Social media is a great way to keep up with all of the current trends, and many of them are very tempting. Whether you are looking to try out a new makeup look or want to whip up something delicious from a popular recipe, TikTok always has something interesting to share. However, it isn’t the best place to go when it comes to getting dental advice. There are many dangerous TikTok dental trends that you should not be partaking in. Here are just a few of them.
Filing Down Your Front Teeth
Many of us weren’t born with teeth that were perfectly aligned and all the same length. Everyone’s smile is different. However, uneven teeth are still something that many people are self-conscious about. A recent TikTok trend involves the use of a nail file in order to shave down the front teeth, but dentists warn that this can be very dangerous. Filing down your protective enamel can expose your teeth to a wide range of oral health issues, like cavities, sensitivity, and discoloration. Your enamel doesn’t grow back either! If you would like to have a more uniform smile, talk to your dentist about your options. This way, corrections can be made safely.
Hydrogen Peroxide Teeth Whitening
This trend consists of influencers using food-grade hydrogen peroxide, which is accessible online, on the surface of their teeth to whiten them. This issue is that prolonged exposure to this chemical can be extremely dangerous and irritate both the skin and gums. Hydrogen peroxide should really only be used by professionals.
Charcoal Teeth Whitening
Using activated charcoal to whiten teeth has been a trend for quite a while now, including on TikTok. The problem is that charcoal is more coarse than regular toothpastes, therefore being to abrasive for the teeth. This means that it can damage your protective enamel. Ultimately, you could experience more staining in the long run.
Lemon Juice Teeth Whitening
A common item that can be found in your kitchen is lemon juice. This is another home remedy that is being popularized on TikTok, but the truth is that it can do more harm than good in the long run. Lemon juice is acidic, so it can cause acid erosion to the enamel when it is rubbed directly on the surfaces of the teeth.
Everyone wants to have a beautiful smile, but using dental “hacks” that you see on TikTok isn’t a good idea. By talking to your dentist, you can come up with a plan to achieve your smile goals in a safe, yet effective way!
About the Practice
At Advanced Smile Design, there are two skilled dentists providing quality care to patients in the Willow Grove area. Dr. Krunal Patel attended Pacific Dental College & Hospital in India before moving to the USA and earning his dental doctorate from the New York University College of Dentistry. Dr. Barry Isdaner has been practicing over 45 years. If you want to improve the appearance of your smile safely, they would be happy to help. For more information on cosmetic dentistry or to schedule an appointment, visit their website or call (215) 659-3334.
