Here's a random fact: apparently, eating cold, soft foods like yogurt or even a little ice cream can actually help with swelling and comfort after gum surgery. I thought it was just an excuse to eat dessert, but my periodontist swore by it. Also, pro tip—sleeping with your head a bit elevated made a bigger difference than I expected. Anyone else have odd tricks or foods that actually helped?
sleeping with your head a bit elevated made a bigger difference than I expected.
That’s interesting, I kept my head propped up too and honestly, I was surprised how much it helped with the throbbing. I get nervous about everything after dental work, so I’m always second guessing if I’m doing things right. Did you find it hard to sleep like that? I kept worrying I’d end up rolling flat in the middle of the night and make things worse.
As for food, I stuck with applesauce and mashed potatoes for days because I was terrified of biting down wrong. Cold things did help, but I was too anxious to try ice cream—kept thinking the sugar would mess up the stitches. Maybe that’s just me being overly cautious? Still, hearing your periodontist recommended it makes me feel a bit better about maybe trying it next time.
Did you have any trouble with bleeding or was it mostly just swelling? That part always makes me nervous... seems like everyone has a different experience.
I get what you mean about being anxious—after my first gum surgery, I was paranoid about doing everything “right” too. But honestly, I never found elevating my head made much difference for me. I’d always end up sliding down anyway, pillow or no pillow, and still had swelling. Maybe it’s just personal preference?
On food, I was the opposite—my periodontist actually told me a little ice cream was fine, just rinse after. I worried about sugar too, but didn’t notice any issues. Bleeding was minimal for me, mostly just that annoying oozing the first night, but swelling stuck around. Sometimes I wonder if we overthink it all...
I totally get the paranoia—after my gum graft, I was basically sleeping upright like a vampire because I read it would help. Didn’t notice a huge difference either, and honestly, I woke up with my head sideways anyway. The ice cream thing made me laugh though... I was so strict about sugar, but maybe I should’ve just relaxed a little. Guess we all have our quirks after surgery.
I can relate to the awkward sleep positions—after my procedure, I tried stacking pillows and still woke up with a crick in my neck. Not sure it made much difference for swelling, but at least I felt like I was doing something proactive. As for food, I was super cautious too, but honestly, mashed potatoes (cooled down) were a lifesaver for me. They’re bland enough not to irritate anything but still feel filling.
I get the sugar worry with ice cream, but my surgeon said a little bit is fine if you rinse your mouth after. I was more anxious about infection than anything else, so I stuck to saltwater rinses religiously. The weirdest thing that helped reduce discomfort was holding a cold pack on my cheek while watching TV—it sounds obvious, but it’s easy to forget when you’re just trying to get through the day.
It’s funny how everyone ends up finding their own random comfort tricks. Those little things make recovery a bit less miserable.
