Did anyone else get nervous about using ibuprofen more than a couple days? I always worry about my stomach.
Totally get that. I actually stopped taking ibuprofen after the second day because my stomach started feeling off. Ended up switching to Tylenol, which didn’t bother me as much, but honestly, the warm salt water rinses did more for me than any meds. The numbing gels just made everything taste weird and didn’t really help. It’s weird how everyone’s body reacts so differently to this stuff.
Ibuprofen always makes me a little anxious too, especially after a couple days—my wallet and my stomach both start complaining. I try to stretch the time between doses as much as I can, but honestly, I usually end up switching to generic acetaminophen just like you. Cheaper, and it doesn’t mess with my gut as much.
Funny thing is, I spent way too much on one of those numbing gels once (the kind that promises “maximum strength” but really just made everything taste like chemicals for an hour). Total waste. Warm salt water rinses are the real MVP—costs basically nothing and actually feels soothing. I even tried making a cold compress out of a bag of frozen peas once because I didn’t want to buy those fancy gel packs. Worked fine, just don’t eat the peas afterward.
Everyone’s got their own weird little tricks, I guess. For me, as long as it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg or leave me with a stomachache, I’ll try it.
Warm salt water rinses are the real MVP—costs basically nothing and actually feels soothing.
I’ve definitely relied on salt water rinses after extractions, and they always seem to take the edge off. I hear you on the numbing gels—they never did much for me except make my tongue feel weird. One thing I’ve found helpful is propping my head up with an extra pillow at night to keep swelling down. Anyone else notice a difference with that, or is it just in my head?
I’ve tried the extra pillow thing after a tooth pull, and honestly, I’m not totally sure it made a huge difference for me. Maybe a little less throbbing? But then I get all paranoid about accidentally rolling flat in my sleep and making things worse. I always end up fussing with my pillows half the night. Guess I’m just nervous about messing up the healing. Anybody else get worried about stuff like that, or am I just overthinking it?
But then I get all paranoid about accidentally rolling flat in my sleep and making things worse.
That’s literally me right now after my first tooth pull. I keep waking up to check if I’ve moved and then can’t fall back asleep because I’m worried I’ve ruined the clot or something. I honestly think I’m overthinking it too, but it’s hard not to when you’re new to this. Has anyone tried those travel neck pillows for sleeping upright? Does that help or just feel weird?
