Dental care discussions and local services.
margaretbrewer
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Topics and replies this member has contributed.
RE: How do you clean reusable water-flosser tips without damaging them?
If the manual permits soaking the tip, that may be an option when it doesn’t specify another cleaning method. Rinse it thoroughly afterward. The outlet’s shape affects the water jet, so avoid anything that could alter th...
RE: Quick fixes that helped me survive dry socket pain
I actually went back to the dentist because I was so freaked out about the pain and the whole clot thing. They ended up packing the socket with some medicated stuff that tasted awful but honestly helped way more than clo...
RE: What signs help you identify poor aligner tracking early?
Yeah, the “is this normal or am I messing it up?” cycle is so real. I swear, I’ve spent more time staring at my teeth in the bathroom mirror than actually brushing them. I always wonder about the pain thing too - like, d...
RE: Swollen gums and braces: is this normal or just me?
I get really anxious about any changes with my gums, so you’re not alone in worrying. When I first got my braces, my gums puffed up way more than I expected - like, to the point where I was convinced something had to be ...
RE: Braces in your 30s: did you know teeth can move for life?
I’ve actually wondered about this too, because I see ads for those mail-order retainers all the time and it’s tempting, not gonna lie. But I’m kind of paranoid about messing up my teeth after going through braces as an a...
RE: Tricks that helped me chill before my first dentist appointment
I get why having something familiar helps, but honestly, I’ve found bringing stuff from home can sometimes backfire for us. My daughter gets so caught up in her favorite toy or book that she doesn’t want to put it down w...
RE: Feeling stuck between another root canal or just pulling the tooth?
That’s exactly what I worry about - like, is it really worth fixing a tooth that’s just going to fall out? But then I hear about the shifting and future braces and it freaks me out more. I had a baby molar pulled early a...
RE: Why is post-extraction care so confusing?
I always worry I’m going to mess something up after a tooth gets pulled. The “no swishing” thing freaks me out - I’m convinced if I even move my mouth wrong, I’ll end up with dry socket. Did anyone else get super paranoi...
RE: Crowns after root canal: always, sometimes, or nah?
Yeah, I totally get the hesitation - crowns are crazy expensive, and insurance barely helps. I tried to wait it out too, hoping the filling would hold, but my molar cracked after six months. Ended up needing a crown and ...
RE: How soon did you get back to your routine after a tooth pulled?
I was exactly the same way - super careful, probably to the point of overkill. I didn’t even want to look at the extraction site for the first week, let alone brush anywhere near it. Every time I felt a weird twinge or t...
RE: Tackling decay in 13 teeth
That’s interesting about the polish - do you think it actually helps with sensitivity too, or just stains? I always get nervous when my dentist suggests a deep clean because my teeth feel weird after. Anyone else notice ...
RE: Coping With That Annoying Dry Socket Pain After Tooth Extraction
Those syringes seriously freaked me out at first - like, what if I missed a spot and something got stuck back there for days? I kept worrying the saltwater would sting, but warm water made a huge difference for me too. D...
RE: Weird tricks for stopping braces from tearing up my cheeks?
I totally get the cheek biting thing - honestly, it’s almost like my mouth is trying to sabotage me. I’ve caught myself doing it especially when I’m stressed or distracted, and then it just gets worse because the sore sp...
RE: How sticking to a simple gum care habit actually worked for me
That side-eye is basically a warning shot, right? I always wonder if they can actually tell how often I floss or if they're just guessing. I’ve tried water flossers too, but honestly, I get paranoid that I’m missing stuf...