Put safety first when considering DIY treatments
Some popular treatments are not effective
There is so much information on the internet that we are often intrigued with the possibility of doing things ourselves. For some people, that may work great for minor home improvements or car repairs, but when it comes to your dental health, is it a good idea?
Some do-it-yourself (DIY) dental fads are just not effective, for example, oil pulling. Others, like whitening your teeth with charcoal, can cause damage. According to the Sept. 17 issue of the Journal of the American Dental Association, there is no evidence that dental products with charcoal are safe or effective. Popular trends on social media may actually do more harm than good.
It is a good idea to talk about any of these do-it-yourself treatments before you begin. Your dentist knows the circumstances of your mouth and health and can offer important insights in how different techniques will work and affect your teeth.
CONSIDER A VISIT TO THE OFFICE FIRST:
The temptation to do-it-yourself for dental treatments like teeth straightening may arise because of concerns about fitting appointments into a busy schedule or the belief that it will be cheaper than in-person treatment. While a direct-toconsumer option like at-home aligners may seem convenient, other treatment choices may be available. Working with your dentist may actually offer more options that address your unique situation.
A visit to the dentist may reveal underlying conditions and provide a more comprehensive picture of your overall health. This can lead to a personalized treatment plan that takes into account your time and budgetary concerns. Treatment that causes more problems than it solves can be avoided. It is usually best to address disease or conditions you may not be aware of before it causes complications.
Your comfort and safety are important to your dentist. The opportunity to ask questions and have a personal conversation with your dentist can give you confidence in the planned treatment. Knowing that your care will be supervised by someone who knows you and your health is something that should be considered before there is a problem.
GETTING THE RIGHT TREATMENT FOR YOUR SMILE:
There are many treatment options available and finding the best one for you makes sense. Understanding your choices and making the best selection is the most important “DIY” consideration for the savvy consumer. Your dentist can help with that process by providing a thorough report on your dental health and helping understand your options.
Take the time to research any DIY treatment you are considering, understand your options and develop questions that you need answered. Your health is important and any treatment should consider both the risks and the benefits. Your dentist is there to help.