Saltwater rinses are honestly one of the best things you can do—cheap or not, you're doing exactly what I'd recommend to my own patients. Popsicles are a great call too, since the cold helps with swelling and pain. If you're looking for another budget-friendly tip, try keeping your head elevated when you sleep; it can help reduce swelling overnight. Also, sticking to softer foods for a few days can make eating less uncomfortable. Sounds like you're already on the right track though...hang in there, it'll get better soon.
Definitely agree with the saltwater rinse suggestion—it's a classic for good reason. I had a biopsy done a couple years ago, and honestly, saltwater was my best friend. It's simple, cheap, and pretty effective at keeping things clean and helping healing along.
One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet is staying hydrated. Seems obvious, but it's easy to overlook when your mouth hurts and drinking feels uncomfortable. Keeping hydrated will help your mouth heal faster and prevent dryness that can make things even more sore. Warm herbal teas (nothing too hot though!) or just room-temp water can really help make drinking less painful.
Also, kinda surprised no one's brought up avoiding spicy or acidic foods yet. Trust me—no matter how much you love salsa or orange juice, give it a rest for at least a few days. I learned that the hard way...ouch.
Another thing worth mentioning: try not to poke around or touch the biopsy site with your tongue too much. Easier said than done, I know—but messing with it delays healing and increases discomfort.
And honestly, don't underestimate rest. Your body heals faster when you're rested, so take it easy if you can manage it. Netflix marathon anyone?
Great tips here, especially the hydration reminder. When I had mine done, I was on a tight budget and didn't want to spend extra money on special mouthwashes or gels. Saltwater rinses were my go-to as well—cheap and effective, can't beat that combo.
One thing I'd add is to be careful brushing your teeth near the biopsy spot. I accidentally brushed too close once... let's just say it wasn't fun. Switching to a softer toothbrush or even gently brushing around the area for a few days can really help.
Also, yogurt and smoothies were lifesavers for me. They're gentle on your mouth, nutritious, and easy to eat when chewing feels like a chore. Just avoid anything with seeds or crunchy bits (learned that one the hard way too).
And yeah, Netflix marathons are definitely healing therapy. Resting really does speed things up, so no guilt about binge-watching your favorite shows. Hope you feel better soon!
Totally agree about the softer toothbrush—wish I'd thought of that sooner. I ended up using one of those silicone finger brushes (the kind meant for babies, lol) and it was surprisingly gentle and effective. Also, lukewarm soups were my best friend. Nothing too hot or spicy, just mild stuff like creamy potato or butternut squash... comforting and easy to manage when your mouth feels tender. Hope you're healing up quickly!
"lukewarm soups were my best friend. Nothing too hot or spicy, just mild stuff like creamy potato or butternut squash..."
That's a great suggestion—mild soups can indeed be soothing and gentle during recovery. I'd also recommend being cautious with acidic foods or drinks, even if they're lukewarm, as they can irritate sensitive tissues. Did anyone find certain beverages particularly helpful or problematic during their healing process? I'm always a bit anxious about recommending teas or herbal drinks since reactions can vary quite a bit...
