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Power Dental Flossers:
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The best of Power Dental Flossers by number of unique Reddit comments:
![[New and Improved] Jetpik JP200-Elite+ Rechargeable Portable Power Water Flosser with Patented pulsating Floss Technology and Cordless Dental Water Jet Cleaning and Sonic toothbrush in a modern design](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31d2khNBlAL._SL500_.jpg)
![Water Flosser [Mini Cordless Portable] Oral Irrigator Water Teeth Cleaner Pick, Telescopic Water Tank, 3 Modes & IPX7 Waterproof, Home & Travel Water Flossers for Teeth, Braces Bridges Care.](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41560HiGA4L._SL500_.jpg)
Top Reddit reviews mentioning Power Dental Flossers:
- Go to bed at 9:30pm, and set your phone away from you. Set up quiet hours on the phone with only your closest family as an exception for an emergency.
- Set an alarm for 4:30am and 4:33am
- If you're using your phone as the alarm, get an alarm app that provides challenges to wake up, like AlarmDroid for Android or Alarmy for iPhone. Turn on challenges for both alarms. Disable snooze.
- Become a breakfast person. Set aside 10mins for cereal or 20mins for oatmeal.
- Set up a coffee maker to brew at 4:45am (enough time for you to get up, go downstairs, and get your breakfast prepped, so that the coffee finishes around the same time). You can also schedule a Keurig wakeup time and auto-sleep time, so this works equally well.
- Set a 3rd alarm that is your "oh shit 5 mins to put on clothes and run out the door to make it there in 5 minutes early" alarm. Have it be an incredibly obnoxious alarm.
- Set a separate alarm with a separate ring tone for garbage day, so you know "this isn't a day to fuck around in bed - trash needs to get out". Better yet, use this song as the ringtone.
- Showering the night before is a time saver, but don't do it if you're a sweaty mess every morning. Or just sleep with the fan on and defy Korean logic.
- If you're eating shit like Raisin Bran that definitely leaves stuff between your teeth every day, invest in a Waterpik and call it a goddamn day. You'll no longer be known as bran mouth at your workplace.
Waterpik. I am a licensed crazy ass. You want this more than a toothbrush if you experience periods of unhygienic depression.
I swear that thing will change your life.
I use my Waterpik every night before I go to sleep and it is perfectly fine. Although I get my teeth cleaned twice per year, I’m not sure what they use at the dentists office. There are many brands that make water flossers, Waterpik is just one of them. Here’s a link to the machine I’m referring to:
Oral Breeze ShowerBreeze Water Jet Dental Irrigator, Easy Shower Installation, Treats Gum Disease Naturally, Use 15 Seconds Daily https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003ES2HNI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_wwTECbFX23AMD
Here’s the one I got: Oral Breeze and the benefit is you can spray down your shower to clean it! PS, it does tickle the first few times you use it, but you get used to it, and soon appreciate the resource!
To answer one of your questions, they are easy to use, but I also use flossers to floss. My ortho gave me my waterpik when I started treatment and I love it, I use to blast food out of my brackets. Mine is similar to this one: https://www.amazon.com/Waterpik-Flosser-Electric-Countertop-Irrigator/dp/B00HFQQ0VU/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=Waterpik&qid=1594560886&sr=8-5
You should not use whitening solutions during treatment, you'll end up with your teeth being a different color than under the brackets.
I'm gonna do everyone here a huge favor. Go to Amazon and search for "curved syringe". You'll get results with things like these
They have a nice long curved tip that reaches back into the pockets back there to spray out these tonsil stones. I had my tonsils removed as a kid but learned I have these only a couple years ago. (I'm 38) I have a lot of small folds and pockets back where my tonsils used to be. My wife attests that they've never caused bad breath that she can tell, but they're gross anyway so I use these syringes to remove them.
Don't know about the HSA reimbursement but I advise if you get the tabletop version, get the one with on/off switch, instant regret to the face when I turned it on. Been using it for a few days and really wish I had gotten one earlier, but don't forget manual flossing is still recommended. Avoid the Target/Walmart version and get the one on Amazon, it sometimes goes on sale for $40-50. My SO has the portable version and works rather well for her but it has a little bit less pressure.
A majority of these are knock-offs...Amazon is notorious for this stuff these days. Anything that has their "brand" names in all caps or is just gibberish is drop shipped garbage 99% of the time. It may be more expensive but I would stick to brand name, like a Waterpik. Here's a portable and non-portable version. I got the non portable version on sale for $35 about 2 years ago and it's still going strong!
