By day four, you’ll notice the sharp, angry pain has mellowed into a dull, annoying ache. Swelling starts to go down, and you might even feel brave enough to eat some mashed potatoes without crying. You’re still not ready to chew a steak, but you’re no longer cursing the universe every time you swallow.
This phase is tricky because you think you’re healed. Spoiler alert: you’re not. Pushing yourself too hard—like laughing at a friend’s joke or bending over to pick up a sock—can cause a flare-up. Be kind to your mouth; it’s been through a lot.
