TikTok’s #TeethTok: Are Viral Hacks Safe?

Key Takeaways:

• TikTok trends like DIY teeth whitening and filing pose risks to oral health.
• Experts warn against unproven methods such as using bleach, baking soda, or nail files.
• Safer alternatives include ADA-approved products and professional care.
• DIY orthodontics with rubber bands or hair elastics can lead to permanent damage.
• Oil pulling and metal tool use lack scientific backing and carry potential dangers.

The Rise of #TeethTok: A Double-Edged Sword

Social media platforms like TikTok thrive on viral trends, and dental advice has become one of its latest obsessions. Under hashtags like #TeethTok, users share hacks ranging from teeth whitening tricks to DIY orthodontics. However, according to an article published on Psychreg, many of these methods are not only ineffective but may also jeopardize oral health. Specialists from Celebrate Dental and Braces have reviewed some of the most popular TikTok dental hacks, shedding light on their potential dangers.

The allure of quick and affordable solutions drives much of this activity. For instance, the hashtag #teethwhitening features in over 483,000 posts, promoting budget-friendly alternatives to professional treatments. Common suggestions include brushing with baking soda, swabbing with hydrogen peroxide, or even using bleach. While these methods might appear to lighten teeth temporarily, they come with significant risks.

Whitening Hacks: Temporary Gains, Long-Term Damage

Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide, when used excessively, erode enamel—the protective outer layer of teeth—increasing sensitivity and cavity risk. “Hacks like using hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and nail files can permanently erode and damage enamel,” warns Dr. Kelcey Loveland from Celebrate Dental and Braces. Since enamel does not regenerate, this leaves teeth vulnerable to staining, decay, and other issues.

Even more alarming is the suggestion to use bleach, a household cleaner, for whitening purposes. This method is outright dangerous, posing health risks if ingested and potentially causing severe damage to teeth and gums. Safer at-home options include ADA-approved whitening strips or toothpaste, which balance efficacy with safety.

Another unconventional hack involves rubbing banana peels on teeth for natural whitening benefits. While harmless, this method lacks scientific evidence and fails to deliver tangible results.

Filing Teeth at Home: A Risky Shortcut

Another trend gaining traction on TikTok involves shaping teeth with nail files, tagged in approximately 5,400 #teethfiling posts. Users attempt to smooth uneven edges, viewing it as an inexpensive fix for cosmetic flaws. However, filing away enamel permanently damages teeth, leaving them prone to decay and sensitivity.

Professionals can contour teeth safely, but DIY attempts often backfire. As Dr. Loveland explains, “These so-called ‘hacks’ may lead to damage that ultimately requires costly dental repairs.” Without proper training, individuals risk marring their smiles rather than enhancing them.

DIY Orthodontics: A Dangerous Gamble

The high cost of orthodontic care has led some TikTokers to experiment with DIY solutions. One example includes using rubber bands or hair elastics to shift teeth or close gaps, bypassing traditional braces or aligners like Invisalign. This approach is fraught with danger, as misapplied pressure can damage tooth roots and potentially lead to tooth loss.

Orthodontists emphasize that only trained professionals can adjust teeth safely and effectively. Attempting these fixes without supervision jeopardizes long-term oral health and appearance.

Oil Pulling and Metal Tools: Misguided Methods

Oil pulling, an ancient practice involving swishing coconut or sunflower oil in the mouth, has seen a modern revival on TikTok, with #oilpulling appearing in over 42,600 posts. Proponents claim it “pulls” bacteria and toxins, boosting gum health. While not inherently harmful and possibly beneficial in reducing oral bacteria, oil pulling falls short as a standalone hygiene method. Without brushing and flossing, plaque and tartar can accumulate, leading to cavities and gum disease.

Perhaps most concerning is the use of metal dental tools to scrape plaque and tartar at home. Untrained hands wielding these instruments risk scratching enamel, chipping teeth, or nicking gums. Such injuries can cause sensitivity, infection, or gum disease. Dental experts stress that plaque and tartar removal should always be performed by professionals to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Expert Advice: Consult a Professional

Dr. Loveland offers a stark assessment of these trends: “TikTok is a highly influential platform that can easily persuade users to try trending techniques aimed at achieving desired results. However, many of these teeth hacks are unproven and potentially dangerous. They often involve DIY methods and products that risk causing permanent, irreversible damage to teeth and gums.”

She adds, “The lack of professional guidance in these DIY techniques often results in harmful mistakes. What seems like a quick, inexpensive fix can leave your teeth in worse condition or appearance than before.”

In conclusion, Dr. Loveland advises, “If you’re considering dental work or treatments, it’s far better to consult a professional dentist than to attempt these fixes yourself.”

For those tempted by viral dental hacks, the message is clear: prioritize safety and seek professional advice to protect your oral health.