Bonus tip: if you get one of those water pik attachments that go behind your shower head, you can "floss" your teeth with it, then pressure wash the tile grout when you're done!
Here's the one I got:
Wait, wut? I've been using this all wrong
Waterpik Cordless Water Flosser, Battery Operated & Portable for Travel & Home, ADA Accepted Cordless Express, White WF-02 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DQSC9B5/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_CA27517EQ8CKNPYTGY54?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
It doesn’t truly matter if it’s bipolar or being intrinsically lazy or even if it’s mononucleosis. Schedule is what has turned me, personally, from batshit insane to a citizen of Earth over time. It takes doing it when it feels like it sucks, sometimes. But, eventually, the routine starts to reinforce itself to the point that you are regulating around it. This is good for fighting depression and can even keep you a little more on the rails if you are feeling hypo/manic.
Also: http://amazon.com/dp/B00HFQQ0VU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_3H1Q1J43DQS60CHKQDGA
Waterpik/water flossers will save your dental hygiene. Everyone who has a hard time with dental hygiene needs one of these.
This is the one I've had and it's been solid the two years I've had it. Definitely worth the money.
Check this out on Amazon Waterpik Aquarius Water Flosser Professional For Teeth, Gums, Braces, Dental Care, Electric Power With 10 Settings, 7 Tips For Multiple Users And Needs, ADA Accepted, Black WP-662 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LXY19XD/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_5V6SGMQ9T1Q56EV7HZJV
Waterpik Aquarius Professional
Shop around and you can find open box units for much cheaper. I got mine on eBay for around $40.00, shipped. It's been going strong for the past 3+ years.
About $100 CAD. Pays for itself with fewer cavities and gum problems though. I think the reason it worked so well for me was because of my teeth. Lots of crowding and "pockets" as my dentist described them where food can get trapped. That's why blasting my teeth with water from behind them, targeting those pockets, causes so much food to come out for me.
not OP, but these have tempted me for years!
Oral Breeze ShowerBreeze Water Jet Dental Irrigator, Easy Shower Installation, Treats Gum Disease Naturally, Use 15 Seconds Daily https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003ES2HNI/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_GMXH3ATBD9TRA64THV82
Oral Breeze ShowerBreeze Water Jet Dental Irrigator
This was a game changer for me too! I just replaced my travel water pik for the upgraded water reservoir size and I loveeeee it. It is solely responsible for saving my teeth.
Waterpik Aquarius Water Flosser Professional For Teeth, Gums, Braces, Dental Care, Electric Power With 10 Settings, 7 Tips For Multiple Users And Needs, ADA Accepted, White WP-660 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HFQQ0VU/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_VZJ3KSG7J8DD95SH9GMA?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
This model is $60 and they have travel ones too.
Something that helped me was getting a shower floss thingie. I also don't like dental care stuff due to a lot of trauma. After using this thing everytime I showered for a 6 months my dentist was really happy, lol. It is as good or better than flossing, apparently.
I have this one https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B01LXY19XD/ref=twister_B07R6YLGJW?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1 Waterpik Aquarius Water Flosser Professional For Teeth Amazon usually drops the price to around $40 during holiday shopping time. It works really well for me. It does take up more bathroom counter space than I would like though.
This is the one I bought. Oral Breeze Showerbreeze 6', Chrome, 6 Foot https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003ES2HNI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_KTBHZZG477QPZM13K02G?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Had it for a few years now. Still working great.
Get a water pik.
Way easier than flossing and it feels good after brushing. Easy as hell to use and blasts all kinds of crap from in-between your teeth so I don't have to spend nearly as much time taking care of my teeth every day.
Use a Shower Flosser. Has been the ticket to stellar gum health.
Also, look into a Water Flosser. The cheaper models can be had for around $30 and they are also a game changer for oral hygiene.
I got mine as a Christmas present after telling a friend how much I loved my electric toothbrush (not a gift from them - just something random we were talking about).
While my initial reaction was to be less than thrilled, I called them a few weeks later to tell them how much I loved it and how appreciative I was that they had introduced me to it.
I hadn't heard of this, but now that you mention it my teeth have been slightly more of a problem since I started troches. I recommend you get a Shower Flosser. This will help your dental health considerably in any scenario - keep your gums really healthy. It has helped my oral health considerably.
Oralbreeze Showerbreeze. I chose this one for it’s all-metal connector. Remember to wrap the thread tape the opposite way that you tighten the connector!
