Gum treatment — also called root surface debridement (RSD), deep cleaning, or periodontal therapy — involves cleaning below the gumline to remove bacteria and tartar (hardened plaque) that cause gum disease. It is normal to experience some discomfort after treatment.
Sensitivity: Your teeth may feel more sensitive to cold, heat, or sweet foods for 1–4 weeks after treatment. This happens because the gums can recede slightly as they become healthier and less inflamed, exposing part of the root surface.
Tender gums: The gums may feel sore and look slightly red or swollen for a few days. This will improve.
Bleeding when brushing: A small amount of bleeding when you brush is normal for 2–3 days. Ironically, you must keep brushing — stopping makes gum disease worse.
Loose-feeling teeth: If you had significant gum disease, your teeth may feel slightly different as the swelling reduces. This usually settles.
Numbness: If a local anaesthetic was used, your mouth will be numb for 1–3 hours. Avoid hot food and drinks until full sensation returns.
Oral Hygiene — The Most Important Part of Your Recovery
The success of gum treatment depends heavily on your home care. The treatment removes the bacteria; your daily cleaning keeps them from returning.
Brush twice a day for at least two minutes each time, using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Electric toothbrushes are excellent for gum health.
Clean between your teeth every day using interdental brushes, floss, or water flossers. Your hygienist will have shown you the correct size of interdental brush for your gaps — use these consistently.
If it is sore to clean, do not stop. Gentle but thorough cleaning is far better than avoiding the area.
Your dentist or hygienist may have recommended a specific mouthwash (such as chlorhexidine). If so, use it exactly as directed — usually for a short course of up to 2 weeks, as longer use causes significant tooth staining and taste disturbance.
Do not use mouthwash as a substitute for brushing and flossing — it is an addition, not a replacement.
Diet and Lifestyle After Treatment
A few simple adjustments in the days after treatment will help your gums heal well.
Avoid very hot or very cold food and drinks for the first 24–48 hours if your teeth are sensitive.
Eat soft foods for the first day or two if your gums are tender.
Avoid sugary foods and drinks — sugar feeds the bacteria that cause gum disease.
Smoking is a major risk factor for gum disease and significantly reduces the success of treatment. If you smoke, your dentist can refer you to a stop-smoking service.
Alcohol can irritate healing gum tissue — limit it for the first 24–48 hours.
Managing Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity after gum treatment is very common and almost always temporary. Here is how to manage it:
Use a sensitive toothpaste (containing potassium nitrate or stannous fluoride) twice daily. After brushing, rub a small amount onto the sensitive areas and do not rinse off.
Avoid acidic foods and drinks (citrus fruits, fizzy drinks, vinegar-based foods) which can worsen sensitivity temporarily.
High-fluoride toothpaste, prescribed by your dentist, can help strengthen exposed root surfaces.
Sensitivity that is severe or persists beyond 4–6 weeks should be reviewed by your dentist.
Your Follow-Up Appointment
Gum treatment is not a one-off fix — it is the start of an ongoing programme to manage your gum health.
You will be invited back for a reassessment appointment — usually 6–12 weeks after treatment — so your dentist or hygienist can measure how your gums have responded.
At this appointment, any areas that have not fully responded may be re-treated.
After treatment, you will need regular supportive periodontal therapy (maintenance appointments) — typically every 3–6 months, depending on your level of risk. This is essential to prevent gum disease returning.
Your long-term gum health depends equally on your home care and your professional maintenance visits.
When to Contact Your Dentist
Get in touch with your dental practice if you notice:
Gum bleeding that does not settle after 2–3 days of careful brushing
Swelling that is getting worse rather than better
Severe pain not managed by over-the-counter painkillers
A temperature above 38°C
A bad taste or discharge from the gum area (possible sign of a gum abscess)
Any teeth that feel significantly looser than before treatment
Call NHS 111 for out-of-hours advice if you cannot reach your practice.
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 from the gums does not settle within 24 hours, you develop significant swelling or a high temperature above 38°C, or you have severe pain not managed by painkillers. Call NHS 111 outside working hours.
References
Aligned with guidance from: BSP (British Society of Periodontology), SDCEP, NICE.