10/13/2021
UNLESS THE DENTIST is on TikTok, it’s not a great platform to get dental health advice from. This year we’ve seen a number of alarming do-it-yourself dental procedures trending, and we want to nip those in the bud for our patients.
Filing teeth: a number of TikTok videos have shown teens and young adults trying to even out their smiles by using nail files to wear down the chewing surfaces. This is a very bad idea. 🚫 Once tooth enamel is gone, it’s gone forever, and amateur tooth filing can lead to fractures, tooth sensitivity, and infection. Dental health professionals will sometimes file teeth, but we are able to do it safely because we have the training and use the proper tools.
DIY Braces: some TikTokers even think they can correct orthodontic problems on their own, using nothing but rubber bands. This is extremely dangerous. David Campbell tried the same thing. He noticed that the rubber bands kept disappearing at night. What he didn't know is that they were sliding up underneath his gums. By the time he realized something was wrong, the rubber bands had strangled the roots of his teeth and they couldn't be saved. 😞 Leave orthodontic treatment to the pros!
DIY hydrogen peroxide whitening: some TikTokers are using 3% hydrogen peroxide to whiten their teeth, which can cause gum irritation and long-term sensitivity. This is not a safe way to achieve professional whitening results cheaply. It’s much better to ask the dentist for recommendations on whitening toothpaste, whitening strips, or professional in-office and take-home treatments. 👍
