After your gingivectomy, it is important to eat only soft foods and to drink only cool or slightly warm liquids while the putty is in place and your gums are healing. It is vital to keep the mouth clean after the procedure, especially if you have gum disease. While it is important not to brush in the area where the procedure was performed for a short time following your gingivectomy, it may be possible to brush and floss the rest of the mouth. After a few weeks, the gums will be completely healed and it will be possible to resume brushing and flossing when recommended to do so by your doctor, though this should be done gently at first.