Avoid These Viral Dental Fads: They Could Harm Your Smile

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While TikTok might be brilliant for dance crazes and recipe inspiration, it’s quickly becoming a dental professional’s worst nightmare when it comes to DIY oral care. With more than half of Generation Z reportedly turning to TikTok before Google for health advice, it’s no wonder that a wave of questionable “dental hacks” has gone viral.

However, cosmetic dentists are raising the alarm – warning that many of these trends, though often followed with good intentions, could lead to lasting damage and an unwanted trip to the dentist.

Here are six so-called smile shortcuts that are worrying dental experts – and what you should know before trying them.

1. Filing Your Teeth Like Fingernails

One of the most disturbing trends doing the rounds online is known as the “nail-file smile”, where people use nail files or sandpaper to reshape their teeth.

Dentists strongly advise against this. Filing your teeth at home can strip away enamel permanently, leading to tooth sensitivity, decay, and in severe cases, tooth loss. If you’re unhappy with the shape of your teeth, professional reshaping or bonding done by a dentist is far safer and actually effective.

2. Homemade Teeth Whitening Remedies

TikTok is awash with videos claiming to whiten teeth using things like baking soda, lemon juice, hydrogen peroxide or even bleach. While they may offer a brief brightening effect, these harsh substances can seriously erode enamel and irritate gums, leaving teeth fragile and sensitive.

Dental professionals agree: if you want whiter teeth, professionally supervised whitening treatments are the safest and most reliable option.

3. Sticking on Fake Veneers with Glue

Some content creators have posted videos attaching cheap fake veneers or caps to their teeth using superglue or other household adhesives. While it may look convincing on camera, the reality is much riskier – the veneers can fall off while eating, and the glue itself may release toxic chemicals into the mouth.

Genuine veneers should always be designed and fitted by a qualified dentist using safe, dental-grade materials.

4. Using Elastic Bands to Close Gaps

Some videos suggest that tying a rubber band around gapped teeth can quickly pull them together. But this so-called shortcut can cause serious harm to your gums, tooth roots, and even the jawbone. There’s also a risk of accidentally swallowing or choking on the band.

Orthodontists move teeth in a slow, controlled way for a reason. If you’re looking for a discreet and effective solution, clear aligners are a far better – and safer – option.

5. DIY Cavity Treatments

Certain videos promote chewable ‘toothpaste tablets’ containing fancy ingredients like nanohydroxyapatite, claiming they can rebuild enamel and reverse tooth decay. But dental professionals stress that once enamel is lost, it doesn't regenerate on its own.

These products may support good oral hygiene between check-ups, but they are no substitute for a proper dental filling when decay is present.

6. Jaw and Tongue Exercises for Grinding

Not all viral advice is completely misguided. For those who grind their teeth at night, gentle jaw and tongue exercises – such as pressing the tongue to the roof of the mouth or massaging the jaw – can offer some relief.

That said, if you’re suffering from serious teeth grinding (bruxism), it’s essential to speak to a dentist who can recommend the right treatment, such as a custom night guard.

Final Word

Although some online tips may seem harmless or even helpful, dental professionals urge caution. A healthy, confident smile isn’t built with nail files and glue – it requires proper dental care and guidance from trained experts. Before trying any DIY trend, it’s always best to consult your dentist.




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