Dangerous TikTok Trends that are Destroying Your Teeth

Many utilise TikTok as a way to find innovative tips, trends and tricks that can make day-to-day practices that little bit easier. However, not all of these trends are harmless fun – especially when it comes to dental health. 

Alarmingly, a growing number of TikTok users continue to engage in dangerous teeth-related practices, often with little understanding of the potential long-term damage. 

With this in mind, we’ve spoken to  Dr Smita Mehra, BDS MFGDPRCS and Principal Dentist here at The Neem Tree Dental Practice, who has provided insight into the dangers of TikTok’s top dental trends, and why they are best avoided.  

The rise of TikTok and its influence on oral health

In no time at all, TikTok has become wildly popular, with a staggering billion people enjoying its endless short videos. Initially known for lip-syncing and dance clips, it has now become a cultural sensation, attracting users of all ages to join in the latest viral trends. However, hidden behind TikTok’s fun and excitement is a serious issue: the harmful effects these viral trends are having on our dental health. Challenges like the “DIY Braces” where users try to straighten their teeth with homemade gadgets, and the “Veneer Challenge” where people file down their teeth for a fashionable look, show the dangerous influence TikTok can have. Dentists and orthodontists are warning us about these risks, making it clear that we need to pay attention to the negative impact TikTok trends are having on our smiles.

TikTok’s top dental trends, and why they are best avoided. 

At-home tooth filing

With this trend, users have shared videos of themselves, filing down their teeth at home with nail files in an attempt to straighten them. For those with ‘uneven teeth’, this has become a cheaper and quicker solution than seeking professional help. 

But the long-term dangers of filing teeth down at home are unspoken of on the video-streaming platform. Unlike nails, teeth do not regenerate, and filing them yourself can cause irreparable damage to your enamel. This can make you susceptible to tooth decay later down the line.

It can also misalign your teeth. This is because using a nail file will change the shape and size of your teeth, which can cause problems with chewing your food properly and speaking. 

Vampire teeth

With #VampireTeeth amassing over 180 million videos under the hashtag, this popular TikTok dental trend is another one to approach with caution. Users are taking fake Halloween fangs and sticking them to their canine teeth using a strong adhesive. This is most commonly done with nail glue or superglue for a permanent look.

Whilst it may be fun for photos, using such strong chemicals on your teeth can cause a whole host of dental issues. Superglue, for instance, is not for dental use and contains chemicals that can be toxic if ingested or inhaled in significant amounts. These chemicals can also irritate the soft tissues in your mouth, such as your gums, tongue, and throat.

Using strong adhesives to stick the fangs down can also make it extremely difficult to remove them and often requires professional dental intervention. Trying to remove them at home can result in chipped or broken teeth and further damage to your gums.

DIY teeth whitening

From brushing your teeth with apple cider vinegar to mixing a solution of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda, there is an influx of information available on TikTok on how to whiten your teeth at home.

The search, ‘ways to make your teeth whiter at home’ has 162 million videos and counting, with users sharing their own ‘ingenious’ hacks. But whilst some DIY methods are natural approaches and won’t cause harm to the mouth (like eating certain fruits and vegetables, or routinely flossing) it’s imperative to understand the risks of certain teeth-whitening ingredients on your oral health.

Many DIY whitening methods can involve using baking soda or hydrogen peroxide, which can erode tooth enamel if misused. Once the enamel is worn away, it cannot be restored, leading to increased tooth sensitivity and a higher risk of cavities

Highly concentrated whitening agents can also cause chemical burns requiring medical intervention, if used in excess. Additionally, at-home teeth whitening can affect dental restorations such as crowns, veneers, and fillings differently than natural teeth, so it’s best to consult with your dentist for teeth whitening solutions, before attempting anything you see on TikTok.

At-home mouth piercings

It’s easier than it’s ever been to pierce parts of your body at home, with online DIY kits available to you at the click of a button. But whilst it may be more cost-efficient and quicker than going to a professional piercer, if done incorrectly, it can put your health in danger.