For the first few days, it tickles and is mildly uncomfortable, but then you get used to it. The stream is strong, and is also adjustable. You can make the shower water continue to flow from the shower head while you use it, or force all the water to direct to the flosser.
The only drawback now is you have to be motivated to shower frequently. But, on the other hand, it’s fantastic self care!
I could never use a traditional water pik that you use over the sink. My girlfriend is a germaphobe who would probably have a panic attack watching me spray mouth water all over the bathroom. I got one of these instead... cheaper, easy to install, and keeps all the spatter and spray in the shower.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0018AGB7M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_imm_t1_Y1obGb4H5T1DF
Deal link: Amazon
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Do you have this one? Or the rechargeable version?
Waterpik Cordless Water Flosser, Battery Operated & Portable for Travel & Home, ADA Accepted Cordless Express, White WF-02 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DQSC9B5/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_trQ6FbX9MJ33T
The Wirecutter's top pick is the WaterPik Aquarius. Amazon sells it for $70.
Deal link: Amazon
NOTE: Are you looking for discounts on a specific product? Search for the product in our official Discord Server! We are gearing up for Black Friday and Cyber Monday! Grab the deals before anyone else! Join our Discord Server to get real-time notifications on all deals. We have category-wise Discord channels. Disclaimer: Some deal links on this sub may be affiliated
Deal link: Amazon
NOTE: Are you looking for discounts on a specific product? Search for the product in our official Discord Server! We are gearing up for Black Friday and Cyber Monday! Grab the deals before anyone else! Join our Discord Server to get real-time notifications on all deals. We have category-wise Discord channels. Disclaimer: Some deal links on this sub may be affiliated
Deal link: Amazon
NOTE: Are you looking for discounts on a specific product? Search for the product in our official Discord Server! We are gearing up for Black Friday and Cyber Monday! Grab the deals before anyone else! Join our Discord Server to get real-time notifications on all deals. We have category-wise Discord channels. Disclaimer: Some deal links on this sub may be affiliated
This is the one I bought. Waterpik WP-660 Water Flosser Electric Dental Countertop Professional Oral Irrigator For Teeth, Aquarius,White https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HFQQ0VU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fabc_RM7TFbN2F83ZN?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
This is my favorite water pick: H2oral Irrigator Floss Do You Hate to Floss? are You not Wanting to Spend A Fortune On A Water Flosser https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004V4RUZ4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fabc_3M7RFbM7B22ZQ?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I don’t have the cordless one and I also share a bathroom with people so I just bring it when I’m doing my nightly routine then bring it back to my room. I have this one and I like there’s different adjustable pressure ranges and tips I can choose from.
Nope, definitely not too late. haha. you can use it on the lowest setting and use warm water so the temp doesn't hurt sensitive teeth.
you can purchase on Amazon or at Walmart/Target/etc.
Link for ref:
Here it is on Amazon. Got mine this Prime Day and I love it. Never was a big flosser to begin with as I found it hard to shove my hands in my mouth so this is awesome. It's neat seeing particles and what not fall into the sink as it runs!
I have braces and I will have them for 3 years, while they hurt when they get tightened or put on, after about 10 days your teeth will feel fine. I will however suggest getting a watter flosser. It helped clean my teeth tenfold and it feels amazing. if you are interested, here is one:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HFQQ0VU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_fRWHFb0DJK5CE
I got this one because both me and my sis have braces and we need the extra tips. If you want a smaller one, here is one:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B086PJGHTD/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_sSWHFb5T9G15J
hope these help!
Today at checkout was $29.00
Waterpik WP-660 Water Flosser Electric Dental
Countertop Professional Oral Irrigator For Teeth, Aquarius,White https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HFQQ0VU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fab_WVAHFb1FT5BES
On sale today Prime Day at checkout $29.
Waterpik WP-660 Water Flosser Electric Dental Countertop Professional Oral Irrigator For Teeth, Aquarius,White https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HFQQ0VU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fab_WVAHFb1FT5BES
Apparently you can get the syringes from drugstores if you look for "oral irrigation syringe" I found a set of 2 on Amazon for $7 which is a lot cheaper than getting an actual pump. Mileage may vary though, I have more girth at the base that doesn't really fit into the tube already, but I'm 5 months on T, it could depend on your bottom growth so far. I'm gonna keep using it even though it doesn't fit the whole thing Oral Irrigation Syringe (Amazon)
Basically a water flosser is something that sprays a high-pressure jet of water at your teeth and the water works its way into your gums(like how you're supposed to do when you floss) and pulls anything that might be trapped out. Dentists for years were super resistant to them because they weren't very good but these days they actually recommend them as being just about as good as really flossing
This is the model i have -> https://www.amazon.com/Waterpik-Flosser-Electric-Countertop-Irrigator/dp/B00HFQQ0VU/
I went a little overboard and got the best model I could. My dentist recommended me to use things with the ADA seal which oddly seem to be only waterpik brand flossers but...eh, they're at least scientifically verified!
