With dangerous DIY dental “hacks” trending on TikTok, here are the signs industry professionals are urging viewers to watch out for.
Dentists across the country are urging susceptible viewers to avoid dangerous DIY dental treatments trending on social media apps like Tiktok and Instagram.
As there has lately been an increase in disastrous results, with long-term and costly damage, we spoke to four experts in the dentistry field to gain their views and advice on how someone can identify a dental hack or DIY trend that could be dangerous to people’s health.
Dr Greg Miller
Chairperson and Clinical Ambassador at Australian Dental Foundation
TikTok dental procedures could cause real and lasting damage to people’s oral health.
It’s worse than other health fads, like diets or DIY piercing. Your body can usually recover from those by reverting to sensible practices. Unfortunately, if you damage your permanent teeth with things like trying to bleach them at home, or filing them down or realigning them using rubber bands, the pain and damage could be long-term, and the repairs could be expensive… much more expensive than seeing a dentist.
The only 30-second dental hacks that should be on TikTok are how to brush your teeth, or how to floss, or how to eat less sugar. Anything else is dangerous. We don’t want to see people damaging or even losing their adult teeth to some ill-advised fad.
Young people could probably see a dentist at no cost through their school. The Australian Dental Foundation provides a no-out-of-pocket-expenses service to many schools in South Australia, Victoria and NSW. There are also government-funded programs available to students in many places throughout Australia.
Save TikTok for dancing. When it comes to your oral health, see a professional.
Dr William Tafokitau Tapealava
Principal Dentist for Moi & Siutoni Tapealava Dental Clinic
As a senior dentist, I am concerned about influencers promoting DIY health hacks on social media platforms. Fortunately, I have not personally encountered patients who have fallen victim to these trends. However, followers often mimic these practices without understanding the risks involved, potentially causing harm.
Social media companies have a responsibility to protect users from potentially harmful content. Regulation of these platforms is necessary to censor DIY health videos, ensuring public safety. Social media algorithms incentivise influencers to create viral content, often prioritising popularity over the wellbeing of viewers. It is crucial for social media companies to prioritise user safety and adjust their algorithms accordingly, promoting responsible and accurate health information.
Dr Jugenis Falcon
Sole Director/Principal Dentist at Falcon Dental Studios
As a conservative dentist, I strongly advise against engaging in dangerous dental “do it at home” trends. These trends can cause serious harm to your teeth and overall oral health. These DIY approaches lack scientific evidence and are not supported by dental professionals.
For instance, using unconventional methods like lemon juice or baking soda for teeth whitening can damage the protective enamel, leading to increased tooth sensitivity, discolouration, and a higher risk of decay. Attempting to perform extractions at home, as seen in viral videos, is risky and can result in harm to neighbouring teeth, nerves, and even fractures in the jawbone.
Furthermore, it is crucial to be cautious of DIY clear aligners offered by certain companies. Without proper dental supervision, these aligners may move your teeth too quickly or incorrectly, potentially causing harm to your gums, jaws, and the bone supporting your teeth. Orthodontic treatment should always be carried out under the guidance of a qualified dentist or orthodontist.
By relying on unverified trends, you not only risk your oral health but also the financial aspect. Fixing the damage caused by DIY attempts can be more expensive in the long run. Professional dental care ensures proper diagnosis, treatment and preventive measures, saving you from potential complications and costly procedures down the line.
To ensure the safety, effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness of your dental care, consult qualified dental professionals who possess the necessary knowledge and expertise. Trusting professionals rather than following online trends is the best way to maintain a healthy smile without incurring unnecessary expenses.
Dr Mohit Tolani
Lead Dentist and Practice Associate at Dapto Dentists
Every individual is unique, so the treatment and outcomes for one individual would be different for another. Therefore, a thorough clinical examination is required for any existing conditions in the mouth, such as status of the teeth, i.e.; fillings, decayed spots, and the status of the gum tissues, as a bare minimum.
With limited oral health literacy and awareness of the contents of the products purchased online, and without professional research and supplementing evidence, there is always a risk of irreversible damage.
Surprisingly, after the Covid lockdown, I have seen several cases of people doing DIY-dentistry-linked treatment at home, such as applying severely abrasive toothpastes and whitening products, the consequence of which has been extensive gum tissue damage, extensive teeth sensitivity, and discolouration contrary to what was displayed in the specific online videos.
My opinion: to differentiate from what works or what doesn’t, speak to your dental practitioner. You would rather be safe than achieving catastrophic results requiring additional remedial treatment.
