Young TikTok Users Start Dangerous Dental Trend With Permanent Effects

TikTok, a popular video-sharing app with more than 500 million users, has been the genesis of many a beauty trend. Recently, however, young users have been indulging in something much more dangerous when it comes to the dentition—filing down their uneven teeth. Some tween, teen, and young adult TikTok users have been altering their smiles by using a nail file to even out their front teeth. This trend may permanently damage the tooth enamel and lead to dentinal hypersensitivity. Dental hygienists with young patients may want to address the permanent repercussions of filing the teeth, which may include tooth loss and sensitivity. Many oral health professionals have taken to TikTok to dispute the safety of such videos once they are posted.

From Dimensions of Dental Hygiene. October 2020;18(9):11.