Dental care discussions and local services.
sarahhiker
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Topics and replies this member has contributed.
RE: How often do you actually swap out your retainer?
Five years? That’s impressive. Mine barely survived two before it started looking like a chewed-up dog toy. I get that, but my dentist side-eyed me when I said the same thing. Ever notice if your retainer gets a little ...
RE: Swollen gums and braces: is this normal or just me?
Man, I hear you on the popcorn. That stuff’s basically dental sabotage. Ever tried eating it with braces? It’s like playing Russian roulette with your molars. But about the water flosser - are you using it before or afte...
RE: Keeping your mouth healthy after a root canal – what worked for you?
That “tallest tooth” thing drove me nuts for days. I kept biting down on random snacks just to check if I was imagining it or not. Jaw soreness - yep, had that for a week or so. I actually skipped the saltwater rinses be...
RE: Why is it so hard to get consistent aftercare for a chipped tooth?
Yeah, I’ve heard the same thing from my dentist. Had a small chip once and kept hoping it’d just “smooth out” or something, but nope - still there, still annoying my tongue. Anyone else get told to “wait and see” like it...
RE: How much did your dental implant + extraction actually cost?
You nailed it with the “every step had its own bill” part. I swear, by the end of my implant saga, I was half-expecting to get charged for breathing in the waiting room. My dentist handed me a paper with what looked like...
RE: Brightening My Smile Without The Ouch - Is It Possible?
Custom trays are pricey, but honestly, my teeth threw a fit with the strips. The trays were gentler - less “zing” after. Ever try just using the whitening toothpaste and calling it good? I did for a while... patience isn...
RE: Retainer glued in or popping one in and out?
I get what you’re saying about the peace of mind with a glued-in retainer, but honestly, I switched to a removable one after years with the wire and it was such a relief. Yeah, I’ve had a few “where the heck did I put th...
RE: How I pack and care for my retainer when traveling - step by step
I’ve got to ask - does the pill bottle really keep the smell in? I tried that trick once, and it ended up with this weird combo of wintergreen and whatever used to be in the bottle (I think it was Tylenol?). Maybe I just...
RE: Crowns after root canal: always, sometimes, or nah?
I hear you on the upsell vibe - sometimes I wonder if the crown is really necessary or just “recommended.” My last dentist wanted to put crowns on a couple of my molars after root canals, but my buddy’s dentist said a fi...
RE: How I pack and care for my retainer when traveling - step by step
You ever try those little dissolvable retainer cleaning tablets? I brought some on a trip once, thinking I was being all clever, but the hotel tap water was so funky it made my retainer taste like pool chemicals for days...
RE: How much is too much when it comes to fluoride rinse?
Fluoride’s one of those things where it feels like you’re supposed to know exactly how much is “just right,” but honestly, I’m still guessing half the time. Back when my grandkids were little, I remember my daughter bein...
RE: Weird tricks for stopping braces from tearing up my cheeks?
I hear you on the salt water thing. Folks act like it’s some magic potion, but for me, it just made my mouth feel like I’d gargled with the ocean and then licked sandpaper. The gentle mouthwash is a good call - my dentis...
RE: How I stopped wrecking my gums with overzealous brushing
I hear you about the cost of those electric brush heads - my wallet winces every time. Honestly, I tried one of those fancy electrics and just ended up with sore gums and a grumpy mood. Do you ever feel like you’re brush...
RE: What should I have asked before my root canal?
I never thought to ask about the taste of the filling either, but wow, you’re spot on. I swear mine tasted like a mix between rubber cement and old pennies for days. You’d think someone would mention that before they sta...
RE: How Do You Deal With Wisdom Tooth Pain - DIY Tricks or Straight to the Dentist?
You're definitely not alone there. I swear, half the time I can't tell if it's my tooth, my jaw, or just a bad mood. That numbing gel always seems to work everywhere except where I actually need it - like some kind of de...