One way to show ourselves to the world is through our smiles. It can help us meet new people, make friends, and maybe charm those we are interested in. As a result, many people seek to improve their dental appearance by adopting certain fashion trends.
While there are relatively safe trends, there’s a category for those deemed harmful by dentists worldwide. Some of these procedures give teeth a unique look, but they can be detrimental in the long run.
What are Dental Fashion Trends?
Dental fashion trends refer to various techniques, procedures, or accessories used to enhance teeth and gums’ appearance. These trends have gained popularity in recent years due to the rise of social media and the desire to have a perfect, Hollywood-style smile.
One of the most popular dental fashion trends is teeth whitening. It’s the process of removing stains and discoloration from teeth, often caused by aging, tobacco use, and more. Teeth whitening can be done using various methods, including in-office treatments, at-home whitening kits, or natural remedies like activated charcoal.
In addition, dental fashion trends, such as teeth jewelry and teeth tattoos, exist. While they may significantly improve the look of your teeth (at least, subjectively), they can be very harmful since they’re basically uncommon dental procedures than the usual teeth whitening done by professionals.
If you want to improve the look of your teeth, you can consider cosmetic dental procedures instead of following these fashion trends. Cosmetic dentistry has become much more popular in the past years. According to the AACD or the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, there has been a 200% rise in cosmetic dental procedures.
The same is also true for other countries, especially Australia. Cosmetic dental procedures are becoming popular for all age groups, especially in metropolitan cities like Sydney and Melbourne. Because of this, thousands have had their teeth done for cosmetic purposes. To improve your teeth and confidence, you should look for the best cosmetic dentistry Melbourne offers.
Trend #1: DIY Teeth Whitening
White teeth. It’s a beauty standard that many of us want to achieve. And with the rise of social media and various blog posts, finding at-home teeth whitening tips and tricks is as easy as pressing a button—which is how it usually is.
But while some of these methods may be effective, many can harm your dental health. For example, many have the misconception that products like baking soda or lemon juice can whiten their teeth. However, these products are abrasive and acidic, respectively, and can erode tooth enamel, leading to sensitivity.
Instead of using at-home methods, consider seeing a dental professional for teeth whitening treatments. They can provide safe and effective treatments that won’t damage your teeth.
Trend #2: Teeth Tattoos
Another dental fashion trend that has emerged in recent years is teeth tattoos. This involves applying a tattoo or design to the surface of a tooth using a special ink. But while teeth tattoos look like a cool and unique way to enhance your toothy grin, they can cause various dental health problems.
For one, the ink used in teeth tattoos didn’t undergo FDA regulation, meaning that the safety and effectiveness of these products aren’t guaranteed. Just like baking soda and lemon, teeth tattoos can damage the enamel of the teeth, increasing your risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Trend #3: Non-FDA Approved Dental Products
Another trend to avoid is using non-FDA-approved dental products. While online retailers or social media influencers may seem trustworthy for the dental products they advertise, it’s important to remember that not all are safe or effective.
Some may even contain harmful chemicals that can damage your teeth or, worse, lead to other health issues.
To protect your teeth and overall well-being, the best thing to do is to use products that have undergone FDA scrutiny. That way, you can guarantee that the dental products you use have passed the tests for oral use.
Trend #4: Oral Piercings
While undeniably stylish, oral piercings, such as tongue or lip piercings, can harm your dental health. These piercings can damage your teeth and gums by chipping or cracking teeth, causing gum recession or even infections. Additionally, the metal used in oral piercings can irritate the soft tissues in the mouth, leading to inflammation or other issues.
If you’re considering an oral piercing, it’s important to weigh the risks first to protect your dental health. Consult with a dental professional to understand how it may affect you.
Trend #5: Teeth Jewels
Teeth jewels, which are small gems or diamonds applied to the surface of teeth, may seem like a fun way to add bling to your smile. However, they’re undoubtedly harmful to your dental health.
Applying the jewels involves etching the tooth’s surface to create a rough surface for the jewel to adhere to. This process can weaken the tooth enamel, thus increasing the chances of your tooth decaying.
If you’re interested in making your smile sparkle, consider alternatives such as cosmetic dental treatments that don’t involve altering the surface of the teeth.
Conclusion
While following these dental fashion trends may look fun and quirky, you must prioritize your dental health. Doing so means avoiding these harmful procedures, even if it may mean you can follow the trend. You can protect your dental health and maintain a beautiful smile—naturally, this time. Also, remember that before you proceed with any dental alterations, consult your dentist first.
