If you have a gum graft, your dentist will tell you how to care for your gums. This may include using a special mouthrinse or changing what you eat. A bandage or dressing may be placed over the graft to help it heal.

Since gum graft are a kind of surgery, the area may be tender or sore, or it may swell. Most patient can resume their normal routines the next day. However, you may need to avoid chewing where the surgery was done for some time, up to a week or two.

The success of the gum graft depends on several things. To help your gum heal after surgery:

• Avoid smoking or using any kind of tobacco.
• Do not drink alcohol.
• Follow any other instructions from the dental team.

There are other things that can slow down healing. These include cleching or grinding your teeth, diet or nutrition problems, and some medicines or health issues. Be sure to tell your dentist if any of these things apply to you

After your gums have healed from surgery, keep your teeth and gums healthy by brushing gently twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste. Also, be sure to clean between teeth daily with floss or another between-the-teeth cleaner.

Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease. Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is an infection of the tissues that surround your teeth, and is caused by a buildup of plaque. In its early stages, symptoms may include:

Gums that bleed easily
Red, swollen, tender gums
Bad breath

Some factors that can put you at higher risk of developing gingivitis include:

• Poor dental care
• Smoking or chewing tobacco
• Genetics
• Crooked teeth that are hard to keep clean
• Pregnancy
• Diabetes
• Medications, including steroids, certain types of anti-epilepsy drugs, cancer therapy drugs, some calcium channel blockers and oral contraceptives

This might sound scary, but at this stage the disease is still reversible. Eliminating the infection can be as easy as trip to the dentist office for a professional cleaning, as well as daily brushing and flossing.

Because gum disease is usually painless, you may not know you have it. This is why it’s important to schedule regular dental checkups in addition to maintain a good dental routine of brushing and flossing.

Ref: https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/g/gingivitis

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