Dental care discussions and local services.
traveler23
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Topics and replies this member has contributed.
RE: Why is brushing teeth with kids like herding cats?
I’ve noticed the same thing with my nieces - around kindergarten age, they started wanting to show off their “big kid” skills, but it was definitely a gradual thing. One trick that worked for us was making up silly songs...
RE: What’s your go-to for shrinking gums - DIY stuff or straight to the dentist?
Yeah, I totally relate to the whole “is this even working?” feeling. I used to think spending more on fancy toothpaste or mouthwash would somehow fix things, but... nope. What actually made a difference for me was switch...
RE: Weirdest things that actually help with braces pain
I totally relate to the mouthguard thing - never would’ve thought of it until my orthodontist suggested it after I kept waking up with shredded cheeks. At first it felt awkward, but after a few nights I honestly couldn’t...
RE: Why is it so hard to get consistent aftercare for a chipped tooth?
I totally get where you’re coming from. The costs pile up, and it’s frustrating when you’re told “just wait” after paying for the visit. I’ve been in that spot - had a chipped front tooth fixed and felt weird sensitivity...
RE: Feeling stuck between another root canal or just pulling the tooth?
That’s a fair point. I’ve seen implants go sideways too - my cousin had to get a bone graft after hers failed, and it was a whole ordeal. Sometimes I think if the tooth can be saved, even if it’s patched up a bit, it’s w...
RE: Which is easier: healing from a simple extraction or a surgical one?
Stitches really are the worst - mine felt like fishing line for days. I totally agree, surgical extractions took me out for longer with way more swelling. Simple pulls were a breeze by comparison, and I could actually ea...
RE: Unexpected Everyday Things That Can Tint Your Teeth
You’re definitely not alone with the sensitivity thing - those strips always make my teeth feel like they’re zapped with static. I totally agree that healthy is better than “movie-star white.” I read somewhere that even ...
RE: How I pack and care for my retainer when traveling - step by step
I can really relate to this. The anxiety around losing a retainer is so real - especially when you’re out of your usual routine or traveling. I once left mine in a hotel bathroom, and by the time I realized, housekeeping...
RE: Would you freak out if your stitches took longer to dissolve?
I remember having dissolvable stitches after a gum graft, and honestly, I was always paranoid about food getting stuck or pulling on them. Soft foods felt safer, but I did try a cracker once and instantly regretted it - ...
RE: How sticking to a simple gum care habit actually worked for me
That side-eye from the hygienist is way too real... I’ve been there. I’ve tried both water flossers and regular floss, and honestly, I still go back to string most days. Water flossers feel nice, but I don’t think they g...
RE: Knocked out a tooth? Saw this wild story…
That moment when you realize your tooth is just... out, and you’re in a bar of all places - I can only imagine the adrenaline rush. I’ve never actually lost a tooth in public, but I did chip one at a friend’s wedding (sl...
RE: What’s Your Go-To: Grab Essentials or Wing It for Sudden Tooth Trouble?
That tongue sweep move is honestly underrated. I used to be the person with a mini dental kit in every bag - floss, mirror, even those little disposable toothbrushes. It got a bit out of hand, especially when I realized ...
RE: Root canal wasn’t as scary as I thought - pain gone!
Totally get this. I’ve sat in the waiting room stressing about the bill more than the drill. It’s like the financial anxiety just amplifies everything. At least you’re not alone - dental insurance is its own kind of puzz...
RE: Trouble after wisdom teeth removal vs regular tooth extraction - what’s worse?
Those chipmunk cheeks are no joke - I remember looking in the mirror and thinking, “Whose face is this?” The swelling really does make you feel like you’ve lost your own features for a while. I totally relate to what you...