Dental care discussions and local services.
art_william
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RE: Fresh breath: better from flossing or mouthwash?
Mouthwash is like perfume for your mouth - covers things up for a bit, but doesn’t fix the mess hiding in the corners. I used to swish and hope for the best, but once I actually started flossing? Way fewer dragon-breath ...
RE: What would you do if you needed a root canal but your budget was super tight?
That dental school experience is a trip, right? I swear I learned more about gum disease from those posters than I did in health class. Totally agree on the crown pricing - like, are they made of unicorn horn or what? I ...
RE: Swollen gums and braces: is this normal or just me?
I actually think it’s more about cleaning than the food itself, at least for me. I can eat popcorn or chips and be fine if I floss right after, but if I skip it... yeah, my gums get grumpy. Sometimes I feel like my brace...
RE: Why Does Getting Braces Make Me So Nervous?
I mean... yes and no? I thought my nerves would magically disappear after a week or two, but honestly, every time I get a new wire or something pokes me in the cheek, I’m right back to square one. The “routine” part is r...
RE: Why Does Getting Braces Make Me So Nervous?
Honestly, the “lettuce-in-brackets” thing is a rite of passage. I’ve had entire salads hiding out in there - felt like I was storing snacks for later. The self-consciousness is real at first, but you nailed it: people mo...
RE: Braces in your 30s: did you know teeth can move for life?
I swear my teeth have a sixth sense for when I forget the retainer - even just one night and suddenly there’s a new gap I don’t remember. Grinding is the worst though. My dentist suggested a night guard, but honestly, I ...
RE: Picking the right color for your braces bands: my go-to trick
Totally agree about navy - it's like the secret weapon for anyone who loves their morning brew or spicy food. I once tried white bands thinking they’d look “clean” but they turned a weird yellow in a week. Learned my les...
RE: Feeling stuck between another root canal or just pulling the tooth?
Had a root canal on one of my molars a couple years back - honestly, I was hoping for that “forever fix” too. Fast forward to now, and it’s still hanging in there, but I swear it’s the most expensive tooth in my head. My...
RE: Weird but true: salt water rinses are actually an old-school trick for easing denture gum pain.
Haha, your dad’s not wrong - salt water is the OG fix-it for mouth woes. I’ve been doing it since my wisdom teeth days, and honestly, it’s the only thing that doesn’t make my mouth feel like a science experiment gone wro...
RE: GETTING THROUGH THE DENTIST CHAIR WITHOUT PANIC - ANYONE TRIED SEDATION?
Totally get what you mean - insurance seems to think mental distress is just “optional.” My last dentist actually offered headphones and a weighted blanket, which honestly helped more than I expected. Nitrous is great, b...
RE: Coping With That Annoying Dry Socket Pain After Tooth Extraction
Saltwater rinses never did much for my pain either - felt more like a stinging ocean in my mouth. The medicated dressing worked fast for me, but my friend said it took hours. Maybe it’s just luck of the draw? Clove oil a...
RE: How I deal with a busted tooth until I can see the dentist
Clove oil is a beast, right? I remember trying it once and my whole mouth went numb except the tooth that actually hurt - go figure. I did the gum trick too, but mine got stuck in my braces... not my finest hour. Ice pac...
RE: Weirdest thing that helped me after gum surgery
Right? I swear my wallet took a bigger hit from the fancy yogurt and protein shakes than the dentist’s bill. Applesauce was my MVP too - cheap, painless, and no blender disasters. Tried pureed soup once and it tasted lik...
RE: Weirdest thing that helped me after gum surgery
Title: Weirdest Thing That Helped Me After Gum Surgery Totally relate to the mashed potato struggle - mine had to be smoother than a jazz playlist or I’d freak out. I thought scrambled eggs would be safe too, but nope, ...
RE: Cleaning Teeth Professionally vs. DIY Before Braces - Which Did You Choose?
Honestly, I was all about my electric toothbrush and floss until my ortho basically side-eyed me into a pro cleaning before braces. Didn’t realize how much gunk was hiding out until I saw the difference. It’s like, yeah,...