Dental care discussions and local services.
pnelson66
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RE: Swollen gums and braces: is this normal or just me?
Funny, I had the same thing happen when I first got my partials. Thought I was doing everything right, but my gums got angry fast. Turns out, gentle circles with a soft brush made all the difference. Braces or not, somet...
RE: Struggling to keep up with brushing when feeling down - any tricks that actually help?
Strawberry toothpaste, now that takes me back. I used to think brushing with anything but mint was for kids, but honestly, some days you just need something gentle. I’m with you on the shower brushing - tried it once and...
RE: How I survived the teething stage (and kept my sanity)
Bribing with songs and dances? That was practically a nightly routine at our place, back in the day. I used to hum silly tunes and even let my granddaughter “brush” my teeth first, just to take the edge off her nerves. S...
RE: Surprised by what’s lurking in “healthy” snacks?
Carrots got me once too - cracked a filling right down the middle. Felt ridiculous, honestly. You’d think something so “healthy” would be a safe bet, but nope. I’ve also had a run-in with almonds... thought I was being s...
RE: What if your implant keeps bugging you - how would you cope?
I get the coffee thing - mine’s more with ice cream. If I eat it too fast, my whole jaw throbs right at the implant. I started using a mouthguard at night for clenching, and that’s really helped dial down the random ache...
RE: Is It Okay to Suck My Thumb at Bedtime?
That’s the truth. I sucked my thumb for years when I was younger - gave it up in my 30s after my dentist pointed out my front teeth were starting to flare out. Didn’t even notice until I saw old photos and realized my sm...
RE: Worried about 6 root canals
That lines up with what I’ve found, too. I tried to do three root canals in one sitting once - never again. My jaw was sore for days and I just felt wiped after. Spacing them out gave me a chance to recover, and honestly...
RE: Getting used to eating and talking with new teeth
I get what you mean about reading aloud - felt awkward for me too at first. But after a while, it actually helped my tongue adjust. Maybe it’s just persistence? Cold drinks still sting for me though... hot tea is my safe...
RE: How much do you really worry about your gums affecting the rest of your health?
I used to brush off bleeding gums as just “getting older,” but after my heart scare last year, I started taking it more seriously. My cardiologist actually asked about my dental habits, which surprised me. Now I floss mo...
RE: Weird tricks for stopping braces from tearing up my cheeks?
That first week with braces is no joke - I remember feeling like my mouth had been through a blender. The salt water rinse really does wonders, even if it stings a bit at first. I was skeptical about the wax, but you’re ...
RE: Making the switch: how I use my water flosser (and where I still mess up)
That got a laugh out of me. My cat once tried to join me mid-floss - bad timing for both of us. I’ve found the shower trick helps my arthritis, but I still forget which way to aim. Pressure’s overrated if you’re spraying...
RE: Weird tricks for stopping braces from tearing up my cheeks?
Wax crumbling after eating drove me nuts too. I tried those silicone covers and honestly, they held up better for me - less mess, but sometimes a bit trickier to get off. Hang in there, it gets easier with time.
RE: How did you get your kid to ditch the binky?
We did something similar with our grandson - told him he could trade his binky for a “big kid” toy. He was hesitant, but the excitement of picking out a toy helped. Had a couple cranky nights, but honestly, it was harder...
RE: Electric Toothbrushes vs. Manual for Kids: Which Actually Works Better?
Can’t tell you how many times I’ve found a toothbrush in a shoe or behind the TV. In my experience, the manual keeps things simple, but my grandkids’ dentist swears by electric for the ones who rush through brushing. Bot...
RE: Chewing Gum That Actually Works For Gross Breath?
Tried the chlorophyll drops too, and yeah, that green tongue was a surprise. I actually didn’t mind the “salad water” taste so much, but I can’t say it did much for my breath either. Maybe it’s more hype than help. But ...