With over 689 million monthly active users around the globe, the social media platform TikTok has taken the world by storm. And while many of us turn to TikTik to check out the latest dance routines and other trends, some online fads can be dangerous if you’re not careful. Here are some dental TikTok trends that can seriously damage your teeth — and ways that your dentist can safely help you achieve your smile goals.
Filing Down Front Teeth
One very concerning dental TikTok trend involves people using a nail file to even out their front teeth or make them smaller. This DIY hack is definitely not recommended by dentists. Filing down teeth can cause serious damage to your enamel. Unlike teeth or nails, enamel does not grow back. If you accidentally remove too much of it, your teeth will likely become extra sensitive and more susceptible to tooth decay.
Leave the nail file for your nails. For a straighter, more even smile, talk to your dentist. If your tooth is too long, your dentist can carefully trim the enamel without compromising your tooth’s integrity. For undersized teeth, your dentist can use dental bonding to build them up.
DIY Teeth Whitening Methods
Having stained or discolored teeth can make you feel less confident when talking or smiling around others. Perhaps that is why there are various dental TikTok trends for whitening teeth at home.
Hydrogen Peroxide Teeth Whitening
One way TikTok users are whitening their teeth is by applying 3% hydrogen peroxide, which can be purchased online for just a few dollars. Many professional and over-the-counter tooth whitening products utilize hydrogen peroxide as the primary ingredient. However, the big difference is that those products are approved by the FDA and formulated in such a way so that they will not damage your teeth or gums. Prolonged exposure to 3% hydrogen peroxide is extremely dangerous and can irritate the skin and gums.
Lemon Juice Teeth Whitening
Another TikTok trend for whitening teeth uses lemon juice as a “home remedy” to remove stains. Lemons are easy to find and natural, so this may seem like a safe way to achieve a brighter smile. However, lemon juice is also very acidic and can erode the protective layer of enamel when rubbed directly onto teeth.
As you can see, most “quick fixes” that promise to remove stains from your teeth can actually cause significant harm. Professional teeth whitening treatment, meanwhile, can deliver dazzling results without damaging your enamel. Many dentists offer both in-office whitening treatment and at-home teeth whitening kits, so you can brighten your smile on your own schedule.
When it comes to your teeth, trust your dentist over the latest dental TikTok trends. If you’re unhappy with the way your smile looks, ask your dentist how cosmetic and preventive dentistry can help.
About the Author
Dr. Megan Shelton has been helping patients improve the appearance of their smiles for 15 years and counting. She offers a wide range of cosmetic procedures at Polished General Dentistry, including porcelain veneers, metal-free restorations, professional teeth whitening, and more. To learn more about how to safely achieve your smile goals, visit the Polished General Dentistry website or call (760) 388-6773.
