Many DIY dental health fads, such as oil pulling, are just not effective. And others could cause damage. DIY whitening with charcoal can cause more harm than good. There is no evidence that shows dental products with charcoal are safe or effective for your teeth, according to the September 2017 issue of the Journal of the American Dental Association.
Before you take your dental health into your own hands based on the promises and ease of any DIY treatments, it’s critical to talk to a dental professional.
The benefits of an office visit
People may seek DIY services for dental treatments like teeth straightening because they feel they can’t fit office visits into their schedule or think that it will cost less than in-person treatment. Products such as at-home aligners are also called direct-to-consumer products. However, working with a dentist can actually offer more options for your unique case.
Your dentist can work with you to develop alternative treatment plans and options that address budgetary concerns. Visiting a dentist can evaluate your overall oral heath and ensure treatment doesn’t cause more problems than it solves. A dentist’s office is a safe place where a doctor is ensuring you’re not only getting safe care but also care that will actually treat the root of your problem. We want to make sure that if you utilize aligners to straighten teeth, that the teeth you’re straightening are healthy and sound.
Getting the right treatment for your smile
Before you start any DIY dental treatment, it’s important to ask your dentist about the potential risks and benefits. Before considering any dental DIY service, people should seek out answers from a local dentist who can examine their mouth and offer suggestions. We’re always here for you and open to discussing new trends that you may have seen in the news or on social media. Let us know what you are thinking so we can think it through with you!
The ADA discourages the use of direct to consumer dental products, including mouth guards, snoring appliances, teeth whitening trays and bleaching products, partial dentures, veneers and aligners.
This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.
Brian Y. Kuo DDS FAGD
(626) 800-8022