Millions of people wear braces, from traditional metal braces to clear retainers like Invisible braces that offer a safe solution to closing gaps, preventing crowding, and giving their teeth a symmetrical shape.
For some, DIY braces kits may be a tempting solution to spacing, gaps, and other issues, but are they really safe and effective? There are many reasons to avoid DIY braces kits as an alternative to braces applied by a licensed orthodontist.
Choosing the cheap and easy option of do-it-yourself (DIY) braces can cause severe damage to your teeth and gums.
Are DIY Braces Safe To Use
DIY braces may seem like a quick, easy, and less costly approach to closing the gaps between the teeth. Unfortunately, the DIY treatment can result in long-term oral issues that require complex and costly fixes.
Oral braces kits are available as an affordable alternative to braces. They can be more cost-effective, but you may end up investing more in the long term.
Although DIY braces are quick and easy at-home fixes, they have the potential to damage your metal braces, which can ruin your oral health.
Professional orthodontists receive years of professional training and are specialists in straightening and aligning the teeth and bite.
They also offer a thorough examination to provide the proper treatments needed for the patient.
Moving teeth without examining the health of teeth and gums could cause permanent loss of teeth, which can result in expensive and lifelong dental issues.
Drawbacks Of Using DIY Braces
Although oral braces can be a convenient option for you, there are certain severe risks that come with this approach. Here are some common drawbacks of using oral braces and why you should avoid them.
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Risk Of Severe Infection
Unfortunately, DIY braces don’t include clinical examinations or X-rays to determine any existing dental or oral problems before treatment.
Moving teeth in the presence of underlying teeth or gum disease can worsen these diseases, leading to possible tooth loss.
Whereas specialist orthodontists are experts in recognizing these underlying issues and addressing them before moving the teeth.
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Teeth And Jaw Damage
Straight teeth can cause problems if the teeth bite is not comfortable. Incorrect bites can lead to teeth breaking/chipping, wearing of tooth enamel, and jaw pain.
DIY braces kits only address the straightening of teeth, and they do not change or improve a patient’s bite.
In contrast, orthodontists can easily identify and treat both teeth alignment and bite issues that can cause discomfort and pain.
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Costly And Time Taking Process
Orthodontists are left to fix the damage caused by DIY treatments, which can cost patients large amounts of money and can take years to fix the issues.
Repairing the damage caused by wearing oral braces through dentists’ At-home DIY procedures can be more expensive than investing in the right specialist orthodontic braces from the start.
Is It Easy To Do Teeth Whitening With Braces
While using braces, plaque and debris from the food can get easily snagged in the brackets and wires of the braces, which can damage or stain your teeth and gums.
If you want to effectively whiten your teeth to improve your smile. Orthodontists recommend delaying the process and waiting until their braces are removed.
Because bleaching agents used during extensive whitening can inevitably weaken the attachment of the braces on your teeth.
And even if you clean your teeth while wearing braces, your teeth will become mismatched when you remove the braces. So, it is best to whiten your teeth when your braces are removed to have a perfect and brighter smile.
How To Perfectly Straighten Your Smile
Contact a dentist or an orthodontist, they can recommend the solution to help you achieve an aesthetic and a healthy smile. There are a variety of braces to help you customize your look while correcting any tooth or jaw alignment issues.
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Traditional Braces
Traditional braces are also as affordable as DIY brace kits, but they are more efficient than them.
It includes metal brackets and wires that place the teeth in the right position. You can choose your favorite colors to customize your brackets.
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Designer Braces
It can add accents to your appearance by having various special shapes like hearts and stars, and they also have sports-themed designs.
They are still an effective and safe solution that can help you achieve the exact look that you want to achieve.
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Ceramic Braces
These ceramic braces are almost invisible in look and have teeth-like shapes that blend with your teeth seamlessly.
Reasons Why You Should Consult An Orthodontist
While having any dental problems, it’s crucial to get the right advice from a dental professional to get the right treatment according to your oral conditions.
Orthodontists are dental experts who are professionals in addressing the problem and identifying which treatment options will be best for you, leading to the best outcome and, ultimately, the best smile.
Teeth are best when left to the professionals as you only have one set that you need to last a lifetime.
Key Takeaways
(DIY) oral braces may seem tempting and cost-saving, but the risks of using a DIY braces kit outweigh the potential benefits. No matter how convenient it seems in terms of money, the serious consequences will be a far greater cost to oral health.
When it comes to achieving a perfect, healthy, and beautiful smile, professional care is not just recommended by dentists; it’s essential for your overall oral health.
Get The Smile You’ve Always Dreamed Of
Everyone knows that maintaining your dental health will keep your gums healthy and reduce bad breath and tooth decay. But did you know that your dental health can reveal a lot about your mental state? It has become more apparent today that there is a very strong connection between dental health and mental well-being.
