Dental care discussions and local services.
rainanimator
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RE: Getting through the days after a root canal - any hacks?
I was super nervous about the pain after mine, and honestly, the cold compress was a lifesaver for me. I kept one on and off for the first day, and it really seemed to help with the swelling. I did take ibuprofen too, bu...
RE: What signs help you identify poor aligner tracking early?
I kinda worry about this too, but honestly, I don’t think a little gap is always a bad sign. My ortho said as long as the aligners aren’t popping off or causing pain, a small space - especially in the first day or two - ...
RE: One thing I wish someone told me before my root canal/crown combo: bring your own headphones and queue up a long playlist or podcast.
I totally relate to the crunchy food paranoia - after my first crown, I was convinced even soft bread was a risk. It’s weird how your brain just fixates on the worst-case scenario. Headphones helped me too, but I kept wo...
RE: Retainer glued in or popping one in and out?
I totally get the stress over this - my kid is the queen of losing things, so the thought of a removable retainer had me picturing daily panic attacks. But I also worried about the fixed wire. Our orthodontist said it’s ...
RE: How I pack and care for my retainer when traveling - step by step
That aftertaste from the cleaning tablets is exactly what freaks me out, too. I tried them once on a weekend trip and just couldn’t shake the weird flavor, even after rinsing like crazy. I keep thinking maybe I’m being t...
RE: Unexpected Everyday Things That Can Tint Your Teeth
I actually think tea is sneakier than coffee when it comes to stains - especially black tea. I used to think I was playing it safe by switching from coffee to tea, but nope, my teeth started looking duller after a few we...
RE: The great dental quest: searching for planet-friendly floss
I totally get the struggle with silk floss - it’s kinda nerve-wracking when it shreds or gets stuck, especially if you’re new to all this. I keep worrying I’ll hurt my gums or miss spots. Has anyone actually found a bran...
RE: Finally stopped my teeth from wiggling - here’s what worked for me
I seriously relate to the whole “trial and error” part. I’ve been so anxious about my teeth since my last checkup, mostly because my gums started bleeding and I freaked out thinking I’d lose a tooth. My dentist also sugg...
RE: What should I have asked before my root canal?
That hollow feeling is wild, isn’t it? I kept poking at mine with my tongue for like a week after my root canal - couldn’t help it. The whole “don’t chew on that side” advice is spot on, though. I got a temp filling and ...
RE: Which is better for implant soreness: painkillers or just waiting it out?
I get what you mean. I always feel like I’m being dramatic if I take painkillers, but then the pain just wears me down and I can’t focus on anything else. For me, alternating ibuprofen and a heating pad helped more than ...
RE: DOES EVERY CAVITY REALLY NEED A CROWN OR IS IT OVERKILL SOMETIMES?
I totally get the fear of making the wrong call. But honestly, I think sometimes dentists just err on the side of caution. - I agree, and I’ve actually said no to a crown before, just got a bigger filling. Tooth’s still...
RE: How often do you actually see your dentist?
That’s wild about your dad - my mom’s the same, barely ever flosses and still has perfect teeth. Meanwhile, I’m brushing and flossing like it’s a religion and I still worry. Do you think anxiety actually makes us more li...
RE: Making brushing fun for little ones - what actually works?
Strawberry toothpaste is a total game-changer, right? I used to think brushing was basically punishment as a kid - mint always burned my mouth and made me dread it. Now with all these flavors, it’s almost weirdly temptin...
RE: What if you woke up with dragon breath every day?
That’s actually super interesting because I always thought morning breath was just about brushing or maybe not drinking enough water before bed. Never really considered allergies could be behind it. My little guy is only...
RE: Cheap floss that actually works? My search for budget dental care
Ugh, I feel this so much. I just got my braces a couple months ago and the first time I tried to floss, I literally almost cried. The ribbon stuff everyone loves just slides right over all the gunk, like it’s avoiding th...