Waterpik Water Flosser Electric Dental Countertop Oral Irrigator For Teeth – Aquarius Professional, WP-660 White https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HFQQ0VU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_V2-8CbNHD67AF
It's a similar idea to a power washer. It uses water to clean between your teeth instead of floss.
I added a metal T from the hardware store
Oh yeah I got both the T-3s and Ibuprofen (along with the other meds) and I would definitely recommend taking them. Some people are fine going off them after a couple days, but they are definitely going to help with swelling and pain. I honestly had to get mine refilled and was on both for like 2 weeks because of the pain, but most people aren't on them for nearly that long. I also highly, highly recommend getting oral syringes like theses to wash out the sockets (I didn't get one from the dentist, so I bought them from amazon) and a face wrap like this. I bought that face wrap and always kept to of the packs in the freezer and rotated them and even though they said to do like 20 min on/20 min off they helped the pain so much I barely ever had them off lol! I literally slept with them and would wake up every once in a while and immediately go and change them out. The oral syringes also really helped get food out of there. I would gargle and try and clean my mouth out as best I could, but whenever I used the syringes, I could always see more little bits of food and stuff coming out.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OQFH0OY/ref=sspa_mw_detail_2?psc=1
Have had one of these for 2 years, still going strong. Was looking for the same things as you, with the emphasis on the smaller footprint. Impressed with the battery life and my wife uses it as well. We’ll leave it off the charger for a couple weeks at a time. Its cheap enough you could get a second one if you wanted.
My dentist raves about them, and since the floss isn't super effective with all my work, the waterpik is MUCH more effective. I got this one, and even though it came with an EU power supply by mistake, I emailed the company and they sent me the US one for free immediately. The WaterPik brand is really good too, but I can't afford $80+ right now.
Flossing is bananas with all this metal in my grille! LOL
I just got mine on mid-May prior to jaw surgery, and this definitely holds up. My orthodontist had a fancy contraption to hold my mouth open while they applied all the brackets that they didn't have the first two times I had braces. That definitely made the whole process much easier on my jaw.
I'd also add that during the first few weeks, those couple brackets you'll have on will chew up your gums a bit. Rinsing liberally with salt water (I make up a bottle that I keep handy) will help heal them faster. Put a bit of wax on the bracket right away. Once the spot is healed, stop using the wax so your gums can form a bit of a callous.
I would also just avoid the foods they tell you to avoid all together. You probably won't have the brackets on very long and it's just not worth it to lose a bracket over. I was informed at my last appointment that I'd lost one, and I'm on a liquid diet! It takes soooo long for them to put it back on that they just decided to wait until next time to put a new bracket on.
Watepiks are great for braces (the model I have comes with a tip for braces and has been on sale for under $50 frequently lately). Otherwise, you should use a threader to floss.
There are now way more options for brackets than there were years ago. There are traditional metal and ceramic braces that need rubber bands to ligate. But now there are also Damon brackets (which come in metal and clear versions) that self ligate. So no need for rubber bands or tightening (you still get wire changes), and your teeth move faster. The brackets themselves are also slightly smaller. They are so much better than the tradition brackets I had when I was younger. I've only had them for a few weeks and I can't believe how much teeth movement I've already had.
Best investment ever. You'll thank me. ShowerBreeze Water Jet Dental Irrigator w/ lifetime warranty flosser https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003ES2HNI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_Y0SXyb19S03AW if that link doesn't work try this one
I usually keep the humidity high enough that they tiniest pitchers even have fluid, and feed the the pellets whole, as I think that they will drop to the bottom of the trap. If I crushed them they might stick to the sides and mold. I usually use a single led diode on a battery to see though the pitcher walls, and if there is any fluid. It wouldn't be a bad idea to add a few drops of water to a Sarracenia seeding's pitchers, a lot of people use these things to add water/feed fertilizer to many pitcher-type carnivores: https://www.amazon.com/Ezy-Care-Dental-Irrigating-Syringe/dp/B000FQ5N1A/ref=pd_lpo_194_lp_t_4?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=17D2K13N49DH57PD4M38
I love water flossing and I will never go back to using string.
