Patients Advised to Steer Clear of DIY TikTok Dentistry
As more people turn to social media for all things trending, oral health professionals should be prepared to remind patients that not all TikTok trends should be followed.
As more people turn to social media for all things trending, oral health professionals should be prepared to remind patients that not all TikTok trends should be followed, especially do-it-yourself (DIY) dentistry. Mimicking viral oral health trends may result in long-lasting negative oral health consequences for those who try these ill-advised dental treatments at home.
Vampire fangs, shark teeth, flossing with hair, teeth whitening, and teeth shaving are some of the most popular TikTok viral dental trends that people are copying. It may take only a few minutes to glue fake fangs to teeth or place hydrogen peroxide on teeth for a bright, white smile, but it can take multiple dental procedures to fix the damage. Patients may require costly veneers, dentures, crowns, implants, or root canal treatment to fix the issues caused by these dental hacks that can potentially alter tooth structure.
To prevent patients from jumping on these DIY trends, oral health professionals can educate them on how these trends impact oral health, and offer resources and services that are safe, affordable, and convenient. Clinicians should also remind patients to always consult a licensed dental professional when they have oral health-related questions.
From Dimensions of Dental Hygiene. May 2021;19(5):11.
