The chipmunk cheeks are no joke—my oldest had the same look after her oral surgery, and I was right there with you, checking for any sign of extra swelling. I agree, those “miracle” gels and patches seem a bit overrated, especially when they cost twice as much and half the time insurance won’t even touch them. Tylenol and ibuprofen got us through too. I’m not convinced the fancier stuff would’ve made much difference.
I’ve wondered about herbal rinses too, but honestly, I’m always a little cautious with that stuff, especially with kids. Saltwater worked fine for us—cheap, easy, and at least you know what’s in it. The waiting part is absolutely the worst...it feels like the swelling will never go down, but it always does eventually. You did exactly what most of us would do—sometimes just getting through it with the basics is all you need.
We went through the same thing with my youngest last year—those puffy cheeks made her look like she was storing snacks for winter. Honestly, I got sucked into buying one of those numbing patches everyone raves about, but it barely lasted an hour and cost way more than Tylenol. What actually helped was rotating ice packs, sticking to the basic meds, and lots of saltwater rinses. I get tempted by all the new stuff, but it’s hard to justify when the tried-and-true basics do the job...and don’t break the bank.
Totally get where you’re coming from.
I had the same issue—those patches are hyped up, but honestly, nothing beat just sticking to ice packs and ibuprofen for me. Saltwater rinses always felt old school, but they really do help with swelling. I’m all for new options, but sometimes the basics just work better (and don’t drain your wallet).I got sucked into buying one of those numbing patches everyone raves about, but it barely lasted an hour and cost way more than Tylenol.
Those patches were such a letdown for me, too. I got my hopes up thinking they’d be a game-changer, but honestly, after about 45 minutes, I was back to square one. What really helped me was alternating between ice packs and warm compresses—takes the edge off, especially at night. Saltwater rinses sting a bit at first, but I swear the swelling goes down faster. I always get nervous trying new stuff, so I end up sticking with what my dentist recommends... even if it’s boring old ibuprofen.
Honestly, I hear this a lot—those patches seem promising but just don’t cut it for most people. Alternating ice and heat is a classic move, and it really does help with the throbbing. Saltwater rinses sting, yeah, but they’re tried and true for keeping things clean and easing swelling. Ibuprofen might not be flashy, but it’s reliable. Sometimes it’s just about sticking with what works, even if it feels a bit boring. Hang in there... healing can feel slow, but you’re doing all the right things.
