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how many days after scaling do gum swelling go down

Mild gum swelling after scaling usually improves within 2 to 7 days.
Typical timeline:
  • First 24 to 48 hours: tenderness and puffiness are common
  • By day 3 to 5: noticeable improvement
  • By 1 week: most swelling should be gone
If swelling is worsening, lasts more than 7 to 10 days, or you have severe pain, pus, fever, or bad taste, contact your dentist, since that can suggest infection or another issue.
To help it settle:
  • Warm salt-water rinses 2 to 3 times/day
  • Gentle brushing with a soft brush
  • Avoid very hot, spicy, hard foods for a couple of days
  • Avoid smoking and alcohol temporarily

how to use chlorhexidine mouthwash with metronidazole gel for gum

Reading Document
Use them at different times so each works properly.
Typical sequence (for gum infection/gingivitis):
  1. Brush teeth gently first.
  2. Chlorhexidine mouthwash (usually 0.12% or 0.2%): rinse 10 to 15 ml for 30 to 60 seconds, then spit out.
  3. Wait at least 30 minutes (some dentists advise up to 1 hour) before anything else by mouth.
  4. Apply metronidazole gel as a thin layer to the affected gums (clean finger/cotton bud), usually 2 times daily after brushing.
  5. After gel application, do not eat/drink/rinse for 30 minutes.
Important tips
  • Do not use chlorhexidine immediately after toothpaste; wait about 30 minutes after brushing first (toothpaste can reduce chlorhexidine effect).
  • Don’t swallow either product.
  • Usually used for 7 to 14 days unless your dentist prescribed a different duration.
  • Avoid alcohol while using metronidazole gel if your dentist/pharmacist advised so.
Common side effects
  • Chlorhexidine: temporary tooth/tongue staining, taste change.
  • Metronidazole gel: mild local irritation or metallic taste.
If you share your exact product strengths and your dentist’s instructions, I can give you a precise day-by-day schedule.
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