Interesting, I’ve always found heat way more soothing, but I think it’s because cold just makes my teeth ache even more. Maybe it’s an age thing—my nerves can’t handle the cold anymore. I did try alternating once, but honestly, the cold just made my jaw tense up. Tea’s been my go-to, especially chamomile. Maybe it really does come down to how your mouth reacts. Bodies are weird.
Heat always wins out for me too, especially after a tightening. I’ve seen folks swear by ice packs, but honestly, cold just makes my jaw lock up. Chamomile tea is a classic—funny how something so simple can make a difference. Everyone’s mouth really does have its own quirks.
Totally get what you mean about heat being the winner. After each tightening, I tried the whole ice pack thing too because everyone kept saying it’s supposed to help, but honestly, it just made my teeth ache even more. I’m all about saving a few bucks, so I started using a microwaved rice sock—super cheap and works wonders for that achy feeling. Chamomile tea is a classic for me as well. Sometimes I’ll just hold the mug against my cheek for a bit before drinking it.
It’s wild how what works for one person is a total flop for someone else. I think the weirdest thing I learned is that even the time of day I get my braces tightened makes a difference—if it’s early, I feel it all day, but if it’s late, I can usually sleep through the worst of it. Anyway, you’re not alone in having a picky mouth. It’s honestly kind of comforting knowing we’re all figuring out our own hacks as we go.
It’s funny you mention the time of day thing—I always thought I was imagining that. If I get my braces tightened in the afternoon, it’s like my mouth is just annoyed for a few hours and then I’m asleep before it really kicks in. Early appointments, though? That’s a full day of regret. Also, I’m with you on the ice packs... never did much for me either—heat is where it’s at. My go-to was an old sock filled with oats, but rice works just as well. It’s wild how we all end up with these little rituals just to get through it.
That’s actually super relatable about the time of day—I’ve done both and honestly, afternoon tightens are just way less brutal for me too. I always figured it was in my head, but maybe there’s something to it. As for the heat vs. ice debate, I’m with you there. Those little gel packs never did much, but a microwaved rice sock? Total game changer. Plus, way cheaper than all the fancy stuff they try to sell you at the ortho’s office. It’s wild how everyone finds their own hacks to make it bearable.