TikTok has a piercing filter, which can show users how they would look with one. This has led to an influx of people impulsively piercing parts of their mouths at home. 

However, it’s important to understand that your mouth is a breeding ground for bacteria. Performing a piercing in a non-sterile environment greatly increases the risk of infections, which can lead to abscesses, swelling, and pain in the mouth. In the confined space of the mouth, if you notice significant swelling after piercing at home, it can obstruct the airway and make it difficult to breathe. 

Oil pulling

Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic practice that involves swishing oil around in your mouth for around five minutes, as a way to remove bacteria and promote saliva production. Whilst it is a technique older than any social media platform, oil pulling has recently gone viral on TikTok, amassing over 167 million videos under the category.

Although the practice itself is safe, the information on TikTok regarding the technique has been misleading – and people are substituting their normal cleaning routine with just oil pulling.

Oil pulling does not effectively remove plaque from the teeth. If used as a replacement for brushing and flossing, it can lead to a build-up of these substances, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease. Any benefits of oil pulling, such as fresher breath or a cleaner mouth feel, are generally temporary and not a substitute for regular dental hygiene practices.

DIY fillings

Videos circulating TikTok recently are advertising at-home filling kits, or using non-dental supplies, like bentonite clay, to create solutions at home. DIY filling kits or home remedies that use materials not suitable for dental use are dangerous for your oral health for a number of reasons. 

Performing a filling at home and without proper sterilisation can introduce bacteria into the cavity, which can further exacerbate the existing issue. Without dental assistance, if the filling material is not applied correctly, it can lead to cracked or broken teeth, requiring more extensive and costly dental repairs. 

In addition, properly filling a cavity requires precision and dental knowledge. Incorrect application can result in an inadequate seal, allowing bacteria and food particles to enter the cavity, which can worsen the initial decay.

Closing gaps with rubber bands

Using rubber bands to close gaps between teeth at home, often referred to as ‘gap bands’, is another social media trend that can lead to severe dental issues.

They can cause significant pain and discomfort, as they are not designed for orthodontic purposes. The pressure applied to the teeth and gums can lead to persistent pain and difficulty when eating or speaking.

Even if the rubber bands initially close the gaps, they do not address the underlying alignment issues. This can lead to an orthodontic relapse, where the teeth move back to their original positions or become misaligned in other ways.

If you are looking to resolve any gaps in your teeth, it’s important to seek medical assistance rather than taking matters into your own hands.

Veneer “Hacks”

Veneer hacks from TikTok involve DIY techniques where people try to create fake veneers using materials like superglue and fake nails to achieve a perfect smile. These hacks are incredibly dangerous as they can severely damage the enamel, which is the protective outer layer of the teeth. This damage can lead to serious dental issues such as infections and decay. Moreover, the improper use of these materials can cause gum irritation and other oral health problems. Ultimately, fixing the damage caused by these DIY methods often requires extensive and costly professional dental treatment.

Using magic erasers to clean teeth

A trend has emerged on platforms like TikTok where users claim that rubbing a Magic Eraser on their teeth can effectively remove stains and whiten their smile. Magic Erasers are cleaning sponges typically used for scrubbing tough stains from various household surfaces. The idea is that these sponges can similarly scrub away surface stains on teeth, leaving them whiter and brighter.

However, this practice is highly dangerous. Magic Erasers contain abrasive materials and chemicals designed for cleaning hard surfaces, not delicate oral tissues. Using them on teeth can erode enamel, the protective outer layer that shields teeth from decay and sensitivity. Once enamel is worn away, it cannot regenerate, leading to increased tooth sensitivity and a higher risk of cavities. Additionally, the chemicals in Magic Erasers can harm gum tissue, causing irritation and potential long-term damage to oral health. Dental professionals strongly advise against using such abrasive household products on teeth and recommend safer, approved methods for teeth whitening.

Charcoal toothpaste

Charcoal toothpaste has gained popularity as a natural teeth whitener. It uses activated charcoal, which is known for its strong adsorption properties, to supposedly remove stains and toxins from the teeth. Proponents of charcoal toothpaste claim it can effectively brighten smiles and detoxify the mouth, making it a favoured choice among those seeking natural and DIY dental care solutions.

