Doing it yourself can be a great way to learn a new skill, gain confidence, and save money, but when it comes to your teeth, it’s best to leave it to the professionals.
Roughly one in five American adults turn to TikTok for health advice before going to a doctor, according to a study by prescription drug company CharityRx, and DIY dental videos are racking up millions of views across the app as users increasingly look for at-home hacks and quick solutions to improve the appearance of shiny, white teeth.
But while many qualified dentists and orthodontists have taken to TikTok to share their expertise, most of these trends are doing more harm than good.
“Unfortunately, when it comes to health trends, TikTok can sometimes cause more problems than benefits, as self-experimentation especially in these areas can lead to accidents, pain and further damage,” said Dr Sumita Mehra, lead dentist at Neem Tree Dentistry. Newsweek.
Newsweek We spoke to Mehra about six of the most dangerous TikTok dental trends and why you should avoid them.
People Images/Getty
Tooth grinding
“The trend has led users to share videos of themselves at home using nail files to file their teeth in an attempt to align them,” Mehra said. “For those with ‘bad teeth’ it’s become a cheaper and quicker solution than seeking professional help.”
But there’s little discussion about the long-term health effects of this trend. “Unlike fingernails, teeth don’t regenerate, and self-filer reduces enamel and can cause irreparable damage,” says Mehra. “It also leaves the sensitive dentin layer underneath unprotected, which shouldn’t be exposed in the first place, making it more susceptible to future cavities.”
The trend may also exacerbate the problem it claims to solve: “It may even misalign your teeth,” says Mair. “This is because using a nail file can change the shape and size of your teeth, making it harder to chew food and speak properly. Needless to say, it’s a very dangerous and harmful habit that doesn’t actually straighten your teeth.”
Do-it-yourself teeth whitening
In the age of social media and beauty filters, many of us are more self-conscious than ever about the color of our teeth. According to U.S. Census data, roughly 37 million Americans use teeth whitening products, and they spend billions of dollars on at-home whitening products each year.
The hashtag #teethwhitening has been used more than 300,000 times on TikTok, but many of these “creative” hacks are ineffective and often dangerous.
“TikTok is full of information about how to whiten your teeth at home, from brushing your teeth with apple cider vinegar to mixing hydrogen peroxide and baking soda solutions,” Mehra said.
“Many DIY whitening methods use baking soda or hydrogen peroxide, but if used improperly, these can erode tooth enamel. Once enamel is worn down, it cannot be restored, leading to increased tooth sensitivity and an increased risk of cavities.
“High concentrations of whitening agents can also cause chemical burns requiring medical intervention if used in excess. Additionally, at-home teeth whitening may affect dental restorations like crowns, veneers, and fillings differently than it does natural teeth. For that reason, it’s best to talk to your dentist about any teeth whitening solutions before trying anything you see on TikTok.”
Lip piercing at home
Of all the trends Mehra has seen on the app, at-home lip piercing is the one that concerns her the most, she says.
“Piercing body parts at home has never been easier, with DIY kits available online at the click of a button,” Mehra says, “but while it may be more cost-effective and less time-consuming than visiting a professional piercer, it can be a risk to your health if done incorrectly.”
“TikTok has a piercing filter that allows users to see what they would look like with piercings. This has led to a surge in people impulsively getting parts of their mouth pierced at home. However, it is important to understand that the mouth is a breeding ground for bacteria. Piercing in a non-sterile environment significantly increases the risk of infection, which can lead to abscesses, swelling, and mouth sores.”
“Apart from bacterial growth, other potential consequences include bleeding, nerve and muscle damage, and permanent scarring. [And] In the small space inside your mouth, if you notice significant swelling after getting your ears pierced at home, your airway could become blocked, making it difficult to breathe.”
DIY filling
According to the National Center for Health Statistics, roughly 91 percent of American adults have had at least one dental filling, and on average, the procedure costs hundreds of dollars, leading many to take to social media to find at-home alternatives.
“Recently, there have been videos circulating on TikTok promoting at-home dental filling kits or creating at-home solutions using non-dental materials such as bentonite clay,” Mehra said. “DIY filling kits and home remedies using materials not suitable for dental use are dangerous to your oral health for several reasons.
- “If you do a filling at home without proper sterilisation, it can introduce bacteria into the cavity and make existing problems worse.
- “Without a dentist’s assistance, if the filling material is not applied correctly, the tooth may crack or break, requiring more extensive and costly dental treatment.
- “The decay needs to be precisely removed with a drill and then properly filled, which requires precision and dental knowledge.
- “Incorrect use can result in an inadequate seal, allowing bacteria and food particles to get into the cavity and worsen early tooth decay.”
Fill the gap with a rubber band
According to the American Dental Association, one in four adults has a gap between their front teeth, but for many of us, the gap in our smile is bothering us — and again, many are turning to social media for a solution.
“Using rubber bands to fill gaps in teeth at home, often referred to as ‘gap bands,’ is another social media trend that can lead to serious dental problems,” Mehra said.
“These are not designed for orthodontic purposes and can cause significant pain and discomfort. The pressure on the teeth and gums can cause persistent pain and difficulty eating and speaking.”
“Even if rubber bands initially close the gap, they don’t solve the underlying problem with teeth alignment. They can lead to orthodontic relapse, meaning teeth can move back into their original position or become misaligned in other ways.”
“If you want to address gaps in your teeth, it’s important to seek orthodontic help rather than trying to tackle it yourself.”
Oil pulling
Along with questionable health practices, social media users have also begun to focus on historic dental practices.
“Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic practice in which oil is swished around in the mouth for about five minutes to remove bacteria and stimulate saliva production,” Mehra says. “Although it’s a technique that predates any social media platform, oil pulling has recently become popular on TikTok, where the category has garnered more than 167 million videos.”
The method itself is not dangerous, and some studies suggest it may help reduce plaque buildup, but there is not enough evidence to confirm these benefits.
“While the procedure itself is safe, the information on TikTok about this technique is misleading, with people replacing their normal cleaning routines with oil pulling alone,” Mehra said.
Herein lies the real danger: “Oil pulling does not effectively remove plaque and further research is needed,” Mehra says. “When used in place of brushing and flossing, these substances can build up, increasing the risk of cavities and periodontal disease. Any benefits of oil pulling, such as fresher breath and a cleaner mouth, are typically temporary and do not replace regular dental hygiene habits.”
If you’d like to try making your own mouthwash, Mehra suggests mixing a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar into a glass of water to combat bad breath. “Acetic acid has antibacterial properties and helps eliminate odor. It also balances the pH level in your mouth, reducing the chances of bacteria growing,” Mehra says.
However, this is not a substitute for regular brushing.
Do you have a health concern? Let us know at health@newsweek.com so we can seek expert advice and feature your story. Newsweek.
Rare knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom, seeking common ground and finding connections.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom, seeking common ground and finding connections.
