After your gingivectomy, it is extremely important that you DO NOT DISTURB the area. This means no touching the area with your fingers or tongue, and no pulling down or lips or cheeks to look at it. You will also want to avoid drinking from a straw, sucking, or smoking for the first week.
For the first 24 hours, you will need to avoid brushing, flossing, and rinsing your mouth altogether.
Then you can continue your usual dental routine in the areas of your mouth not affected by the gingivectomy, but do not touch the surgical area. After 48 hours, you can use a salt water rinse to help keep your gums clean and help them heal faster. A warm salt water rinse is composed of one teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water. You will want to gently swish this mixture around inside your mouth, over your gums, then spit.