Dental care discussions and local services.
knitter24
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Topics and replies this member has contributed.
RE: How much brushing should a young child do alone?
Reaching the back teeth is a useful sign, but I wouldn’t make it the whole readiness test. A child can cover every surface and still rush through, or not keep brushing consistently without reminders. Even when no obvious...
RE: Electric vs. manual toothbrushes for kids - what’s actually better?
I couldn’t agree more with this. As someone who’s spent way too much time in the ortho chair, I’ve learned that consistency matters way more than the exact brush type. I used to fight my parents over brushing, but when t...
RE: Ice or gauze for a knocked-out tooth - what’s your go-to?
Totally agree - gauze just feels easier to grab in the moment. I’ve had braces for years and seen my fair share of dental drama, but honestly, the idea of shoving a tooth back in sounds wild when you’re panicking. Ice is...
RE: Swollen gums and braces: is this normal or just me?
Yeah, I get that too. Honestly, sometimes the water flosser feels like it’s making things worse, especially if my gums are already puffy. I usually stick to soft picks after - less drama, less mess. And popcorn? Not wort...
RE: ADJUSTING TO A MOUTH FULL OF NEW HARDWARE: A DAILY TALE
Couldn’t agree more - my last adjustment had me questioning life choices for a solid 48 hours. The electric toothbrush definitely helps, but I’ll argue the wax is just as essential. Without it, those wires are like tiny ...
RE: Tricks for feeling good about a “toothy” smile?
Totally get what you mean about obsessing over every little detail. I used to think if I just “fixed” my teeth, I’d suddenly love my smile, but honestly? Even after the braces, I still catch myself nitpicking. The wild t...
RE: Keeping your mouth clean after dental work: new study says we might be overdoing it?
Saltwater is the classic, right? But yeah, I learned the hard way that more isn’t always better. After my wisdom teeth came out, I was so paranoid about infection that I basically turned rinsing into a hobby. My gums got...
RE: How I pack and care for my retainer when traveling - step by step
I always thought those silicone pouches would be more convenient, but yeah, the smell just gets gross fast. I’ve stuck with the bulky hard case too - it’s not cute, but at least it doesn’t get funky or leak. I tried usin...
RE: How I pack and care for my retainer when traveling - step by step
Honestly, I’m not totally sold on the vented cases. I used one for a while, and yeah, my retainer didn’t feel as gross as when I stuffed it in tissue (which is a nightmare if you accidentally toss it out), but I still no...
RE: How soon did you get back to your routine after a tooth pulled?
Mashed potatoes definitely became my best friend after I got my wisdom teeth out. But honestly, I think people get a little too hung up on sticking to just one thing. I did potatoes, but scrambled eggs were a game-change...
RE: Little tricks that helped me recover after gum surgery
I totally get what you mean about the prescription rinse - mine had this weird, almost metallic aftertaste, and my whole mouth felt tingly for hours. I switched to saltwater too, and honestly, I think it made things less...
RE: KIDS' TOOTHBRUSHES: ELECTRIC VS MANUAL - WHAT'S WORKING FOR YOUR FAMILY?
Honestly, I get where you’re coming from about the price. Those replacement heads are no joke - especially when you multiply it by a few kids. My parents always just had us use manual brushes growing up, and they drilled...
RE: How long do those metal tongue cleaners actually last?
I’m with you - if it’s not rusted or warped, I keep using it. Mine’s got a couple of weird spots too, but honestly, I just hit it with some dish soap and call it a day. I’ve had braces and all sorts of dental gear over t...
RE: Finding the right dentist for dental implants: my step-by-step approach
Completely agree with this. I had a similar thing happen - one office acted like I was wasting their time for wanting details. It’s wild how much just being listened to matters. Honestly, I’d rather deal with a dentist w...
RE: Cleaning Teeth Professionally vs. DIY Before Braces - Which Did You Choose?
I totally get what you mean about the water flosser not catching everything. I tried just using it before I got my braces, thinking it’d be enough, but honestly, stuff like popcorn skins would still get wedged in there. ...