My kiddo actually had a bit more soreness when we tried firmer foods—she said it felt kind of “strange” chewing on that side, almost like the gum was bruised. No real swelling after the first week, thankfully. She did mention cold stuff felt sharper for a couple days, but that faded pretty quick. Every kid’s different, but once we stuck to softer foods a bit longer, things got easier.
she said it felt kind of “strange” chewing on that side, almost like the gum was bruised.
Did she try chewing on the opposite side at all, or was it just too uncomfortable? I usually suggest switching sides if possible, but I know some kids get fixated on the sore spot. Also, did you notice if she was rinsing with salt water or anything? Sometimes that helps with the “sharp” feeling from cold stuff. I’m just curious—sometimes I see kids bounce back faster if they get back to gentle chewing a bit sooner, but maybe that’s not always the case.
I usually suggest switching sides if possible, but I know some kids get fixated on the sore spot.
That’s so true—my daughter was exactly like that after her extraction. Even when we suggested chewing on the other side, she just kept poking at the sore area with her tongue and didn’t want to eat much. Salt water rinses seemed to help a bit, but honestly, it just took a couple days before she felt “normal” again. It’s tough seeing them uncomfortable, but it does pass pretty quickly in most cases.
I totally get the fixation thing—after I got my premolar pulled for braces, I couldn’t stop checking the spot with my tongue, even though it hurt. Tried to eat on the other side but somehow everything ended up near the sore bit anyway. Took me maybe three days before I risked anything crunchy again... nerves, mostly.
I totally relate—mine was a molar, and I was so paranoid about messing up the socket. Did you worry about dry socket too? I stuck with soup and mashed potatoes for almost a week just to be safe, partly because I didn’t want to risk needing another appointment (and another bill). Did you have any swelling? That part surprised me more than the pain.
