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RE: Did you know kids’ sports guards can help with more than just broken teeth?
That’s wild, I never thought about guards helping with jaw clenching and headaches. I always just worried about chipped teeth or biting my tongue. Did your dentist mention that as a possible benefit, or did you just noti...
RE: Keeping your smile straight after braces: my routine (and a few questions)
I’m always a little paranoid about my teeth shifting, too. I’ve been using the clear Essix-style retainers since finishing braces - my ortho made them for me, and honestly, they look just like aligners. But I still freak...
RE: One thing I wish someone told me before my root canal/crown combo: bring your own headphones and queue up a long playlist or podcast.
Haha, apples totally became my nemesis after my root canal too. I swear I stared at a Granny Smith for like five minutes before working up the nerve to take a bite. I second the playlist idea - music helped me zone out, ...
RE: Did you know kids’ sports guards can help with more than just broken teeth?
Ugh, yes, the cleaning thing is a constant battle here too. I’ve tried those fizzy denture tablets but my son says they make his guard taste weird. Now he just uses a toothbrush and some mild soap, but honestly, it still...
RE: What if your implant keeps bugging you - how would you cope?
Ugh, I totally get this. When I first got my implant, I kept telling myself it was just “settling in” but honestly, it felt off for weeks. I was super anxious about bothering my dentist again (like, am I just being drama...
RE: Weirdly, chewing on the other side after a root canal can make your jaw sore
I get what you mean about ice and stretches, but honestly, I’m always a little nervous about doing too much with my jaw after dental work. I tried the gentle stretches once and it actually made my jaw ache even more - ma...
RE: Little things that helped me get through my braces timeline
I totally get the “less hassle than charging yet another device” thing. I tried a water flosser too but kept worrying I’d miss something and end up with a cavity hiding behind a bracket. The electric brush with the press...
RE: Dealing with those sneaky in-between tooth cavities
This made me laugh because I’ve totally been there - pretty sure my mirror still has splash marks from my first week with one. And yeah, the anxiety about missing stuff is real. I always feel like if I skip a night floss...
RE: Best way to get the most out of fluoride: paste or rinse first?
I get nervous about skipping the rinse, honestly. I know they say leaving the paste on helps the fluoride work better, but I can’t stand the sticky feeling. Plus, I always worry if I’m actually getting all the gunk out o...
RE: Which Feels Better: Custom Vs. Boil-And-Bite Mouthguards?
I totally get what you mean about the drooling thing. I had the same issue - woke up with a soggy pillow a couple times, which was honestly kind of gross. The custom one my dentist made just sits tighter and feels way l...
RE: Making braces cleaning easier: my water flosser routine
This is honestly so true. I always get this weird sense of relief when I actually see (or feel) something come out with the little brushes. The water flosser is fun in theory, but there’s always that moment where I’m lik...
RE: Do bridges ever actually feel “normal” in your mouth?
Honestly, I totally get the nerves. When I got mine, it felt so weird at first - like my tongue kept poking at it, and I was hyper-aware every time I ate. But after a couple weeks, it started feeling more like just anoth...
RE: Swapping string floss for a water jet - worth it?
Popcorn hulls haunt me too - no joke, I once spent 30 minutes in the mirror with a flashlight and tweezers trying to get one out. I totally get the anxiety about missing spots. Water jets are fun but yeah, sometimes it j...
RE: Quick fix for brighter teeth - baking soda vs activated charcoal?
I totally hear you on the “boring is best” approach, but honestly, sometimes I wonder if we’re maybe being a little too cautious? Like, I get the risks with baking soda and charcoal - especially with braces - but I’ve ac...
RE: Water flossers showdown: cordless vs countertop, what's your pick?
That’s exactly my issue with the cordless too. I love not worrying about cords and water near outlets (seriously, my anxiety can’t handle that combo), but on nights when I’ve got stuff wedged in there, I kinda miss the c...