Immediately After Treatment
- Avoid touching, poking, or rubbing the treated areas with your fingers, tongue, or any objects.
- Do not eat hard, crunchy, or sticky foods for at least one week — these can disturb the antibiotic microspheres placed in your gum pockets.
- Avoid interproximal cleaning (flossing, toothpicks, or water flossers) in the treated areas for 10 days unless otherwise directed by your provider.
- Some mild sensitivity or soreness in the treated gum tissue is normal and should improve within a few days.
Oral Hygiene During Recovery
- Continue brushing gently twice a day, taking care around the treated areas.
- Resume your full oral hygiene routine — including flossing — after 10 days, or as directed by your dental provider.
- Use any prescription mouth rinse provided exactly as directed.
Supporting Your Gum Health
- Arestin works best as part of a comprehensive periodontal care plan — be sure to attend all scheduled follow-up appointments.
- Avoid smoking or tobacco use, which significantly impairs gum healing and antibiotic effectiveness.
- Maintain a balanced diet and stay well-hydrated to support your immune system and gum tissue recovery.
- Ask our team about a personalized maintenance schedule to help keep gum disease from progressing.
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When to Call Our Office
- Swelling, significant pain, or signs of infection (fever, pus, or a bad taste that persists).
- Signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, itching, or difficulty breathing — seek emergency care immediately.
- Any unexpected changes in the treated gum tissue.
Healthy gums are the foundation of a healthy smile. Call Bethesda Center for Family and Cosmetic Dentistry with any questions about your Arestin treatment or to schedule your follow-up visit.