I was not a flosser -- now I floss every day. Easy, simple, enjoyable. Should have invested in a water flosser years ago.
Compared to string flossing, the water gets more gunk out, too.
I have this model but I would go with a Water Pik or Hydro Floss next time. The one I have has one design flaw: the tip where the water comes out isn't slightly pointed so it is difficult to point the stream directly between teeth. The tip is flat. Other than that, it's a great product.
There are options to flossing. I use this. Since I shower every other day, I'm removing plaque at the same time. No more strings of bacteria in your life. Any dentist will admit that regular use of a hydro jet device is superior because it also removes tongue and cheek bacteria film.
Confirmation bias: daily smoker (with a few exceptions) for 40 years this month. Up to a few years ago, I carried my wisdom teeth with no problem. Because of some other issues with my liver, I can't have oral surgery because of low platelets. For 20 years, dentists have told me I have gum disease and my teeth all need pulling. When there is no surgery to be had, they send me home. This repeats about every 5 years. And I still have my teeth with no cavities.
So yeah, lots of smoke, lots of hang wringing by dentists and not much issue with the teeth. It am what it am.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0018AGB7M/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_awd_h9i4wb6K38FAH
Edit: if you purchase this product make sure to properly clean the threads where the shower head is screwed on to. Use an abrasive if you need to. Also, make sure to apply plumbers tape on the threads afterwards so there's no leaking!
This is essentially the product, but I got six of them for like $5. Sometimes you have to search a bit for a deal. Basically you want an oral syringe. I hope this helps. When I got comfortable with this method I've never looked back. http://www.amazon.com/Ezy-Care-Dental-Irrigating-Syringe/dp/B000FQ5N1A/ref=sr_1_47_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1458039693&sr=8-47&keywords=oral+syringe
I love my dentist and dental hygienist. Even though they aren't in network and I end up paying more for the experience they were worth it. I too had a pretty long dental break, and it took me trying a couple of other offices until I found one I liked. I've had scaling done and get regular follow-up treatments from them.
I see Dr Dolfi, although I'm sure Dr Mann is also nice.
Something that is important, and that I've had a good experience with is to ask questions. All the dental hygienists were always happy to explain things/work with me so I understood everything, but ask. Ask them to watch you floss, ask them about angles to hold toothbrush, etc.. If you are at all unsure about proper care, ask and they will be happy to help you.
I also strongly recommend getting a water pik. It doesn't completely replace flossing, but it works great. Use the standard tip at a 6-7 level, spend about a 4 count between teeth, then travel along the tooth's gum line on the way to the next between. Do this along the outside and inside gums. I still floss a couple of times a week and water-pik the rest of the nights and it has done a world of good for my gums.
My mom once found some pieces of a Waterpik my grandma had given to me in my closet (I didn't use it), and yelled from my room, verbatim "What kind of drug paraphernalia is this?!" It took me ten minutes to convince her that they weren't for drugs. She was even there when my grandma gave it to me.
Yeah. This is the kind that I have. It's basically an at-home version of the kind a dentist would use.
First off, nobody's skin is free of scars. I have one above my eyebrow! And we're our most picky, critical viewers of ourselves as we peer in the mirror.
If it really bothers you, there are laser treatments/surgery options that have a chance of reducing it, though some of them require repeat procedures/time/$$$$ and there's risks of causing breakouts. There's no miracle treatment for scars. Best bet is to talk to your dermatologist.
To protect it, maybe you could use a bit of vaseline or pore filling primer (as long as the ingredients agree with your face) to act as a barrier and emolliate the area.
To wash it out, maybe a little squirty syringe of warm water? Like the ones used to help irrigate the wounds post wisdom teeth removal. This thingy: http://www.amazon.com/Ezy-Care-Dental-Irrigating-Syringe/dp/B000FQ5N1A
Good luck! :)
As far as teeth are concerned, things can ALWAYS get worse. Like you I went through a period where I didn't look after them (my U-turn I think is permanent now - I plan on no more fillings again). But good to hear about your change in tooth hygiene lately though. That's a promising start.
I would hunt round for a dentist who you really feel comfortable with. And immediately after I have food, to avoid the acid from the bacteria's poop demineralizing my teeth, I always floss with this water flosser. It's faster and easier than normal flossing, and I haven't looked back.
