Dentists are reportedly taking to TikTok to advise social media users against trying out some viral DIY dentistry trends that could be dangerous.
Obviously many people dread going to the dentist over fear, anxiety, or traumatic experiences, which is something that can lead to the avoidance of professional dental care. The discomfort of drills, needles, and potential pain makes dental visits particularly unappealing.
Consequently, some individuals might resort to DIY dentistry, a notion that probably strikes fear into the heart of anyone not addicted to social media. Unfortunately for those stuck on their phones and trustful of influencers, TikTok dentistry is posing a potentially dangerous alternative.
Here’s some of what Newsweek reported on the unsettling trend:
Roughly 1 in 5 American adults turn to TikTok before their doctor when seeking health advice, according to research by prescription company CharityRx. DIY dentistry has amassed millions of views across the app as users search for at-home hacks and quick fixes to improve the appearance of their pearly whites.
However, while many licensed dentists and orthodontists have taken to TikTok to share their expertise, most of these trends are doing more harm than good.
“Sadly, when talking about health trends, TikTok can sometimes cause more problems than benefits, as self-experiments, especially in these areas, can lead to accidents, pain, and further damage,” Dr. Smita Mehra, Principal Dentist at The Neem Tree Dental Practice, told Newsweek.
Newsweek spoke to Mehra about six of the most dangerous TikTok dental trends, and why they should be avoided.
“With this trend, users have shared videos of themselves filing down their teeth at home with nail files, in an attempt to straighten them,” Mehra said. “For those with ‘uneven teeth’, this has become a cheaper and quicker solution than seeking professional help.”