Some online trends can do more harm than good, says Anjali Rajpal, D.D., founder of Beverly Hills Dental Arts.
With the rise of TikTok influencers, many oral health trends, from homemade teeth whitening to DIY dental procedures, are gaining traction online.
While these videos can certainly go viral, they don’t always lead to safe and effective results. Anjali Rajpal, D.D., founder of Beverly Hills Dental Arts, offers her expert advice on how to navigate these hot trends.
Here’s what Dr. Rajpal, a trusted dentist with years of experience, thinks about these 5 popular trends:
1. Homemade whitening solutions
TikTok DIY whitening recipes often use hydrogen peroxide and baking soda, but Dr. Rajpal warns that high doses of hydrogen peroxide can burn gums and damage teeth.
2. Oil Pulling
While swishing oil around your mouth may be relaxing, Dr. Rajpal notes that scientific evidence on its oral health benefits is limited. Oil swishing shouldn’t replace more effective traditional oral care methods like regular brushing, flossing, or mouthwash.
3. Rubber Bands to Fill a Gap
Using rubber bands to fill a gap in your teeth can be dangerous because they can slip into your gums, leading to infection or tooth loss.
4. File or Reshape Your Teeth
Cutting or filing your teeth is risky because it can expose the sensitive layers of your teeth and lead to serious problems like infection. Doing your own dental work can cause harm and should be avoided. Consult a professional before attempting to cut or file your teeth.
5. DIY Fillings
DIY fillings using heated plastic beads are both ineffective and dangerous. They don’t bond well, and untreated cavities can worsen, leading to more serious dental problems.
While some social media trends may seem like a good idea, unfortunately, many of them can make the situation worse. Overall, Dr. Rajpal encourages everyone to consult a professional rather than blindly rely on TikTok trends, which can do more harm than good.
Dr. Rajpal believes that dental treatment requires a unique combination of fine motor skills and personal skills. She uses her artistic and scientific intuition to develop unique treatment plans that meet the specific needs of her patients. Dr. Rajpal also uses comprehensive digital technology to help patients understand all treatment options and what to expect. Her gentle and considerate personality puts even the most anxious patients at ease and ensures that every patient has a stress-free treatment experience.