Something like this that uses a strong little jet of water that cleans your teeth like flossing
I bought some of these 1oz glass bottles with dropper/stoppers. I keep them in a dopp bag and have never had a problem with them breaking or leaking. I use oral irrigators (made for cleaning out sockets after having wisdom teeth removed) to transfer the aftershave from the main bottle to the small ones.
I had the same gum flap after my wisdom teeth removal, i believe it took almost 3-4 weeks before i didn't feel anything anymore. As for the food stuck between your teeth you might want to try buying a water syringe to clean those tough parts. Sorry about the pain, if its really severe maybe call your dentist http://www.amazon.com/Watts-Syringe-Irrigators-Tapered-Bridges/dp/B002OXEURA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1428559963&sr=8-1&keywords=wisdom+teeth+syringe
Nope, it's a space that's supposed to be there called a tonsillar crypt. The tonsil stone is just a bunch of crud that's trapped in there, as soon as you shoot it out with a water flosser the hole will shrink back up. What is just a little more worrying for infection is that there looks like there might be a little white gunk in another crypt above it, but your doctor likely checked to see if you had 1) lack of cough, 2) white gunk on the tonsils, 3) swollen tonsils that are painful when he touches your neck, and 4) fever, all of which would be suggestive of strep throat. If you just had the white gunk of those four, strep throat is less likely and antibiotics would probably cause more harm than good.
We picked up a water flosser like this: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OQFH0OY
If it doesn't break the bank for you I'd say give it a shot, have someone use it and a flashlight to squirt the gunk out, and get plenty of sleep and drink hot fluids. It's probably viral and will get better soon, if it goes on another week or so or gets worse, give your doctor another call. If it swells more and makes it difficult to breathe (it probably won't), only then head on down to the ER.
They are around $20-$60USD. This one is a pretty good one.
Honestly, IMO, I would be very hesitant to get my tonsils removed. Since cleaning my tonsils thoroughly over a week's time, I haven't had more than a couple of small tonsil stones in 1.5 years.
$50, and some effort cleaning seem much better than surgery.
I have been using a waterpik as a substitute for flossing and it does the same job that flossing does. It's also a whole lot more convenient for me personally because I have a permanent bottom retainer in my mouth that makes flossing a huge pain in the ass.
What are you thoughts on water flossers? I use mine once a day and it's definitely been effective at massaging gums enough so they don't bleed anymore when I brush. Do you have any patients who use them?
While the hydorgen peroxide (or some types of oil sold in pharmacies for just this purpose) + bulb syringe of warm water to rinse works well enough, a waterpik at low setting works better in my own experience. My doctor recommended I try it years ago and I haven't gone back to the bulb since...
You get them to drink a small amount of hydrogen peroxide - it hits their stomach, reacts and foams up, causing them to empty their stomachs. From what I've been told, you have about 20 minutes from the time the dog eats whatever it is before it starts working its way down the tubes.
Our dog, Texas, is a half mini-dachshund, half-minpin brat who likes to eat stuff. On a few occasions, when he found a pair of my wife's underwear and tore them up, (I know, gross) we've had to give him some peroxide to get them to throw the fabric back up. Getting him to open his mouth was a chore, so we ended up using a dental syringe because it's got a curved tip which slides right between his teeth and squirts the peroxide right down his throat. We usually use 3-5 ccs of peroxide.
A word of warning, here - the fuller the stomach, the less peroxide you need. And as mentioned above, it works, and it works fast. Texas tries to resist it at first, and you can see him concentrating on not puking, but within a minute he's emptying his stomach. We always give him a piece of bread after he's done so that he doesn't have an empty stomach.
As for doing it outside, I disagree - I'd rather do it inside so you can clean it up and make sure you got the offending material the dog ate. The puking never lasts long, as long as you don't use too much peroxide. We do it in small doses, and if the first squirt doesn't work, we give him a little more. Rubbing and jiggling his belly helps move the progress along too.
great pointers! thanks!
- There's something called a waterpik. It shoots jets of water to dislodge stuff btwn your teeth. I never used it but my patients have raved about it.
http://www.amazon.com/Waterpik-Ultra-Dental-Water-Jet/dp/B000GLRREU
- You can try chewing gum. Chewing on wood and plastic is bad cuz you may chip your teeth. That's the major concern.
Thanks for the advice. I called my dentist and sent them a link to a Waterpik on Amazon. They said that it is an excellent flossing solution regardless of braces or not, but with braces it should be made the de facto solution.