Dental care discussions and local services.
buddyinventor
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RE: Snacks that make your dentist cringe (and ones they secretly love)
Totally agree about popcorn hulls - those things are sneaky. I used to love movie popcorn, but after chipping a tooth, I learned my lesson. Cheese has become my go-to too, and it really does seem to help with sensitivity...
RE: Making the switch: how I use my water flosser (and where I still mess up)
Haha, that’s exactly why I gave up on shower flossing... I just end up guessing where the water’s going and hope for the best. The mirror splatter is annoying, but at least I know I’m hitting the right spots. I’ve tried...
RE: How I keep track of my gum check-ups (and wonder if I'm doing it right)
I totally get what you mean about thinking regular cleanings would be enough. I was the same - figured if I just showed up every six months, I’d be good to go. But then my hygienist pointed out some early gum recession t...
RE: Which one actually gets your teeth cleaner: blasting with water or good ol’ string floss?
I totally get the appeal - water flossers just make the whole thing less of a hassle. I switched after getting tired of string catching on my crowns. My hygienist says as long as you’re consistent, that’s what matters mo...
RE: Battle of the water flossers: Waterpik or Philips Sonicare?
Yeah, that first blast is a shocker. My gums were pretty sore at first, but they toughened up after a few days. It’s a learning curve, for sure. I had braces too - nothing else really got the junk out like the Waterpik. ...
RE: Root canal wasn’t as scary as I thought - pain gone!
Totally get what you mean about the dentist’s vibe making or breaking the whole thing. I’ve had both ends of the spectrum too - one guy barely said a word and just dove in, which had me gripping the chair for dear life. ...
RE: Finally figured out how to eat pizza without crying
Honestly, I relate to that anxiety way more than I’d like to admit. Even after years of dealing with dental stuff, I still get self-conscious at the checkout when I’m buying soft foods or those weird “meal replacement” p...
RE: New pain relief options after root tip surgery - anyone else see this?
I’m with you - frozen peas are the MVP for post-surgery swelling. I tried those fancy gel packs once, but they just didn’t sit right. As long as you’re swapping out the bags and not letting them get gross, I say keep roc...
RE: Making braces adjustments less of a pain (literally): my go-to trick
Funny enough, I’ve actually had the opposite experience - breaking it into super tiny pieces just made it fall apart more for me, and I’d find stray bits stuck everywhere. What’s worked better (especially when I’m half-a...
RE: Weird but true: cold water can actually make braces pain worse
Honestly, I totally get the “just wait it out” vibe. Sometimes it really does feel like time is the only thing that helps, even if it drags. I used to be all about the ice packs too, but yeah… sometimes it just made my t...
RE: Wearing orthodontic headgear without losing your mind
Using an old t-shirt as a cover is actually genius. I tried wrapping a soft scarf around the straps once and it was way less scratchy, but the t-shirt probably stays put better. Those official straps always left marks on...
RE: Braces drama: teen loses teeth after DIY hacks go viral
Totally get what you mean about the price gap - it’s wild how much more the dentist visits cost compared to even the “fancy” strips. I’ve had sensitive teeth my whole life and those OTC strips were a lifesaver before big...
RE: Toothbrush showdown: electric vs manual for older folks
Honestly, I never quite got used to the vibration thing - made my gums feel weird at first, and even after a few weeks it just wasn’t my favorite. I ended up switching back to manual. I like having more control, especial...
RE: My experience with getting teeth whitened professionally
Haha, totally get what you mean about the straw thing... hot coffee just doesn't hit the same that way. I switched to drinking water right after my coffee, and honestly, it made a noticeable difference with stains. Also,...
RE: Teeth slightly crooked and it's driving me nuts
Haha, the DIY molds are always a disaster... mine ended up looking like some weird abstract art piece. Honestly though, adult braces aren't as bad as you'd think. Awkward at first, but you get used to them pretty fast. H...