Dental care discussions and local services.
barbaranelson661
Discussion activity
Topics and replies this member has contributed.
RE: When can exercise resume after an implant?
For the step from walking toward a harder workout, follow the dental team’s instructions and change one thing at a time: add a little duration, intensity, or load, then see how the surgical area responds before increasin...
RE: Would you get that protective coating for your kid’s molars?
We went for the sealants when my kid’s dentist suggested it. Honestly, I was skeptical because, like you said, “it’s not totally necessary, just recommended.” The cost wasn’t nothing, but in my case, I’ve had a lot of fi...
RE: Getting comfortable with a big smile even when your gums show
I get where you’re coming from. I used to obsess over my “gummy” smile after my braces came off, especially since my aunt would always comment on it at family stuff. But honestly, after a while, I just stopped caring unl...
RE: Do you think Aligners brand really matters for your teeth conditions?
I’ve wondered about this too, especially after my first set of aligners (from a lesser-known brand) kept getting these tiny cracks near the molars. I grind my teeth at night, so maybe that played into it, but I switched ...
RE: What would you do if your parent refused to see the dentist?
That’s pretty much what happened with my mom, too - she just kept putting it off until she chipped a tooth. I get the urge to back off, but I wonder if sharing more info about long-term consequences would help, or if tha...
RE: braces vs clear aligners: which made you feel less self-conscious?
I actually felt more awkward with aligners, weirdly enough. I thought they'd be invisible, but I was always paranoid people would notice the little bumps on my teeth or that they’d hear the slight lisp I had at first. Wi...
RE: Making daily life work after a jaw bone graft: what actually helps?
Greek yogurt with honey was my go-to when I got tired of plain stuff. I also blended cottage cheese with avocado for something savory. Skipping spicy foods helped too - burned once, never again. I found cold compresses a...
RE: How soon did you get back to your routine after a tooth pulled?
Jaw stiffness was definitely a thing for me too, especially trying to open my mouth wide enough to eat anything that wasn’t soup. Took maybe a week before it felt normal again. I didn’t have much trouble sleeping, but I ...
RE: Finally stopped my electric toothbrush from getting all gross - here’s what worked
I get what you’re saying about swapping brush heads often, but honestly, I’m not totally convinced it’s just the case or the brush head itself causing the grossness. For me, it seems like the whole setup - case, handle, ...
RE: Making the switch: how I use my water flosser (and where I still mess up)
Popcorn and braces are just a bad combo - been there, too many times. I totally get what you mean about the water flosser not quite getting everything. I rely on mine a lot, but if I slack on the string floss for even a ...
RE: How Has Getting Braces as an Adult Worked Out for You?
I actually ended up preferring metal, but I think it’s just because it’s one less thing to worry about. I know trays are supposed to be more convenient, but I’d probably forget to put them back in after eating or misplac...
RE: KIDS' TOOTHBRUSHES: ELECTRIC VS MANUAL - WHAT'S WORKING FOR YOUR FAMILY?
My niece is the same way - she’ll use a manual brush with cartoon characters but won’t go near anything that vibrates. I wonder if the sound or sensation is just too much for some kids? I’ve read mixed things about wheth...
RE: If Your Braces Hurt Like Crazy At Night, What’s Your Go-To Fix?
I actually found the hot/cold thing didn’t do much for me, honestly. After my last tightening, it was more about finding a soft food that didn’t make me wince - mashed potatoes, yogurt, that kind of stuff. I tried heat p...
RE: Finally stopped my teeth from wiggling - here’s what worked for me
Definitely relate to that weird transition after a night guard tweak. I always thought it was just me being overly sensitive, but it’s legit - your jaw does need time to adjust. The first day or two, my bite feels totall...