Dental care discussions and local services.
alexs85
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RE: deep cleaning at dentist: numbing gel vs. local anesthetic
Topical gel numbs the surface, while an injection can numb deeper tissue. Depth may be one factor, but the areas being treated and their sensitivity matter too. Could the dentist explain what areas will be treated and wh...
RE: Trying to ditch plastic floss - silk or corn fiber?
I actually had the opposite experience with silk floss - maybe my teeth are just too close together, but it shreds on me almost every time. The corn stuff was a disaster, though, I’ll give you that. I’ve been using those...
RE: Struggling to keep up with brushing when feeling down - any tricks that actually help?
I totally get what you mean about the “fuzzy teeth” feeling - sometimes that’s the only thing that gets me out of bed to brush, even on rough days. I’ve actually tried those disclosing tablets a couple of times (they’re ...
RE: Floss picks or classic string floss: which actually works better for gums?
Same here - if my gums are sore or I’m just feeling lazy, picks are way less intimidating. But honestly, I get nervous about the cost. The picks seem so much pricier per use than a roll of floss, and I always wonder if I...
RE: Retainer glued in or popping one in and out?
That glue taste after repairs is definitely not just you - every time I’ve had mine fixed, there’s this weird, almost bitter aftertaste that lingers for hours. Drives me a little nuts, honestly. I always wonder if I’m ju...
RE: Keeping your mouth clean after dental work: new study says we might be overdoing it?
Totally get that. After my wisdom teeth, I was so nervous about dry socket I probably rinsed more than needed, even though the dentist said not to overdo it. It just made me feel safer, you know? I’d rather use a bit mor...
RE: Best ways to soothe a teething baby (besides the usual stuff?)
Those mesh feeders are a lifesaver for so many folks, but I just couldn’t get past the cleaning part. I kept worrying I’d miss some tiny bit and it’d get gross, so I ended up sticking to cold spoons and the old wet washc...
RE: Foods you had to give up (or discovered!) after getting veneers
I totally relate to the anxiety over that “don’t eat” list. I remember staring at it after my veneer appointment, thinking, “Well, there goes my grocery budget.” I’m pretty cautious by nature (and honestly, veneers aren’...
RE: Keeping your tongue scraper from becoming a science experiment
I get nervous about that rainbow sheen too - my brain always jumps straight to “contaminated!” even though I know it’s just the metal. I’ve actually started storing mine in a little glass on the counter with the toothbru...
RE: How did you get your kid to ditch the binky?
We tried the “special blanket” thing, but my daughter just wasn’t that interested - she wanted her binky or nothing. I was honestly too nervous to go cold turkey, so we did the gradual approach, only at naps and bedtime....
RE: How did you get your kid to ditch the binky?
That’s exactly how we did it, too. I just couldn’t handle the idea of a big “goodbye” moment - it felt too final and honestly, I was worried it’d backfire. We took months, shaving off one use at a time. I still wonder if...
RE: Which is better for implant soreness: painkillers or just waiting it out?
I get what you’re saying about not needing to be a hero, but honestly, I get super nervous about taking meds unless I really have to. My insurance barely covers prescriptions, and even over-the-counter stuff adds up if y...
RE: Cleaning Teeth Professionally vs. DIY Before Braces - Which Did You Choose?
That’s exactly what tripped me up. My dentist recommended a cleaning before braces, but when I saw the estimate, I nearly backed out of the whole thing. I ended up doing my best at home - extra brushing, mouthwash, and t...
RE: Did you know medieval adults wore braces too (sort of)?
I get what you mean about the fluoride trays, but honestly, I skipped them because my dentist kept adding more and more “recommended” things. It’s like, where do you draw the line? I started stressing every time I saw an...