The Truth Behind Viral DIY Dental Hacks, According to Dentists
Many of us are keen to learn more, and social media has endless information to help us in our day-to-day lives. Social media has become saturated with recommendations around ‘at-home hacks’, and DIY dental.
Understanding the risks of DIY Dentistry
The idea of saving time and money by trying dental treatments at home is understandably appealing. However, what often starts with good intentions can sometimes lead to unexpected problems that often become very costly to fix¹. Many dental professionals have noticed a rise in patients seeking help after DIY treatments have caused damage to their teeth or gums². Tooth and bone loss, gum trauma and issues with tooth alignment are becoming commonly seen outcomes.
Why Professional Dental Care Still Matters
It’s easy to find videos demonstrating how to whiten teeth, create homemade braces, or reshape teeth using items found around the house—things like rubber bands, nail files, or even Magic Erasers. These videos are popular because they offer simple, low-cost solutions. However, dental procedures are more complex than they might seem, and professional care from your dentist ensures both safety and effectiveness.
Trending social media dental hacks that we should be cautious about
- DIY braces using rubber bands: Straightening teeth is about more than appearance. Fixing alignment issues with teeth is a complex process as it doesn’t just impact how your teeth look but can also impact how you eat and even breath. Orthodontists complete several years of additional training to safely correct alignment.
- Teeth reshaping with a nail file – reshaping teeth at home can lead to cracked, broken and damaged teeth. It also removes the tooth enamel which protects teeth from decay.
- Whitening with hydrogen peroxide or charcoal: High concentrations of whitening agents can damage gum tissue and cause lasting sensitivity. Your dentist will ensure your whitening kit is appropriate for your individual teeth and gums.
- Using Magic Erasers for stains: These products are abrasive and can strip away enamel, exposing the yellow dentine underneath.
5 Important Dental Facts to Remember
- If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Be cautious of advice from individuals who aren’t qualified dental professionals.
- Every mouth is different. What works for one person may not be safe or effective for another.
- DIY treatments can worsen underlying issues. Without a proper diagnosis, it’s easy to miss signs of deeper dental problems.
- Enamel does not grow back. Once it’s damaged, you may face long-term issues like sensitivity and decay. Pain, sensitivity and greater likelihood of decay are common outcomes of tooth filing and scratching off enamel.
- Dentists undergo extensive training. In Australia, becoming a dentist requires five years of full-time study, ensuring the highest standard of care and clinical patient outcomes.
Book an appointment with your dentist if you are keen to learn more from an expert and avoid unwanted damage to your smile.
