Even mashed potatoes gave me trust issues for a while...
That’s honestly relatable. I’ve been super cautious about everything I eat since my cracked molar—just the thought of something soft hiding a hard bit makes me nervous. I hadn’t considered gum, mostly because I’m worried about it pulling on the tooth or making things worse. Did you notice any extra sensitivity after using it? Also, did your dentist have any thoughts about using gum as a temporary fix? I’m always anxious about making things worse before my appointment, especially since I’m trying to avoid extra costs.
Yeah, I totally get where you’re coming from. After I chipped a tooth last year, I was paranoid about even soft foods—felt like anything could be hiding a tiny rock or something. I actually tried using sugar-free gum to cover the sharp edge, but honestly, it made me more anxious than just leaving it alone. It stuck once and I panicked thinking I’d made it worse, so I ditched that idea pretty fast.
My dentist was kind of “meh” on the gum solution—said it’s not ideal since there’s always a risk it’ll pull at the tooth or get stuck in a way that makes things worse (and then you’re paying for an emergency visit). He suggested sticking to softer foods and maybe using orthodontic wax if I really needed something to cover the spot. The wax was a few bucks at the pharmacy and worked way better for me, at least until my appointment. Not perfect, but it kept me from stressing every time I ate.
It’s wild how much you start overthinking every bite when dental bills are looming...
It’s wild how much you start overthinking every bite when dental bills are looming...
Seriously, it’s like suddenly every snack is a potential landmine. Did the wax actually stay put for you? Mine kept sliding around unless I dried the tooth first—felt like a weird arts and crafts project in my mouth. And I totally get the gum panic. Ever notice how your tongue finds that sharp edge every five seconds, too? How long did you have to wait for your appointment? That part always gets me.
Drying the tooth first totally helps with the wax—otherwise it just turns into a slippery mess. I’ve seen people get creative, like using a bit of tissue for a second before applying it. And yeah, the tongue is relentless... it’s like your brain can’t let it go. Waiting for appointments can feel endless, especially when you’re hyper-aware of every little twinge. If it helps, most cracked teeth aren’t emergencies unless there’s swelling or severe pain, but I know that doesn’t make the wait any less annoying.
That’s interesting about the tissue—never thought of that. I’ve always just tried to dry the tooth with my tongue, which is honestly hit or miss. The wax definitely slides off if there’s any moisture at all. I keep worrying about making things worse by messing with it too much, though. Has anyone ever had a cracked tooth suddenly get way more painful just from fiddling with it? Or is that just anxiety talking? I’m trying to gauge what’s normal discomfort and what’s a red flag.
