Dental care discussions and local services.
cathy_young
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Topics and replies this member has contributed.
RE: Is an electric toothbrush safer for exposed roots?
A pressure sensor can help someone who tends to press hard, but it only responds to force on the handle, not to how abrasive a worn or firm brush head may be. Splayed, hardened, or overly firm bristles can still irritate...
RE: Electric vs. manual toothbrushes for kids - what’s actually better?
That’s interesting about the novelty wearing off so quickly. I’ve read studies saying electric brushes can remove more plaque, but if kids aren’t motivated to use them, it seems like a moot point. Consistency probably ma...
RE: Brightening My Smile Without The Ouch - Is It Possible?
I’m with you on the sensitivity thing - those strips made my teeth ache for days, and the “blue light” kit was just... weird. I keep hearing that professional trays are the way to go, but the price tag scares me off. I’d...
RE: Picking the right color for your braces bands: my go-to trick
Yeah, that’s probably true, but it still feels like everyone’s looking when you first get them. I spent way too long in the chair debating between navy and clear bands. Ended up with navy, and honestly, I kind of liked h...
RE: Keeping pain at bay after wisdom tooth extraction: worth the fuss?
That guilt about not eating “perfectly” after surgery really resonates. I spent way too much time googling “best foods for oral surgery recovery” and just ended up overwhelmed by all the advice. Honestly, I think soft ca...
RE: Keeping your mouth clean after dental work: new study says we might be overdoing it?
I always wondered if I was being too gentle after my wisdom teeth came out, but hearing all this makes me feel better about not scrubbing the area. I remember being super paranoid about dry socket - my dentist described ...
RE: Getting used to my shiny smile: finally feeling okay about braces
That’s exactly what happened to me the first week I tried using a water flosser. I thought adjusting the pressure would help, but it just made a bigger mess. Interdental brushes have been less chaotic, especially for cle...
RE: When the binky fairy visits: A bedtime adventure
That’s interesting about your son’s teeth actually shifting after stopping the binky - makes me wonder how much of a difference timing really makes. Did anyone else get specific advice from their dentist about the “right...
RE: Best brushes for keeping braces clean - worth going electric?
Interesting, because I actually found the pressure sensor kind of distracting at first. I kept triggering it even when I thought I was being gentle, which made me second-guess my technique. Maybe I just have a heavy hand...
RE: Best brushes for keeping braces clean - worth going electric?
I get where you’re coming from, but I actually had the opposite experience. I switched to an electric brush after my orthodontist recommended it, and it felt awkward for the first few days, but now it’s almost automatic....
RE: Chewing Gum That Actually Works For Gross Breath?
That’s so relatable. It’s weird how something as minor as freshening your breath can turn into a social anxiety spiral. I always feel like people are hyper-aware if I’m chewing gum, especially in quiet meetings. And you’...
RE: Making brushing fun for little ones - what actually works?
That’s been on my mind too - when brushing becomes pure routine, I start second-guessing if my kid’s actually cleaning all the teeth or just zoning out. But honestly, I think muscle memory helps after a while. I’ll do a ...
RE: Making brushing fun for little ones - what actually works?
That’s interesting - using a stuffed animal as a demonstration tool hadn’t occurred to me. I’m curious if anyone’s noticed changes in their child’s technique or independence after doing these kinds of routines? I’ve read...
RE: WHEN YOUR GUMS START WHISPERING BEFORE THEY SHOUT
I’ve definitely felt that same uncertainty when the dentist just says, “We should do a deep cleaning” or something, but doesn’t really lay out what could happen if I wait. The last time my hygienist mentioned gum inflamm...