Don’t Try This at Home: The Worst Dental Trends Online

Written By Awesam Smile

In today’s digital world, social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube are full of beauty tips and tricks — including dental hacks. While some may seem harmless or even helpful, others can seriously damage your teeth and gums.

Many of these viral dental trends promise quick fixes like whiter teeth or straighter smiles, but most are not safe and are not backed by dental professionals. In fact, they can cause permanent damage to your teeth.

Why Are People Following These Harmful Trends?

1. Influence from Social Media

  • Influencers often promote dental trends that look easy, cheap, and effective — but rarely talk about the risks.

  • Young people, in particular,often feel pressured to look perfect and may try these trends without understanding the consequences.

2. Easy Access to DIY Products

  • Cheap tools and whitening kits are easy to buy online and seem like affordable alternatives to professional treatments.

  • These products often lack safety controls and expert guidance, increasing the risk of long-term damage.

Important: Once enamel (the outer layer of your teeth) is damaged, it cannot grow back.

3. Unrealistic Beauty Standards

  • Many people want perfectly white, even teeth — and fast.

  • DIY methods seem like shortcuts, but they can lead to sensitivity, gum problems, and even tooth loss.

4. Lack of Awareness

  • People often don’t realize how damaging these trends can be.

  • Without proper dental knowledge, they may unintentionally cause serious and irreversible, harm to their oral health.

7 Harmful Dental Trends to Avoid

1. Grillz and Tooth Gems

  • Why popular: Seen as fashion accessories.

  • Why harmful:

    • Can trap food and bacteria, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease.

    • Adhesives used for gems can damage enamel.

2. DIY Braces or Orthodontics

  • Why popular: Promoted as cheap, quick alternatives to braces that are professionally done by a licensed dentist..

  • Why harmful:

    • Can move teeth unevenly, damaging gums and roots.

    • May lead to tooth loss, misalignment, and nerve damage.

3. DIY Teeth Whitening

  • Why popular: Uses household items like baking soda, lemon juice, or hydrogen peroxide.

  • Why harmful:

    • Can erode enamel and damage gums.

    • Often leads to uneven results and can cause lasting harm.

4. Creating Intentional Tooth Gaps

  • Why popular: Seen as a unique or trendy look.

  • Why harmful:

    • Weakens enamel and tooth stability.

    • Increases risk of cavities, gum disease, and long-term misalignment.

5. Using Rubber Bands to Close Gaps

  • Why popular: Marketed as a quick, cheap fix.

  • Why harmful:

    • Bands can slip under gums and damage roots.

    • Can lead to pain, infection, and permanent tooth loss.

6. Filing Teeth at Home

  • Why popular: Promoted as a DIY way to even out teeth.

  • Why harmful:

    • Permanently removes enamel, causing sensitivity and increasing the risk of decay.

    • Can misalign your bite, leading to jaw pain and TMJ problems.

7. Other Harmful Trends

  • TikTok Veneer Challenges:

    • Low-cost or poorly fitted veneers can wear down enamel, trap bacteria, and irritate gums.

  • Charcoal Toothpaste:

    • Highly abrasive and can erode enamel.

    • Often lacks fluoride, which protects against cavities.

Why You Should Avoid These Trends

Long-Term Damage

  • Enamel loss is permanent and often leads to costly repairs like crowns or implants.

Risk of Infections and Pain

  • DIY methods can cause bacterial infections, gum disease, and even affect overall health if left untreated.

Costly Repairs

  • While these trends may seem cheap, fixing the damage they cause often requires expensive dental work.

Lack of Professional Oversight

  • Dental treatments should be personalized and done by licensed and trained professionals.

  • DIY attempts skip important safety checks and can worsen your oral health.

How to Protect Your Smile

  • Brush and floss daily.

  • Use fluoride toothpaste and alcohol-free mouthwash.

  • Avoid following dental advice from social media.

  • Visit your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings.

  • Only use dental products recommended by professionals.

  • If you’ve tried a harmful trend, visit a dentist for an evaluation and proper treatment.

Bottom line: Don’t risk your oral health for a viral trend. A healthy, confident smile starts with safe, professional care.


Written By: Giulia Vergara

Awesam Smile
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