Dental Warning: Risks of DIY Silicone Mouthguards
A dental clinic in Thailand has issued a warning after a patient required professional intervention to remove a hardened, store-bought silicone mouthguard stuck to their teeth.
According to a report by Khaosod Online, Cotton Dental Clinic recently treated a patient who arrived in distress after being unable to remove a DIY silicone mouthguard purchased online. The patient, who suffered from teeth grinding, had attempted to create their own dental appliance at home instead of seeking professional care. The silicone material hardened significantly, encasing the teeth and preventing the patient from speaking or eating normally.
After attempting to remove the material at home for several hours using warm water, the patient sought emergency assistance. The clinic reported that the removal process was difficult due to the material's tough, sticky consistency, requiring two hours of work with specialized dental tools. Upon removal, the patient’s oral tissue showed signs of redness, irritation, and pressure damage.
This incident serves as a cautionary tale for residents and travelers alike regarding the dangers of purchasing medical or dental devices from unregulated online sources. Dentists emphasize that such materials may contain chemicals harmful to oral tissues and can cause significant physical trauma. For those experiencing dental issues, experts strongly advise consulting a licensed professional rather than attempting self-treatment. It remains to be confirmed if the specific product used by the patient is still available for sale on popular e-commerce platforms.
