Dental care discussions and local services.
melissaguitarist
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RE: Is whitening mouthwash worth it for coffee stains?
Use the whitening rinse at a separate time from brushing if its directions allow, so it doesn’t wash away the fluoride toothpaste residue. It also won’t remove tartar that has already hardened; that needs professional sc...
RE: Electric vs. manual toothbrushes for kids - what’s actually better?
My kid was the same way with the electric brush - at first, she was all about it, but after a few weeks, she just didn’t want to use it anymore. Said it “felt weird” and was too loud. We switched back to a manual one, an...
RE: Ice or gauze for a knocked-out tooth - what’s your go-to?
I get that - honestly, I’m not sure I’d be able to do it either. I’ve always gone straight for gauze to stop the bleeding, but now I’m wondering if that’s actually the best first step. Has anyone actually tried putting a...
RE: Struggling to pronounce certain words with new dentures - anyone else?
Honestly, I still trip over certain words if my lower denture isn’t sitting just right, even after a few months. The “ch” and “j” sounds get me every time. I tried adhesive, but sometimes it just made things feel too bul...
RE: What if your implant keeps bugging you - how would you cope?
That’s interesting you mention the mental side of it, because I swear half my problem is just being hyper-aware of every weird sensation now. I keep wondering if I’m making it worse by clenching or grinding at night with...
RE: Braces in your 30s: did you know teeth can move for life?
That line cracks me up, but it’s so true. I’m in my mid-30s and just started Invisalign last fall because my front teeth started crowding again out of nowhere. I had braces as a teen, wore the old metal retainer for a wh...
RE: How much did your dental implant + extraction actually cost?
I get what you’re saying about unpredictability, but I actually think a lot of it comes down to how upfront the dentist is. My last extraction turned into a bit of an ordeal because the tooth had this gnarly hook at the ...
RE: Best ways to soothe a teething baby (besides the usual stuff?)
Totally agree with this. Mine was obsessed with chilled cucumber sticks for a while - supervised, of course. Anyone have luck with those silicone feeders? I’m curious if they’re worth the mess or just another thing to cl...
RE: Getting used to eating and talking with new teeth
Totally get this. After I got a bridge put in, my tongue kept poking at it like it was some foreign object... took a while before it felt normal. For me, hot drinks were the worst for sensitivity, not cold - funny how ev...
RE: How much is too much when it comes to fluoride rinse?
Yeah, I totally relate to this. I used to think if a little fluoride was good, then a lot had to be better... but my dentist basically said “nope.” I got in the habit of using the rinse every single night for months and ...
RE: The great dental quest: searching for planet-friendly floss
Totally get what you mean about the “balancing act.” I’ve got super tight contacts too, and most of the eco flosses I’ve tried either shred or just won’t fit. The rubber picks are easier, but yeah, not exactly zero waste...
RE: Finally stopped my teeth from wiggling - here’s what worked for me
Same here. I tried a bunch of those gadgets, but my gums honestly responded better to just sticking with the basics. That vinegar rinse - never again for me either. My mouth felt weird for hours after. Sometimes simple r...
RE: Finding the right dentist for dental implants: my step-by-step approach
I get what you mean about the technical terms having a purpose, but sometimes I feel like dentists hide behind jargon when they don’t want to explain stuff. I had a consult last year where the guy just rattled off “osseo...
RE: How Do You Deal With Wisdom Tooth Pain - DIY Tricks or Straight to the Dentist?
Saltwater rinses actually did more for me too - clove oil just made my mouth feel weird and didn’t last long. I’ve wondered if it’s just the rinsing that helps, or if the salt really does something extra. Anyone else eve...
RE: Cleaning Teeth Professionally vs. DIY Before Braces - Which Did You Choose?
I had the same thought after seeing those ads everywhere - figured it’d be a quick fix before braces. Gave one a shot, but honestly, I agree with you: I was worried about messing up my enamel too, so I just stuck with t...