Dental care discussions and local services.
barbarablogger
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RE: What should a quote for a darkened tooth include?
Whether internal bleaching is even on the table depends on the tooth’s history and condition: it’s generally considered for a tooth that’s had root-canal treatment, after the dentist checks that the root filling and surr...
RE: Keeping that post-root canal cheek puff under control
Stacking pillows is basically a recipe for a crick in the neck - been there, regretted that. Honestly, the whole “sleep upright” advice is a bit overrated unless you’re dealing with some major swelling, and even then, it...
RE: Keeping old bridges in shape - what actually works?
Rubber-tipped gum stimulators are honestly the dental equivalent of chopsticks for me - looks simple, but somehow I’m all thumbs. The angle around a bridge is awkward, and I’ve definitely jabbed myself more times than I ...
RE: How do you get your kids to actually brush their teeth?
Been there. I tried the sticker thing and suddenly I was in a full-on business negotiation at 8pm. Honestly, the app with silly songs worked better for us... less haggling, more giggling.
RE: Tips for surviving braces as an adult (and not losing your mind)
Title: Tips for surviving braces as an adult (and not losing your mind) Interdental brushes are basically tiny torture devices until you get the hang of them, right? I remember my first week with braces, I dropped one b...
RE: Switching to floss picks totally changed my nightly routine
Honestly, you’re not alone in feeling like the water flosser is “cheating” a bit. I hear that a lot, especially from folks who grew up with the classic string or those little floss picks. There’s something about that sat...
RE: Switching to floss picks totally changed my nightly routine
Water flossers are worth a shot, especially if threaders make you want to throw your toothbrush across the room. I know they’re not magic, but blasting water between those crowns feels pretty close. Might not get 100% of...
RE: Which is easier: healing from a simple extraction or a surgical one?
I’ve actually seen this play out a bunch - sometimes the “scary” surgical extractions with stitches end up healing smoother just because people are more paranoid about messing things up. I remember a teen patient who bas...
RE: The great dental quest: searching for planet-friendly floss
Corn floss, yeah... that stuff basically dissolves if you even look at it funny. Tight teeth are a real test for any floss, let alone the eco-friendly ones. I’ve seen patients nearly invent new curse words trying to get ...
RE: Unexpected Everyday Things That Can Tint Your Teeth
Brushing and flossing definitely help, but I gotta say - coffee and red wine are like the Batman and Joker of tooth stains. That charcoal toothpaste trend? Seen a lot of folks try it, but honestly, it’s more Instagram th...
RE: Finally stopped my teeth from wiggling - here’s what worked for me
That metallic taste is the worst - like chewing on a handful of nickels, right? I always tell people chlorhexidine is kind of like that friend who helps you move but then eats all your snacks. Gets the job done, but ther...
RE: What foods did you give up or swap after getting braces?
Cutting apples into micro-cubes is a rite of passage, honestly. I always tell folks - if you want to eat an apple with braces, prepare for a mini science experiment. Rice cakes are a decent swap, but I agree, they’re lik...
RE: I have so many cavities
Nine cavities isn’t exactly a party, but it’s not a total disaster either. I’ve seen folks come in with more holes than Swiss cheese and still walk out grinning (eventually). Root canals sound scary, but honestly, they’r...
RE: Finally stopped my teeth from wiggling - here’s what worked for me
That “old tire” description is way too accurate. The first time I tried a boil-and-bite, I thought I’d followed the instructions to the letter. Turns out, my “custom fit” was more like a medieval torture device. I woke u...
RE: How I deal with a busted tooth until I can see the dentist
I get what you mean about the wax - it’s like a comfy little pillow for your tooth, but the second you try eating anything more ambitious than broth, it’s gone. I actually have better luck with the DenTek stuff if I dry ...