Totally get what you're saying about the ice packs... felt like my gums were turning into popsicles, haha. Warm saltwater rinses are underrated for sure—gentle, soothing, and weirdly satisfying. Smoothies saved my sanity too, but yeah, brain freeze plus sensitive gums is a combo nobody asked for. Glad you found something that works better for you though, healing vibes your way!
Ice packs definitely help, but I found alternating between cold and warm compresses worked wonders for me. The warmth seemed to ease the stiffness and discomfort after the initial swelling went down. Might be worth a try if you're still feeling sore... speedy recovery!
"The warmth seemed to ease the stiffness and discomfort after the initial swelling went down."
Hmm, I dunno... my dentist specifically warned me against using heat too soon. Said it could actually make swelling worse? Ice packs were my lifesaver, but I'd double-check before switching to warm compresses. Better safe than sorry, right?
Yeah, I heard something similar from my dentist too. Ice packs were definitely my go-to at first, but after a couple days, warmth did help ease some of that tightness and stiffness. Maybe it's about timing? Like, heat too soon could increase swelling, but once the initial inflammation settles down, warmth can help relax the muscles and improve circulation. Everyone heals differently though... always good to check with your dentist if you're unsure.
Interesting point about timing—makes sense. Did you notice any difference in swelling or stiffness depending on how long you applied heat each time? I've found shorter sessions (like 10-15 mins) worked better for me than longer ones, which sometimes made things feel worse. Wonder if that's just me or if others had similar experiences...
