After eating a meal, a thin coating made up of food particles stays on the teeth. This is what we call dentobacterial plaque, and if this plaque is not removed—whether because of a lack of brushing or merely bad brushing technique—it hardens and becomes what dentists call calculus or tartar. Tartar is full of toxins and bacteria, and the only way to remove it is through a cleaning that is performed by a dentist or periodontist. If this tartar is not removed, the space between gum and tooth starts to grow, leading to inflamation, bleeding, loosening of teeth, pain, and in the last instance, the loss of teeth.

- Bleeding: the most common and the most important symptom is bleeding. Bleeding in the gums is never normal—it doesn’t matter if it is a tiny and seemingly insignificant drop of blood: if there is bleeding, you likely have periodontal disease.

- Red, swollen, and bland gums.

- Receding gums (longer teeth).

- Loose teeth, loss or separation of teeth without any prior reason.

- Pus in the are between teeth and gums

- Badly adjusted prostheses

- Pain in the gums

1.-Apply ice to the outside of the operated area for five minutes, remove it for five more minutes and continue alternating. Drink chilled liquid food. Follow these instructions for the first 48 hours. 

2.-On the third day, apply warm moist compresses to the swollen area, for 20 minutes every hour, until the swelling disappears completely.

3.-If a gauze was applied, remove it after 15 minutes. If bleeding occurs, place a new gauze in the same position as the first one was placed at the end of surgery and apply pressure for 30 minutes. If the bleeding persists, keep applying pressure to the gauze until the bleeding stops. If this does not control the hemorrhage, call a doctor immediately.

4. To avoid night bleeding, you should sleep in a semi-upright position for the first 48 hours after surgery, using cushions or pillows to keep yourself upright.

5.-During the first days post-operation, bruises may appear in the operated area or nearby areas, which is completely normal. They will begin to disappear in approximately 7 days.

 6.-To rinse your mouth, use tap water and move your head from side to side, do not gargle or use mouthwash (unless indicated by the doctor). Do not spit the water out—just let the water spill out effortlessly from your mouth.

7.-Eat soft foods for one week, such as chicken and fish. Do not eat fatty, spicy or irritating food. When drinking, do not use a straw. After this period, return to your normal diet. 

8.-Brush the oral cavity regularly and do it gently in the area of the operation.

9.-Try to rest. Avoid exposure to the sun, and more generally, avoid hot places. For one week, do not cook or iron, and avoid strenuous exercise.

10.-Avoid smoking during the entire healing process, (from 10 days to 3 months approximately.) Do not drink alcoholic beverages for the 7 days following the procedure.

11.-Do not talk too much—say what you need to in order to communicate your needs; otherwise, you may experience swelling. Following the surgery, the mouth’s ability to open will be limited. This is normal. Don’t try to open it too wide; as the days pass your mouth will return to normal.

12.-Do not forget to take your medications on time. This will prevent pain, infection and swelling.

13. Attend appointments to remove stitches and check-ups.