Protect Your Smile From Online ‘’Dental Hacks’’
Social Media has allowed many personalities around the world to gain millions of followers, who now act upon their recommendations. The “do-it-yourself” or “DIY” trend is more alive than ever and unfortunately -in some cases-, it’s spilling into the dental world. Take a look at some unhealthy ‘’dental hacks’’ that are online nowadays.
It is no secret that the Internet contains a large amount of erroneous information which anyone can have access to. And now, social media personalities who have huge platforms and a great deal of followers can persuade them to act upon their recommendation, which in some can have a negative effect on their audience. While some influencersmay have the expertise and thoroughly research the topics they discuss, others do not even think reasonably through the recommendations they present to their followers.
The do-it-yourself trend is alive and well in our world. Unfortunately, it’s also spilling over into dental care, taking over real and safe cosmetic dentistry, and causing major problems that can lead to long-term damage. These trends have been up for a while on different platforms such as Tiktok and Youtube and even though some videos have been reported for spreading false and dangerous information, there is still more up there somewhere.
These are some of the unhealthy ‘’DIY Dental Hacks’’ that have been circulating the internet for the past months that we should all be aware of and know about the damage they can cause to your teeth overtime:
At-home whitening:
In the seeking of whiter teeth, people have been recommending different products online. Some of the most common have been charcoal and lemon juice, both not scientifically proven as whiteners but also there is no knowledge of the long-term effects. Also, washing your mouth with Hydrogen Peroxide can do more harm than good since it can cause gum irritation.
Now there was a very popular Tiktok, that was actually deleted already, where a user stated they used Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, a household cleaning product. These types of products can be very abrasive, acidic and can be harmful for your enamel and gums. A definite NO!
DIY Orthodontics:
A phenomenon that has been around Youtube since 2015 and now on Tiktok, is people using rubber bands to close gaps in their teeth. Also, using paper clips or nails as braces or to smooth out uneven teeth. Before attempting to use any of these wrong practices keep in mind that they can cause inflammation, infection, or even tooth loss.
Dentures made with art supplies:
Another surprising trend is users online posting dentures made out of polyester thermoplastic beads which are heated and then molded to repair or replace teeth. These videos have been commented on by many dentists with the high risks of infection the beads cause, but they are still being uploaded.
Dentists undergo extensive specialized training during and after dental school, which allows them to create safe and effective treatment plans designed to perfect your smile. At Smile Builders we offer a variety of cosmetic procedures with the correct and safe technique that can give you amazing results, in a shorter amount of time and with that, the smile you’ve always wanted. Contact us and schedule a dental consultation or talk to our staff about the different options we have for you, and above all, DON’T PUT YOUR HEALTH AT RISK, to get “faster or cheaper” results, that in some cases, can cause irreparable damage.
