Dental care discussions and local services.
jonm18
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RE: IMPLANTS VS. DENTURES: DID YOU ACTUALLY FEEL A DIFFERENCE?
I’ve noticed the same thing - food doesn’t get trapped nearly as much as it did with my old partials. Honestly, that was a big relief since rinsing after every snack got old fast. I still use the water flosser, but it fe...
RE: Why my dentist swears by electric toothbrushes (and now maybe I do too?)
We’ve been in the same boat with my daughter’s braces. I actually asked her dentist if it mattered which mode we used, since honestly, I can barely remember to charge the thing, let alone switch settings every time. Her ...
RE: Tips for keeping sane after getting a dry socket
That three-week mark sounds about right - mine dragged on too, and I kept thinking I was overreacting. I leaned hard into soup and instant mashed potatoes just to keep grocery costs down. Baby food pouches are surprising...
RE: Battle of the Bristles: Surviving Braces With Old-School Brushes
I get where you’re coming from about the soft bristles and all those extra tools - they definitely help if you’re looking for a super thorough clean. But honestly, I’ve found that sticking with a basic soft-bristle brush...
RE: Where do you go first in a dental crisis - ER, urgent care, or straight to your dentist?
That nervous feeling is all too familiar - especially when you’re juggling the “is this worth the cost and stress” question, too. I’ve definitely had to make those judgment calls, and honestly, I lean toward waiting it o...
RE: Worried about stitches after implant surgery
That’s reassuring to hear. I’ve been sticking to soups and yogurt mostly, partly because I’m nervous about messing up the stitches and partly because I don’t want to risk needing another visit (and bill). Has anyone noti...
RE: Struggling With Kicking the Nighttime Bottle - Is It Really That Bad for Teeth?
Couldn’t agree more with this. I used to really stress about every single bottle at night, especially after reading all those warnings about “bottle rot.” But honestly, life gets in the way sometimes - especially when yo...
RE: What would you do if you ran out of denture cleaner on a trip?
I totally get being nervous about toothpaste on retainers. I’ve actually switched to just rinsing mine with water and using a super soft brush, especially when I’m traveling or trying to save money on cleaning products. ...
RE: Making bracket pokes less miserable: my wax routine
I actually found silicone strips more cost-effective in the long run, but I get what you mean about them sliding off - happened to me a few times after coffee or if I was in a rush. The regular wax felt stickier, but I h...
RE: Talking clearly with new teeth: did you see that recent study?
I get what you mean about tongue twisters, but honestly, I found them a bit awkward and didn’t stick with it. For me, just talking more with family or reading the news aloud helped more than any “exercise.” Plus, I could...
RE: Dental crowns: zirconia vs porcelain, which lasts longer?
I noticed the same thing with color, especially right after the crown was placed - - but over time, it blended in better. For me, zirconia’s been worth the investment since I grind my teeth and didn’t want to risk chipp...
RE: Brushing Battles: How Often Is Enough in Elder Care?
Couldn’t agree more with this. I’ve noticed with my dad in assisted living, some nights are just a battle and you have to pick your fights. We try for two thorough brushes a day, but if he’s tired or cranky and we only m...
RE: Grinding teeth at night...what if you ignored it?
I was in a similar boat - thought the dentist was just pushing an expensive add-on. But after some research, turns out there's solid evidence linking grinding to disrupted sleep and headaches. I started using a guard abo...
RE: Getting ready for oral surgery - my game plan
Mashed potatoes and oatmeal were definitely easier for me at first. Eggs seemed soft enough in theory, but I found them oddly tricky - maybe the texture or something? You're spot-on with the hidden irritants too; I learn...
RE: Getting ready for oral surgery - my game plan
Smoothies are great, but if you're budget-conscious, protein powder can get pricey. I found peanut butter or cottage cheese blended into smoothies gave me affordable protein. Also, homemade ice packs (frozen peas wrapped...