TikTok is one of the most influential platforms among teens today. While some content is harmless or helpful, dental trends are different. It often takes only seconds for these hack stories to spread, making it easy for everyone to miss the finer points. Because of this, parents should keep tabs on modern trends and those that damage children’s teeth.
How TikTok Dental Trends Spread
The algorithm on TikTok quickly helps videos go viral. Teens often view popular videos many times, thinking that such videos must be safe. If your friends are doing it, you might think it’s worth trying. Social media trends also matter—many teenagers want whiter or straighter teeth without realizing what it might do in the future.
Harmful TikTok Dental Trends
1. DIY Teeth Whitening
Videos for making your own whitening products usually call for lemons, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide. These products usually result in quick changes, but they produce harmful side effects. Both acids and abrasive foods can damage your enamel, and once it’s damaged, you can’t get it back. Once something has disappeared, you often can’t get it back.
2. Shaving Teeth with Nail Files
Yes, this actually went viral. Teenagers grind their teeth to even out the look of their teeth or fix aspects they think are odd. This can wear out enamel and harm the position of the teeth. Being careless about brushing your teeth may cause tooth sensitivity, cavities, and the need for major dental procedures.
3. Charcoal Toothpaste and Oil Pulling
These so-called “natural” solutions are trending again. Charcoal is abrasive and not proven to whiten teeth safely. Even though oil pulling does not cause harm, it should not replace everyday brushing, flossing or visits to the dentist.
4. DIY Orthodontics
Many teens attempt to move their teeth with rubber bands or try to make their own braces. Such accidents may hinder healthy blood flow, cause teeth to move in the wrong place and result in big problems with alignment. DIY orthodontics is especially concerning to any pediatric dentist in Harrisburg, NC.
Why Teens Try These Trends
Influencers present these trends as simple, effective solutions. Many teens trust what they see online more than they trust traditional advice. The more likes, comments, and shares a trend gets, the more it may appear as safe to try. However, many teens don’t have enough knowledge about dental health to realize what these trends can do.
What Parents Can Do
- Talk to your children often about the things they watch on TikTok.
- Do not expect them to start following a trend; guide them instead.
- Inquire about what dental information or influencers they access online.
- Let them know that dental care isn’t the same for everyone; something that benefits one person can harm someone else.
- Check up on your child’s toothbrushing and flossing every day at home.
- It is better to trust the expertise of a licensed veterinarian than what you might learn from a popular video.
Local Perspective: Harrisburg Dental Insights
At our Harrisburg dental office, we’ve seen the real effects of these trends. From eroded enamel to shifting teeth, the damage can be severe. The Icard & Strein Family Dentistry team works with families to reverse what we can and prevent what we can’t.
A pediatric dentist in Harrisburg, NC, is your best resource for protecting your child’s smile. They understand how teens think and how to talk to them about real risks without scare tactics.
Safe Alternatives
Talk to your dentist if your child wants a brighter or straighter smile. There are safe and effective ADA-approved whitening methods. A professional consultation will always be better than a DIY approach. Encourage habits like brushing twice daily, flossing, and limiting sugary snacks. These basics still work.
Stay informed. Know what’s trending. Don’t let TikTok be your child’s dental advisor. When in doubt, consult your dentist. Our Family Dentistry of Harrisburg team is here to help you protect your family’s smiles the right way.
