A new “dental hack” on social media app TikTok is causing significant concern to dentists, amid fears that it could cause severe damage to the oral health of impressionable youngsters. The popular video shows a user using a spoon to remove their braces. This is a very dangerous activity that shouldn’t be undertaken by anyone but a trained professional.
While supposed dental “do it yourself (DIY) hacks” on TikTok are sadly nothing new, every now and then, a very damaging trend that can cause significant harm can become popular.
Recently, one particular trend has developed which has, unbelievably, promoted the idea and supposed benefits of prying off braces with a spoon.
This is just one example of many worrying TikTok trends which have led to substantial concern for dentists. Teenagers and younger people are unwittingly putting themselves at risk of developing long-term oral problems due to these hacks.
TikTok’s Dental Hacks
TikTok is one of the most popular social media apps currently. It has videos on just about any topic, with oral health no different. But not all videos are useful, with some downright damaging.
This includes videos that use the hashtag “DIY dentistry”. This hashtag brings up thousands of videos, many of which promote damaging “hacks” that viewers can do themselves to apparently improve their appearance.
These DIY hacks are targeted at young adults, teenagers and even children. Many people in this age range are highly-impressionable and very conscious of their looks – a concerning duo for oral health.
Infamous hacks put forward including filling in the spaces between teeth with dental filler, and creating a “healthy coke”, which involved using vinegar as a substitute for cola – though the acidic nature of vinegar meant it was far from “healthy”.
Moreover, other hacks have proven popular, including using bleach to whiten teeth and trying to straighten teeth using a nail file. There is so much harm that can be caused by these hacks.
A common reason behind engaging with these hacks is a concern over dental costs. But what so many don’t realise is that by engaging in these hacks, the chances are that they will end up having to go to the dentist to fix the pain that they develop.
The Dangerous Braces Hack
One hack which is currently attracting a lot of interest focuses on braces. The video shows a person prying their braces off with a spoon. Others in the comments suggested a fork could do the same.
However, this is an incredibly dangerous thing to do. By using a foreign instrument in the mouth, bacteria will be introduced into the mouth.
Moreover, the teeth can be damaged by using such vigorous actions. After all, braces are not easily pried off, so the force needed would inevitably damage the teeth.
It is important to remember that when braces are eventually removed, a trained orthodontist will use a special device to loosen the brackets. This really isn’t something that anyone other than a trained professional should do.
As much as people don’t tend to like braces, they are there for a reason! So if a person does pry off the braces, the intended benefits won’t be realized. This creates a negative cycle where they will inevitably need to use braces again, with their teeth unable to naturally correct themselves without the addition of braces.
Therefore, the action brings no benefits, and will actually cause long-term damage. Seeing such videos on TikTok can be very damaging.
Reactions
Many dentists, hygienists and doctors have made comments on these videos on TikTok, urging viewers to not copy what they see. Hopefully, this will have a positive impact.
Then there are also many comments on these videos by those who regret partaking in “DIY dentistry”, often sharing the pain they are in. This will also hopefully act as a deterrent.
Some users have defended the videos, mentioning the cost element. However, others have pointed out that there are many dental schools that offer discounted dental services.
Ben Winters is a dentist on TikTok that goes by the name of “thebentist” [1]. He has over 13million followers, and uses his platform to provide dental advice. He has said that any DIY dentistry effort “is a permanent decision”, as the “teeth are not coming back” [2].
While “lip filler can be dissolved” and “Botox goes away”, Winters has pointed out that “once you alter the shape of your teeth, that is gone forever” [2]. This shows a professional’s viewpoint on the dangers, which hopefully resonates with viewers.
The dental effects of these hacks are terrible. Trauma to the teeth and tooth decay are two very common side effects of any hack, and can lead to irreversible damage. Hopefully, impressionable youngsters will avoid engaging in such activities.
Thinking points…
1) If you have a child or teenager, it is highly likely that they use TikTok. Therefore, they will be exposed to content like this. It is important to have regular conversations with them about their dental health. Furthermore, you can set a good example to your children by looking after your own oral health, which involves visiting a dental clinic for a regular check-up. We recommend booking an appointment now!
2) It is very natural for people to not be entirely happy with the appearance of their mouth and teeth. However, it is important to not turn to the “DIY hacks” outlined in this article for assistance. Instead, it is important to leave it to professionals! For example, here at Savanna Dental, we offer a range of cosmetic dentistry solutions, including teeth whitening, Invisalign and implants. We would love to have a conversation with you about treatment options, you can see more about us on our homepage https://savannadentalclinic.ca.
What we offer at Savanna Dental
Savanna Dental is a Calgary dental clinic that provide its patients with a wide range of dental services.
It is crucial to brush your teeth at least twice a day and to floss regularly. Moreover, eating healthily and trying to avoid sugary foods and drink is important.
We advise our patients to attend our Calgary-based dental clinic twice a year for a regular dental check-up. When problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For instance, these include cavity fillings and root canals.
Here at Savanna Dental, we also have some cosmetic treatments available! These include dental implants, tooth whitening and Invisalign™a! Many people find that these treatments have a positive impact on their appearance, confidence and self-esteem.
In addition, all of our services at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide.
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