Dental care discussions and local services.
bailey_maverick
Discussion activity
Topics and replies this member has contributed.
RE: Fresh breath: better from flossing or mouthwash?
I’ve been dealing with retainers on and off for decades (lucky me), and I’d say you’re spot on about flossing. Mouthwash feels nice in the moment, but it’s like spraying air freshener in a musty room - just masks things ...
RE: How do you keep track of your gums between dentist visits?
I get the “if it hurts or bleeds, then worry” mindset, but after a gum infection a few years back that snuck up on me, I started paying closer attention. I used to think I was just being paranoid too - - but for me, cat...
RE: Finally flossing around my implants without fear - anyone else get nervous at first?
That’s the perfect description. I used to dread the whole threader routine - half the time I’d drop it or poke my gum. Water flosser was a big relief, but I had to dial it way down at first. For me, setting 3 is the swee...
RE: How picky are you about cleaning around your braces or aligners?
I get a little obsessive about it, honestly. After dealing with some gum issues years back, I just can’t shake the habit of carrying those little interdental brushes everywhere. Still, I’ve had days where I just rinse an...
RE: Why is it so hard to get consistent aftercare for a chipped tooth?
I get where you’re coming from, but I’ll play devil’s advocate for a sec - sometimes that “let’s just keep an eye on it” approach actually makes sense. I’ve had tiny chips that never turned into anything, and if my denti...
RE: Weirdest things that actually help with braces pain
Frozen peas are a classic - I’ve leaned on them more times than I can count. I do think popsicles help, but I always worried about the sugar. My go-to was an old gel pack wrapped in a dish towel, just enough cold without...
RE: Making the Switch: My Steps for Choosing a Gentler Mouthwash
I’ve noticed the same thing, actually. If I skip flossing, it’s like the mouthwash just doesn’t “stick” as well - might be my imagination, but it feels that way. And about the alcohol ones... yeah, no thanks. The sting i...
RE: Did you know even a tiny shift in your teeth can mess with your confidence?
That clicking sound gets me every time too. Even after years of crowns and bite adjustments, I still tense up when I hear it, like something’s about to go wrong. The bite changes are the worst - sometimes I’ll wake up an...
RE: How much is too much when it comes to fluoride rinse?
I hear you - those little caps never seem big enough, and my hands aren’t steady before breakfast either. I’ve had mornings where half of it ends up in the sink. Honestly, as long as you’re not gulping it down, a little ...
RE: Keeping pain at bay after wisdom tooth extraction: worth the fuss?
Funny you mention salt water - I always wondered if it’s just the rinsing that helps, or if the salt does something extra for healing. I’ve tried both and honestly, my mouth felt better with salt. Did your dentist say ho...
RE: Electric vs manual toothbrushes for kids - what's actually easier?
I get the timer thing - - but honestly, I’ve found the electric brushes can sometimes make it too easy for kids to just zone out. My grandkids end up letting the brush do all the work and don’t really pay attention to t...
RE: EASY CLEAN TEETH WITH BRACES: WHAT IF FLOSSING WASN'T AN OPTION?
Popcorn is the worst - one rogue kernel and you’re digging around with a mirror and tweezers for half an hour. I’ve actually tried those little rubber-tipped gum stimulators to get under the wires, but honestly, they’re ...
RE: That first week after wisdom teeth removal… did anyone else swear by ice packs?
I remember after mine, the ice packs just made my jaw ache even more after a while - felt like I was icing a brick. Ended up wrapping a towel around it to take the edge off. Warmth actually felt better for me too, but my...
RE: Finding the right dentist for dental implants: my step-by-step approach
I get where you’re coming from, but I’ve got to admit, sometimes the super detailed explanations just add to my nerves. Maybe it’s just me, but too much info - especially about the “what-ifs” - can make me dwell on every...
RE: Best way to get the most out of fluoride: paste or rinse first?
I’m right there with you on the mouthwash graveyard - got bottles that have survived multiple bathroom clean-outs. My dentist told me as long as I’m not rinsing with water after brushing, I’m letting the fluoride from th...