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hiking195
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RE: My braces cleaning routine is thorough, but my gums are getting irritated
Since the routine is taking long enough that you’re tempted to rush, it may help to use the same short sequence each time and focus on the gumline and the edges around each bracket, where plaque can collect. That’s more ...
RE: My braces cleaning routine is thorough, but my gums are getting irritated
A brush that bends or catches may be a sign that the size or angle isn’t working for that space, not just that less pressure is needed. Rather than forcing it through, it would be sensible to ask the orthodontist or dent...
RE: Weirdest things that actually help with braces pain
I get what you mean about distractions making you more aware of the pain. I actually had a similar problem - tried listening to music or watching movies, but it just made me focus on how uncomfortable my mouth felt. I t...
RE: Sealants for Kids: When Did Your Dentist Recommend Them?
Yeah, that bugs me too. I asked my dentist about sealants after getting braces off, and got the same “not necessary for adults” answer. Honestly, with how much fillings cost, being proactive just makes sense. You’re not ...
RE: Keeping Those Chompers in Place: My Routine for Secure Dentures
I totally get what you mean about the “denture roulette” - some days I feel like I’ve got a solid grip, other days it’s like my mouth just refuses to cooperate. I’m curious, have you noticed any difference depending on w...
RE: How much did your dental implant + extraction actually cost?
I get where you’re coming from with the continuity thing, but I actually think shopping around is worth it - even for big stuff like implants. When I was looking into braces (not quite the same, but still a big investmen...
RE: Best ways to soothe a teething baby (besides the usual stuff?)
Distraction honestly worked best for me too, even as an adult. When my teeth were sore after getting braces tightened, just zoning out with a movie or going for a walk helped more than any gel or ice pack. I’m curious - ...
RE: Saw a story about sinus lifts getting more common - anyone else nervous?
That bubble wrap feeling is too real. Did you get weird tingling along your jaw too, or was that just me? The sneezing paranoia was the worst part - felt like I was holding my breath for days. How long did your swelling ...
RE: Saw a story about sinus lifts getting more common - anyone else nervous?
I totally get the nerves about long-term results. I had the balloon lift done last year and, so far, things have stayed put - no shifting or weird sensations after the first month. My oral surgeon was insistent about not...
RE: Best toothpaste or tricks for sensitive gums starting to pull back?
I get what you mean about technique mattering more than the actual toothpaste. I went through a phase where I was brushing like I was sanding down a deck - my gums definitely let me know. My ortho told me to use a super ...
RE: How often do you actually swap out your night guard?
I tend to hold onto mine until I notice it’s actually affecting my sleep or my jaw starts acting up again. Last time, I realized the edges were digging into my gums a bit, but visually it still looked okay. Do you think ...
RE: What foods did you give up or swap after getting braces?
I totally get what you mean - eating felt like a tactical mission for me too. Did you ever try using a water flosser after meals? That was the only thing that made me less anxious about all those little bits hiding every...
RE: Keeping your tongue scraper from becoming a science experiment
I’ve had braces for about a year now, and I swear my tongue scraper gets gross way faster than anything else. I tried one of those UV cases, but honestly, I didn’t notice a huge difference compared to just washing it wit...
RE: Making recovery from jaw surgery less miserable - what actually helped?
I totally get what you mean about the ice packs - I basically lived with one glued to each side of my face for days. Did you have trouble with jaw stiffness too? I found gentle jaw stretches (once my surgeon gave the oka...
RE: Making brushing fun: What silly games keep your kids interested?
I get what you mean about timers being both helpful and tricky. When I was a kid, my parents tried using a sand timer, but I’d get so focused on the sand that I’d brush way too hard just to “win.” Now with braces, I actu...