgical area to avoid disturbing the graft.

2. Managing Pain and Swelling During Gum Graft Aftercare

Keeping your mouth clean is essential during recovery, but it must be done with care:

• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or post-surgical brush for non-treated areas.

• Avoid brushing or flossing near the graft until your dentist gives the green light.

• Rinse gently with a non-alcoholic antimicrobial mouthwash if prescribed, or use a warm saltwater rinse to help keep the area clean and reduce inflammation.

Never rinse forcefully, as this can loosen the graft or sutures.

3. Oral Hygiene Tips from Your Gum Graft Aftercare Guide

Post-operative pain and swelling are normal, especially in the first 48 hours. Here’s how to manage them:

• Take prescribed pain medications or over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen as directed.

• Apply an ice pack to the outside of your cheek—20 minutes on, 20 minutes off.

• Keep your head elevated when sleeping to reduce facial swelling.

By the third day, discomfort should begin to decrease significantly.

4. Avoid Habits That Could Disrupt Healing

To promote proper healing and prevent complications:

• Don’t smoke or vape—both delay healing and increase the risk of infection.

• Avoid alcohol, which can irritate tissue and interact with pain medication.

• Never use a straw—suction pressure can dislodge the graft and set back healing.

These habits are best avoided for at least 10–14 days after surgery.

5. Rest and Hydration: Key to Gum Graft Healing

Give your body the downtime it needs to heal:

• Get at least 7–9 hours of sleep each night

• Take it easy—avoid strenuous activity or exercise for 3–5 days

• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and support cell repair

6. Don’t Skip Follow-Up Appointments

Your dentist will need to monitor the graft to ensure proper integration and healing. Sutures may need to be removed or checked, and we’ll look for signs of infection or delayed healing.

At Boulevard Dental Group, our team will walk you through every step of the healing process to ensure your results last.

When to Call the Dentist

While mild discomfort is normal, you should contact us right away if you experience:

• Excessive bleeding beyond the first 24 hours

• Pus or signs of infection

• Loose graft tissue

• Persistent or worsening pain after 3–4 days

• Fever or chills

It’s always better to be cautious and let your provider know if something feels off.

Helpful Resources for a Smooth Recovery

Want to explore more recovery insights? Check out our related articles:

• Gum Grafting Aftercare: What to Expect for a Smooth Recovery

• Reconstructive Dentistry for Full Mouth Restorations

• TMJ Treatment: How to Get a Proper Diagnosis

• American Academy of Periodontology – Gum Grafting Post-Op Care

Your Gum Health Partners in Woodland Hills

At Boulevard Dental Group, we specialize in periodontics and restorative dentistry that helps our patients maintain long-lasting oral health. If you’re recovering from a gum graft—or are considering one—our friendly team is ready to support you every step of the way.

Call now or book online to schedule your consultation or post-surgery check-in.