DIY DENTISTRY: DO OR DON’T?

DIY (Do it Yourself) Dentistry🦷

Common DIY dentistry trends include:

Whitening, Braces, Fillings… etc.

If you haven’t been to the dentist is over a year, your next visit to the dentist could require more work than you anticipated. That’s because the media has made you believe in DIY dentistry. Now, I am all for DIYing around the house: making shelves, installing countertops, and tiling the floor. But when it comes to your health, it’s not a good idea.

Consequences of DIY Dentistry:😢

1. Bleach in whitening materials when used incorrectly can cause severe chemical burns in the mouth which is VERY painful and can take weeks to heal. Even over the counter whitening products such as Colgate, recommend seeing a dental professional before using. Here at Enrich Dental, we utilize ZOOM whitening. Look for future blog posts on what to expect with ZOOM whitening. Both At-home Whitening and In-office Whitening.

2. Charcoal products have been found to scratch off the outer layer on your teeth (and it doesn’t come back).

3. Moving your teeth while you have gum disease can lead to bone loss, making your teeth LOOSE and potentially resulting in pulling those teeth. (You’re tiring to straighten your teeth, not lose them). The most popular DIY dental trend for straightening your teeth is Smile Direct. You take your own impression at home, send it in, and they send you trays (similar to Invisalign). The problem is, there is no evaluation of what lies below the teeth: your gums, your bone level, infection, cavities, etc. Here at Enrich Dental, we think straightening your teeth is SUPER important. When your teeth are straight you can function better, which includes chewing, talking, and SMILING! The best part about Invisalign is that they REQUIRE a dental professional to provide this treatment and that includes a dental exam and proper radiographs to make sure there are no underlying conditions that can make your teeth worse.

4. Moving your teeth too quickly can lead to bone loss AND make it easier for teeth to return back to the original position.

NOT to mention, we can PREVENT problems with radiographs and exams. If we see something that could potentially become a problem, we can help you resolve it before the physical and financial pain arises.

Prevention is ALWAYS better.

Shoot me a message if you are considering any DIY dental trend and let’s chat!