Dental care discussions and local services.
scott_hill
Discussion activity
Topics and replies this member has contributed.
RE: When a loose braces wire is rubbing the cheek
Whether the wire stays still when touched doesn’t establish that it’s safe to trim. Cover the irritating end with orthodontic wax and ask the orthodontist for guidance on whether it should be shortened.
RE: Keeping those stitches clean after a tooth pull - what worked for me
I totally get that - the idea of accidentally poking the stitches made me super anxious too. I actually went with a small bulb syringe because my dentist gave it to me, but honestly, I was worried every time I used it. T...
RE: How do you get your kids to actually brush their teeth?
Letting kids pick their own toothpaste and toothbrush can definitely help, but I’ve actually had mixed results with that approach. My son went wild for the “bubblegum blast” flavor one month, then suddenly declared it “g...
RE: Weirdest things that actually help with braces pain
I totally get the frozen peas thing - there’s just something about that shape that makes it work for sore cheeks. I’ve done the popsicle route too, but yeah, the sugar always made me a little paranoid about getting stuff...
RE: What would you do if your implant just never feels quite right?
It’s honestly wild how a tiny adjustment can make such a difference. I had this after a veneer - felt like my jaw was working overtime just to find a comfortable spot. My headaches didn’t go away right away, either. Took...
RE: Weirdest things that actually help with braces pain
I totally get this. I used to swear by cold stuff too - frozen grapes were my weird go-to after adjustments. Tried warm compresses once and honestly, it just made my gums feel even puffier. Nerves are so unpredictable...
RE: Keeping sore gums in check: what actually works for you?
Honestly, I get what you mean about the guessing game. I remember switching to a “gentle” toothpaste that was supposed to help with sensitivity, but it left my mouth feeling weirdly coated too, almost like I’d eaten chal...
RE: Kicking the thumb habit - anyone else see their kid’s teeth straighten out?
You’re totally right about it being unpredictable. My niece was a hardcore thumb sucker until she was almost six, and honestly, we were bracing ourselves (no pun intended) for years of orthodontics. Her teeth kind of sur...
RE: Anyone dealt with wobbly teeth? What worked for you?
Honestly, cold yogurt was my go-to when my gums were acting up. Way less harsh than ice, and it doesn’t stick to your teeth like ice chips can (plus, you get a snack out of it). I totally get what you mean about saltwate...
RE: Weird sensations after getting braces off - how to make it less awkward?
I totally get the urge to switch to the softest brush possible after getting braces off, but I actually had a different experience. My ortho recommended sticking with my regular soft brush (not extra soft), and focusing ...
RE: Chewing Gum That Actually Works For Gross Breath?
Minty xylitol gums are my go-to, honestly. The fruit ones just leave this weird aftertaste and, yeah, sometimes my mouth feels drier after chewing them. I really think the sugar-free part matters more than people realize...
RE: LIVING WITH A WONKY BITE: INVISALIGN VS. BRACES?
I totally get what you mean about your jaw not feeling “settled” - I had a similar thing with Invisalign. But funny enough, I actually felt more jaw tension with regular braces, especially when they’d get tightened. The ...
RE: What if you forget your retainer for a whole day?
That soreness is such a weird feeling, right? My ortho told me it’s pretty normal if you skip a night here and there, but the tightness just means the retainer is keeping things in place. I always wonder, though - does a...
RE: The day my tongue cleaner became a secret weapon
Haha, I’ve totally been guilty of overdoing it with the tongue cleaner too - there’s something weirdly satisfying about seeing all that gunk gone, but yeah, sore tongue is no joke. Stainless steel’s my go-to as well, jus...
RE: Weird sensations after getting braces off - how to make it less awkward?
Yeah, that “giant teeth” feeling was wild for me too. I kept running my tongue over them, convinced something was off. My bite definitely felt weird for a while - almost like my teeth didn’t quite fit together the same w...