Dental care discussions and local services.
chess624
Discussion activity
Topics and replies this member has contributed.
RE: What do you do when a bracket pops off at night?
Chewing gum’s a clever workaround in a pinch, but I’d be careful with it - sometimes it can actually pull on the wire or make things messier if it gets stuck. Wax is definitely the safer bet, but if you’re out, a small p...
RE: Surprised by how fast pro whitening worked for me
That’s a really good point. In my experience, timing makes a huge difference. Right after braces, enamel can be a bit more porous or just generally sensitive, especially if there were any spots where cleaning was tricky ...
RE: Surprised by how fast pro whitening worked for me
That gritty feeling is pretty common, but I wouldn’t say it means anything bad’s happening. The whitening process can temporarily dehydrate the enamel, which makes teeth feel chalky or rough for a bit. As for waiting a f...
RE: Bouncing back after a makeover disaster
I’ve seen this play out more times than I can count. One patient tried three different over-the-counter kits in a week after a botched whitening session - ended up with teeth so sensitive she couldn’t eat ice cream for m...
RE: Braces for underbite taking forever and a day
Those random pain flare-ups are honestly the worst - I’ve heard people describe them as “braces mood swings,” which feels about right. I’ve seen so many patients try all sorts of hacks, and you’re not alone with the wax ...
RE: Eating comfortably when your mouth feels like a construction zone
Scrambled eggs and mashed potatoes are definitely staples in our house too. When my son got his braces, he was pretty miserable at first - he's usually a crunchy snack guy, so soft foods were a tough sell. We ended up ex...
RE: Tricks to get kids excited about brushing teeth
The music idea is quite clever - I've seen a lot of kids respond well to that approach. Sticker charts can definitely backfire once kids figure out the loopholes, haha. One thing I've recommended to parents is letting th...
RE: Toddler teeth trouble - what would you do?
Watermelon toothpaste is definitely a winner for picky toddlers - mint can be pretty intense for little taste buds. Good call on the timer toothbrush, too. I've recommended those to parents before, and it's funny how oft...
RE: My experience with getting teeth whitened professionally
Good advice here. Whitening toothpastes can indeed be abrasive if used too frequently. Another tip: rinsing with plain water after coffee helps reduce staining significantly - simple but effective.
RE: Tricks to get kids excited about brushing teeth
Flavor choices can definitely help, but as you've noticed, they're rarely a complete solution. I've found that combining flavor options with something interactive - like a brushing timer app or a toothbrush that lights u...
RE: Finding the right doc for bone graft surgery - recent story got me thinking
Totally understandable to prioritize experience and specialty training, especially when you're dealing with something as intricate as bone graft surgery. I've been in dental practice for quite a while now, and honestly, ...
RE: SEDATION FOR TOOTH EXTRACTION - IV OR LAUGHING GAS?
IV sedation can definitely be a better option if laughing gas didn't ease your anxiety enough. Most patients I've worked with report minimal side effects afterward - maybe a bit groggy or sleepy for a couple hours, but n...
RE: Braces for underbite taking forever and a day
Your pasta analogy made me chuckle - it's painfully accurate. I remember one patient whose underbite correction was estimated at around 18 months, but we ended up closer to three years. Teeth really do move at their own ...
RE: Surviving gum surgery: ice packs are my new best friend
Clove oil can definitely help ease discomfort temporarily - it's been used in dentistry for ages because of its mild numbing properties. But yeah, it's not a cure-all, just a handy backup when meds start fading. Warm sal...