We all understand that maintaining healthy teeth will maintain healthy gums and reduce bad breath and tooth decay. But do you know that your oral health can reveal a lot about your mental health? It has been more evident today that dental health and mental health go hand in hand. Bad oral health is reported to be a cause of depression, anxiety, and loss of cognitive function, and mental health problems can also negatively impact oral hygiene. It is essential to realize this connection to maintain both a healthy mind and mouth.
The Psychological Impact of Dental Health
Dental issues do more than restrict your ability to eat and communicate—they can actually impact your self-esteem and self-worth. In 2022, a study in the Journal of Affective Disorders discovered that patients with tooth loss and gum disease experienced higher levels of depression and anxiety. The problem is that visible dental issues are embarrassing, socially disabling, and of poor quality of life.
Apart from social problems, toothache is also a basic mental health problem. Repeated toothache or gum infection can even result in insomnia, irritability, and elevated stress levels. The British Dental Journal quoted the fact that patients of chronic dental pain will certainly develop depression due to continuity of stress and pain.
Can Dental Health Affect Mental Health?
The relationship of oral and mental health is two-way. Poor oral health can aggravate mental disorders, and depression, anxiety, and other mental disorders may cause a person to neglect their oral health.
A National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research study indicated that patients who had mental disorders had more symptoms of dental caries, periodontal diseases, and loss of teeth caused by neglect, as well as poor oral health behaviors. Depression may lead to fatigue and indolence and result in missed dental appointments as well as in poor brushing and flossing habits. Bruxism, which results in excessive tooth and jaw wear as well as in jaw pain, is caused by anxiety.
Furthermore, the biological connection between oral and mental well-being is inflammation. Chronic gum infection, or periodontitis, has been linked with higher rates of systemic inflammation, which have in turn been linked with mood disorders. In research released in Frontiers in Immunology, periodontitis-induced inflammation has been identified as potentially being behind neurological changes and hence an increased risk of depression and anxiety.
Depression and Dental Health: A Two-Way Connection
Depression strongly affects dental hygiene practice but not the other way around, and bad dental health can lead to exacerbation of depression symptoms. In a 2021 study for BMC Psychiatry, depressive patients were over twice as likely to have gum disease or uncured cavities as non-depressive patients.
The discomfort and pain of oral issues can cause mental distress, and in a cycle, poor mental health dissuades one from getting dental treatment. Also, antidepressant medication such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have one of their side effects being dry mouth, which can bring about more cavities and gum disease.
Can a Tooth Infection Affect Your Mental Health?
Untreated dental infections will lead to systemic effects beyond the tooth. An ongoing cavity infection of the tooth will leak into the circulatory system and cause systemic inflammation and impair brain function.
A research in The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry proved that chronic oral infections were more likely to cause cognitive impairment and neuropsychiatric disorders, i.e., mood disorders, in human beings. A bacterial infection of the tooth can potentially travel through the blood stream and cause inflammation responsible for generating brain effects and highly likely result in the severity of depression and anxiety.
Other than that, an untreated dental abscess can lead to brain infections, which can lead to confusion, loss of memory, and, in the extreme, life-threatening conditions such as sepsis. Therefore, dental infections must be treated at an early stage for physical and mental health.
My Teeth Are Affecting My Mental Health – What Can I Do?
If you find that the health of your mouth is impacting your mood, there are a few things that you can do in an attempt to break the cycle:
- Prioritize Oral Hygiene: Brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups should be done regularly. If you are afraid of dental check-ups, talk to your dentist using sedation.
- Seek Psychological Help: If your self-esteem has been damaged by dental issues or led to depression, you can be helped by counseling or therapy. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is most helpful in conquering dental fear.
- Decrease Stress and Anxiety: Exercise, mindfulness, and breathing diaphragmatically can decrease stress and therefore decrease oral disorders such as bruxism.
- Eat a Balanced Diet and Drink Adequate Fluids: Healthy foods and enough fluids will avoid mouth issues and even improve overall health. Steer clear of excessive sugar and acidic foods to save teeth.
- Treat Infections at Once: If you are sure you have an oral infection, you need to be treated right away to avoid complications on your mental state.
The Bottom Line
The connection between oral and mental health is undeniable. Poor oral hygiene can lead to increased anxiety, depression, and mental issues, while mental disorders can result in the lack of oral care. Healthy dental habits along with the treatment of mental as well as oral health can improve an individual’s well-being. If you are struggling with dental issues affecting your mind, you must visit a dentist as well as a mental health expert to gain control over your life and health.
References-
- PubMed Central February 7, 2022 Association Between Mental Health and Oral Health Status
- American Psychiatrist September 19, 2023 How Dental Health and Mental Health Are Connected
Do you know that sugar and carbohydrates present in processed and fast foods can impact your dental and oral health? The reason is that fast food increases the bacteria and mouth’s acidity.
