>

Viral Tiktok Dental DIYs That Can Be Dangerous

Viral Tiktok Dental DIYs That Can Be Dangerous

Learn about the dangers of popular TikTok dentistry DIYs, such as DIY braces, DIY dental work, and DIY retainers for orthodontics. Avoid risky and ineffective methods, and leave dental care to professionals.

Dental specialists all across the world are extremely concerned about the rise of DIY dentistry on TikTok. The hashtag #DIYdentist has gained over three million views, making it a popular source of DIY dental advice. This has led dentists to caution patients about undertaking oral hygiene at home. 

These do-it-yourself methods, from temporary braces to composite veneers, can have detrimental effects, such as tooth decay, gum problems, and even irreversible harm to the natural teeth enamel. In this article, we'll talk about some of the dangers that come with these popular TikTok DIY dental videos and why it's crucial to leave dental work to the experts.

DIY Tooth Whitening

Teeth whitening is one of the most well-liked viral TikTok dental DIYs. Users have been posting videos of themselves whitening their teeth at home using various techniques, including charcoal, baking soda and hydrogen peroxide, and even rubbing orange peels on their teeth. 

Although these techniques may appear harmless, they can seriously affect your teeth's enamel, increasing sensitivity and the risk of cavities. Additionally, these DIY procedures can not whiten teeth as much as professional procedures, disappointing users with the outcome.

DIY Dental Procedures

DIY dental procedures like having cavities filled or teeth straightened on TikTok are another risky trend. These practises are not only unlawful, but also harmful. Without the appropriate training or certification, attempting to conduct dental treatments on yourself or others can result in significant damage or infection. Additionally, performing dental treatments on your own might harm your teeth and gums permanently, making repairs by a professional challenging or impossible.

DIY Braces

DIY braces are another popular trend on TikTok. Videos showing people straightening their teeth with string, paperclips, and rubber bands have been shared by users. These techniques not only are unsuccessful, but they also run the risk of seriously harming the teeth and gums. Only a qualified orthodontist should apply braces as they have the knowledge and skills to correctly adjust and maintain the braces to ensure they are functioning correctly and safely.

DIY Orthodontic Retainers

DIY orthodontic retainers are a risky trend on TikTok. Users have begun posting videos of themselves making retainers using do-it-yourself techniques, like utilising plastic bags or even play-doh. These techniques can seriously harm the teeth and gums in addition to being useless. Only a certified orthodontist or dental lab should make orthodontic retainers as they have the knowledge and skills to guarantee proper fit and use of safe and efficient materials.

Conclusion

Keep in mind that dental care should only be handled by specialists. DIY dental TikTok can appear safe and simple to make, but they can seriously hurt your teeth and gums. Without the appropriate training or certification, attempting to conduct dental treatments on yourself or others can result in significant damage or infection. For any dental requirements or concerns, it is always advisable to contact with a qualified dental practitioner. Despite being engaging and fun, TikTok should not be relied upon for dental advice.

Dr Amna Bilal

The author is a contributing writer at Dental News Pakistan and can be reached at amna0795@yahoo.com