A worrying trend on TikTok has emerged which involves so-called ‘influencers’ promoting filing teeth to achieve an improved smile. With many impressionable teenagers using the app, there are concerns that many people are unknowingly putting their teeth at significant risk of harm. Instead, seeking help from a professional dentist for cosmetic dentistry is important.
TikTok is one of the most widely used social media platforms. It features videos on just about any topic, from clips of old TV shows to cute animal videos, the app has almost anything you can think of.
Among the most popular videos on the app revolve around beauty and cosmetic treatments. Unfortunately, the app contains some harmful information and so-called tutorials when it comes to perceived teeth problems.
One of the biggest issues currently concerns a worrying trend of ‘influencers’ on the app filing teeth in an effort to make their smile look more complete [1]. Unfortunately, this is leading impressionable teenagers and young adults to put their teeth at serious risk of harm as they seek to copy what they see on the app.
Therefore, it is very important to ignore such trends and instead seek professional help from a dentist if anyone wishes to change the appearance of their teeth or smile.
Concerning trends
As of February 2025, TikTok has around 1.59 billion active monthly users, making it one of the world’s most popular social media platforms [2].
As mentioned, there are a huge range of videos on teeth and smiles. This is part of a wider trend of what has been called “DIY Dentistry” – which involves influencers on the app showing allegedly easy, low-cost and safe ways of improving the appearance of their teeth.
However, these methods are typically dangerous and often result in negative results, trauma to the teeth, pain, and emergency room visits.
Among the concerning trends have been using bleach to whiten teeth, sticking tooth gems to teeth, “healthy” cola, adding lemon juice to water, and even using tooth replacement kits. These trends all risk significant damage to the teeth.
With TikTok being particularly popular among teenagers and young adults, these trends are even more concerning, due to this group being very impressionable and likelier to engage in these concerning practices.
This is even more so the case given that young people often struggle with self-esteem issues and are exposed to many people with supposedly ‘perfect’ teeth.
The new trend of tooth filing
Now, a new trend has emerged. This trend involves users promoting the action of filing their teeth to achieve a straighter looking smile [1].
This often involves people using a nail file to file jagged edges off their teeth [1]. While this may seem innocuous to some, it is actually very risky.
Filing teeth unprofessionally often results in enamel either being exposed or even destroyed. This can lead to the nerves becoming exposed.
This can become a dental emergency and will cause excruciating pain for anyone. Moreover, the damage is often only reversable through expensive treatments.
Dentists and filing teeth
Teeth can be filed, but it should only ever be done by a professional dentist. Dentists occasionally file a tooth’s enamel, but they do so in a very conservative way and is typically only reserved for evening out a smile [1].
Filing is done carefully, and is only ever limited to the superficial enamel layer of the tooth, thus not exposing any nerves and maintaining the health of the tooth.
But as mentioned, this isn’t routinely done by dentists. This is because of the risks involved with filing teeth.
Enamel does not self-repair. When our teeth emerge in childhood, enamel-making cells automatically die [1]. So once enamel is penetrated, other layers of the teeth are uncovered.
The enamel will not regrow. So when a tooth’s enamel is breached and not sealed with a filling, the tooth’s nerve can become exposed. The person will experience throbbing pain.
Safe ways of changing the look of teeth
The most important factor when looking into changing the appearance of teeth is to ensure that only a professional dentist carries out the work.
It is understandable that people want to change the appearance of their teeth – this is why cosmetic treatments are so popular. It is very normal to seek minor corrections.
Braces are a very effective treatment. They can move teeth, helping to reposition the teeth, jaws and cheeks. Many people have braces in their younger years, but some adults opt for them.
This is especially the case in the rise of clear aligners like Invisalign™, which discreetly straightens teeth without needing wires or brackets like fixed braces.
Whitening teeth kits also exist. But it is important to only purchase these through legitimate websites or dentists, in order to ensure the ingredients are safe. Improving the shade of teeth is highly sought after.
Existing amalgam fillings can be changed to composite fillings, offering a whiter and more natural look to the filling. Bonding can also help to improve the shape of teeth. Moreover, while they are an expensive option, veneers can also be very effective.
It is important to discuss your options with a dentist. They will be able to advise and come up with a treatment plan if needed.
Overall, we need to remember to look after our teeth. Ignoring harmful trends is important and can help to protect your teeth. By doing so, it can help to maintain and contribute towards strong oral health.
Thinking points…
[1] We mentioned above about the popularity of clear aligners like Invisalign™. Invisalign™ offers a range of benefits, with these aligners straightening teeth over time, with their clear colour meaning that they are often unnoticeable. Here at our Calgary based dental clinic Savanna Dental, we offer free Invisalign™ consultations! Therefore, you can come and have a discussion with us, where we can discuss your options. To find out more and to book a free consultation, you can visit our website – https://savannadentalclinic.ca/!
[2] Do you have children that regularly use TikTok? Unfortunately, it is possible that they are exposed to harmful content like this. It might be worth having a conversation with them to warn them of the damages of “DIY dentistry.” You could even show them this article; it will make them aware of the importance of leaving tooth corrections to professionals!
What we offer at Savanna Dental
Savanna Dental is a dental clinic based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. We provide our patients with a range of treatment options and advice, with the aim of improving oral health and boosting overall wellbeing!
We advise our patients to attend our Calgary-based dental clinic twice a year for a dental check-up. If any problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For instance, these include cavity fillings and root canals. To try and prevent problems, it is important to brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss regularly.
Here at Savanna Dental, we also have some cosmetic treatments available! These include dental implants, tooth whitening and Invisalign™! Our patients find that these treatments have a positive impact on their appearance, confidence and self-esteem.
In addition, the fees of our services at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide.
We would love you to visit our Savanna Dental clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca/!
References
[1] Weerakoon, A. (2025). Want straighter teeth or a gap between? Don’t believe TikTok—filing them isn’t the answer. Available: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-04-straighter-teeth-gap-dont-tiktok.html. Last accessed: 25th April 2025.
[2] Statista. (2025). Most popular social networks worldwide as of February 2025, by number of monthly active users. Available: https://www.statista.com/statistics/272014/global-social-networks-ranked-by-number-of-users/. Last accessed: 25th April 2025.
