If you’ve scrolled through TikTok, Instagram or other social media platforms in 2023, you probably saw a bunch of trends claiming to make your teeth whiter, straighter, or healthier. However, it’s important to fact-check social trends. Some of these TikTok trends can damage your teeth and endanger your health.
Fact-Checking TikTok Tooth Trends in 2023
Teeth Filing
Some users on social media suggested filing their teeth at home, using their own devices, either to prepare teeth for dental caps or to achieve a particular appearance. This is one TikTok trend that can be very dangerous for your teeth, and can cause permanent damage.
Filing your teeth can erode your tooth enamel, which is essential to protect your teeth from decay and damage. If you want to shape your teeth or prepare for tooth caps, always consult with a dentist. There’s no reason to file your teeth at home; this won’t help you save money or help your teeth, and in fact can cause bigger problems later down the road.
DIY Orthodontics
You may have seen a few people on social media try to take on orthodontic treatments themselves. Using wires or rubber bands or other household items, some social media users attempted to shift their teeth into a desired position. This TikTok trend can be very dangerous, and it’s never a good idea.
Dentists and orthodontists go through years of education and practice before working with patients. Braces and other orthodontic tools have also been changed and perfected over decades. There’s a reason these developments, skills and education are important; improperly placing braces and other orthodontic treatments can damage a patient’s teeth and gums. Wires may pierce or scratch your lips or gums, over-constriction can cause your tooth to lose its blood supply and kill the tooth, and unclean or unsuitable materials can introduce bacteria or harmful contaminants.
Never attempt orthodontic treatments at home. If you’re struggling to afford orthodontic treatments, learn more about dental financing and payment plans. With planning and care, you can get the dental treatments you need and want, without endangering your health.
Mr. Clean Magic Eraser
A household cleaning product called the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser is well-known for its ability to scrub away stains on walls, floors, and other surfaces. Some social media users thought this product might also work for scrubbing stains off their teeth. This is harmful to your teeth, and can permanently damage them.
Using a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser on your teeth is similar to using sandpaper on your teeth. These erasers are made from melamine foam, which is soft to the touch, but the molecular structure is rigid, and able to rub away stains in ways that are similar to sandpaper. Melamine can be toxic to people and pets if ingested. The eraser will also scrub away your tooth enamel, which cannot regenerate on its own. This can expose your teeth to bacteria, and also cause tooth sensitivity.
There are much better ways to whiten your teeth. Using whitening products as directed may lighten your teeth by one or two shades and professional whitening may whiten teeth even further.
DIY Prosthetic Teeth
Whether for vampire fangs for a Halloween costume, or a restoration for a missing tooth, some social media users have tried to make their own prosthetic teeth. Though this may work for an evening Halloween party, it’s not a good idea as a permanent tooth replacement.
When it comes to making fake teeth at home, as well as fixatives to keep them in place, always make sure that the materials are safe to use in your mouth. If your tooth has been cracked, always seek professional dental care as soon as possible. If your tooth is missing, a dental implant or dental bridge can safely, permanently replace the tooth.
Hydrogen Peroxide Teeth Whitening
At-home whitening products generally use hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to produce a chemical reaction that whitens teeth. These products use careful concentrations of these key ingredients to whiten teeth without endangering your health. Some social media users have tried to use hydrogen peroxide by itself to whiten teeth, but this can be dangerous.
Hydrogen peroxide can be used to disinfect cuts, bleach paper, and much more. However, it’s important to remember that hydrogen peroxide is an acid, and ingesting it is not safe. At-home whitening products use hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide in carefully measured amounts, and with additional ingredients, to make them safe to use orally. Don’t try to use hydrogen peroxide solutions in ways other than directed, or you can put yourself at risk.
Summary
In general, it’s not a good idea to experiment on your teeth and gums with untested trends. You only get one set of natural, permanent teeth, so it’s important to protect them. Though it may not be new, the best way to take care of your teeth is to brush twice a day, floss once a day, stay away from sugar and tobacco products and vaping, and visit your dentist twice a year. If you have questions about how to take care of your teeth or you haven’t had a teeth cleaning appointment recently, make an appointment with a dentist today.
