Dental care discussions and local services.
elizabethwalker
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RE: How long is it sensible to leave a root canal tooth in a temporary filling?
Since there’s no universal number of weeks that’s safe, I’d ask the dentist for a specific deadline to replace the temporary, based on the material and the planned restoration. If appointment availability or cost means t...
RE: Weird but true: salt water rinses are actually an old-school trick for easing denture gum pain.
Same here - salt water is the only thing I keep coming back to. Cheap, easy, and doesn’t taste like a chemistry set. I tried the baking soda rinse too (mostly because it was already in my kitchen), but that chalky aftert...
RE: Saw a news piece about more adults getting braces - what’s it really like?
That “dental triathlon” bit is too real. I used to think people were exaggerating about the extra time braces add, but nope - some nights I’m half asleep by the time I finally finish. And don’t even get me started on tho...
RE: Did you know even a tiny shift in your teeth can mess with your confidence?
That part is so true, but it still messes with your head, right? I got a little chip in my front tooth last year and literally obsessed over it for weeks. My friends didn’t even see it until I pointed it out. I kept thin...
RE: Creamy, Gritty, or Gel? What’s Your Toothpaste Texture Go-To
I get wanting to stick with gentler stuff, but honestly, I’m not totally convinced that all the gritty pastes are evil for your teeth. I mean, I used to be all about those cheap, basic toothpastes - just whatever was on ...
RE: Wax vs. mouth rinses for braces-induced mouth ulcers - what actually works better?
Yeah, I totally relate to the wax disappearing act - mine never lasted through a meal either, and I started feeling like I was just burning through those little boxes way too fast. Saltwater rinses are such a cheap fix c...
RE: Did you know even a tiny shift in your teeth can mess with your confidence?
Yeah, same here. I wore my retainer like I was supposed to, but my teeth still shifted a bit over time. Didn’t even realize how much it affected me until I started getting jaw pain and honestly, I got a little self-consc...
RE: How much is too much when it comes to fluoride rinse?
I totally get wanting to avoid that weird film or burning feeling - some mouthwashes just do not vibe with my gums either. But man, those “fancy” rinses can really add up. I always wonder if the extra cash is worth it, o...
RE: Getting used to eating and talking with new teeth
I totally get what you mean about getting picky. After I got my partials, I thought mashed potatoes would be my go-to, but they just stuck everywhere and honestly didn’t taste right. Yogurt’s been hit or miss for me, esp...
RE: Making brushing fun: What silly games keep your kids interested?
That “Tooth Troll” game sounds hilarious - kids are so weirdly specific about what they’ll go along with, right? Mine went through a phase where she’d only brush if we did “spy time,” which basically meant I had to narra...
RE: Custom night guards vs. store-bought: which actually helps your teeth more?
Totally get what you’re saying about the store-bought guards. I tried a couple of those boil-and-bite ones because they were way cheaper, but honestly, they just felt off and I’d end up tossing them after a month or two....
RE: Little things that made getting veneers way easier
Honestly, yes. I avoided anything even slightly crunchy for like a month - granola bars, chips, you name it. Not just apples, even sandwiches felt risky at first. Part of me was also worried about the cost if something c...
RE: Weirdest pain after getting braces tightened - normal or not?
That’s good to know about the tingling being nerves adjusting - I always thought it was something I did wrong. My biggest issue is the headaches, honestly. I tried Tylenol and water like you mentioned, but sometimes it s...
RE: Little tweaks for a straighter smile: what actually works?
When my tray cracked, I was so worried about having to pay for a replacement that I just kept using it until it really started feeling weird. Ended up calling the office and they told me to move to the next one early, to...
RE: Did you know babies can get cavities before their first birthday?
Honestly, I used to think baby teeth were just placeholders too - like who cares, they’re gonna fall out anyway, right? But my wallet definitely cared when my kid got a cavity at age two. The dentist bill was not “baby-s...