I've seen a few tips around, some of which I knew and some that were helpful and others I haven't tried yet. So I thought I'd share a few that I've discovered, by accident, along the way. You may have already discovered them yourself.
Salt water rinse:
1/2 cup of warm (slightly warmer than mouth temperature) water and 1/3 teaspoon of salt (or whatever works for you). I've found that when my teeth and gums are really bad (especially after eating and when I can't brush my teeth properly) I just hold some of the water in my mouth and lightly swirl it with my tongue (I don't gargle it) and then basically bend over and let it fall out of my mouth, rather than spit it out - as that usually causes me pain. Then repeat until it's all gone and repeat the whole procedure whenever necessary. On a really bad day I might do it once an hour. It not only soothes the teeth and gums a little but seems to make them a little less sensitive.
Straight or reclined but not bent or flat:
I have no idea why but bending over always makes my pain worse. As does laying almost flat - I've only been able to sleep in my bed for a few days during the past 2 months! For me, more pillows isn't the answer as I have rheumatoid arthritis in my neck (and everywhere else) so I only have one skinny pillow. Fortunately I have a very good recliner that reclines enough to let me sleep but doesn't go flat enough to cause me pain when I wake.
And I know it's difficult to do but as much as possible I keep my head and neck straight, eg I've raised my tv so it is at eye level when I sit. It's very difficult to do while eating, but since eating is such a problem anyway and I'm reduced to porridge, eggs, 2 minute noodles etc it's a bit easier to manage. Speaking of which, anyone have any good recipes for TN - preferably ones that don't involve using your teeth at all ;)
When a hot/cold pack can't be used:
It's pretty rare that I get to use a warm pack, I usually can't bear anything touching my face. What I've found which is just as good, is to wrap my head and face loosely in a very light-weight (very loosely knitted) woolen scarf a couple of times. It covers the side of my face that is causing problems plus my mouth - but not my nose. Then when I need a little extra heat/soothing I place my hand over my mouth (so just my thumb is touching the good side of my face) breathe in through my nose and out through my mouth. My breath is dispersed along my hand and into the scarf - you'd be surprised how much it helps. Plus it helps keep those fans and air conditioner breezes from reaching your face.
If your out and about or with people you can try it with just your hand or by adding a hanky or tissue to your hand. Believe me I've had some strange looks from people when I'm at the doctors or shopping and I'm wearing a woolen scarf in 30+C heat (100F). ;)
As an aside, supermarkets, doctor's offices and hospitals all tend to be on the cold side, and they always set me off. The worst places are where they are performing medical procedures or sugeries. So, I always insist on wearing a wooly hat to get cat scans, x-rays etc. Last week they were kind enough to strap me into the cat scan with my hat then put my scarf over my face - it doesn't affect the pictures in anyway. Mind you it probably helped that I told them if they didn't do it would probably start my face tics ;). I'd like to know if the same can be said with an MRI, I'll ask when I finally get around to having one.
I'll add more as I think of them, some of these things I've been doing for ages so I don't stop to think about them any more, it's just second nature. Hopefully someone may find some useful.
Anyone else have any weird and wonderful tips?