Did anyone have issues with gels making the inside of your mouth feel weird or tingly for hours? Always worried it might mess with healing.
We tried one of those numbing gels after my daughter’s biopsy, mostly out of desperation when the ice wasn’t cutting it. It definitely left her tongue and cheek feeling pretty odd—sort of thick and tingly, but the sensation wore off after maybe an hour. I checked with the oral surgeon first, and they said as long as we didn’t overdo it, healing wouldn’t be affected. Still, I was cautious and only used it once or twice. Tylenol and cold packs ended up being our go-to most days.
Yeah, those numbing gels can feel super strange—almost like your mouth’s asleep but you’re still painfully aware of it. I’ve noticed that tingling lasts longer for some people, but I haven’t seen it mess with healing unless someone’s using way too much. Did you find Tylenol helped enough with the pain, or was it mostly just for peace of mind? I always wonder if the gels are worth the weirdness, honestly.
Tylenol did the trick for my kid, but I think part of it was just having something “official” to take—like a little bit of control over the whole situation. The numbing gel… honestly, mixed feelings. It definitely made her mouth feel bizarre, and she kept poking at her cheek like it’d fallen asleep. We tried to use just a tiny dab, because I’d read too much can actually slow down healing (and she’s the type to go overboard with anything if she thinks it’ll help).
What worked best for us was a combo: Tylenol right after the procedure, then only using the gel if she really needed it, especially before eating. She said the weird numbness was almost as distracting as the pain itself. I guess for some kids—or adults—it might be worth skipping the gel unless things are really uncomfortable.
One thing that helped more than either was keeping her busy with a movie and some cold applesauce... less focus on her mouth, more on what she liked. Sometimes distraction is half the battle!
I actually found the numbing gel a lifesaver during my own biopsy… but I get what you mean about that weird numbness. For me, it was less about the pain and more about not wanting to feel every little twinge when I tried to eat or talk. I did notice if I used too much, it lingered and made things taste off, so I had to dial it back. I guess everyone reacts differently, but I’d still rather have the numb than the sting, personally. Cold applesauce is a genius move, though—wish I’d thought of that.
I did notice if I used too much, it lingered and made things taste off, so I had to dial it back.
That’s pretty common—some gels really do mess with your taste buds if you overdo it. I’ve seen people get frustrated by that weird metallic flavor. Have you ever tried using a straw for liquids after numbing? It can help keep things from sloshing around and hitting the sore spot. Cold applesauce is a solid tip, though. Did you find anything else that worked for eating without discomfort?
