Countless dental trends promise healthier, more beautiful teeth. While not all dental trends are harmful, many can compromise the health and appearance of your teeth. Here are 3 dental trends you should avoid:
1. Bejeweled Teeth
Adding diamonds or other jewel implants to the front teeth offers no potential health benefits. Because the jewel needs a strong dental adhesive, eventually removing the jewel can damage your enamel. It can also be harder to keep that tooth clean because bacteria and food debris are more likely to build up around its surface.
2. Brushing with Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal is a fine black powder made from subjecting carbon-packed materials to extremely high temperatures. Historically, it has been used to treat certain types of poisonings. Some people choose to brush their teeth with activated charcoal. Proponents claim it can produce fresher breath and whiter teeth, but dental professionals warn of potential issues. For example, charcoal is abrasive so you can wear down your enamel when you rub it against your teeth. This makes your teeth more sensitive and less white because the dentin layer beneath enamel is naturally more yellow.
3. DIY Tooth Shaving
You may have seen videos on social media about DIY tooth shaving. With this trend, people have tried to change their teeth shape using tools like fingernail files and sandpaper. This is extremely risky! Your enamel can’t grow back so shaving your teeth causes permanent damage. If you want to reshape a tooth, talk to our team about procedures we can safely perform in our office, such as dental bonding, dental crowns, or porcelain veneers.
Safe Dental Care in Fredericksburg, VA
If you have questions about how to care for your smile or how to improve it with our cosmetic and restorative services, please contact us today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Bailey!
