TikTok trends spread like wildfire, including those related to dental care. While some may promise quick fixes or DIY solutions, many of these trends and tricks can do more harm than good. From simply being ineffective to causing serious oral health complications, these TikTok trends should definitely not be attempted at home.

DIY Braces

Braces and other orthodontics aimed at straightening teeth can be expensive and for many, that means inaccessible. This is likely why DIY braces tutorials and teeth straightening hacks have been circulating on TikTok. These trends suggest that patients can straighten their teeth using household items like rubber bands or paper clips. Not only are these makeshift braces ineffective, but they can also cause serious harm including speech impediments, jaw and bite problems, infection, bone damage, tooth loss, and life-long pain. Orthodontic treatment should always be supervised by a qualified dental professional. No exceptions!

Teeth Whitening Hacks

The desire for a bright white smile can cloud our judgment, especially when faced with cheap "solutions" that promise just that. Countless DIY teeth-whitening hacks have gone viral over the years. From using baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to lemon juice and most popularly, activated charcoal. While these remedies may promise whiter teeth, these ingredients are super abrasive or incredibly acidic and will most certainly harm your tooth enamel. Charcoal in particular is known to leave behind minuscule scratches on your teeth that trap bacteria and make you more susceptible to cavities and discoloration. Not only are they dangerous and put you at risk for major oral health issues, but they usually don't work.

Tooth Filing

Tooth filing is arguably among the most concerning trends to ever hit TikTok. This trend involves using nail files or other abrasive tools like sandpaper to reshape teeth. The motivation ranges from creating animal-like fangs, achieving the appearance of better alignment, preparing teeth for counterfeit veneers, or reducing the appearance of tooth gaps. Grinding away your teeth removes enamel, making teeth vulnerable to decay and damage. Grinding your teeth may expose the dentin layer which will likely cause extreme sensitivity among other complications. Attempting to alter the shape of teeth at home will lead to irreversible harm.

Teeth as tools

It may look cool to crack open a bottle with your teeth but do we really need to explain why it's an awful idea? Not necessarily a trend in itself, TikTok users are often filmed using teeth to crack bottles, open packages, rip tape, and break or cut things. Using your teeth as tools can cause teeth to chip, break, or fall out. Our teeth are not designed to hold on to or grip objects and doing so makes your teeth, gums, and jaws vulnerable to serious injury. We recommend using the classic lighter or edge-of-the-table tricks; You'll save your teeth the risk and look even more impressive.

Tooth Gems

Tooth gems are a growing social media phenomenon, especially on TikTok. While they may look pretty, teeth gems, especially when DIY applied at home, are a huge risk to oral health. These gems are applied with adhesives that may be toxic and damage your tooth enamel. They also leave nooks and crannies where bacteria, plaque, and tartar can build up, leading to decay and cavities. Dental jewelry also makes maintaining optimal dental hygiene difficult since it inevitably covers a portion of the tooth that cannot be cleaned for an extended time. If you opt for tooth bedazzling, be sure it is applied by a trained professional who can minimize the associated risks.

Final Thoughts

TikTok can be a fun, entertaining, and even educative platform. Nonetheless, it's critical to exercise caution and common sense when it comes to making decisions about your oral health and trying out new trends. Attempting DIY dental procedures or following questionable advice found on TikTok can result in serious harm to oral and overall health. It's always best to seek guidance from qualified dental professionals and prioritize safe and evidence-based practices for maintaining oral hygiene. At snapsmile, we have a network of nearly 100 fully vetted dentists ready to answer all your questions and help you achieve the straight, white smile of your dreams. Sign up here and get started with your top-rated dentist today!