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Social media channels like TikTok can be an entertaining way to stay current with the latest trends in many walks of life. When you are looking for the newest recipe to try or a fun dance to learn, TikTok always has some options to discover.

For ideas on topics like dental advice, however, implementing what you’ve learned on TikTok can mean big trouble for your teeth. Here are some popular dental TikTok trends in South Austin that you need to avoid to protect your oral health.

TEETH WHITENING WITH LEMON JUICE

An item that can be found in many kitchens 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. Lemon juice is very acidic, so it can cause acid erosion to the enamel when it is rubbed directly on the surfaces of the teeth.

TEETH WHITENING WITH ACTIVATED CHARCOAL

Using activated charcoal to whiten teeth has been a trend online for quite a while. The problem is that charcoal is more coarse than regular toothpaste, so they are too abrasive for the teeth. This means that it can damage your protective enamel, leaving you vulnerable to oral health issues. Ultimately, you could experience more staining in the long run.

TEETH WHITENING WITH HYDROGEN PEROXIDE

This is a trend that consists of social media influencers using a food-grade hydrogen peroxide, which is accessible online, on the front surface of their teeth to whiten them. The issue with this is that prolonged exposure to this chemical can be extremely dangerous and irritate both the skin and gums. Hydrogen peroxide should only be used by professionals.

FILING DOWN YOUR FRONT TEETH

A lot of us weren’t born with perfectly aligned teeth that are all the same length. Everyone’s smile is unique. However, uneven teeth are still something that many people are insecure about. A recent TikTok “hack” involves the use of a nail file to shave down the chewing surface of the front teeth, but dentists warn that this can be very dangerous for your smile. Filing down your protective enamel can expose your teeth to a wide range of oral health issues, like tooth decay, teeth sensitivity, and discoloration. Your enamel doesn’t grow back either! If you want to have a more uniform smile, talk to your dentist about your options. This way, corrections can be made safely by your dentist.

Don’t make the mistake of actually trying any of these so that you can maintain a healthy smile. Instead, visit your dentist in South Austin for some treatments that really will get your teeth looking fantastic!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Jack Fan loves working hard for the smiles of his patients. He earned his dental doctorate at New York University and regularly attends continuing education programs so he can further his dental knowledge and stay current on developments across the industry. Dr. Fan is cringing at the idea of you risking your teeth with these dental Tiktok trends in South Austin, especially the filing! If you want to improve your smile, he’ll be glad to discuss your options during a consultation, which you can schedule on his website or by calling (512) 361-4288.