If you’re unhappy with the appearance of your teeth, this can have a major effect on your self-confidence and get in the way of living life to the fullest. Everyone wants a beautiful smile, and now at-home dental treatments are making this more achievable – and affordable – than ever before.
Here’s a guide to the very best at-home dental treatments of 2022; why not make this the year that you get the smile you deserve – for less than you think!
Teeth Whitening Kits
One of the most popular at-home treatments of the year has been teeth whitening, and recent advances which incorporate LED technology have made this treatment even more effective.
Whereas in the recent past, you’d have needed to make an appointment at a dental clinic to undergo a teeth whitening treatment, you can now simply order a kit delivered to your door. Typically, a whitening serum and mouth trays are included in the kits, which need to be used for a short time, once a day, for around a week.
Results often last between three and six months, meaning this is a great, affordable option to drastically reduce the appearance of staining and make teeth look significantly brighter and whiter.
There are many options available for at-home teeth whitening kits. Whether you have sensitive teeth or would prefer to use a kit that incorporates organic ingredients, you’ll find the perfect solution to get a stellar smile.
At-Home Aligners
If your teeth are misaligned or overcrowded, this may affect your self-esteem and negatively impact your oral health. Both of these issues can make it difficult to clean the teeth properly, and misalignment could even cause discomfort when chewing or speaking due to the pressure it puts on the jaw.
As with teeth whitening, treatment to straighten the teeth was previously confined to the dental clinic, but now, in many cases, patients can get straighter teeth in the comfort of their own homes – and for a fraction of the price.
Typically, you’ll be asked to send images and completed impressions to the service provider, following which a dental professional will review the information. From here, a set of custom aligners will be created for you and dispatched to you, along with a comprehensive treatment plan. By following this plan and wearing your new aligners as directed, you’ll end up with a beautiful new smile in as little as six months.
Best of all, now most aligners are clear and almost totally invisible, so no one will even know you’re wearing them.
It’s important to be aware that at-home alignment kits aren’t suitable for everyone. Complex or severe cases, especially those requiring extractions, cannot usually be treated with-home kits.
Plaque Remover Kit
If you want to make sure your teeth stay as clean and healthy as possible between trips to the dentist’s chair, then there are great at-home solutions for this, too!
Affordable plaque remover kits can be used to quickly and easily remove calculus and reduce staining at home. The best at-home plaque removers have a range of settings and feature LED lighting to help you get even the hardest-to-reach (and see!) places.
Treating Tooth Pain
There can be many causes of tooth pain, including a cavity, trauma, or infection, and it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible if you’re experiencing discomfort; if the pain is severe and/or is accompanied by any swelling or fever, or you’re finding it difficult to swallow, then this should be treated as an emergency.
If, however, you’re experiencing discomfort and need some relief while you’re waiting to visit the dentist to resolve it, then there are some at-home treatments that can be effective. A salt water rinse is often a good way to temporarily provide relief. Simply stir a teaspoon of salt into about eight ounces of salt water, and gargle and/or swish the mixture around your mouth for around thirty seconds. Repeat at regular intervals throughout the day.
You could also try a cold compress, and some people swear by peppermint tea – mint is believed to have a minor numbing effect, so this could provide some relief, too.
Getting the Basics Right
Finally, when it comes to at-home dental treatment, getting the basics right is the most effective way to safeguard your oral health and keep your smile bright.
Brush with fluoride toothpaste for about two minutes twice a day. Consider incorporating floss or interdental brushes into your routine: your dentist can advise you on these tools and how best to use them.
As well as limiting your sugar intake, avoid drinking alcohol to excess – as well as potentially causing damage to teeth and gums (many alcoholic drinks contain very high levels of sugar); alcohol can also increase the risk of developing mouth and other forms of cancer. If you smoke, quitting the habit is the very best thing you can do for your overall health and will prevent teeth staining, too.
Lastly, being sure to visit your dentist for regular appointments is vital to maintain your oral health and smile – as well as giving your teeth a thorough clean, your dentist will spot the signs of any problems early so they can be resolved.
