ORAL HEALTH MONTH
APRIL 2026 • SUPPLEMENT TO THE FREE PRESS
8
DON’T TRY THIS AT HOME COSMETIC DENTISTRY PROCEDURES AND SERVICES SHOULD ONLY BE BY LICENSED PROFESSIONALS
BY JANINE LEGAL
Cosmetic dentistry services are experiencing exponential growth in Canada. The boom means that countless people are chasing that perfect smile – whether through teeth-whiten - ing, veneers, aligners or a host of other procedures. But there are reasons to be cautious amid the search for a gleaming grin. Dentists are warning about harmful social media trends that highlight dental hacks over dental science – involving things such as at-home whitening hacks, homemade toothpastes, or affixing tooth gems and bling. Dr. Brent Wong is passionate about learning and help- ing others. He enjoys making his patients’ smiles beautiful, whether through full-mouth rehabilitation or helping them sleep through the night with the aid of a sleep apnea appliance. He has brought his dental expertise to developing countries around the globe through Shine Dental’s non-profit organi - zation, Shine the Light, which offers free dental, medical, and construction aid to those in need. Wong warns that online dental hacks might appear at first to be a way to save money and get the desired effect quickly. “DIY dental remedies might seem like a quick, budget-friendly hack, but the reality is often much darker,” Dr. Wong said. “We frequently treat patients for hydrogen peroxide gum burns and damaged enamel from ‘nail file’ contouring,” he said, referring to the after-effects of some of the more recent online trends. “These shortcuts often lead to long-term complications and repair costs that far exceed the price of a professional visit,” he added.
In addition to exercising caution about where we access dental information, there are lesser-known ways to improve our smiles. Shine Dental encourages strength training to bene - fit bones and gums and – ultimately – our smiles. According to Shine Dental’s recent newsletter: “Emerging research suggests that regular strength training may support bone density, which could help keep your jaw strong and your gums healthy. A sturdy jawbone provides the foundation your teeth need, while better circulation from exercise may support gum tissue health. Pairing oral hygiene with resistance training creates a win-win for your body and your smile.” Apart from overall health advice, Shine Dental does offer two quick and transformative services that will improve the appearance of your teeth. Dental bonding is a simple and non-invasive way to repair chips, close unwanted gaps and reshape teeth. The material used in the procedure blends seamlessly with your smile, and the service is often completed in one visit. Professional teeth-whitening involves safely addressing stains. Unlike many store-bought kits, professional whitening treatment delivers proven, noticeable and long-lasting results. Mallory Dalman is a registered dental assistant at Lifesmiles Grant Park. In her 11 years in the field, she’s worked with patients whose ages range from early teens to the mid-80s. She says in-office teeth whitening is the best, most cost- efficient way to go. “It’s also safer and more permanent than being a guinea pig at home,” Dalman said, referring to at-home teeth-whitening hacks, which include everything from brushing with baking soda to using hydrogen peroxide rinses as a bleach. Dalman works alongside dentists who do meticulous cosmetic work, including veneers, which she describes as press-on nails for the mouth.
“DIY DENTAL REMEDIES MIGHT SEEM LIKE A QUICK, BUDGET-FRIENDLY HACK, BUT THE REALITY IS OFTEN MUCH DARKER.” – DR. BRENT WONG
MALLORY DALMAN WHITENS A PATIENT’S TEETH. Supplied photo
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