Dental care discussions and local services.
dcarter58
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RE: KIDS' TOOTHBRUSHES: ELECTRIC VS MANUAL - WHAT'S WORKING FOR YOUR FAMILY?
That’s a great point about technique mattering more than the brush itself. I’ve seen kids just kind of “drive by” with an electric, thinking the vibrations do all the work. With manual, at least you can teach them the mo...
RE: How do you chill out after an adjustment?
You’re definitely not alone - mashed potatoes are basically my go-to after any adjustment. I’ve tried to branch out, but honestly, anything with a hint of crunch or chew feels like torture for a day or two. One time I tr...
RE: Best way to get the most out of fluoride: paste or rinse first?
I totally get what you mean about the neon, candy-flavored rinses - they’re just a bit much for me too. I’ve tried a few out of curiosity, but always end up back with boring old mint. As for the fluoride thing, my hygien...
RE: WHEN YOUR GUMS START WHISPERING BEFORE THEY SHOUT
I totally get what you mean about that weirdly satisfying feeling when something finally comes loose. In my experience, I usually go with string floss first to dislodge the bigger stuff, then use the water flosser to rin...
RE: Which is easier: healing from dental vs. orthopedic implants?
I can totally relate to the tongue thing - it’s like your mouth suddenly becomes a crime scene investigator, obsessively poking at anything new. The first week after my implant, I felt like I was chewing with one side an...
RE: If mashed potatoes could talk: surviving those first days after getting braces
That’s so true. I tried eating sushi after getting braces and regretted it immediately... rice everywhere. If cottage cheese isn’t your thing, maybe try Greek yogurt? It’s smooth but not lumpy, and you can add a little h...
RE: SURVIVING THE DREADED TOOTH FIX: WAS IT REALLY THAT BAD FOR YOU?
Funny thing, I’ve actually seen people who are super anxious end up feeling less pain than expected, almost like their body’s adrenaline drowns it out. I know stress usually amps things up, but sometimes it seems to do t...
RE: Why do gum checkups make me so nervous?
The first time I heard those numbers rattled off, I genuinely thought it was some kind of secret dental code for “needs improvement.” It wasn’t until a really patient hygienist explained what each number meant that I sto...
RE: Getting The Most Out Of Your Water Flosser: My Routine & Questions
Couldn’t agree more on the “team effort” thing. I tried going water flosser-only for a while, but those tight spots between my back teeth just laughed at me. String floss still has its place, especially after popcorn nig...
RE: Best way to get the most out of fluoride: paste or rinse first?
That aftertaste really is the worst, especially if you’ve got the wires and bands going on. I stuck with the “spit, don’t rinse” thing and my ortho said my enamel was looking better, but I still needed a rinse for the fr...
RE: Where do you go first in a dental crisis - ER, urgent care, or straight to your dentist?
Totally get what you mean about the “judgment call” part. I chipped a molar on an olive pit (don’t ask) and it was just rough and annoying, so I waited for my dentist too. But the pain thing… yeah, that’s a game changer....