Dental care discussions and local services.
dukehistorian
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RE: Keeping old bridges in shape - what actually works?
Funny, I had the opposite experience. My water flosser actually gets gunk out from under my bridge that brushes miss, but yeah, it makes a mess if I’m not careful. I do have to angle it just right though, or it’s pretty ...
RE: Getting those plastic coatings as an adult - worth it?
Yeah, I totally get what you mean about the “plasticky” feel - mine took a while to get used to, and I still notice it sometimes if I’m eating something sticky. The popcorn hulls are the worst... I swear they find every ...
RE: Weighing insurance vs. payment plans for root canals - what's less stressful?
Yeah, those billing delays are the worst. I’ve had times where I thought I was done paying, then weeks later - surprise, another bill. I’ve also tried CareCredit, but if you miss that promo window, the interest is brutal...
RE: Braces in your 30s: did you know teeth can move for life?
Yeah, I had the same thing happen with the over-the-counter guards. They just never sat right, and I’d wake up with my jaw feeling kinda locked up or sore. My dentist actually showed me how even a tiny shift in how your ...
RE: Weirdest things that actually help with braces pain
That wax is so unreliable, isn’t it? I used to swear by it until I realized it just melts away with anything remotely warm. Cold water swishing definitely helped me too - sometimes I’d even let ice chips melt in my mouth...
RE: Worried about 6 root canals
Six root canals at once is definitely a lot to wrap your head around. I’ve only ever had two done (not at the same time, thank goodness), and that was already enough to make me sweat a bit, both from nerves and thinking ...
RE: Coping With That Annoying Dry Socket Pain After Tooth Extraction
That half-chew thing is way too real. I thought I’d snap out of it after a few weeks, but nope - still babying that side months later. I actually did get those weird twinges, almost like my brain forgot the tooth was gon...
RE: Weirdest pain after getting braces tightened - normal or not?
Totally get that - sometimes I felt like I could eat chips, then two days later even soup was too much. Headaches after tightening are pretty normal for me too, especially if I’m clenching without realizing. For snacks, ...
RE: Getting used to new dentures: slow and steady or all at once?
Honestly, I think adults can adapt just fine - it’s just that we’re hyper-aware of every little change. When I got my full upper denture, the speech thing bugged me too, but after a few days of reading out loud at home, ...
RE: Scraping my tongue: is it worth splurging on a fancy one?
I’ve tried a couple different tongue scrapers over the years, and honestly, the cheap metal one I got at the drugstore works just as well as the pricier ones I’ve seen online. I used to think maybe I was missing out on s...
RE: How I deal with a busted tooth until I can see the dentist
I totally get that - my brain goes straight to worst-case scenario when it comes to teeth. I’ve used those temp kits too, and honestly, it’s like putting a Band-Aid on a leaky pipe. I always end up poking at it with my t...
RE: KIDS' TOOTHBRUSHES: ELECTRIC VS MANUAL - WHAT'S WORKING FOR YOUR FAMILY?
I’m nodding along to all of this - my family’s got the same weird mix of “how is this working?” when it comes to brushing. My dad’s in his 70s, barely upgraded his toothbrush since the 80s, and he’s never had a filling. ...
RE: Choosing between traditional bridges and implant-supported bridges - what's your pick?
This is honestly so relatable - crunchy food is basically my nemesis now. I had a bridge for years and it always felt like a gamble, especially with stuff like popcorn or crusty bread. I totally get the implant sticker s...
RE: WHEN TOOTHBRUSHES BECOME ENEMIES: DEALING WITH STIFF FINGERS
Honestly, I get the appeal of a magical gadget, but I’ve tried a few of those electric toothbrushes with the chunky handles - supposed to help with grip, right? For me, they’re not as foolproof as they sound. Sometimes t...
RE: What’s Your Go-To: Grab Essentials or Wing It for Sudden Tooth Trouble?
I totally get where you’re coming from - once you’ve had a dental scare, it kind of sticks with you. I actually started carrying a little zip pouch with floss, painkillers, and one of those tiny mirror things after I chi...