Acids in fast food for oral health can break down the tooth enamel, and sugar causes bacteria to gather and develop cavities, leading to tooth decay or loss of teeth.
Oral diseases that can be easily preventable in early stages affect many countries, causing major health issues and affecting people throughout their lifetime, causing pain and discomfort.
A new guideline of World Health Organization (WHO) recommended adults and children’s to limit their daily sugar intake for up to 10% of their total diet.
4 Worst Food For Oral Health
Here are the four worst food for oral health that lead to cavities and gum diseases.
Sugary Food And Drinks
Consuming sugary food and drinks can harm your dental as well as oral health providing fuel for bacteria formation that produces acids and leading to cavities in the surface of the teeth’s and tooth decay.
One tablespoon of ketchup contains up to 4 grams of free sugar, and a single can of soda, soft drink, or sugar-sweetened drink contains up to 40 grams of sugar that has the potential to ruin your dental and overall oral health.
Eating sugar-rich foods can significantly impair your quality of life such as eating and sleeping due to pain and discomfort.
Carbonated Soft Drinks
Consuming excess soft drinks is one of the major risk factors for oral health problems. Most soft drinks, sodas, and energy drinks contain about 50 – 60 grams of sugar, which can severely harm your tooth enamel.
Soft drinks that are carbonated, high in sugar, and acids increase the risk of dental caries, and enamel erosion leading to loss of teeth and worsening of oral health conditions.
Acidic Food And Drinks
Acidic food and drinks that are generally found in fast foods are a major cause of tooth erosion, it can severely affect and harm the surface of the teeth leading to sensitivity to hot and cold.
Certain fruits like oranges, grapefruits, and lemons are rich in acids that can be bothersome, cause sore mouths, and erode your tooth enamel.
Sticky And Starchy Foods
Foods that are sticky and rich in starch and carbohydrates such as bread, pasta, rice, potatoes, oats, bananas, and cereals can promote and act as fuel for bacteria on plaque and tartar that are major factors for causing serious gum diseases.
How Fast Food Affects Your Dental Health
Due to busy schedules, people find it convenient to drive through and grab fast foods instead of preparing a homemade meal that is healthier for a person’s overall health.
Eating fast foods or unhealthy foods not only affects your physical health but also causes serious health problems like diabetes and Obesity. It also impacts your oral health and increases the risk of cavities, tooth decay, and severe gum diseases such as (Gingivitis And Periodontitis).
The reason why fast foods are bad for your oral health is that they are highly processed, carbonated, rich in carbohydrates, acids, and added salt and sugar to it.
While grabbing a cheeseburger, people often go for a soft drink, and the sugar found in carbonated beverages can break down tooth enamel, increasing the risk of tooth decay.
Nutrient-Rich Foods That Are Good For Your Oral Health
Here is a list of nutrient-rich food for oral health that also helps to prevent certain oral problems.
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Dairy Products
Cheese is one of the best foods for your teeth for various reasons, and the best thing about cheese is that it is low in sugar and high in calcium which helps to maintain bone density.
It also contains a protein casein that is particularly used for fortifying tooth enamel. Yogurt is highly rich in calcium and probiotics that help to prevent bad breath.
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Leafy Vegetables
Leafy vegetables like spinach, cabbage, and lettuce are very good for your dental health. They are rich in calcium, folic acid, vitamins, and minerals that help clean the food particles that are stuck in the mouth and are the best food for teeth whitening.
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Nuts And Seeds
Dry fruits are considered very beneficial for oral health, as they are highly rich in calcium and phosphorus that make your teeth strong and healthy. Cashews, almonds, and nuts also help to fight against bacteria that lead to tooth decay.
Cashews stimulate saliva production and walnuts contain fiber, folic acid, iron, magnesium, iron, vitamin E, vitamin B6, potassium and zinc.
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Fruits And Veggies
If you want to have something sweet, fruits are the best option that aids your overall health. Fruits that are rich in vitamin C, protect your teeth from bacterial infection.
Certain fruits and vegetables like apples, raw vegetables, celery, and carrots are very helpful in removing plaque from the surface of your teeth.
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Fatty Fish
Chewing lean meats helps in saliva production that prevents dry mouth. Whereas salmon and tofu are loaded with proteins and phosphorus that help in protecting your tooth enamel.
Key Takeaways
It is no doubt that fast foods are bad for your oral health, but poor oral hygiene contributes to oral diseases that can affect your overall well-being. Avoid having enough junk food, and drink enough water to wash off the food particles that cause cavities and tooth decay.
Limiting sugar-rich foods and drinks and opt for calcium-rich nutritious food for oral health instead of eating fast foods that can severely harm your physical as well as overall oral health.
Oral Hygiene A Gift To Yourself