Experiencing oral discomfort on the left side can make it difficult to eat, drink, sleep or even talk. Oral discomfort can be caused by a variety of factors including tooth decay, gum disease, infection, mouth ulcers, and wisdom teeth.

Coping with oral discomfort can be challenging, but there are several things you can do to alleviate the pain and discomfort. This article gives you some top tips for coping with oral discomfort on the left side.

Top Tips for Coping with Oral Discomfort on the Left Side

1. Rinse Your Mouth With Warm Salt Water

An effective way to alleviate oral discomfort is by rinsing your mouth with warm salt water. Saltwater rinse can help reduce inflammation, promote healing, and kill harmful bacteria in your mouth.

To make a saltwater rinse, dissolve a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and swish it around your mouth for about 30 seconds before spitting it out.

2. Apply Ice to the Affected Area

If you are experiencing swelling or pain, applying ice to the affected area can help reduce inflammation and numb the pain. Wrap ice in a cloth and place it on the affected area for about 10-15 minutes at a time.

3. Take Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers

You can take over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen to alleviate oral discomfort. However, you should always follow the instructions on the label or consult your dentist or doctor before taking any medication.

4. Practice Good Oral Hygiene

Practicing good oral hygiene can help prevent oral discomfort caused by tooth decay or gum disease. Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss at least once a day, and visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.

5. Avoid Eating Hard or Spicy Foods

If you are experiencing oral discomfort, it is best to avoid eating hard or spicy foods that can irritate the affected area. Instead, opt for soft foods that are easy to chew and swallow such as soup, yogurt, and smoothies.

6. Use Oral Pain Relief Gels

You can also use over-the-counter oral pain relief gels to numb the affected area and reduce pain. These gels contain ingredients such as benzocaine and lidocaine that help numb the pain.

7. Drink Plenty of Water

Drinking plenty of water can help keep your mouth moisturized and reduce oral discomfort caused by dry mouth. Dry mouth can cause irritation, inflammation, and infection in the mouth.

8. Try Acupressure

Acupressure is a natural therapy that involves applying pressure to specific points on the body to alleviate pain and discomfort.

If you are experiencing oral discomfort on the left side, you can try applying pressure to the LI4 acupressure point located on the webbing between your thumb and index finger.

9. Use Warm Compresses

If you are experiencing oral discomfort due to sinus pain, you can use warm compresses to alleviate the pain. Apply a warm, damp cloth to your face for about 10-15 minutes at a time to reduce sinus pain and pressure.

10. Seek Professional Help

If you are experiencing severe or persistent oral discomfort, it is best to seek professional help from your dentist or doctor. They can identify the cause of your oral discomfort and suggest the most appropriate treatment to alleviate the pain.

Conclusion

Coping with oral discomfort on the left side can be difficult, but there are several things you can do to alleviate the pain and discomfort.

Rinsing your mouth with warm salt water, applying ice, taking over-the-counter pain relievers, practicing good oral hygiene, avoiding hard or spicy foods, using oral pain relief gels, drinking plenty of water, trying acupressure, using warm compresses, and seeking professional help are some top tips that can help alleviate oral discomfort and improve your quality of life.