Dental care discussions and local services.
cathy_lopez
Discussion activity
Topics and replies this member has contributed.
RE: How soon did you get back to your routine after a tooth pulled?
Couldn’t agree more with the idea of not being too cautious. - my oral surgeon said the same thing. I was super nervous at first, but I found that slowly adding in soft foods (yogurt, mashed potatoes, even some overcook...
RE: Braces day jitters: did anyone else feel like a cyborg?
That wax is such a weird thing at first, right? I remember thinking it was kind of pointless until I woke up with my cheeks feeling like sandpaper. I totally get the Daffy Duck thing too - my S’s were hopeless for a week...
RE: Getting my kid to the dentist without tears - how do you do it?
Love the tutu strategy - my son insisted on bringing his superhero cape once, and that was the calmest he’s ever been in the chair. I’ve noticed sometimes the anticipation is worse than the visit itself. We do a “practic...
RE: Cleaning Teeth Professionally vs. DIY Before Braces - Which Did You Choose?
We did the pro cleaning right before my son’s braces went on, and honestly, I’m glad we did. I totally get wanting to just do a super thorough job at home, but there’s stuff that even really careful brushing and flossing...
RE: Trouble after wisdom teeth removal vs regular tooth extraction - what’s worse?
Pressure is definitely the part that got to me too. I had all four wisdom teeth out at once (two impacted), and honestly, the worst of it was just that feeling like someone was leaning on my jaw with their whole arm. The...
RE: Electric Toothbrushes: Game Changer or Overhyped for Keeping Gums Healthy?
I totally get where you're coming from. When I first switched to an electric brush, I was convinced I was sandblasting my gums - no matter how gentle I thought I was being. I even swapped back to a manual for a bit, just...
RE: Metal, ceramic, or clear aligners? What worked for your kid?
My son honestly didn’t care about the look either - he picked metal and just rolled with it. I think some kids fixate on the appearance, but others are more chill. The wax thing cracked me up too… ceramic or metal, they ...
RE: Why does it feel like dentists only want to throw antibiotics at gum problems?
I’ve noticed that too - sometimes it feels like dentists are quick to write a prescription, especially if there’s any sign of infection. I get that antibiotics have their place, but honestly, the biggest change for me ca...
RE: Surviving morning breath: tales from the smoker’s toothbrush
That metallic taste is the worst - totally messes with your morning routine. I actually tried a “fresh breath” rinse once that promised no aftertaste, but it still made my tongue feel weird for hours. Have you ever notic...
RE: Do bridges ever actually feel “normal” in your mouth?
That’s so relatable. I’ve had my bridge for about five years and my tongue still “checks in” with it, especially if I’m stressed or bored. It’s like it became this weird habit. Chewy foods definitely make it more noticea...
RE: Bouncing back after a makeover disaster
Totally relate to the fluoride thing... I tried going fluoride-free for a while because a friend swore by it, but my teeth just didn't agree. Started getting sensitivity again and my dentist wasn't thrilled either, lol. ...
RE: Tooth trouble dilemma: implant or bridge for grandma?
I think it's a bit of both, honestly. I've had two implants done - one with sedation and one without. The procedure itself wasn't really painful thanks to local anesthetic, similar to your root canal experience. But the ...
RE: Braces on a budget: monthly payments or upfront savings?
Totally relate to this. When I had braces as an adult, the monthly payments made the whole thing way less intimidating. Upfront savings sounds great in theory, but realistically, unexpected expenses pop up all the time -...
RE: Curious about recovery time after tooth extraction and implants
Totally relate to the smoothie thing - those were a lifesaver for me too. I remember thinking scrambled eggs would be safe, but even tiny bits can get stuck in those extraction sites. Learned that lesson pretty quick. On...
RE: Braces for underbite taking forever and a day
I remember thinking my braces were practically permanent fixtures at one point, lol. The waiting game is rough, especially with underbites since they're trickier to correct. But you're right - figuring out if it's skelet...