Over the past few years, dentists everywhere have seen a growing and concerning trend for DIY dentistry. These treatments are often marketed on social media by people who are completely unqualified to provide this advice. Some of these treatments can harm your teeth, gums and even your jawbone, causing a risk of long-term complications like tooth decay and gum disease, or potentially tooth loss. We've outlined some of the most concerning trends below.
DIY Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is very popular, but there are many dangerous treatments using inferior products that are completely unregulated. At best, these will not be very effective at whitening teeth; at worst, they could damage your teeth and gums.
If you want to whiten your teeth please ask us first, as it's essential to ensure you have a healthy mouth for safe and comfortable whitening. Our dental team can ensure you whiten your teeth safely and evenly using professional strength products not available to the general public.
Dental Cleaning
Professional dental cleanings are important for oral health; most people need this treatment every six months. Unfortunately, some people are attempting to clean their teeth using cheap tools bought online. These tools cannot remove plaque and tartar effectively and can damage your gums or push tartar underneath the gum line, leaving you at risk of more severe oral health problems in the future.
Our hygienists are fully trained and experienced, using professional tools and instruments to remove tartar buildup gently yet effectively, leaving you with smooth, shiny teeth and beautifully fresh breath.
Over-the-Counter Mouthguards
If you are keen on playing sports, you might be tempted to purchase an over-the-counter mouthguard for just a few dollars. We urge you not to do this because it is a false economy. These mouthguards provide minimal protection at best and, because they are ill-fitting, will often fall out or are very uncomfortable to wear, hindering breathing and speech. When you have a custom-fitted mouthguard, it is comfortable to wear, neutral tasting and thickened in critical areas to provide maximum protection for your teeth, gums and jaws. Wearing a properly fitted mouthguard can potentially save you thousands of dollars in dental care, as the cost of treating a dental injury can be expensive, especially over a lifetime.
Enamel Reshaping
Some people are using files to shave away tooth enamel and try to create a more aesthetically pleasing appearance, for example, when a tooth is too long or overlapping. There is a real danger that they remove too much tooth enamel, causing tooth sensitivity and potentially shortening the lifespan of their teeth. Only a cosmetic dentist can perform this treatment safely.
DIY Orthodontics
Trying to straighten your teeth at home with a DIY kit is fraught with problems. It can potentially worsen any orthodontic problems and cause severe complications that are tricky and expensive to correct. Orthodontic treatment requires a clinical exam, x-rays and diagnosis, followed by proper treatment planning for this procedure to be successful, safe, and effective. If you want to straighten your teeth, ask us for help and advice, as properly and professionally planned and provided adult orthodontics can be extremely successful.