Dental care discussions and local services.
hollybrown949
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Topics and replies this member has contributed.
RE: Which one actually gets your teeth cleaner: blasting with water or good ol’ string floss?
I totally get the struggle with permanent retainers - threading regular floss around those wires is seriously tedious. Honestly, I think water flossers are underrated, especially for those tricky spots. Have you noticed ...
RE: Best way to get the most out of fluoride: paste or rinse first?
I get where you’re coming from. I used to be a stickler for the “spit, don’t rinse” rule after brushing, but honestly, that gritty feeling drove me nuts. I’d end up brushing less thoroughly just to get it over with, whic...
RE: What if you woke up with dragon breath every day?
Manual scrubbing is underrated, honestly. I’ve tried those fancy UV boxes and ultrasonic baths too - felt like I was giving my retainer a spa day. But if I skip the toothbrush, it’s dragon breath city, no matter how much...
RE: How I managed the cost of my root canal (and did insurance actually help?)
Insurance barely made a dent for us, either - felt like a joke honestly. We still paid most of the crown’s cost out of pocket. As for cold sensitivity, my own lasted about two weeks after my root canal and crown. For my ...
RE: Keeping my mouth clean after apicoectomy is driving me nuts
I totally get where you’re coming from. After my apicoectomy, I was so nervous about brushing near the stitches that I pretty much avoided that whole side for a few days. But honestly, being too gentle can actually let b...
RE: Ever heard of onlays instead of crowns after a root canal?
You’re spot on about the “choose-your-own-adventure” vibe in dentistry these days. I get why the word “onlay” feels a bit sketchy at first - it just doesn’t sound as reassuring as “crown,” right? But honestly, preserving...
RE: WOULD YOU NOTICE IF SOMETHING FELT "OFF" IN YOUR MOUTH?
I totally get where you’re coming from. It’s so easy for people to say “don’t worry” when it’s not their kid, but honestly, dental stuff can spiral fast if you ignore it. I’d rather be the “overreactor” than risk missing...
RE: Root canal wasn’t as scary as I thought - pain gone!
Honestly, I think there's a real tradeoff. That extra caution students have can be a good thing, especially with cosmetic stuff where detail matters. But, in my experience, skill from repetition counts for a lot too. I t...
RE: What surprised me about reshaping your gums
Greek yogurt is such a game-changer for mashed potatoes - totally agree there. I’ve seen people get so bored with the usual “soft food” list that they give up and just eat ice cream, which isn’t exactly ideal when you’re...
RE: That moment when your braces wire starts stabbing you mid-meal
I get what you’re saying about the sores not being worth it, but honestly, I’ve always found the regular wax works if you dry the bracket or wire off first. Silicone’s cool, but it felt bulkier to me. Maybe I’m just pick...
RE: Do bridges ever actually feel “normal” in your mouth?
The nerves are totally normal, trust me. I was convinced I’d never get used to my bridge and that everyone would hear a lisp or something when I talked. Honestly, the first couple days felt weird - my tongue kept bumping...
RE: Do you get dental sealants for your kids (or yourself), or nah?
We did sealants for both my kids, and I totally get the worry - my youngest is a tooth grinder and I was sure the sealants would chip right off. But honestly, they’ve held up better than I expected. Our dentist said they...
RE: Straightening out my teeth without braces - my experience
Totally get what you're saying about the initial awkwardness - pizza crust was my nemesis too, lol. But honestly, aligners are worth the upfront pinch in my opinion. Traditional braces can sometimes cause more irritation...
RE: Straightening out my teeth without braces - my experience
That's exactly it. Your teeth and jaw are literally adapting to a new alignment, so it's normal to feel some weirdness at first. I always remind people that aligners aren't just about aesthetics - they're actively improv...
RE: SEDATION FOR TOOTH EXTRACTION - IV OR LAUGHING GAS?
Laughing gas is usually a solid choice, especially if needles make you anxious. I've seen plenty of people breeze through straightforward extractions with just nitrous. Just remember to breathe deeply and slowly - it hel...