The state of dental care in the UK is facing serious challenges, with many people struggling to access adequate treatment to maintain good oral health. NHS dentistry is on the decline, leading to a rise in dental hygiene poverty across the country. Budget cuts have contributed to the emergence of “dental deserts”, areas where minimal to no NHS dental care is available, and private care is unaffordable for most individuals. The situation was further exacerbated by lockdowns during the pandemic, preventing people from seeking essential medical care, including dental services.
With limited access to professional dental care, many individuals have resorted to desperate measures to address their dental issues. A YouGov poll in March 2023 revealed that one in ten Britons had attempted to perform dentistry on themselves. These extreme measures included using unconventional materials such as cement, superglue, urine, heated polybeads, and chemical metal for dental procedures. Some cases reported even more alarming practices, such as using a dart to remove calculus or attempting to extract teeth using vodka and pliers.
The consequences of DIY dentistry can be severe and lead to irreversible harm. Self-extractions, in particular, pose significant risks to individuals’ oral health. Improper extraction techniques can result in oroantral fistulas, abnormal tunnels between the mouth and the maxillary sinus. These fistulas can become infected and require invasive surgical intervention. Additionally, leaving root residue in the gum following extraction can lead to infections and require costly oral surgery to address.
While some individuals turn to DIY dentistry for pain relief, others seek to enhance their smiles through cosmetic procedures. This includes using nail files to smooth natural tooth ridges and applying hydrogen peroxide for whitening. These practices are extremely dangerous and can result in the removal of protective enamel, micro-cracks in the teeth, and damage to oral tissues. Home tooth-whitening with high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide can lead to serious injuries to gums or the digestive tract if swallowed.
The risks associated with DIY dentistry highlight the importance of seeking professional dental care in case of oral emergencies or cosmetic procedures. Visiting a dentist should be a top priority for individuals to ensure proper treatment and avoid long-term complications. Access to affordable dental care should be a government priority to prevent individuals from resorting to dangerous DIY practices that can have lasting consequences on their oral health and overall well-being. Quick fixes and shortcuts in dental care often end up costing more in the long run, both financially and in terms of health outcomes.
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