Dental care discussions and local services.
jackbaker
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Topics and replies this member has contributed.
RE: How much aftercare is really needed after a root canal?
My kid had a root canal last year and the dentist wanted us back three times after. I kept worrying about missing something, so we went every time, even though it felt like overkill after the first check. Same here. I g...
RE: How soft is too soft for toothbrush bristles?
That’s exactly what freaks me out - those before-and-after gum pics are burned into my brain. But now I’m stuck overthinking every toothbrush in the aisle. How do you know if it’s soft enough, or too soft? My kid’s denti...
RE: Braces in your 30s: did you know teeth can move for life?
My kid’s ortho keeps warning us about clenching, but it’s so hard to tell if he’s actually doing it at night. I’m always checking if his retainer feels tight or loose in the morning. Is it really possible for muscle tens...
RE: Why does every makeover seem to fade after a few weeks?
I totally get what you mean about losing steam. For me, it’s my kid’s retainer - first week, we’re on it, then suddenly I’m searching the couch cushions again. Does anyone else worry they’re just not cut out for routines...
RE: Mouth guards after a chipped tooth - worth it or just hype?
My kid just chipped a tooth last month and I’m still second-guessing what to do. The dentist said a guard would help, but the price for a custom one nearly made me faint. These mail-in kits sound tempting, but I keep wor...
RE: braces vs clear aligners: which made you feel less self-conscious?
I get what you’re saying, but I still worry about how noticeable braces are, especially for kids. Isn’t it harder for them at school when everyone can see the metal? My daughter’s super self-conscious and keeps asking if...
RE: Best ways to soothe a teething baby (besides the usual stuff?)
I’ve always been nervous to try the wooden teething rings too - just can’t get past worrying about splinters or what happens if they start chewing off little bits. We mostly stuck with the fridge-cold washcloth trick, bu...
RE: Why is post-extraction care so confusing?
Totally agree - my kid’s instructions were all about “gentle swishing” too, but what does that even mean for a six-year-old? I kept second-guessing if I was helping or making things worse. Did anyone get actual demonstra...
RE: What’s your go-to after jaw surgery: wax, salt water, or just toughing it out?
My kid hated the silicone - said it felt too thick, even after a few days. Did you ever worry about the silicone coming loose and being swallowed? I get anxious about stuff like that. We stuck with wax even though it wa...
RE: Which is easier: healing from a simple extraction or a surgical one?
I’ve wondered the same thing, honestly. My kid had to get a baby tooth pulled (just a simple extraction) and she bounced back so fast - barely needed Tylenol, eating soft foods that night, no big deal. But when she had a...
RE: Swapping out plastic toothbrushes - worth it or just hype?
I’ve been thinking about this switch too, mostly because my kid’s dentist keeps mentioning all the plastic waste from regular toothbrushes. But I’m worried about how safe bamboo ones are for younger kids - like, if they ...
RE: Electric vs manual toothbrushes for kids - what's actually easier?
That’s kind of where I’m stuck too. We tried three different brushes (manual, battery, and one with lights), but my son just gets bored or distracted no matter what. I did switch toothpaste flavors once - he liked it for...
RE: When the “new tooth” doesn’t feel right: a story prompt
I get what you’re saying, but as a parent I honestly don’t want to “wait and see” too long. My kid complained for days after a filling, and I kept thinking it was just normal. Turned out the bite was off and needed fixin...
RE: What Helped Me Heal Faster After That Annoying Root Tip Surgery
That’s exactly how I felt when my kid had her root tip surgery last year. I was constantly hovering, worried she’d do something “wrong” and mess up the stitches. Did you ever feel like the instructions from the dentist w...
RE: How much is too much when it comes to fluoride rinse?
My kid hates the aftertaste too, and honestly, I get nervous about how much is too much for them. Their dentist said to use just a tiny bit, but I still worry if it’s really necessary every night. Anyone else ever feel l...