From cleaning hacks and mini vlogs to the latest dance challenges, TikTok is home to a wide variety of content. With over 1 billion users spread across 150 countries, there are a lot of eyes on those videos too! That’s why it’s important to be aware of the dangerous trends on TikTok that are currently circulating. Keep reading to learn a few and why you should never try them at home.
1. Whitening Teeth with Household Products
From slight discoloration to significant stains, some TikTok creators swear by the use of household items, like hydrogen peroxide and lemon juice. Unfortunately, both of these methods can erode your enamel, increasing your chances of developing tooth decay in the process. To enhance the look of your smile without compromising your oral health, it’s important to leave all dental treatments to the professionals.
2. Applying Vampire Fangs with Nail Glue
Without fail, October comes with numerous videos on both unique and classic Halloween costume ideas. Unfortunately, many vampire-related ones come with creators suggesting that their viewers use nail glue to apply fangs. Not only does this adhesive contain chemicals that should not be ingested, but you can damage your teeth by forcefully removing the fangs at the end of your evening!
3. Addressing Uneven Teeth with a Nail File
To provide patients with a perfectly symmetrical smile, dentists use tried-and-true treatments like veneers and braces. Some content creators on TikTok, however, have opted for a nail file to create more even teeth. As you can imagine, there are a number of complications with this approach, including the removal of enamel that cannot regenerate. In short, if you’re unhappy with the size or shape of your teeth, don’t attempt to fix it with a household item – contact your dentist to discuss your treatment options.
4. Taking a DIY Approach to Orthodontics
As the name suggests, do-it-yourself orthodontics refers to patients attempting to straighten their teeth at home with tools like rubber bands and, in some cases, the force of their own fingers. In addition to introducing numerous germs to your mouth, this approach can apply too much force, causing your teeth to become loose or fall out altogether. Needless to say, when it comes to something as important as the look and function of your smile, professional treatment is the best choice every time.
When it comes to dance challenges set to the newest songs or cooking tips from your favorite celebrity chef, TikTok is a great place to turn. Sadly, that same cannot be said for dental-related advice (unless it’s from a dentist, of course). If you are unhappy with your smile in any way or want to learn more about how to care for it, the best thing to do is get in touch with your dental team!
About the Practice
For our team at South Ridge Dental, creating smiles that are as healthy as they are beautiful is always the goal. Whether you’re overdue for your six-month checkup or you’re interested in a cosmetic dental treatment to enhance your smile, we’re here to help! To learn more about how to protect your smile from harm, schedule an appointment with our dedicated and highly trained dentists via our website or by phone at (402) 423-1616.