Smile Scams: The Ugly Truth About DIY Dental Care and Why You Should Leave It to the Pros

In the age of social media, it’s easy to fall prey to ads and videos promising to straighten, clean, and whiten your teeth at home, all for a fraction of the cost of seeing a licensed dental professional. But before you hit “buy” on that at-home kit, here’s the ugly truth about DIY dental care.

It’s Not Actually Saving You Money

Sure, the cost of an at-home kit may seem more affordable than a visit to the dentist, but without proper dental diagnoses by a dental professional, you could be worsening the problem, leading to more costly dental procedures in the long run. It’s important to remember that a dentist is trained to not only treat the symptoms but also identify and address the root cause of the issue.

Don’t Scale at Home Unless You’re a Licensed Dental Professional or Hygienist

Scaling, or the removal of tartar buildup on your teeth, is a procedure that should only be done by a licensed dental professional or hygienist. Attempting to scale your teeth at home can result in damage to your enamel or even cause your teeth to become loose, leading to expensive dental procedures to repair the damage.

Research Before You Use

Before trying any at-home dental care products, it’s important to do your research. Not all products are created equal, and some may do more harm than good. Look for products that are recommended by dental professionals and have been clinically tested for safety and effectiveness.

See a Dentist Before Trying Clear Aligner Therapy

Clear aligners are a popular option for those looking to straighten their teeth without the hassle of traditional braces. However, it’s important to see a dentist before trying clear aligner therapy. Clear aligners are meant to stay on your teeth for 90% of the day to be effective, which means that whatever is stuck on your teeth is sealed inside as well. This can exacerbate any untreated dental problems, leading to costly dental procedures in the future.

Be Careful with Whitening Treatments

While everyone wants a bright, white smile, not all whitening treatments are created equal. Some whitening treatments are more corrosive and not truly whitening your teeth but causing more damage to your enamel. Depending on when your last dental cleaning was, whitening treatments will not produce the results you are wanting. Always pair a whitening treatment with a dental cleaning to ensure you get the best possible results.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, dentists are not out to get you and drain your wallets. If you want to try something you saw on TikTok or Facebook, we’re not going to stop you. But be smart about it. Show it to us and we can let you know if it’s safe or not. Your dental health is too important to leave to chance. Trust the professionals and leave the DIY dental care to the amateurs.

Overall, remember that taking care of your dental health requires more than just a few home remedies. Regular visits to the dentist and proper dental care at home are essential for maintaining a healthy smile. Don’t fall prey to the promises of cheaper, fast results dental care. Your teeth and wallet will thank you in the long run.

Call Petal Dental if you have any questions!