Dentist warns of six ‘dangerous’ TikTok trends you should never try at home

Doing things yourself is a great way to learn new skills, feel empowered and save money. However, when it comes to teeth, it’s usually best left to the professionals.

About 1 in 5 American adults turn to TikTok before their doctor when seeking health advice, according to research from the prescription company CharityRx. DIY dentistry has garnered millions of views across the app as users search for at-home hacks and quick fixes to improve the appearance of their pearly whites.

However, while many licensed 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. Smita Mehra, Principal Dentist at The Neem Tree Dental Cliniche said Newsweek.

Newsweek spoke to Mehra about six of TikTok’s most dangerous dental trends and why they should be avoided.

Tooth filing

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

However, the long-term health consequences of this trend are rarely discussed. “Unlike nails, teeth don’t regenerate, and filing them yourself can reduce your enamel, causing irreversible damage,” Mehra said. “It also leaves the delicate layer of dentin underneath unprotected, which is not meant to be exposed. This can make you vulnerable to tooth decay later down the line.”

The trend can also worsen the problem it claims to solve: “It can also misalign your teeth,” Mehr said. “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. Needless to say, this is an extremely dangerous and harmful practice and it doesn’t really straighten them out.”

DIY teeth whitening

In an age of social media and beauty filters, many of us feel more self-conscious than ever about the color of our teeth. According to US Census data, approximately 37 million Americans used teeth whiteners, spending billions of dollars on at-home whitening products each year.

The hashtag #teethwhitening has been used over 300,000 times on TikTok, but many of these “clever” hacks are ineffective and often dangerous.

“From brushing your teeth with apple cider vinegar to mixing a solution of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda, there’s a wealth of information available on TikTok on how to whiten your teeth at home,” Mehra said.

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

“Highly concentrated whitening agents can also cause chemical burns that require medical intervention if used in excess. In addition, at-home teeth whitening can affect dental restorations such as crowns, veneers and fillings differently than natural teeth, so it is best to consult a dentist for teeth whitening solutions before attempting anything you see on TikTok.”

Mouth piercings at home

Of all the trends Mehra has seen in practice, at-home mouth piercings are, she says, the most concerning.

“It’s easier than ever to pierce body parts at home, with online DIY kits available at the click of a button,” said Mehra. “But while it may be cheaper and quicker than going to a professional piercer, if done incorrectly it can put your health at risk.

“TikTok has a piercing filter, which can show users what they would look like 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 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 addition to bacterial growth, bleeding and nerve or muscle damage are possible consequences, as well as permanent scarring. [And] in the confined space of the mouth, if you notice significant swelling after a puncture at home, it can block the airway and make breathing difficult.”

DIY fillings

According to the National Center for Health Statistics, about 91 percent of American adults have at least one dental filling. On average, the process will set you back a few hundred dollars, which is why many have turned to social media to look for at-home alternatives.

“Recent videos on TikTok advertise at-home filling kits or use non-dental supplies like bentonite clay to create at-home solutions,” Mehra said. “DIY filling kits, or home remedies that use materials unsuitable for dental use, are dangerous to your oral health for several reasons:

1. “Performing a filling at home and without proper sterilization can introduce bacteria into the cavity, which can further exacerbate the existing issue.
2. “Without dental help, if the filling material is not applied properly, it can lead to cracked or broken teeth, requiring more extensive and expensive dental repairs.
3. “Caries in the cavity must be properly removed with a drill and then properly filled, requiring precision and dental knowledge.
4. “Improper application can lead to an inadequate seal, allowing bacteria and food particles to enter the cavity, which can worsen the initial decay.”

Closing gaps with rubber bands

According to the American Dental Association, up to 1 in 4 adults have gaps between their front teeth. And yet, many of us are aware of the spaces in our smile. Again, many people turn to social media for solutions.

“Using elastics to close gaps between teeth at home, often referred to as ‘gap bands,’ is another social media trend that can lead to serious dental problems,” Mehra said.

“They can cause significant pain and discomfort as they are not designed for orthodontic purposes. Pressure on the teeth and gums can lead to persistent pain and difficulty eating or speaking.

“Even if the tires initially close the gaps, they don’t address the underlying alignment issues. This can lead to orthodontic relapse, where teeth move back into their original position or become misaligned in other ways.

“If you want to address any gaps in your teeth, it’s important to seek orthodontic help rather than take matters into your own hands.”

Oil pulling

Along with some of the more questionable health hacks, social media users are also turning to historic dental practices.

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

This technique itself is not dangerous and some studies have suggested that it can help reduce plaque build-up. However, there is not enough evidence to confirm these benefits.

“While the practice itself is safe, information on TikTok about the technique has been misleading — and people are replacing their normal cleansing routine with just oil pulling,” Mehra said.

Herein lies the real danger. “Oil pulling does not effectively remove plaque from teeth, and more research is needed,” Mehra said. “If used as a substitute for brushing and flossing, it can lead to a build-up of these substances, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gingivitis. Any benefits of oil pulling, such as fresher breath or a cleaner mouth feel, are generally temporary and is not a substitute for regular dental hygiene practices.”

If you want to try a DIY mouthwash, Mehra recommends using a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar mixed with a cup of water to help manage bad breath. “Acetic acid has antibacterial properties that eliminate odor. It also helps balance the PH inside your mouth, which reduces the chances of oral bacteria growth,” she said.

However, this should not act as a substitute for regular brushing.

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