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Non-Surgical Periodontal (Gum) Therapy: Recovery & At-Home Care

Now that your gum therapy is complete, here’s what to expect over the next few days and how to take care of your gums as they heal.

In this article:

By Tend

Posted Mar 30th, 2026 in Periodontics & Gum Health, Post-Care Instructions

Recovery after non-surgical gum therapy

Congrats on wrapping up your non-surgical periodontal treatment! This is an important step toward restoring your gum health and preserving your smile.

You may feel a bit of discomfort for the next couple of days as your mouth heals. Gentle rinsing with an alcohol-free mouthwash can help. So can an over-the-counter pain reliever. If that doesn't do it for you, or if you're still uncomfortable after 48 hours, just get in touch.

If you smoke or vape weed or tobacco products, you should abstain for at least 48 hours.

Some bleeding is completely normal. To treat bleeding, bite firmly into two or three pieces of gauze and hold your teeth together for about 20 minutes. Afterward, discard the gauze. If the bleeding persists, repeat the process. If the bleeding still persists, place a tea bag between the surgical area and the gauze, and repeat. Still bleeding after a few hours? Let us know.

Questions?

Reach out any time via email or by calling (212) 686-3686.