When you hear the term “DIY dentistry,” what comes to mind? Most people aren’t sure what to think because they have never considered performing minor procedures at home, but the truth is DIY dentistry is on the rise around the country. If you experience a dental emergency and you’re in a pinch—like on the morning of your wedding, for example—you may be able to get away with fashioning a temporary fix at home, but in general, you should always see a family dentist when you need tooth repairs. Below, Christopher F. Heck, DMD- Montgomery General Dentistry discusses a few of the most common DIY dental treatments and why you should avoid them.

3 DIY Dentistry Hacks You Should Never Attempt

1. Closing Gaps With a Rubber Band

Believe it or not, some people actually try to close gaps between their teeth by using small rubber bands. Although orthodontists often use bands in their treatment approach, merely wrapping household rubber bands around your teeth is incredibly dangerous for a number of reasons. First, since the rubber bands are not affixed to an orthodontic appliance, they can end up popping off and you could choke on them. Over time, the rubber can also wear down the enamel on your teeth, making them more vulnerable to decay and other serious dental issues that may require extraction.

2. Filling Cavities & Repairing Chips With DIY Dental Kits

You can buy anything online nowadays, and this includes dental kits designed for home use. These kits might include everything from whitening agents to temporary filling materials; however, they could end up causing more harm than good. If you do not seek adequate dental care from a family dentist as soon as possible, the tooth could suffer additional breaks or develop significant decay.

3. Whitening Your Teeth With Household Cleaning Products

Dentists might use a whitening agent to “bleach” teeth in the office, but it is not the same thing as household bleach. Bleaching is simply a slang term used often when referring to teeth whitening. You should never put actual bleach near your mouth, eyes, or nose, even if it is incredibly diluted. Applying bleach to your teeth and ingesting some of it as a result could have fatal consequences.

If you need emergency or cosmetic dental care, turn to Christopher F. Heck, DMD – Montgomery General Dentistry. You can learn more about the best cosmetic dentist in Montgomery, OH, by visiting the practice online. To make an appointment with a skilled family dentist, call (513) 794-1884.