We live in a DIY society, where social media and online articles influence us to save money by doing things ourselves. We watch video tutorials and research before attempting to tackle a project or beauty regimen ourselves, but sometimes leaving it to the professionals is ideal. 

While some DIY projects are safe and have limited risks, others, like dental treatments, are best performed by a professional and should never be attempted at home. Continue reading about DIY dental treatment dangers, DIY dental treatments to avoid, and why it’s best to leave these things to your dentist.

DIY Dental Treatment Dangers

Our team at Rhoades Family Dentistry has decades of experience, and to say we’ve seen it all is an understatement. Before retiring, Dr. Ray had an impressive 35-year career in dentistry, and Drs. Hahn and Driscoll have decades of experience in the field, serving thousands of patients. We’ve seen every type of DIY dental treatment imaginable and have helped patients recover from damage done by these DIY treatments. Below are some of the most common DIY dental treatment dangers we’ve seen and helped with:

Irreversible Tooth & Gum Damage

Whether an attempt to do a DIY whitening treatment or filing to make teeth even or change their shape, we’ve seen many patients come in with irreversible tooth and gum damage. Unfortunately, many over-the-counter whitening treatments can erode tooth enamel. We’ve also seen permanent gum and nerve damage from DIY tooth filings to make teeth more even. Unfortunately, enamel and gum recession caused by DIY dental treatments can’t be reversed.

Infections

Even the most careful DIY attempt can result in using unsanitary equipment or tools that can cause infection. Dental professionals use regulated sterile tools and equipment, which eliminates the risk of infection from non-sterile tools. DIY attempts are often performed with non-sterile metal objects and other tools that introduce bacteria to the mouth, causing infections.

Masking Deeper Issues

Many people have dental anxiety, a common cause for people to skip dental visits. Unfortunately, when people skip the dentist for oral health concerns and opt for DIY dental treatments, it often masks deeper issues that can worsen with time. Whether applying a numbing gel for a toothache or trying a natural remedy for inflamed gums, DIY dental treatments can mask deeper issues that can result in serious damage.

Tooth Loss or Bone Damage

In severe cases, tooth loss or bone damage can occur from DIY dental treatments. We’ve seen many patients who have attempted DIY orthodontic treatments by using mail-order retainers and aligners or even rubber bands, which can result in tooth loss or bone damage. These DIY dental treatment dangers put unnecessary and improper stress on the teeth, harming the teeth and bone structure.

Long-Term Costs to Fix DIY Dental Damage

These DIY dental treatments can result in expensive long-term costs to fix damage. Depending on the type of DIY dental treatment attempted and the extent of the damage caused, it can cost thousands of dollars to repair or treat the damage. While some insurances cover costs associated with repairing damage, not all do, costing you money out of pocket.

DIY Dental Treatments to Avoid

What dental treatments should be avoided at home? Below are some of the many dental treatments to avoid to prevent DIY dental treatment dangers:

 

While some of these DIY dental treatments sound silly to attempt at home, we have seen many attempted DIY dental treatments and the damage they can cause. It’s best to check with your family dentist to determine which DIY dental treatments are safe to do at home. You’ll be able to get great recommendations for safe at-home treatments while avoiding DIY dental treatment dangers that can cause irreversible damage and long-term costs.

Why Scheduling an Appointment with Rhoades Family Dentistry is Best

Rhoades Family Dentistry’s team of professionals includes dentists, hygienists, and assistants who have extensive schooling and training to perform dental treatments. Dr. Hahn and Dr. Driscoll are members of the American Dental Association, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the International Association of Orthodontics, among many other organizations. Let them perform dental treatments to help you avoid dangers associated with DIY dental treatments.

 

Rhoades Family Dentistry offers dental care for the entire family, including routine cleanings, preventative maintenance, fillings, and more. Dr. Hahn and Dr. Driscoll care about your family’s oral health and are here to help recommend the best type of oral hygiene practices for your entire family, including Invisalign and braces, cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, whitening, and more. 

 

Book an appointment today by scrolling up and clicking “BOOK AN APPOINTMENT” on the top left of your screen or by calling (913) 782-8900. We look forward to serving you by providing excellent dental care and giving your family healthy smiles!