Tag: DIY dentistry

DIY Dentists

What Do Dentists Think Of DIY Dental Products?

There are plenty of do it yourself dental products on the shelves that claim to whiten and protect your teeth, but are these products really effective, or could they actually be jeopardizing the health of your teeth? In today’s blog, we take a look at what dentists think about some of the more popular DIY dental products.

DIY Dental Products

Here’s a look at a number of different products and teeth cleaning methods, and what our dental team thinks of them:

  • Oil Pulling – Oil pulling is a fad that involves swishing coconut or sunflower oil around your mouth to help protect your teeth and brighten your smile. While it has been practiced in some circles for generations, there’s no evidence that it actually works to protect your teeth. You can skip this method.
  • DIY Charcoal – A couple years ago, a popular trend on social media involved DIY whitening products that contained charcoal, and unlike oil pulling that doesn’t really help or hurt your teeth, these charcoal products, when administered incorrectly, can actually damage your teeth. We back the statement put forth in September 2017 in the Journal of the American Dental Association, which states that there is no evidence dental products containing charcoal are safe or effective.
  • Teeth Whiteners – For the most part, over the counter DIY teeth whitening kits are safe to use, so long as you follow the directions on the packaging closely. If you’re going to choose a whitening kit, be sure to find one that has the American Dental Association’s seal of approval on the box. Better yet, ask your dentist for their recommendation when it comes to whitening products.
  • DIY Aligners – You should be a little wary about products that promise to straighten your teeth if they come from a box, because every mouth is different, and you deserve an individualized plan to fix your smile. Talk to your dentist about all your teeth straightening options, because odds are you can find a solution that safely works with your smile and won’t break the bank.
  • Mouthguards – This DIY dental product helps to protect your teeth instead of making your smile whiter or correcting your smile, but people often have questions about which mouthguard is best. As we explained in this blog, there are a few different types of mouthguards. A boil and bite is a better option than a stock mouthguard, but if you have dental hardware like braces, a custom mouthguard is your best bet. Again, it’s in your best interest to talk to your dentist about what mouthguard option may be best for your mouth before making a decision.

For more tips on DIY products, or to run an idea past your dentist, give Dr. Brooks and his team a call today.

DIY Dentistry

DIY Dentistry – Why It’s a Bad Idea

DIY (Do-It-Yourself) dentistry is a growing and dangerous trend. Taking your dental care into your own hands can cause serious, long-lasting harm. In this article, we are going to talk about DIY dentistry – what it is and the dangers associated with it.

What is DIY Dentistry?

DIY dentistry (short for Do-It-Yourself dentistry) is when patients take their dental care into their own hands. It can be anything from whitening your teeth, to pulling a tooth on your own, to trying to affix your own braces. These DIY procedures can be dangerous and cause serious damage to your teeth and/or gums.

The Dangers of Do-It-Yourself Dentistry

There’s a reason why dentists have to go through years of school before they begin practicing. Dental conditions are complex and require a strategic approach to treatment. As such, any dental issues or procedures should only be performed by a dental professional who has received the proper training.

When you try to perform a dental procedure on yourself, the chances are great that you’ll mess something up and have to go into the dentist anyway. If you had gone to see your dentist in the first place, you could have saved a lot of time, effort, and money.

Dr. Brooks is always pleased to offer complimentary consultations and 2nd opinions. He can also provide different options to treat situations or phase dentistry to be more affordable when possible.

Minnesota Dental Clinics

DIY dentistry is a dangerous practice that can lead to serious complications. If you have a dental issue, don’t try to fix it yourself. Visit an experienced dentist who can properly address the issue. At Smiles for Life, we work with each of our patients to provide unparalleled and compassionate care. Dr. Tim Brooks has decades of experience treating patients for a wide range of dental health problems. Contact us today at our Minnesota dental clinic (located in Bloomington) to set up your appointment.