This is what I do...
I go into search and type in "Dames", filtered out for Today. If I see any new topics that I know I haven't replied to, I go in there first to see why I was mentioned. Then, I go back in and search it again, filtered out so it shows it in posts. That way, I know if I'm needed. It's like the Bat Signal for me.
Then, I click on View New Posts and go from there.
Dames