West Maitland Dentistry Blog

Now that the 2020 has arrived, some of us are thinking about goals for the new year.  One of them might be to improve your smile.  When researching how to fix your smile you might run across a recently popular yet potentially dangerous trend called DIY dentistry.  Although it may seem like a cheaper option at first, the perils of DIY dentistry is huge and can lead to long term problems in your mouth.  So before you think about treating yourself we’d like to share some common complications that can occur with DIY dentistry.

Extractions

Most of us know the old tale of tying a string around a baby tooth and closing the door to pull it out.  But removing teeth before they are loose or need to come out can wreck havoc in the mouth.  Pulling a tooth early may lead to the tooth breaking and becoming infected or teeth shifting.

There are online videos out there showing you how to use pliers to pull your own tooth.   This can be extremely dangerous since most likely the tooth will break, allowing exposure of the nerve.  Attempting this can also harm the other surrounding teeth, gums and bone.  You can even break your own jaw by causing a fracture.

If it is a top tooth that is near the sinus there is a possibility of exposing your sinus.  Remember that your dentist and oral surgeon have the x-rays and training in anatomy.  We have the tools to determine and prevent complications and to treat these complications if they occur.  Trying to pull your own tooth, especially with unsterile tools, can worsen complications.

Whitening

DIY whitening can be harmful to your teeth and gums.  Harsh chemicals or abrasive materials in whitening products can strip your teeth of not only the stains but of the protective layer of the tooth called the enamel.  This can lead to increased sensitivity and cavities.  Powerful chemicals in whitening products can lead to sensitivity or burning in the gums.  It is important to consult your dentist when it comes to whitening and to look for ADA approved symbols on products.

Fillings

There are several over the counter temporary filling materials for sale out there.  These materials are to be used to cover a hole in your tooth until you can see your dentist but some people use it as a permanent option.  Using these fillings permanently is not recommended.  When you cover up the cavity you also cover up the bacteria in the cavity, allowing it to grow.  When a professional places a filling they will remove the bacteria and decayed part of the tooth first.  If the bacteria is not removed it spreads until it hits the nerve.  Eventually this leads to pain, abscesses or spread of the infection to other parts of the body.

Cleanings

In the dental aisle of your store you can find tools that look like the same tools used at your cleaning appointments.  As tempting as it is to save some money and skip your checkup and cleaning appointment and try to clean your teeth yourself this can lead to dental issues.  

First, you cannot see all your teeth or see them as well as someone else who is trained to evaluate your mouth.  This makes it difficult for you to thoroughly clean your teeth.  Leaving behind tarter can lead to periodontal disease which destroys your gum tissue and bone. 

Your hygienist and dentist have been trained to use their hands gently.  Cleaning your teeth too aggressively can damage your gums or teeth.  

Also since most likely you do not have sterilization equipment laying around your house.  When instruments aren’t properly sterilized they can act like a breeding ground for the bacteria collected from your mouth.

Last, without an exam, underlying issues cannot be addressed.  Cavities that aren’t caught can lead to larger problems later down the road, such as infections or abscesses.

Braces

A recently popular trend is DIY braces including clear aligners and using orthodontics bands to close gaps in your teeth.  Without a trained dentist or orthodontist to supervise your treatment there is the possibility that you permanently damage your mouth. The most common damage is gum and bone loss.  Not to mention you might not get the results you want.  Moving compromised teeth can lead to premature loss of the tooth.  This case shows the dangers of DIY dentistry when using bands to close gaps in your teeth.

Removing your own braces is also dangerous if DIY.  While removing the bracket you can accidentally remove part of the enamel or tooth.  Also not removing the cement causes staining or food and plaque accumulation, leading to more serious issues like cavities or gum disease.

Although DIY dentistry may seem like a cheap way to take care of your teeth, it is extremely dangerous.  By trying to save a few bucks you can end up potentially spending lots of money to fix the mess up.  The best way to take care of your teeth is through proper oral hygiene and visiting your dentist. 

Did you know hormones play a key part in the health of our mouth?  For many women, this means that it’s important for us to make sure we are paying extra attention to our mouth during these times when our hormones are fluctuating.

During puberty, menstrual cycles, pregnancy or with certain types of birth control, the hormones in women increase.  This increase in hormones leads to more blood flow into blood vessels in the gums which can cause more inflammation. This increased inflammation means a greater risk of gum disease.  The opposite is true for your hormone levels during menopause.  Although hormones decrease, there is still an impact on your mouth.

Birth Control and Menstrual Cycle Hormones Effects on Oral Health

Certain birth controls can affect wound healing after extracting teeth so be sure to let your dentist know if you are on birth control and what type.

For some women on their period, the increase in hormones leads to more canker sores, small ulcers, forming in their mouths.

Pregnancy Hormones Effects on Oral Health

A large population of pregnant women will experience bleeding gums due to their change in hormones during pregnancy.  This is often referred to as pregnancy gingivitis.  Some studies say 75% of pregnant women notice bleeding gums while pregnant and as many as 2 in 5 pregnant women have severe gum disease.  Another issue seen in pregnancy is wearing down of tooth enamel. The fluctuating hormones often lead to morning sickness which can lead to vomiting.  All that acid you throw up can start to erode tooth enamel (the hard, protective layer of your tooth).  A way to prevent this erosion is by not brushing your teeth immediately after throwing up. Instead, rinse your mouth out with 1 teaspoon of baking soda mixed in a cup of water.  Wait 30 minutes then brush your teeth with a fluoridated toothpaste.  

Menopausal Hormonal Effects on Oral Health

When hormones start decreasing, women can experience pain in their mouth.  This pain or burning sensation is called burning mouth syndrome.  This is described as burning, hot, tingling or a numb sensation and can be found anywhere in the mouth in either one or several locations.  The most common locations are the tip and front two-thirds of the tongue.  Even though we don’t know the cause there are different treatment options that can help, like different medications and even cognitive behavioral therapy. 

Another common condition caused by low hormones is dry mouth.  Dry mouth can cause sore and sensitive gums, ulcers, infections, and lead to chronic cavities.  Drinking plenty of water can help as an over the counter mouth rinses, gels, and toothpastes made for a dry mouth like Biotene.  Also, sugar-free gum and mints can help stimulate the saliva glands.

Knowing these changes occur can aid in the prevention of gum disease and cavities. Be sure to take extra time to brush, floss or see your dentist if you notice any changes in your gums during these times in your life.