9 TikTok Teeth Whitening Trends Debunked: What You Need to Know
In the age of viral trends and quick fixes, TikTok has become a hotspot for DIY beauty hacks, including teeth whitening methods that claim to deliver a brighter smile in no time. But while some of these trends might seem like a good idea, they can cause more harm than good. Before you grab that charcoal or vinegar it’s important to know the potential dangers of these DIY whitening methods and why professional treatments are always the safer bet.
The Dangers of DIY Teeth Whitening
TikTok is flooded with videos showing people using various household items to whiten their teeth. Popular methods include rubbing lemon juice on the teeth, brushing with activated charcoal, and using baking soda. While some of these at-home whitening remedies might seem harmless, they are not regulated for safety or effectiveness and could cause significant damage to your teeth and gums.
The other thing to consider is that your smile is unique! These dental TikTok trends don't care if you have veneers, fillings, or crowns, and don't consider how they may affect your oral health.
So we asked Dr. Jenny, a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and the Academy of General Dentistry, to set the record straight: which common TikTok teeth whitening trends really work?
9 TikTok Teeth Whitening Trends to Avoid
1. Lemon Juice
Due to its acidity, rubbing lemon juice on your teeth is believed to help whiten or bleach teeth. TikTokers suggest that you either rub the lemon peel on your teeth or squirt diluted lemon juice onto your teeth. This sounds simple enough, but is this a good idea?
"Lemon juice is highly acidic and can erode the enamel on your teeth, leading to increased sensitivity and a higher risk of cavities, it may initially give you a whiter smile but over time you erode through the whiter outer tooth surface and end up in the inner yellower darker inner surface and there is no going back." says Dr. Jenny.
Bottom line: if rubbing acid on your teeth made them whiter then dentists would recommend a tall glass of soda.
Debunked!
2. Strawberries
What could be better than a bowl of strawberries and cream on a hot summer's day? Perhaps discovering that these delicious little fruits have teeth-whitening superpowers? According to some #teethtokers if you are looking to whiten your teeth you can simply mash up a few strawberries and leave them on your teeth for a few minutes to achieve a brighter smile.
Dr. Jenny says "Although strawberries are a great source of malic acid (a key ingredient in many teeth-whitening toothpastes), putting too much on your teeth can cause issues. Like lemon juice, it can lead to increased sensitivity and a higher risk of cavities."
Bottom line: Don't believe everything that you see on TikTok. There are plenty of ways to enjoy strawberries, but using them to achieve whiter teeth probably isn't one of them.
Debunked!
3. Coconut Oil
Swishing coconut oil or other oils in your mouth for several minutes is believed to improve oral health and whiten teeth. Coconut oil has gained popularity on TikTok as a natural teeth-whitening remedy, with users swishing it around in their mouths (a practice known as oil pulling) to achieve a brighter smile. While coconut oil does have some antibacterial properties that can promote oral health, there is little scientific evidence to support its effectiveness in whitening teeth. Moreover, it can be quite messy and time-consuming.
"I have seen firsthand the benefits for gum health from coconut oil pulling. I have not seen any results or heard of any results for tooth whitening...." says Dr. Jenny.
Bottom line: While coconut oil can contribute to overall oral health, relying on it solely for teeth whitening may not give you the results you’re hoping for.
Debunked!
4. Baking Soda
Mixing baking soda with water to create a paste and brushing with it is a common DIY whitening hack. But does it remove stains or is it just another TikTok teeth whitening trend that you should avoid?
Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is said to work by neutralizing acid and lifting stains from the surface of the tooth, all whilst protecting your precious enamel.
Dr. Jenny says "Baking soda and water are great for rinsing or brushing to neutralize the pH in your mouth, but they do not have any benefits for teeth whitening.”
Bottom line: By this point, we have enough ingredients to make a DIY exfoliating scrub! While rubbing lemon juice, strawberries, oil, and baking soda on your face might make your skin glow, it won't have the same effect on your teeth.
Debunked!
5. Banana Peel
One of the strangest TikTok teeth-whitening hacks we've come across recommends using the skin of a banana to whiten your teeth at home. Legend has it that by rubbing banana peel on your teeth three times a week the magnesium, potassium, and fibre-rich peel will help whiten your teeth after only a few short weeks.
"Pass…" says Dr. Jenny.
Bottom line: While some TikTokers may claim that banana peel can whiten teeth, the American Dental Association (ADA) has yet to recommend this method for whitening teeth.
