As you know, the internet can provide a great deal of helpful information when you need it; one of the first things we tend to do when we need information is to search online. Whether you’re looking for advice on a home improvement project, images of a new clothing trend, the latest crock pot recipe everyone is talking about, or a specific skincare routine, many of us use the internet every day.
However, even though searching online can give you more information than you could ever read, it can also be harmful and have severe consequences. One trend that seems to be popping up more often is do-it-yourself or DIY dental care.
Although it may be tempting to perform dental procedures at home, the risks are too great, and your oral health could suffer. Certain things should be left to the professionals, and dental care is one of them. Keep reading to learn more about the dangers of DIY dentistry.
What Is the Allure of DIY Dentistry?
Because we have so much information at our fingertips, it only takes a few seconds to diagnose a dental issue and find possible quick fixes or ways to avoid the dentist. There are many reasons DIY dentistry has gained popularity in recent years, including the following:
- Online tutorials—Whether it’s a video about whitening your teeth with apple cider vinegar or making your own braces out of household items, there is a video tutorial for just about everything. It’s tempting to believe what you see online is safe and effective, making online videos the driving force behind DIY dentistry.
- No dental insurance—Many people don’t have dental insurance, so they think they can’t afford to go to the dentist. While dental insurance can be beneficial to pay for treatment, our dental office gives you other payment options. You can arrange for our Patient Appreciation Plan or apply for financing through Proceed Finance. We never want anyone to forego dental treatment or practice DIY dentistry because they don’t have insurance.
- The rising cost of living—Everything seems to be more expensive these days, and with so many families on a tighter budget than ever, professional dental care may be something you think you can live without. At Twickenham Family Dentistry, we understand the struggle many families experience when paying for dental care. Contact our dental office so we can discuss your options.
- Fear of the dentist—Are you one of the many people who have dentophobia? Fear of the dentist is real, so if you get anxious when you even think about a dental visit, you may be more inclined to try DIY dental treatment. Maybe you had a bad dental experience when you were young, or you feel a loss of control when you’re in the dental chair. If this sounds like you, call us to learn how we use nitrous oxide to keep you calm and comfortable during your time with us.
DIY Dentistry: Why Is it So Dangerous?
Before you consider attempting a dental procedure on yourself or someone you love, it’s essential to understand the dangers associated with DIY dentistry. Here’s why you should always leave dentistry to the professionals:
- Lack of expertise—Becoming a dentist takes many years of specialized training. While in dental school, dental students undergo rigorous clinical rotations to gain the hands-on experience they need to safely and effectively perform dental treatments. There is no substitution for this extensive training, so attempting DIY dental treatments can be disastrous for anyone without the proper training.
- Risk of infection—Your Huntsville dental team diligently sterilizes the equipment and treatment rooms to avoid bacteria and disease. Without these strict protocols, your risk of infection is significantly increased. So, if you participate in DIY dentistry techniques, you are likely to introduce bacteria into your mouth, which can lead to serious health issues.
- Damage to your oral structures—Without the proper training, equipment, and sterilization protocol, you are much more likely to damage your teeth, gums, or mouth. Certain DIY dental procedures can lead to trauma, pain, swelling, and infection, so it’s best to leave your dental care to the professionals.
- Misalignment or bite issues—One popular DIY dental trend is at-home braces or aligners, which can damage your teeth and jaw. Only a trained dentist or orthodontist can plan and monitor orthodontic treatment, so you should never try to straighten your teeth on your own.
- Worsened oral health conditions—DIY dental treatments often fail to address the root cause of dental issues, potentially making the problem worse. For example, attempting to fill a cavity without professional expertise could lead to decay spreading further, resulting in the need for more extensive dental work. Leaving such procedures to trained professionals ensures proper diagnosis and treatment.
Leaving Dental Care to the Professionals
Only a qualified dentist should perform dental procedures; they have the specialized training, expertise, and equipment to ensure your oral health stays intact. Some of the procedures you should never attempt on your own include the following:
- Extractions—To avoid damage to your gums or surrounding tissues, never try to remove one of your teeth. Your dentist understands how to provide the necessary anesthesia so you don’t feel any pain and can gently and comfortably extract your tooth if there is no other option. However, you may be able to undergo root canal therapy or some other dental treatment to avoid extraction and keep your natural tooth.
- Fillings and restorations—Although you can purchase DIY filling materials online, and it may seem easy, you should never attempt to repair a cavity or fill a damaged tooth on your own. The DIY filling material may not adhere to your tooth, which can lead to further infection and decay. Contact your dentist for the best chance of saving your tooth from extraction.
- Orthodontic treatment—It may be tempting to try to straighten your teeth with a DIY treatment, but this can lead to bite and alignment issues requiring even more extensive correction. Only your dentist or orthodontist can successfully provide orthodontic treatment.
- Teeth whitening—Many over-the-counter teeth whitening products are available, some of which may be safe. However, you shouldn’t use any whitening products or DIY treatments without consulting your dentist first. You can’t replace your tooth enamel, so you don’t want to risk damaging it with DIY whitening treatments.
Questions about DIY Dentistry in Huntsville, AL?
If you find yourself searching online for “DIY Dentistry filling” or any other type of DIY dental treatment, we encourage you to contact our dental office for more information about why you should leave specific dental procedures to the professionals.
While it may be tempting to try DIY dentistry, the risks associated with it far outweigh the benefits. Only a qualified dentist can provide the quality dental care you need and help you achieve the best oral health possible.
At Twickenham Family Dentistry, we urge you not to take any chances with your oral health; we believe your smile deserves the best care possible, so contact our dental office at (256) 539-4079 to make an appointment or learn more about how to finance your dental treatments.