5 frightful dental tricks to avoid
Boo! Halloween can be a time for you and your family to have some spooky fun. But to keep this season a treat, you should always avoid these five frightful dental tricks:
1.Supergluing vampire fangs to your teeth
When dressing as a vampire, some trick-or-treaters aim for an extra-ghoulish look. But a painstakingly detailed costume should never lead to actual pain.
Frightening consequences: Adhesives such as nail glue and superglue are not only toxic, they also can damage your tooth enamel. What’s worse: you can easily fracture or even pull out your teeth at the end of the evening when you try to remove your fangs. Make sure artificial fangs or other costume elements won’t damage your teeth, and never use household adhesives to keep them in place.
2.Decorating teeth with gems
Following trends on social media, some people try to apply jewels to their teeth.
Scary outcome: If applied with the wrong bond, gems can cause tooth discoloration and damage. And even when properly attached in a sterile environment, tooth gems can cause cavities and gum disease or injure sensitive gums and tissue when food and plaque accumulate under and around the jewelry. In the end, we think your teeth look their best naturally: with a sparkling, healthy smile.
3.Creating homemade braces
Recent videos on social media supposedly demonstrate how elastic hair ties and rubber bands can be used as do-it-yourself braces. Bad idea!
Chilling aftermath: This homemade hack can result in serious damage to your gums and teeth, leading to pain and even tooth loss. Leave the movement of teeth to your orthodontist, who understands the proper materials and amount of time needed to put your teeth in the right position.
4. Shaving teeth with a nail file
You can file your nails so you should be able to file your teeth, too, right? Wrong!
Spooky results: As a few unhappy do-it-yourselfers have discovered, this ineffective trick doesn’t solve the problem of why teeth are uneven, which can be caused by anything from poor dental care and nutrition to genetics or facial injury. And unlike fingernails, teeth don’t grow back after being filed. Amateur dentistry of this type can result in pain, tooth sensitivity and cavities, along with tooth and nerve damage. Talk to your dentist about safe and healthy options for even teeth.
5.Whitening teeth with3% hydrogen peroxide
Social media users have shared videos showing their attempts to whiten teeth by applying peroxide with cotton swabs.
Creepy repercussions: This bleaching method can result in tooth sensitivity and gum irritation. Your dentist can help you find safer whitening options.
Always talk to your dentist before considering any dental changes. Many professional procedures are surprisingly easy and affordable, and your dental plan may also offer low- or no-cost preventive care and cleanings. Your dentist can inform you about the right options for you.
Keep yourself and your family safe this Halloween and throughout the fall season by reminding everyone that just because you see someone do it on social media doesn’t mean it’s good for you, or your teeth!
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