Debunked!
6. Turmeric Paste
Turmeric paste is another DIY whitening trend making the rounds. Users claim that applying the bright yellow spice to their teeth can help remove stains. While turmeric has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, there's no scientific evidence to support its effectiveness as a teeth-whitening agent. Moreover, its gritty texture can be abrasive on your enamel.
"I would be concerned about Tumeric causing stain and also it is too abrasive just like charcoal. I would avoid this one. ..." says Dr. Jenny.
Bottom line: Turmeric might be great for cooking and health benefits, but it can be ineffective for teeth whitening. Stick to proven whitening methods for a safer, brighter smile.
Debunked!
7. Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal is another trending teeth-whitening method on TikTok. Users claim that brushing with charcoal can remove stains and lead to a whiter smile. However, it's important to be cautious. Activated charcoal is abrasive and can wear down the enamel on your teeth, leading to sensitivity and increasing the risk of cavities.
"Charcoal whitens teeth by being abrasive. In the short term, this will whiten teeth by rubbing off the stain but it will also rub off some of the tooth structure. The outer tooth is the whitest part so over time you will rub off all the whitest part and ultimately be left with more yellow teeth than ever before..." says Dr. Jenny.
Bottom line: While the idea of a sparkling smile using activated charcoal might seem appealing, the potential damage to your enamel makes it a risky choice. It's best to stick to tried-and-true whitening methods recommended by dental professionals.
Debunked!
8. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is touted as a natural remedy for a variety of ailments, including teeth whitening. TikTok users suggest swishing it around in your mouth or applying it directly to your teeth. However, apple cider vinegar is highly acidic and can erode tooth enamel, leading to increased sensitivity and a higher risk of decay.
Dr. Jenny says "Like lemon juice, the acidity will whiten at first but leads to many other issues for your teeth. I would stay away from this option."
Bottom line: Apple cider vinegar's high acidity can do more harm than good to your teeth. It's better to enjoy it in your salad dressing rather than use it as a teeth-whitening solution.
Debunked!
9. Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide sounds like a serious contender for a teeth-whitening solution. Unlike some of the other trends on our list, hydrogen peroxide sounds like it belongs on the periodic table and seems like it might be something that dentists could use to whiten our teeth. So, is it safe for us to use ourselves at home?
Dr. Jenny says "Upvote for this one. Always use a very diluted solution, typically a 3% hydrogen peroxide mixed with water in a 50/50 ratio no more than once a day. This will whiten your teeth over time but results may vary and it’s always best to have this done by a professional.”
Used incorrectly, peroxide can cause significant damage to the protective enamel layer of your teeth if it's used too often or in too high a concentration.
True, but leave it to a professional.
Professional Teeth Whitening Options
So, what are the best whitening alternatives? Professional teeth whitening treatments, offered by qualified dental professionals, are designed to provide effective results without compromising your dental health. Dentists use safe, high-quality products that are tailored to your individual needs, ensuring a customized treatment plan that minimizes risks and maximizes results.
Professional whitening treatments can include in-office procedures, where a whitening agent is applied to the teeth and activated with a special light, or take-home kits provided by the dentist, which contains custom-fitted trays and professional-grade whitening gel. The benefits of seeking professional advice are clear: safer products, personalized care, and often, faster and more noticeable results.
How to Spot Unsafe Dental Practise Trends
With so many trends circulating on social media, it’s important to be able to identify unreliable sources and unsafe methods. Start by considering the source of the information—does it come from a reputable dental professional or organization? Be wary of exaggerated claims or methods that seem too good to be true. If a trend lacks scientific evidence or seems potentially harmful, it’s best to consult with a dental professional before trying it yourself.
Maintaining a Healthy Smile
While professional whitening can give you a brighter smile, maintaining it requires good oral hygiene practices. Brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily, and visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings. Additionally, consider using ADA-approved whitening products for occasional touch-ups. Limit foods and drinks that can stain your teeth, like coffee, tea, and red wine, and don’t forget to stay hydrated to help wash away any residue.
Conclusion
In the world of TikTok, it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of the latest trends, but when it comes to your dental health, it’s crucial to be cautious. DIY teeth whitening methods might promise quick results, but they can also lead to lasting damage. Professional treatments, on the other hand, offer a safe and effective way to achieve a brighter smile. So, before you try that viral hack, remember to consult with your dentist and prioritize your long-term dental health.
Don't let TikTok trends compromise your smile. Schedule a consultation with us today!