Blog

During the festive season, taking care of your dental health can require more effort. This is when most people rely on quick home remedies to meet their oral care needs. Read on to discover how these DIY holiday dental fixes can ruin your teeth.

The Urge to Rely on DIY Dental Fixes

The holidays mean most businesses are closed; as a result, you might not get an appointment with your local dentist when you have an unexpected dental emergency. You might rush to find a solution with what you have at home and take matters into your own hands. The internet is full of tips that might seem like great methods to save time or money.

However, your oral health is a very sensitive area and should be treated with the utmost care. Unlike a cold, which can be managed with over-the-counter medications, dental issues can escalate quickly, leading to infections, gum disease, and even tooth loss if they’re ignored or don’t receive proper treatment.

5 DIY Holiday Dental Fixes That Can Ruin Your Teeth

1. Superglue and Temporary Tooth Repairs

Did you know that superglue and other household adhesives are common fixes people rely on to reattach a broken tooth or loose crowns and veneers? While you might think these are quick ways to manage a dental issue if you’re far from a dentist, you should know that it’s very harmful. Superglue is not designed for internal use and contains toxic chemicals that can irritate the gums, tongue, and oral tissues, potentially increasing the risk of other infections.

Moreover, you might be exposed to bacteria that reside beneath the glue’s surface, which worsens your dental issue. Once the glue hardens under your tooth, it can also make the professional repair process more difficult and expensive since your dentist needs to remove it carefully before treatment. If your tooth breaks while on holiday, use your Affinity Dental cover to find a network dentist near you or purchase temporary dental cement from a network pharmacy nearby.

 

2. Whitening with Baking Soda, Lemon Juice, or Charcoal

The rise of cosmetic dentistry has led to an overwhelming number of people seeking methods that promise instant results. One of those quick fixes is mixing baking soda with lemon juice and brushing with activated charcoal as natural teeth whitening method. However, these ingredients can be highly acidic and lead to enamel erosion, making your teeth sensitive and discoloured over time.

 

3. Using Painkillers Directly on the Gums

Dealing with a toothache while you are out having fun without a dentist nearby can be a difficult situation to navigate. One old home remedy that refuses to fade is crushing a pain tablet and placing it directly on the affected tooth or gum line. While most people continue to rely on this quick fix, these are reasons why it can be harmful:

• Painkillers like aspirin are acidic and can cause chemical burns to soft tissue.
• This not only worsens discomfort but may lead to gum ulcers or infections.

 

4. Ignoring a Toothache Until the New Year

You might think a toothache can be left to resolve on its own. When you are away from your routine and most businesses are closed, it’s easy to postpone a dental visit until after the festivities. However, this decision can be damaging and worsen your oral health because a toothache is rarely a mild issue; often, it indicates infection, decay, or even nerve inflammation, which can lead to an abscess, jaw pain, or sepsis when left untreated.

 

5. DIY Tooth Extractions

While a DIY tooth extraction might sound extreme, there are people, especially those in remote areas without easy access to healthcare facilities, who attempt to remove a loose or painful tooth on their own. This can lead to severe complications, such as uncontrollable bleeding, infection and permanent damage to surrounding teeth, root and gums when there isn’t any professional care. If you have a loose tooth, it’s advisable to avoid touching or pulling it, and consistently rinse your mouth with warm saltwater to reduce swelling. Additionally, use your Affinity Dental plan to find a dentist in your area who is part of the network.

How to Protect Your Teeth During the Holidays

During the holidays, the most recommended approach to ensuring your oral health is prevention. While life can get busy, you still need to maintain your dental routine and avoid any risks, such as infection, which can disrupt your festive plans. The simplest habits you can consider are:

• Stick to a routine: Brush twice daily and floss once daily, even when travelling.
• Limit your sugar intake: Sweet treats and fizzy drinks can contribute to tooth decay and cavities.
• Stay hydrated: Water helps wash away bacteria and food particles.
• Book a check-up before year-end: Early detection prevents emergencies before you travel.
• Carry a dental care kit: Include a toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss when you’re on the go.

You should remember that your smile is one of your valuable assets and doesn’t deserve risky shortcuts. Even though you might be tempted because DIY dental fixes might promise quick relief, there are still long-term consequences and higher costs to reverse the damage that you may not consider. This holiday season, rely on your Affinity Dental cover to ensure you have the reassurance of easy access to expert help nationwide, with over 2000 dentists in our network.