After Frenectomy

• Use gauze pads provided over the site, and change as instructed to stop the minor bleeding, until the gauze is light pink in color.
• Something cold like popcicles or ice chips should be placed directly on the area to minimize swelling.  This is most effective when done during the first 24-48 hours.
• After 48 hours, hot saline soaks should to be started.  This is done by taking 12 oz of hot water (as hot as possible without burning the inside of the mouth) and mixing it with 1/4 teaspoon of salt.  Hold this solution in the surgical site, without swishing, until the water cools.  This should take at least 10 minutes to perform and should be done 4-5 times per day.
• The day of the procedure it is best to eat cold, soft foods.  Examples include ice cream, jello, yogurt and applesauce.
• Hot or cold softer foods can be eaten after the first day.  Examples include mashed potatoes, pasta, soups and scrambled eggs.
• Do not have any hard, sharp and crunchy foods for up to 4-6 weeks.  This includes tortilla chips, popcorn, tacos with hard shells and nuts.
• Tongue exercises should be started as soon as possible (may even be the day of the procedure) as directed by your speech pathologist or myofunctional therapist.