Dental care discussions and local services.
psychology896
Discussion activity
Topics and replies this member has contributed.
RE: What should a gum graft quote include?
A revision policy may still leave routine recovery costs outside the bundle. When comparing estimates, check whether they include a defined allowance for prescribed pain medication, antibiotics if needed, periodontal dre...
RE: How do you keep track of your gums between dentist visits?
Man, popcorn is my nemesis too. I swear it finds the tiniest gaps. I haven’t tried the photo thing, but I do check my gums in the bathroom light after flossing. Not fancy, but it works for me. Water flosser was a game ch...
RE: Snacking without guilt: why is it so hard to find treats that don't wreck your teeth?
Chickpeas are definitely on my “approach with caution” list too. My youngest once managed to wedge one so far up in his molars I thought we’d need a chisel to get it out. I’m with you - finding snacks that don’t turn int...
RE: How often do you actually swap out your retainer?
My ortho never mentioned swapping just because of age either. I’ve had the same retainer for over five years now - no cracks, fits fine, no weird smells. I figure if it’s not warped or loose, why fix what isn’t broken? T...
RE: Can switching to electric brushes really brighten your smile?
Yeah, I switched to an electric brush hoping for a brighter smile too - didn’t really see much difference in color, just felt cleaner. Maybe it helps a bit with stains, but whitening strips did way more for me. Technique...
RE: When your favorite water bottle starts to smell funky
Yeah, I hear you on the over-cleaning thing. I used to take apart my bottles every time too, and those silicone rings never fit the same after a while - total pain. Honestly, I just stick to hot water, a drop of dish soa...
RE: Retainer glued in or popping one in and out?
Had both types over the years. Honestly, if you’re someone who tends to forget stuff, the glued-in retainer is just easier in the long run. I was super nervous about it at first too, but after a week or so, I stopped not...
RE: Pain relief that actually works for dry socket?
Honestly, I felt the same way - nothing really touched the pain except the meds. The dentist packed my socket with this clove-smelling stuff and that numbed it for a few hours, but after that, it was back to waiting it o...
RE: What’s your go-to after jaw surgery: wax, salt water, or just toughing it out?
I totally get where you're coming from about the wax vs silicone thing. I tried both, and honestly, the wax was just easier for me too - even if it tasted weird and didn’t last through meals. Silicone always felt like it...
RE: Worried about 6 root canals
I hear you on wanting to avoid the strong meds. I had two root canals last year and just used ibuprofen too - pain was manageable, and I could still work and drive. For me, the worst part was the soreness after the numbi...
RE: How long did you wait for new dentures after extractions?
Waiting’s rough, no doubt. I did the same - held off on immediate dentures because I just didn’t want to deal with all those extra fittings and bills. Felt pretty self-conscious for a couple months, but honestly, once ev...
RE: What Helped Me Heal Faster After That Annoying Root Tip Surgery
I was told to avoid the area for a couple days too, but honestly, I just couldn’t stand the idea of not cleaning near it at all. I used a soft brush and just sort of hovered around the stitches - no pressure. Skipped too...
RE: How Has Getting Braces as an Adult Worked Out for You?
Yeah, I get what you mean - took me a long time to stop fixating on mine too. Did you ever try wax or those silicone covers for the brackets? Helped me a bit with the constant awareness, especially when talking a lot.
RE: That first week after wisdom teeth removal… did anyone else swear by ice packs?
I know what you mean about the ice packs - mine made my skin feel like rubber after a while, and honestly, I couldn’t tell if it was helping with swelling or just making me more uncomfortable. My oral surgeon said the sa...
RE: How Does Smoking Change Your Smile?
Yeah, I’ve had the same luck with those kits - just sensitive teeth and not much change. My dentist said deep stains from smoking are tough to lift without professional help, so I stopped throwing money at DIY stuff. My ...