Social media platforms such as TikTok and YouTube have made it easier than ever to find information on any topic, and oral health is no exception. Recently, there has been an onslaught of DIY trends that promise to improve your smile’s appearance or effectively improve your oral health.
But are these DIY oral health trends actually helping or hurting your teeth?
Let’s find out.
Popular DIY Oral Health Trends
The team at Dynamite Smiles Dentistry always recommends consulting a dental professional before trying any DIY trends. You only get one smile, so you shouldn’t risk your oral health on the promise of fast or inexpensive results.
Some of the trends you should avoid include the following:
- Filing your teeth — Some influencers recommend using a nail file to smooth your chipped or uneven teeth. When you do this, you’re losing tooth enamel that can’t be replaced. As a result, you could experience increased sensitivity or tooth decay.
- Teeth whitening — There are videos of people whitening their teeth with lemon juice, charcoal, baking soda, and other household products. You should be careful about trying any of these methods, as they can harm your tooth enamel and expose your teeth’s yellow dentin layer. If you want to whiten your teeth, it’s best to consult an experienced dentist.
- Orthodontics — Instead of braces or custom clear aligners, some social media outlets recommend using rubber bands or hair ties to close the gaps in your teeth. This method can lead to more severe alignment issues, damage your gums, and even lead to tooth loss.
- Veneers — A quick cosmetic fix seen on TikTok uses household adhesives or epoxy to fill tooth gaps. This is not a safe way to enhance your smile; it can cause gum irritation or infection and permanently damage your teeth.
Looking for Quality Dental Care in Scottsdale, AZ?
If you live in Scottsdale or the surrounding area, our experienced dental team would love to meet you! At Dynamite Smiles Dentistry, we can answer your questions and provide quality advice on how to keep your teeth and gums looking and feeling their best.
To schedule an appointment with us, please feel free to call us at (480) 591-8111.