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Artisan Dentistry's Blog

Dangerous TikTok Trends This Newburyport Dentist Warns Against

Dec 9th, 2024

In the quest for viral fame, TikTok users have been engaging in dental DIY hacks that can have devastating long-term consequences. This Newburyport dentist is here to highlights five particularly alarming trends making the rounds on the platform. While these may seem like creative or cost-saving solutions, they can lead to irreversible damage and costly professional repairs. In the long term it makes sense to visit a dentist near you in order to resolve dental issues instead of trying to do it yourself. With the right dental payment options dental treatment can be affordable and accessible to all.

Let’s explore these dangerous dental trends and understand why they’re best avoided.

Filing Down Teeth

People are using nail files or other abrasive tools to reshape their teeth, aiming for a “perfect” smile. While it might seem harmless, filing down enamel – the protective layer of your teeth – can:

  • Weaken teeth, making them prone to sensitivity, decay, and fractures.
  • Lead to permanent damage, as enamel cannot regenerate.
  • Result in a misaligned bite, causing jaw pain and chewing difficulties.

Dentist’s Warning: Teeth are not like nails; they don’t grow back. Seek a cosmetic dental specialist like the one in our Newburyport dental office for cosmetic dental adjustments rather than risking severe, irreversible harm. Dental veneers and dental bonding can often give similar results faster and in a safer way.

Using Rubber Bands to Straighten Teeth

This DIY orthodontics trend involves wrapping rubber bands around misaligned teeth in hopes of closing gaps or straightening them. However, this can:

  • Cut off blood flow to the teeth, leading to tooth death.
  • Cause gum damage, infection, and even tooth loss.
  • Lead to shifting teeth in unintended and harmful ways.

Dentist’s Warning: Orthodontic treatment requires careful planning by a professional to avoid permanent damage. Rubber bands are not a substitute for braces or clear aligners, like the Invisalign offered at our Newburyport dental office.

DIY Teeth Whitening

Home whitening hacks often involve using excessive amounts of hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, or even lemon juice. These methods might temporarily brighten teeth, but they often cause:

  • Erosion of enamel, making teeth more sensitive and prone to cavities.
  • Chemical burns to gums and oral tissues.
  • Uneven whitening, leaving teeth looking patchy or streaky.

Dentist’s Warning: Over-the-counter whitening products or in-office teeth whitening are safer and more effective. Stick to trusted solutions rather than unverified internet advice.

Removing Orthodontic Brackets or Wires at Home

Braces and other orthodontic appliances are designed to be removed only by trained professionals. Trying to do it yourself can:

  • Damage teeth or fracture the enamel.
  • Leave behind adhesive, increasing the risk of decay.
  • Cause your teeth to shift back to their original position without proper retention.

Dentist’s Warning: Never attempt to remove orthodontic devices on your own. Schedule an appointment with your orthodontist for safe removal and follow-up care.

Replacing Missing Teeth with Thermoplastic Beads

Some TikTok users are filling gaps in their smiles by melting thermoplastic beads into makeshift teeth. This alarming trend can:

  • Cause choking hazards if the beads dislodge.
  • Irritate or burn oral tissues during application.
  • Promote infection or damage to adjacent teeth.

Dentist’s Warning: Missing teeth require professional solutions such as dental implants, bridges, or dentures to maintain oral health and functionality.

Don’t Risk Your Smile. Consult a Dentist.

While TikTok can be a fun platform for discovering trends, not all ideas are worth trying, especially when it comes to your health. These dental hacks may seem like harmless shortcuts, but the potential risks far outweigh the negligible benefits.

If you’re considering any cosmetic or orthodontic procedure, consult with a qualified cosmetic dentist, like our AACD cosmetic dentist in Newburyport, or with an orthodontist. Your smile is worth investing in professional care, not risking on dangerous DIY trends.

Schedule a free consultation with our Newburyport dental office to explore safe and effective ways to enhance your smile. Protect your teeth and keep them TikTok-worthy the right way!

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Here at Paul Mathew, D.D.S. we work diligently to protect our patients' privacy. Requesting an appointment via our Internet portal is considered part of what the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) has identified as electronically protected healthcare information or ePHI. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, there are people or entities that may attempt to intercept the data you transmit to us. By checking the "I agree" box, and electronically making an appointment request, you acknowledge that you are making an appointment over the internet and that Paul Mathew, D.D.S. will keep this information confidential but cannot guarantee that others, outside of our practice, may illegally intercept this communication. By accepting these terms and conditions and sending this request via our Internet portal, you accept the inherent risk(s) associated with making this request for an appointment. If you do not accept the terms and conditions, you are always welcome to contact our office via telephone to schedule your appointment.

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Here at Paul Mathew, D.D.S. we work diligently to protect our patients' privacy. Requesting an appointment via our Internet portal is considered part of what the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) has identified as electronically protected healthcare information or ePHI. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, there are people or entities that may attempt to intercept the data you transmit to us. By checking the "I agree" box, and electronically making an appointment request, you acknowledge that you are making an appointment over the internet and that Paul Mathew, D.D.S. will keep this information confidential but cannot guarantee that others, outside of our practice, may illegally intercept this communication. By accepting these terms and conditions and sending this request via our Internet portal, you accept the inherent risk(s) associated with making this request for an appointment. If you do not accept the terms and conditions, you are always welcome to contact our office via telephone to schedule your appointment.

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