Despite its popularity, charcoal toothpaste poses significant risks to oral health. The abrasiveness of charcoal can wear down the enamel, the outer protective layer of the teeth. Once the enamel is eroded, it does not regenerate, leading to increased tooth sensitivity and a higher susceptibility to cavities and decay. Over time, the damage caused by the abrasive nature of charcoal can compromise the overall strength and health of the teeth. Additionally, the frequent use of charcoal toothpaste may cause gum irritation and other oral health issues. Dental professionals generally recommend using toothpaste with ingredients that are proven to be safe and effective for maintaining oral health, rather than relying on potentially harmful natural alternatives like charcoal.

Lemon juice teeth whitening

Lemon juice teeth whitening involves applying lemon juice directly to the teeth in an attempt to whiten them. This method leverages the natural bleaching properties of citric acid found in lemons, which some believe can help remove surface stains and brighten the teeth. The simplicity and availability of lemons make this a popular DIY whitening method for those seeking a natural alternative to commercial teeth whiteners.

However, using lemon juice for teeth whitening carries significant risks due to its high acidity. The citric acid in lemon juice can erode tooth enamel. Once enamel is worn away it can lead to increased tooth sensitivity and a heightened risk of cavities and decay. The erosion of enamel also weakens the teeth, making them more vulnerable to damage and further staining. Prolonged exposure to acidic substances like lemon juice can exacerbate these problems, causing lasting harm to oral health. 

Eating highly acidic foods for “Detox”

The trend of consuming highly acidic foods or drinks like apple cider vinegar as a detoxifying regimen has gained popularity among health enthusiasts. Advocates of this practice believe that acidic substances can cleanse the body of toxins, promote weight loss, and improve overall health. Common acidic foods consumed for detox purposes include citrus fruits, tomatoes, vinegar-based beverages, and certain fermented foods like kombucha. The belief is that these foods can enhance digestion, boost metabolism, and provide a myriad of health benefits beyond mere nutritional value.

Despite the claimed health benefits, consuming large amounts of highly acidic foods for detox purposes carries significant risks for oral health. Acidic foods and drinks can erode tooth enamel. Enamel erosion weakens the teeth, making them more susceptible to cavities, sensitivity, and other dental issues. The acid content in these foods lowers the pH level in the mouth, creating an acidic environment that promotes bacterial growth and accelerates tooth decay. Over time, frequent consumption of acidic foods without proper dental care can lead to irreversible damage to teeth and gums. Dental professionals advise moderation and caution when consuming acidic foods for detoxification and recommend maintaining good oral hygiene practices to mitigate the potential negative effects on dental health.

Breaking free from the TikTok trap: a call to action

Escaping the grip of TikTok means we need to consciously step away from the online world and reconnect with reality. It’s important to pause, think about how we use the internet, and decide to focus on our mental and emotional health. We should understand that the happy faces and perfect lives we see online often hide the real story.

Setting limits on how much time we spend on social media and taking regular breaks can help us avoid feeling overwhelmed by constant updates and comparisons. This way, we can start to concentrate on what truly makes us happy and satisfied, instead of chasing after temporary approval online.

Let’s agree to celebrate our differences instead of trying to meet impossible beauty standards. Embracing our unique qualities and accepting ourselves for who we are is more important than trying to fit into someone else’s idea of perfection.

Now is the time to break free from the hold that TikTok has on us and reclaim our smiles, self-esteem, and lives. We deserve to live genuinely, be kind to ourselves, and create a positive atmosphere that encourages self-love and acceptance. 

As we wrap up our look at the TikTok trend, it’s clear that chasing online fame can really hurt our teeth. DIY dental attempts and feeling like we have to look a certain way because of popular challenges can hurt us for a long time. If we know the risks and take a break from social media now and then, we can avoid getting caught up in the TikTok craze and keep our smiles healthy and happy. So, before you try the next big trend, remember: a real smile is way better than a quick burst of internet fame.

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