Dental care discussions and local services.
lindaj82
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Topics and replies this member has contributed.
RE: Keeping elastics and braces clean during bite correction
For anyone cleaning around elastic hooks, use the flossing aid, interdental brush size, and water-flosser setting your orthodontist has recommended for that appliance. A brush that feels forced or catches under the wire ...
RE: Nodded Off At The Dentist? My Laughing Gas Story And Curious About Others
That “stuck between chill and panic” feeling with nitrous is something I hear a lot. It’s wild how some folks just don’t find it relaxing at all, while others almost nod off. Have you noticed if music actually distracts ...
RE: Sealants for Kids: When Did Your Dentist Recommend Them?
You’re spot on about technique mattering more than brand. I’ve seen sealants last years in some kids, but pop off quickly in others - grinding and bite can definitely mess with retention. Did your dentist mention moistur...
RE: Keeping your mouth clean after dental work: new study says we might be overdoing it?
That raw, sore feeling is so common - honestly, it’s easy to think more rinsing equals faster healing, but the tissues just can’t keep up. I’m curious, did your dentist give you a specific rinse schedule? Sometimes peopl...
RE: Sealants at the Dentist vs. School Clinic: Which Is Better for Your Wallet?
That’s actually a great point - school clinics can be a lifesaver for families, especially with how unpredictable insurance coverage can be. I’ve seen both sides: some kids’ sealants from clinics last just as long as the...
RE: Which is easier: healing from a simple extraction or a surgical one?
I’ve noticed some folks are super sensitive to those pain meds after surgical extractions - especially if they get prescribed something stronger. Did you have any local anesthesia left over when you took your first dose?...
RE: Tackling decay in 13 teeth
Honestly, I’ve seen a few fillings come loose, especially if someone’s chewing really sticky stuff or grinding their teeth at night. Did your dentist talk about what material they used? Composite and amalgam can feel dif...
RE: When the first fix doesn’t stick: a dental do-over adventure
You’re not wrong about the engineering side of dentistry - sometimes I think prepping a tooth is more like building a foundation than anything else. Ever notice how much they check the angles and smooth out the prep? If ...
RE: Would you freak out if your stitches took longer to dissolve?
That feeling of “are these things ever going to disappear?” is so relatable. You’re definitely not alone in poking at them constantly - most people do, even if they won’t admit it. It’s weird how something so tiny can ta...
RE: Finally stopped my teeth from wiggling - here’s what worked for me
Yeah, I see a lot of folks recommending baking soda, but I’ve always wondered about the long-term effects. I’ve seen retainers get that cloudy look after a while - makes sense if it’s micro-scratching the plastic. Have y...
RE: Keeping kids’ braces clean - what actually works?
That “tree” brush (I think they call them interdental brushes?) is honestly what most of my patients stick with. Do you find it easier to use those than flossing, or is it just less time-consuming? Curious if anyone’s de...
RE: Making brushing fun for little ones - what actually works?
That’s a great point about modeling being more about willingness than technique at first. I see that all the time - kids are way more likely to open up (literally and figuratively) when they feel like it’s a game or when...
RE: Plastic or wire? Something weird I learned about retainers
Ever try eating with the Hawley in? I swear, food just finds its way under that wire no matter what. But yeah, the Essix does clamp everything down - did you find it made your teeth ache after a long day, or was that jus...
RE: Chewing Gum That Actually Works For Gross Breath?
That’s a big one - dry mouth just makes everything worse, and a lot of people don’t realize it’s even happening. Have you noticed if certain foods make your breath worse no matter what you do? I’ve seen some folks swear ...
RE: Dealing with those sneaky in-between tooth cavities
I totally get why you’d be skeptical. Water flossers do help with debris, especially for kids who struggle with string floss, but they don’t always replace manual cleaning in those stubborn spots. Have you noticed any bl...