Dental trends are popping up on Facebook or TikTok every day, but not all of them are safe for your teeth. While it’s understandable to want try something new to save money or to gain a whitening effect that could save you a trip to the dentist, you must weigh the risk to what is the assumed result.
Most of the tricks and hacks proposed on social media for your teeth don’t work. Some are old remedies that have little value today. Some of these trends can cause irreparable damage to your smile—or even make you sick! So before you jump on the latest craze, read this article and see if it’s worth the risk.
Understanding teeth whitening
Many of the Facebook and TikTok trends involve teeth whitening. Everyone wants whiter teeth but teeth whitening is not a one-size-fits-all process. Teeth whitening can be very expensive and is not always necessary.
It is important to be under the supervision of a dentist when undergoing any type of procedure, including teeth whitening. You should ask your dentist about at-home products before trying them and make sure you follow all your dentist’s warnings and instructions.
Tooth sensitivity can occur from overuse or abuse of certain kinds of toothpaste or mouthwashes that contain sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). This is an ingredient found in many commercial products that helps make them foam up when you use them as directed by their manufacturers’ instructions. SLS can also strip oils from your gums and that can cause them to become dry and irritated.
Some people overuse at-home teeth whitening products so much that their teeth become translucent.
#1. Charcoal teeth whitening
Charcoal teeth whitening is not a safe or effective way to whiten your teeth. Charcoal isn’t toothpaste and will remove tooth stains. It is highly abrasive and can damage tooth enamel.
#2. Baking soda as a toothpaste
Baking soda used for cleaning teeth has been talked about for a long time. That’s because people did use it as toothpaste during the Depression or when toothpaste wasn’t available or affordable for rural areas.
The idea is that baking soda is abrasive and contains a whitening chemical. However, it shouldn’t be used today because it isn’t toothpaste. It can be too abrasive and damage your teeth if you use too much or apply it directly on your teeth.
Baking soda can cause enamel erosion and sensitivity issues. In this modern day, there are plenty of quality toothpastes that will clean and whiten your teeth. Pick one of those instead.
#3. DIY laser teeth whitening kit
Laser teeth whitening is a professional procedure that should only be done by a dentist. It’s not safe for home use and can cause burns and permanent damage if used incorrectly.
If you’re interested in laser teeth whitening, talk to your dentist about whether it’s right for you!
#4. Dental veneers made to cover all teeth
Dental veneers are thin shells of porcelain that are bonded to the front of teeth. They can be used to correct dental imperfections like gaps, chips, and stains.
Dental veneers made to cover all your teeth are possible and are gaining popularity among celebrities who want their pearly whites without having to see a dentist for years.
The process involves taking impressions of your mouth, creating molds from those impressions, and then using those molds as templates for creating new permanent teeth out of tooth-colored resin materials or porcelain composite resins.
However, not everyone needs this. It can be an expensive process and most people will do best by just maintaining a healthy mouth.
#5. Teeth bleaching with peroxide-based products
The idea of using peroxide to whiten teeth is another idea that has been around for decades. That’s because most teeth whitening products, including those used by many dentists in-office whitening treatments, contain a type of peroxide.
However, that chemical is different from the bottle of peroxide you buy at the drugstore. You should be wary of tooth-whitening products that contain peroxide. These can cause sensitivity, damage to your teeth, and even enamel erosion.
Peroxide-based bleaching products also have been linked to permanent tooth discoloration.
This is why we recommend using non-peroxide whiteners like our dental sealant kits and toothpaste instead!
True dental education is the best way to keep your smile healthy and beautiful
The best way to keep your smile healthy and beautiful is through education. It’s essential to understand what you’re doing so that you can make an informed decision about your treatment options. A dental education will help you learn about the best ways to take care of your teeth and how to prevent problems before they occur.