Dental care discussions and local services.
mtail49
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RE: Struggling to keep up with brushing when feeling down - any tricks that actually help?
The buzzing gets to me too, honestly. I keep thinking I’m going to wear my gums down or something, since I can’t really tell how hard I’m pressing. Has anyone found a budget electric brush that’s gentle? Also, those plaq...
RE: Getting comfortable with a big smile even when your gums show
Totally get what you mean about hiding your smile - been there. I used to be super self-conscious about my gums showing, too. I always wondered if people were actually noticing or if it was just in my head. Have you ever...
RE: Crowns after root canal: always, sometimes, or nah?
I get what you mean about the whole trust thing. I had a root canal on one of my molars last year and my dentist was really pushing for a crown right away. Honestly, I hesitated because, wow, those things are expensive a...
RE: Which is easier: healing from a simple extraction or a surgical one?
That’s interesting, because I always thought the “simple” extractions would be easier too. Did they charge you more for the surgical one with all those extras? I feel like when they hand you a big packet and give you ice...
RE: Keeping your tongue scraper from becoming a science experiment
Is stainless steel easy to keep clean though? I always wonder if it starts to rust or get gross over time, especially if you’re not super careful drying it. I’m on a tight budget, so I don’t want to have to replace it ev...
RE: Moving my jaw around after tightening: does it even help?
Same here - if I don’t move it, it just gets worse (plus, who can afford extra appointments if things get messed up?). But then I worry, what if I move it too much and need more work done? Anyone ever had to pay for extr...
RE: How did you get your kid to ditch the binky?
We tried to avoid thumb-sucking too, but honestly, my son got so attached to his binky that taking it away felt impossible. Did you ever try those “binky fairy” tricks or just cold turkey? I kept worrying about the denta...
RE: Electric Toothbrushes vs. Manual for Kids: Which Actually Works Better?
This is exactly what I keep wondering about, especially since those electric brushes aren’t cheap. My son begged for one after seeing a commercial - he said it looked “cooler” - but honestly, I can’t really tell if it’s ...
RE: Getting through jaw surgery: what actually helped me
The chin-numbness is no joke - felt like half my face was asleep for weeks. I did try yogurt because it was cheap and easy to find, but ice cream was kind of out for me since it’s pricier and my budget was already tight ...
RE: WHEN TOOTHBRUSHES BECOME ENEMIES: DEALING WITH STIFF FINGERS
Yeah, I’ve run into the same problem with stuff just slipping off. The washcloth idea was great, but I couldn’t get it to stay either. What ended up working for me (weirdly enough) was using those thick rubber bands you ...
RE: Did you know medieval adults wore braces too (sort of)?
Can we talk about those cost freak-outs for a sec? Because every time my aligner app pings me, I get this little jolt of “wait, am I about to owe someone more money?” It’s like Pavlov’s dog but instead of food, it’s just...
RE: Which is better: letting a retreatment heal naturally or pushing for a quick fix?
That makes a lot of sense, honestly. I always wonder if waiting it out could end up saving money in the long run, since extra procedures aren’t cheap. Did your dentist seem okay with the “wait and see” thing, or did they...
RE: Whitening strips vs. sensitive toothpaste for tricky stains?
Yeah, I totally get what you mean about powering through the strips. I tried doing the full two weeks once, and my teeth were so sensitive I could barely drink cold water. Do you think using sensitive toothpaste actually...
RE: Trouble after wisdom teeth removal vs regular tooth extraction - what’s worse?
That’s so true about infections making things way worse. I had a “simple” molar pulled last year and it ended up costing me way more than my wisdom teeth, just because of all the extra meds and follow-ups. Is it just me,...
RE: Do you get dental sealants for your kids (or yourself), or nah?
Did your insurance cover the sealants for your kids? I keep hearing they’re worth it, but I’m not sure if the cost adds up, especially with multiple kids. Also, how long did yours actually last before needing a redo? Jus...