5 Damaging Dental Trends on Social Media

The internet is full of great information, but it can be difficult to tell the difference between wise advice and dangerous trends. This is particularly true when it comes to health tips and dental tricks. However, your dentist in Douglasville wants to warn you that there has been a rise in social media trends that can directly damage dental health. 

DIY Dentistry Dangers

Taking a do-it-yourself approach to anything involving your oral health is concerning. But when thousands of social media stars showcase their at-home dental care to millions of people, some patients are bound to try these techniques. Here are five of the most damaging DIY dental trends on social media. 

• Whitening

We understand that having a bright, white smile is desirable, and there are many ways your dentist in Douglasville can help whiten your teeth. However, some trends online claim that different concoctions of household products can whiten teeth quickly. The problem is that these mixtures usually contain very acidic ingredients that can easily weaken tooth enamel, make it easy for cavities to form, and can even cause teeth to appear darker. The other problem? They don’t work. 

• Orthodontics

Even before the days of social media, teenagers would put items in their mouths to mimic the look of braces. This still happens, but it’s been taken one step further. Social media influencers are often seen using everyday items to try and close gaps in their teeth or straighten overlapping teeth. Not only can moving teeth on your own cause major alignment problems and issues with your bite, but some of the materials used can also restrict blood flow, causing teeth to die and potentially fall out. 

• Filing Teeth

One of the most widespread trends currently shows users filing down their teeth into tiny points, also known as the “veneers check” trend. The idea is that filing the teeth down will prepare them for veneers. Not only does this trend make us cringe, but it’s also incredibly dangerous. First, veneer prep from your dentist in Douglasville does not require filing down teeth this way. Second, filing healthy, natural teeth can cause permanent damage and require professional treatment such as dentures. 

• Prosthetic Teeth

If you’re missing a tooth and decide to have it replaced with a dental implant, your dentist will also custom-create a crown (the white part of the tooth) to complete your smile. However, social media trends showcase very popular videos of patients creating their own prosthetic teeth or sometimes even partial dentures using arts and crafts supplies. 

• Gluing Fangs

With Halloween right around the corner, it won’t be surprising to see a few ghosts, goblins, ghouls, and vampires around. But usually, these are found in decorations or costumes. Yet there is a concerning trend of using very strong, permanent (and toxic!) glue to attach vampire fangs to teeth. 

We can’t stress enough how dangerous these trends are. If you’re unhappy with your smile and want to change something about the way your teeth look, always start by talking with your dentist in Douglasville about your options.  

Top Reasons to See a Dentist Even if You Have Dentures

Dentures are one of the ways your dentist in Douglasville can replace an entire set of teeth. These removable replacements for missing teeth are a great way to restore your smile and allow you to smile and eat with confidence. However, just because denture-wearers no longer have natural teeth doesn’t mean they should stop going to the dentist. In fact, there are very good reasons to see a dentist even if you have dentures. 

Make Your Dentures Last

Dentures aren’t a permanent solution to missing teeth, and normal wear and tear can occur over time. Visiting your dentist in Douglasville regularly can help your dentures last longer. During your appointments, your dentist will examine your denture and make sure there are no signs of damage. If there are, it allows your dentist to fix them, making them last longer. 

Check The Fit

Our bodies change over time, and this includes our mouths and jaws. Changes in your mouth can cause changes to your bite and make a once good-fitting denture feel uncomfortable. But the problems don’t stop with discomfort. Ill-fitting dentures can increase the risk of certain oral health problems such as sores, TMJ, and gum disease. If you notice that your denture feels a bit off or is slipping or clicking, schedule an appointment with your dentist in Douglasville.

Protect Your Mouth

Even though you may not have natural teeth anymore, it doesn’t mean that there aren’t other oral health problems that can occur. One of the most common and most concerning oral health issues that can occur no matter how many teeth you have is gum disease. Gum disease is a serious condition that can actually lead to other health problems throughout the body. Denture-wearers may be at increased risk since food, plaque, and bacteria can build up on the denture and affect your gum health. 

High-Quality Dentures Make a Difference

Finding the best dentist in Douglasville to make your dentures may seem easy, but not all dentists use the same materials. Do your research and ask your dental team about their denture process and materials. Then, make sure to take proper care of your denture. Good dentures that are well-cared for at home and examined and adjusted by a dentist regularly can last between 7 and 10 years. 

It’s a myth that everyone will lose their teeth as they grow older and need a tooth replacement solution such as a denture or dental implant. Some ways to avoid tooth loss are to see your dentist every six months and take excellent care of your oral health at home. However, if you find yourself missing teeth and need a solution, talk with your dentist about the best option for you.