A frenectomy involves removing or releasing a frenum — the small fold of tissue that connects the lip to the gum, or the tongue to the floor of the mouth. It is a relatively minor surgical procedure, but it is still important to follow aftercare instructions closely.
Soreness: The area will feel tender for 3–5 days. This is normal and manageable with painkillers.
Swelling: Mild swelling around the site is expected for a few days.
White or yellow appearance of the wound: As the wound heals, it will develop a white or yellowish coating — this is normal healing tissue (fibrin), not infection. Do not try to remove it.
Stitches: If stitches were placed, they are usually dissolvable and will disappear within 1–2 weeks. You may have a follow-up appointment booked to check healing.
Laser procedures: If a laser was used, there is typically less bleeding and swelling than with conventional surgery, but the aftercare principles are the same.
Managing Pain
Pain after a frenectomy is usually mild to moderate and responds well to over-the-counter painkillers.
Adults: Ibuprofen 400mg (three times daily with food, if suitable for you) and/or paracetamol 1g (up to four times daily).
Children: Use age-appropriate children's ibuprofen or paracetamol as directed on the packaging. Follow dosing instructions carefully based on your child's weight and age.
Start pain relief before the local anaesthetic wears off, rather than waiting for discomfort to build.
A cold compress or ice pack (wrapped in a cloth) held against the outside of the lip or face for 10 minutes at a time can help reduce swelling and discomfort.
Oral Hygiene After Frenectomy
Keeping the area clean is essential for healing and preventing infection.
Continue brushing your other teeth normally — just be gentle around the surgical site.
After 24 hours, gently rinse with warm salty water after meals (half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water). Do this for 7 days.
Do not scrub or rub the wound area directly with a toothbrush for the first 5–7 days.
Avoid mouthwash containing alcohol during the healing period — it can irritate the wound.
Eating and Drinking
Eating comfortably may be tricky for a few days, especially after tongue tie release.
Eat soft, bland foods for the first 3–5 days: yoghurt, soup, mashed potato, scrambled eggs, soft fruit, ice cream (a good excuse!).
Avoid hot foods and drinks for the first 24 hours.
Avoid hard, sharp, or crunchy foods (crisps, crusty bread, raw vegetables) that could catch or irritate the wound.
Avoid spicy or acidic foods that may sting the healing tissue.
Stay well hydrated — drink plenty of cool water.
Stretching Exercises (If Advised)
For some patients — particularly after tongue tie release in infants and children, or adults having treatment to address speech or feeding issues — your clinician may recommend stretching exercises to prevent the frenum from reattaching as it heals.
Only perform these exercises if you have been specifically shown and advised to do so by your dentist, oral surgeon, or speech therapist.
Gentle, consistent stretching is more effective than forceful movement.
If exercises are causing significant distress in infants, discuss this with your clinician before continuing.
The frequency and duration of exercises will be tailored to your specific situation.
When to Contact Your Dentist
Contact your dental practice if:
Bleeding does not stop after 20 minutes of applying firm pressure with a clean damp cloth
Swelling is getting significantly worse after day 3
You develop a temperature above 38°C
There are signs of infection: increasing pain after day 3, pus or unusual discharge, an unpleasant smell
Stitches come out very early (within the first couple of days) — the wound may need review
For children: trust your parental instinct — if your child seems very unwell or you are worried, call NHS 111 for advice. Do not hesitate to seek help.
Call 999 or go to A&E if there is difficulty breathing or swallowing.
This leaflet is for general information only and does not replace professional dental advice. Your dentist will discuss your individual circumstances and any risks specific to you. Treatment outcomes vary between patients depending on individual circumstances.
When to Seek Urgent Help
Contact your dentist if bleeding does not stop with 20 minutes of firm pressure, if swelling is rapidly worsening, or if you have a temperature above 38°C. For children: contact your dentist or call NHS 111 promptly if your child seems very unwell, has difficulty breathing, or heavy bleeding will not stop.
References
Aligned with guidance from: SDCEP, FGDP(UK), NICE.