TikTok has become extremely popular in recent years, and has become a source of information on all kinds of topics.
As social media users, we need to be careful with what information we trust and whose advice we follow. When using social media, it’s important to remember that not everything you see or read on the internet is true and literally anyone can post literally anything, regardless if it’s true, honest, or safe.
This is the case when it comes to the do-it-yourself dentistry trends that are going around on Tiktok. At-home dentistry, or DIY dentistry is never a good idea. All oral procedures should be done by a licensed dentist in their professional dental office or clinic.
It may seem cool today to use a permanent adhesive to change the look of your teeth, like some people on TikTok are doing with jewels or vampire teeth. But what’s going to happen when you don’t like the look anymore? It is never, ever a good idea to try to adhere anything to your teeth. The glue you’re using is very likely toxic and not safe for use in your mouth. You could also be creating an increased risk of tooth decay, especially if there are small gaps where food can get caught and a toothbrush can’t reach. If you’re looking for a little bling in your mouth, come to our office to discuss temporary crown options.
If you want your smile to stand out from the crowd, Dr. Darcey is happy to discuss custom temporary crowns, or false teeth, to deliver any look you want, without damage to your natural teeth.
Some users on TikTok are encouraging people to file their teeth to get them all perfectly straight at the bottom. Don’t do this. It’s not going to look natural, anyway.
But on top of that, you will damage your teeth by filing them yourself. You will remove necessary tooth enamel, making your teeth weaker and more susceptible to cavities, cracking and breakage. If you aren’t happy with your smile, schedule a consultation with Dr. Darcey at Space Age Smiles and we’ll help you create a smile you love to show.
Another TikTok dental trend to avoid is using rubber bands to close a gap between your teeth. Don’t believe the videos and photos that you see claiming to be able to close a gap in your teeth in a few days using a hair elastic. It’s just not possible. And these videos fail to mention the very possible consequences, like staining your teeth, tooth loss, and inflammation of the gums and mouth. If you’d like to change the position of your teeth or straighten your smile, Space Age Smiles in Clear Lake offers Invisalign – a great, safe alternative to braces.
There are sure to be more DIY dental TikToks going around, but just watch them as entertainment, not as informational or advice. People are usually looking for hacks or DIY when they are looking to save money. But these TikTok teeth trends could actually cause more damage long term and become more costly than if you just went to the dentist. If you want real, trustworthy dental advice or information about oral health, follow real, reputable dentists who have an active, open practice with good reviews.
Leave the dentistry to the dentists.
Don’t attempt any at-home dentistry hacks you see on TikTok, unless they are from a reputable source like a DDS or DMD. Many dentists are sharing great advice on TikTok, like how to improve your at-home dental hygiene routine by using a waterpik.
If you’re thinking about making changes to the look of your smile, contact Dr. Darcey for a consultation before taking any other action. She’ll be happy to give her opinion and offer you a treatment plan that will give you the results you’re looking for, in a safe and comfortable atmosphere.
