Tooth or Dare? The Truth About TikTok Dental Hacks

From charcoal scrubs to DIY braces, TikTok is full of dental “hacks” that could do lasting damage. Meabh Owens from Ebrington Dental separates fact from fiction and explains the safe way to care for your smile.

The Rise of TikTok Dentistry

In the age of TikTok dentistry, your “dentist” might be just a teenager with a ring light and a hot glue gun. From scrubbing teeth with charcoal to grills, gems, and DIY braces – it’s all there.

Charcoal toothpaste is one of the biggest trends. With the promise of whiter, brighter teeth, it’s easy to see the appeal. But where did the idea come from? Centuries ago, before commercial toothpaste, people improvised with what they had – often soot from a chimney.

Charcoal is abrasive, rubbing off stains but also removing healthy tooth structure. It contains no fluoride, no cavity protection, and leaves enamel weakened, rough, and sensitive.

Think of it as sandpaper for your teeth. Yes, it may lift surface stains, but over time it leads to staining, sensitivity, and lasting damage.

DIY Orthodontics – A Dangerous Trend

Back in the ’90s, braces and glasses were the ultimate social death sentence. Today, aligners bought online are seen as fashion accessories – but without X-rays, screenings, or professional oversight, the risks are serious.

Moving teeth may look simple, but without professional supervision, they can shift in the wrong direction, causing irreversible damage such as root resorption or loose teeth.

Even worse is the trend of orthodontic brackets bought online and glued to teeth with nail glue. This isn’t just unsafe – it’s a recipe for infection, permanent enamel damage, and lifelong dental problems.

Whitening Woes

Teeth whitening has always been popular, but TikTok’s “hacks” take things to a new level – from lemon juice and baking soda to household cleaners.

Here’s the truth:

• Bleach belongs in clothes, not in your mouth.
• Purple shampoo won’t whiten teeth.
• And unregulated kits can burn gums, increase sensitivity, and cause permanent damage.

Professional treatments exist for a reason. The short-term “boost” of DIY hacks is far outweighed by the long-term harm.

The Safe Way to Whiten Teeth

So what’s the safest way to whiten your teeth? Whitening should always be prescribed and monitored by a dentist. The most effective options are:

• Custom-fitted trays – made in a lab by qualified technicians to fit your teeth perfectly.
• In-clinic whitening – carried out in a controlled, professional environment.

Both methods are safe, regulated, and effective when used correctly.

Your Smile Is Worth More Than a Trend

Your smile is worth far more than a quick social media fix. If you want brighter teeth, skip the kitchen cupboard experiments and talk to the experts at Ebrington Dental instead. You’ll thank yourself in the long run.

👩‍⚕️ Meabh Owens BDS PGClinEd (QUB) PGDipOrth
📍 Ebrington Dental, Building No.4, Ebrington Square, Derry/Londonderry, BT47 6FR
📧 Email: smile@ebringdental.com
📞 Tel: 028 7136 1940