Wait to eat until the numbing wears off, this usually takes a few hours. Warm salt water rinses are soothing for the gums. The most important thing is to work on brushing and flossing habits to stay on top of the bacteria and allow the gums to heal. Brushing at least twice a day (morning and night) and flossing every night- focusing on getting all the way under the gum and hugging the corners of the teeth. If your hygienist has recommended a prescription mouth rinse for you, use that once a day for one week.